Duration
3 nights
Group Size
Up to 16 passengers
Accomodation
Cabins
Location
ecuador - galapagos
Season
year-round
Meeting Point
San Cristobal Airport
GOAL
Difficulty
Moderate
Medium
You'll need to have medium physical condition to walk and snorkel in the islands.
  • San Cristobal Island
  • Colorado Hill
  • South Plaza Island
  • Santa Fe Island
  • Champion Islet
  • Floreana Island
  • Charles Darwin Research Station

Included

Transportation

Cruise, marine taxis

Accommodations

Cabins, based on double occupancy

Activities

Hiking and snorkeling in the islands.

Meals

3 Breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners.

Gear

Snorkeling mask.

Guides

Certified expert English-speaking adventure leader and naturalist local guides in Galapagos National Park


Not included

Accommodation

Single Supplement for cabin

Flights

Airfare Quito – Galapagos – Quito round trip

Airport transfers

National & international flights

Insurance

Travel & health insurance (mandatory)

Meals

Not described in the itinerary

Additional fees

INGALA transit card: USD 20 per person, cash only (subject to change), Isabela port fee: USD 10 per person, cash only, Galapagos National Park fee USD 100 per person, cash only (subject to change)

Gear

Wetsuit for rent

Tips

For guides and drivers

LogisticsLogistics

-> Starts

San Cristobal airport
Upon arrival on Day 1

-> Ends

Quito’s international airport
Upon arrival on Day 4

Transfers

Your adventure begins upon arrival in San Cristobal airport in the Galapagos Islands on Day 1 when your host will meet you at national arrivals. On the final day of the trip, your trip will end at Quito’s international airport upon arrival from the islands. The airport is around a 45min journey to downtown Quito.

To make your own way from Quito airport to and from the accommodation, you have a few options. You can request a private transfer from the host. Please see Optional Extras for prices. You can take a public bus for just $2USD, however, this isn’t overly straight forward as you need to change buses at Quitumbe bus terminal. A metered taxi will cost you between $25-35USD. You can save some money by taking an ‘Aeroservicio’ – a privately operated bus service connecting the airport with the city center. This cost is USD 8.

Day 1

Cabin – Twin or Double
Breakfast.    Lunch.    Dinner

Day 2

Cabin – Twin or Double
Breakfast.    Lunch.    Dinner

Day 3

Cabin – Twin or Double
Breakfast.    Lunch.    Dinner

Day 4

Departure Day
Breakfast.    Lunch.    Dinner


What is the food like?

Throughout the adventure, you’ll be fueled by delicious local food, such as seafood with plenty of local fresh fruits. Lunch usually consists of soup, main dish and juice, a warm and filling meal after a big day of adventure.

What is the accommodation like?

Cruise in the Galapagos Islands

Catamaran offers eight cabins above the waterline, with two sea-view windows. They also include clean private facilities, hot/cold water, low beds, air-conditioning, and storage space for a comfortable stay.

The Archipels boast ample social areas that will complement a comfortable stay. Shared with a total of just 16 guests; the lounge, solarium, resting areas & ‘Al Fresco’ dining area are all great choices for you to relax and enjoy the nature that surrounds you.

Day 1

Monday

AM – Arrival at San Cristóbal airport (SCY) Upon arrival at the San Cristóbal Airport, travelers’ pass through an airport inspection point to make sure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, and to pay the park entrance fee of $100 (unless it has been prepaid). A guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor.

PM – Colorado Hill (San Cristobal)
Cerro Colorado Tortoises Protection and Growing Centre, located approximately 40 minutes by bus from the southeast of the island, was built to improve the status of the population of island tortoises. The centre includes a large corral, a Visitor Centre, breeding centre and an interpretive trail. Along this trail, it is possible to see different species of native and endemic plants as well as birds like the San Cristobal mockingbird, yellow warblers, many species of finches and the Galapagos flycatcher.

On your visit to Colorado Hill, you will be able to discover the amazing and emblematic giant Galapagos tortoises in the tortoise breeding centre, and maybe even get to see one hatch (seasonally)! In addition, you will get to see how much hard work is put into saving the last local giants of San Cristóbal.

Day 2

Tuesday

AM – South Plaza
South Plaza is located to the east of Santa Cruz Island, and forms part of a pair of islands known as “Islas Plazas”. Despite its small size, some of the most interesting and outstanding species of the Galapagos are found here. The Plazas land iguanas are smaller than their relatives on other islands. Throughout the island there are several hybrid iguanas, a result of crossing a marine iguana with a land iguana.

