Galapagos Island Hopping (Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Isabela)

The Galapagos Islands offer a remarkable opportunity for adventurous travelers to explore some of the most unique and captivating landscapes on Earth. By hopping between the islands of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, and Isabela, visitors can enjoy diverse ecosystems, from lush highlands to volcanic terrain, while encountering iconic wildlife like giant tortoises and marine iguanas. Guided by knowledgeable naturalists, this intimate journey allows for an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most remarkable natural sanctuaries. The question is, what kind of adventure awaits those who decide to embark on this extraordinary Galapagos expedition?

Key Points

• This 8-day tour explores five distinct Galapagos Islands, including Isabela, Santa Cruz, and San Cristobal, providing opportunities to observe unique wildlife and natural wonders.
• Guided activities on Isabela Island include hiking, snorkeling, and wildlife watching, with a focus on observing Galapagos tortoises and marine iguanas.
• On Santa Cruz, visitors can explore the Charles Darwin Research Station, hike in the lush highlands, and spot marine iguanas and sea lions on the white-sand beaches.
• The tour visits San Cristobal, the easternmost island, where travelers can observe Galapagos sea lions and Darwin’s finches while learning about conservation efforts.
• The itinerary also includes excursions to uninhabited islands, showcasing pristine natural landscapes and diverse ecosystems, emphasizing sustainable and responsible environmental protection.

Tour Highlights

What’re the key highlights of this Galapagos Island hopping tour?

Travelers will explore five distinct Galapagos Islands over an 8-day period, including the larger islands of Isabela, Santa Cruz, and San Cristobal, as well as the uninhabited island.

A naturalist guide will provide insightful commentary on the diverse flora and fauna encountered throughout the journey.

All transportation and activities are arranged for convenience, allowing guests to focus on the experience.

Snorkeling gear is provided, enabling guests to enjoy the vibrant underwater world.

With a maximum of 10 travelers per tour, this intimate experience promises an up-close encounter with the Galapagos’ remarkable natural wonders.

Exploring Isabela Island

The vast Isabela Island, the largest of the Galapagos archipelago, beckons travelers with its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Visitors can look forward to exploring the island’s five volcanoes, including the iconic Sierra Negra, which boasts one of the largest active craters in the world. The island’s unique flora and fauna, including the iconic Galapagos tortoise, marine iguanas, and a variety of bird species, offer countless opportunities for wildlife observation and photography.

Highlights	Activities	Infrastructure
Sierra Negra Volcano	Hiking	Visitor Centers
Flightless Cormorants	Snorkeling	Trails and Boardwalks
Mangrove Forests	Wildlife Watching	Lodging and Restaurants

Santa Cruz Adventures

Nestled at the heart of the Galapagos archipelago, Santa Cruz Island enthralls visitors with its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.

The island’s highlight is the Charles Darwin Research Station, where one can observe giant tortoises and learn about the islands’ unique ecosystem.

Hiking through the lush highlands, travelers will spot Darwin’s finches, vermilion flycatchers, and the elusive Galapagos rail.

The island’s white-sand beaches along the coast provide the perfect setting to spot marine iguanas, sea lions, and various seabirds.

With its captivating natural wonders, Santa Cruz offers a deep dive into the Galapagos’ evolutionary marvels.

Discovering San Cristobal

Leaving the lush landscapes of Santa Cruz, the Galapagos Island hopping tour ventures to San Cristobal, one of the archipelago’s easternmost islands.

Known for its diverse wildlife and stunning scenery, San Cristobal is home to the island’s capital, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Travelers will have the opportunity to observe the iconic Galápagos sea lions lounging on the beaches, as well as various species of Darwin’s finches and the magnificent frigatebird.

The tour’s naturalist guide will provide insight into the island’s unique ecosystem and the conservation efforts to protect it.

With its captivating landscapes and abundant wildlife, San Cristobal promises an unforgettable experience for adventurous explorers.

Visiting Española Island

Typically, the Galapagos Island hopping tour makes its way to Espanola, one of the southernmost islands in the archipelago.

Visitors can observe the island’s unique wildlife, including the waved albatross, Nazca boobies, and the famous Darwin’s finches. The dramatic coastal landscapes, with towering cliffs and hidden beaches, also provide stunning scenery.

Guests can enjoy snorkeling in the clear waters, where they may spot manta rays, sea lions, and a variety of colorful fish. The naturalist guide offers insights into the island’s endemic species and their adaptations to the Galapagos environment.

Espanola is a highlight of the tour, showcasing the diversity and beauty of the Galapagos Islands.

Uninhabited Island Excursion

As part of the Galapagos Island hopping tour, travelers are treated to an excursion to one of the archipelago’s uninhabited islands.

These remote, pristine islands are accessible only by boat and offer a rare glimpse into the untouched natural wonders of the Galapagos. Guided by a naturalist, visitors can explore the island’s diverse ecosystems, observe unique wildlife, and experience the profound serenity of these untouched landscapes.

The itinerary for the uninhabited island excursion is subject to change based on Galapagos National Park regulations, ensuring a sustainable and responsible approach to protecting this fragile environment.

This excursion is a highlight of the Galapagos Island hopping tour, providing travelers with an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the islands’ remarkable natural heritage.

Dining and Accommodations

Seven nights of accommodation are provided in selected hotels, ranging from standard to luxury class. Meals include 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches, with dietary requirements accommodated upon booking.

The Galapagos tour offers a range of dining experiences:

• Traditional Ecuadorian cuisine featuring local seafood, produce, and rice dishes
• Vegetarian and gluten-free options available
• Opportunities to sample fresh juices and tropical fruits
• Catered lunches during island excursions for convenience

Travelers can expect comfortable lodgings and satisfying meals that fuel their exploration of the Galapagos Islands.

Booking and Logistics

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers per group. This intimate group size ensures a personalized experience.

Booking is non-refundable, so travelers should plan accordingly. The meeting point is San Cristobal Airport, and the departure is from Baltra Airport, which must be scheduled for 11:30 am or later.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it operates in all weather conditions. Child rates are available when sharing with two paying adults.

Travelers should provide their flight details for arrival and departure coordination. Additional fees like the INGALA fee and Isabela pier use must be paid separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?

Guests can bring their own snorkeling gear, but the tour provides fins and wetsuits for convenience and to ensure proper fit. This allows travelers to focus on the experience without worrying about additional equipment.

What Is the Average Group Size?

The tour has a maximum group size of 10 travelers. The small group size allows for a more personalized experience and easy navigation through the Galapagos Islands.

How Much Is the Airport Transfer Fee?

The transportation cost from Itabaca Channel to Baltra Airport is USD 5 per person, subject to change. Plus, there is a USD 1 fee per person per water taxi ride from the dock to the speedboat.

Can I Cancel My Booking and Get a Refund?

According to the tour details, the booking policy is non-refundable, so no refunds are available for cancellations. The tour operates in all weather conditions and is not wheelchair accessible.

What Is the Packing List for This Tour?

The packing list for this tour includes comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, swimsuit, towel, insect repellent, water bottle, and lightweight clothing suitable for the tropical climate. Guests should also pack their passport and any necessary medications.

Recap

Galapagos Island Hopping offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the captivating natural wonders of this remote archipelago. From the lush highlands of Santa Cruz to the volcanic landscapes of Isabela, travelers can explore diverse ecosystems and encounter iconic wildlife, guided by knowledgeable naturalists. Whether snorkeling, hiking, or simply observing, this intimate journey promises an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most remarkable natural sanctuaries.