Explore San Cristobal & Santa Cruz Galapagos Islands – 5 Days

Explore the captivating Galapagos Islands of San Cristobal and Santa Cruz on a remarkable 5-day adventure. This all-inclusive tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about the archipelago’s incredible wildlife and natural wonders. From witnessing the iconic giant tortoises to snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, the excursion promises an unforgettable experience led by expert naturalist guides. With comfortable accommodations and delectable local cuisine, you’ll be fully equipped to discover the UNESCO World Heritage site‘s breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Prepare to be enchanted by the Galapagos’ unparalleled beauty and rich biodiversity as you embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Key Points

• 5-day tour of San Cristobal and Santa Cruz Islands in the Galapagos, with 4 nights of accommodation and a maximum of 10 travelers.
• Includes a professional naturalist guide, shared transfers, transportation, snorkeling equipment, most meals, and park entrance fees.
• Highlights include encountering Galapagos sea lions, marine iguanas, seabirds, and opportunities to spot Galapagos giant tortoises.
• Itinerary is subject to change due to Galapagos National Park regulations, and dietary needs can be accommodated if disclosed at booking.
• Tour is not wheelchair accessible, and a valid passport is required with a limit of one suitcase and one carry-on bag per person.

Overview and Itinerary

This 5-day tour allows travelers to explore the captivating Galapagos Islands of San Cristobal and Santa Cruz.

The itinerary includes 4 nights’ accommodation and a maximum of 10 travelers. However, the itinerary is subject to change due to Galapagos National Park regulations.

The tour includes a professional naturalist guide, shared transfers, transportation by car and boat, snorkeling equipment, most meals, and park entrance fees.

Travelers must have a valid passport and are limited to 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on bag.

While the tour has received some positive reviews for its excursions, there have been issues reported with airport pickup, communication, and hotel quality, particularly in Santa Cruz.

Inclusions and Amenities

The tour provides a comprehensive package of inclusions to enhance the Galapagos experience.

Travelers will be accompanied by a professional naturalist guide fluent in English and Spanish, ensuring in-depth exploration and understanding of the islands’ unique ecosystems.

Transportation by car and boat, as well as the use of snorkeling equipment and wetsuits, are included.

Meals, including 4 lunches and 4 breakfasts, are provided.

Entrance fees to the Galapagos National Park ($100) and the Ingala fee ($20) are covered.

Roundtrip flights between the mainland and the Galapagos Islands are also part of the package.

The tour caters to a maximum of 10 travelers, offering an intimate and personalized experience.

Travel Requirements

Travelers must adhere to certain non-refundable travel requirements when booking this Galapagos Islands tour. A valid passport is required on the day of travel, with no exceptions.

Participants are limited to one suitcase and one carry-on bag per person. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and children must be accompanied by adults at all times.

Dietary requirements must be disclosed at the time of booking to ensure proper accommodations. Guests should be prepared for a dynamic itinerary, as the schedule is subject to change due to Galapagos National Park regulations.

Meeting and Pickup

Guests begin their Galapagos adventure by meeting at the designated point on San Cristóbal Island, Ecuador. The tour includes a pick-up at the San Cristóbal Airport, ensuring a seamless start to the journey.

The activity ends back at the original meeting point, providing a convenient conclusion to the 5-day exploration of the islands.

The tour is designed to maximize the time spent discovering the natural wonders of San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz, with all transportation and logistics handled by the experienced tour operators.

Guests can relax and enjoy the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of the Galapagos Islands throughout the duration of the tour.

Excursion Highlights

Exploration of San Cristobal and Santa Cruz Islands in the Galapagos affords travelers a captivating glimpse into the region’s diverse ecosystems.

On San Cristobal, visitors can witness the iconic Galapagos sea lions, marine iguanas, and a variety of seabirds. Snorkeling in the island’s clear waters provides the opportunity to encounter vibrant marine life, including sea turtles and playful sea lions.

The journey continues to Santa Cruz, home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, where travelers can learn about the islands’ unique flora and fauna. Hiking through the lush highlands, guests may spot the famous Galapagos giant tortoise in its natural habitat.

These immersive excursions offer an unparalleled exploration of the Galapagos’ remarkable natural wonders.

Accommodation and Dining

The tour package includes 4 nights of accommodation on the Galapagos Islands.

Travelers will stay in hotels and lodges on San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz islands. Meals are provided, with 4 lunches and 4 breakfasts included.

The lunch meals feature local Ecuadorian cuisine, showcasing the diversity of flavors from the Galapagos region. Dietary requirements can be accommodated if advised at the time of booking.

The included meals, along with the use of snorkeling equipment and wetsuits, provide a well-rounded experience for guests to fully enjoy the natural wonders of the islands.

Feedback and Reviews

One review with a 3.0 rating provides an overview of the feedback received for this tour. While the excursions and guides received positive feedback, there were some issues reported with airport pickup, itinerary communication, and hotel quality. Specifically, guests noted problems with the hotel conditions in Santa Cruz, but were generally satisfied with the overall excursion experience.

Feedback	Positive	Negative
Excursions	✓	–
Guides	✓	–
Airport Pickup	–	✓
Itinerary Communication	–	✓
Hotel Quality	–	✓

Booking and Contact

To book this tour of San Cristobal and Santa Cruz in the Galapagos Islands, travelers can contact the tour provider directly.

The tour is non-refundable, and no refunds will be issued for cancellations. Travelers must have a valid passport on the day of travel and are limited to 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on bag per person.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and children must be accompanied by adults. Dietary requirements must be advised at the time of booking.

The tour starts and ends at San Cristobal Island, with pickup at the airport. While the itinerary is subject to change due to Galapagos National Park regulations, the tour includes various activities and meals across the 5-day exploration of the islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 10 travelers. This allows for a more intimate and personalized experience as participants explore the Galapagos Islands over the course of the 5-day itinerary.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

There are no age restrictions for participants on this tour, though children must be accompanied by adults. The tour has a maximum group size of 10 travelers, allowing for a more personalized and intimate exploration of the Galapagos Islands.

Can I Extend My Stay in the Galapagos Islands?

The tour itinerary doesn’t include options to extend the stay in the Galapagos Islands. However, travelers can arrange additional nights on their own before or after the tour dates through independent bookings.

What Is the Policy for Single Travelers?

The tour accommodates single travelers. There is no additional fee for solo participants, and the maximum group size of 10 travelers ensures a personalized experience. However, single travelers must book their own flight and be responsible for any additional expenses.

Can I Book Additional Excursions During the Tour?

Customers can book additional excursions during the tour, though availability may be limited. The tour operator recommends checking with the guide upon arrival to discuss any optional activities or customizations to the standard itinerary.

Recap

This 5-day Galapagos adventure offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the stunning San Cristobal and Santa Cruz islands. Witness the diverse wildlife, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and learn about the breathtaking ecosystems of this UNESCO World Heritage site. With professional guides, comfortable accommodations, and delicious cuisine, you’ll create lasting memories in this paradise. Don’t miss your chance to experience the natural wonders of the Galapagos.