They are unique and can be recognized at first glance by their black/grey color, with a land iguana’s crest, but face and tail of the marine iguana. The big population of iguanas is due to the presence of tuna, their favorite food. Swallow tailed gulls nesting in the rugged cliffs are seen along with other seabirds as: audubon shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds and brown pelicans.

PM – Santa Fe
Located in the southeastern part of the Galapagos, this island was formed from an uplift rather than being of volcanic origin, which is why it is mostly flat. There are some theories which claim that this could be the oldest island in the Archipelago.

Santa Fe is home to a number of endemic species like the Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, rice rats and one of the two species of land iguanas of the islands. After disembarking into the beautiful and clear waters you will be in contact with one of the many sea lion colonies. Along the trail many salt bushes can be seen as well as the giant prickly pear cactus – gigantism is a characteristic of oceanic islands. There are many possibilities to snorkel with playful sea lions and tropical ¬fish.

Day 3

Wednesday

AM – Champion Islet (Floreana)
Bottlenose dolphins frequently escort our passage to Champion Islet and you can see them from nearby jumping the wakes! Underwater, Galapagos sea lions are playful acrobats that become the number one attraction. There are also lots of reef – fish, and perhaps a green Pacific turtle.

An inflatable dinghy ride along the shoreline of this islet offers sightings of lots of seabirds that are endemic to the archipelago, including Galapagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigate birds, red-billed tropicbirds, swallow-tailed gulls and lava herons. A birdwatcher’s wish is to get a glimpse of the Charles mockingbird on top of prickly pear cacti. This mockingbird is a scientific and historic key species, because it put Darwin on track of his theory of ‘adaptive radiation’.

PM – Loberia & Asylum of Peace (Floreana)
The Asylum of Peace Island is of historical interest for guests. This hike goes past a mesmerizing cave and visits a fascinating freshwater spring. La Loberia beach is an ideal spot to enjoy the ocean, as well as the playful sea lions that live there.

Day 4

Thursday

Charles Darwin Research Station

Although the great majority of Galapagos visitors come here to observe and appreciate natural wonders, it is also interesting to learn how the protection and conservation of the islands are carried out.

The main attractions are the National Park information centre, the Van Staelen Exhibition Hall, the Breeding and Rearing Centre for young tortoises, and adult Galapagos tortoises in captivity.

Transfer out to Baltra Airport (GPS)

Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members, the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to Baltra Island, where we will take the shuttle back to the airport.

What’s included:
  • Snorkeling equipment
What do I need to Bring?
  • Passport
  • Travel insurance
  • Airline tickets
  • Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
  • Fleece top
  • Shirts/t-shirts
  • Pair of short
  • Pairs of long trousers
  • Pair hiking pants/track pants
  • Sport sandals
  • Watch or alarm clock,
  • Quick dry clothing
  • Rain coat
  • Waterproof binoculars,
  • Bug spray
  • Sun cream
  • Flashlight
  • Sun Hat
  • Waterproof camera if possible
  • Swimming suit
  • Waterproof backpack
  • Water bottle
  • Tennis shoes
  • Hiking shoes
  • Money belt
  • Sunglasses
  • First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, antihistamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking.
Pre-Post Trip Accommodation

Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Twin/ Double) – USD 100 Per Night
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Single) – USD 100 per Night

Transfers

Private airport transfer – USD 38 per person

Right Know, There isn’t reviews.

How much should I tip?

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice; however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person.

Guides: USD 10- USD 15 per day

Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

What Do I Do about drinking water?

The tap water in the Galapagos Islands is not always friendly on the stomach for those who haven’t been in Latin America for a while. There is purified water in each of the accommodation which you can use to fill up each morning, so be sure to pack a reusable water bottle or two.

What’s the weather like?

The Galapagos Islands lie directly on the Equator, so you can expect it to be warm for most of the year. However, it’s not always tropical and Caribbean-like: wind and rain are definitely possible at certain times of year. It’s wise to know these weather patterns before planning your trip so you know when to visit and what to expect.

The hottest season is generally from December to April with average temperatures ranging from a low of 70 F to a high of 84 F (22 – 31 C). It’s also the rainy season.

May to November is considered the “cool” season with average temperatures ranging from a low of 68 F to a high of 82 F (19 – 27 C) and frequent overcast skies.

What vaccinations do I need?

For the Galapagos Islands, Covid vaccination is required.

What Travel Insurance do you recommend?

World Nomads Insurance with a coverage of USD 200 000

What is the currency?

US American Dollars

What is the minimum age for this trip?

8 years old as a minimum age.

price per person:

USD 1,938.00

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