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Red-billed Tropicbird in flight over blue water, a seabird sighting on an 8-day Galapagos tour

8-Day Galápagos Tour: San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz and Isabela

Days Icon 8 Days
Location icon Galapagos
Budget icon From USD 3,013 p.p.
Request a quote Book now

8-Day Galápagos Tour Summary

This 8-day Galápagos tour combines San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela for a comprehensive island-hopping experience filled with wildlife, snorkeling, and exploration. Snorkel with sharks and sea lions at Kicker Rock, kayak through the waters of Puerto Villamil, walk among giant tortoises in the Santa Cruz highlands, and spend a full day on an outer island such as Bartolomé or North Seymour. With comfortable boutique hotels, expert naturalist guides, and time to explore each island independently, this island-hopping tour offers a flexible way to experience the Galápagos beyond the traditional cruise.

Rebecca Adventure Travel is a B Corp Certified, female-founded tour operator based in Quito, creating tailor-made journeys across Ecuador and the Galápagos since 2014. The tour includes airport transfers, the inter-island speedboat crossings to Santa Cruz and Isabela, the Isabela – Baltra flight, park-certified naturalist guides, and 24/7 local support throughout your journey.

Highlights

  • check Bartolomé, Plazas, Floreana or North Seymour

    Spend a full day on one of the outer islands, combining a guided hike and snorkelling with the wildlife particular to whichever island the park assigns.

  • check Los Túneles

    Snorkel through calm, clear waters among lava arches, penguins, sea turtles, marine iguanas, and sea lions.

  • check Santa Cruz Highlands

    Explore the island’s highlands, discovering giant tortoises and the landscapes that define Santa Cruz.

  • check Kicker Rock (León Dormido)

    Snorkel through the channel between towering volcanic cliffs alongside sea turtles, rays, sea lions, and sharks.

Reviews

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Geoff V 
 
15/08/2025
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5 
Galapagos trip
Every detail and excursion was perfect. The guides were outstanding, hotel was first class. I would highly recommend Rebecca
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Daniel R 
 
06/02/2025
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5 
Intimate luxury Galapagos immersion
Highly recommend. The guide, nature hikes, snorkeling, kayaking, and food were outstanding. Rebecca Adventures is responsive and friendly.
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor rating score: 4.9 of 5, 
based on 586 reviews

Prices

Prices, based on number of guests, start at:
1 guestUSD 4,317 p.p.
2 - 3 guestsUSD 3,160 p.p.
4 or more guestsUSD 3,013 p.p.

8-Day Galápagos Tour: Day-by-Day Itinerary

Download Itinerary

  • DAY 1: San Cristóbal arrival and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

    Rebecca Adventure Travel A Galápagos sea lion rests on the sandy beach of La Lobería, with dark volcanic rocks and the ocean in the background

    Your 8-day Galápagos tour kicks off with your arrival at San Cristóbal Airport. An English-speaking guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. If you arrive before 2:00 PM, lunch is included; later arrivals will have lunch on their own.

    With the rest of the day free, you can explore the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center to learn about the islands’ geology, wildlife, human history, and conservation. Later, walk to Playa Mann for your first swim in the Galápagos.

    • Activity Activity:Exploring. Relaxing. Sightseeing.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Lunch, If you arrive before 2:00 PM.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Casa Opuntia or similar.

  • DAY 2: Kicker Rock snorkelling

    Rebecca Adventure Travel The iconic volcanic rock spires rising from the sea at sunset on a kicker rock tour in the Galápagos Islands

    This morning, travel by boat to Kicker Rock (León Dormido), one of the Galápagos’ most recognizable landmarks. Snorkel through the channel between its towering volcanic formations, where you may encounter sea turtles, rays, sea lions, sharks, and other marine life.

    After lunch on board, return to San Cristóbal in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

    • Activity Activity:Sightseeing. Snorkeling. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Boat. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Casa Opuntia or similar.

  • DAY 3: Speedboat to Santa Cruz and Puerto Ayora

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Wooden boardwalk and pier overlooking water taxis in clear blue bay waters in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island

    Enjoy a relaxed morning on San Cristóbal. You can revisit Playa Mann, walk to La Lobería, or simply spend some time at the hotel before your next island transfer.

    In the afternoon, take the public speedboat to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz, a journey of approximately 2.5 hours. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in for the evening.

    • Activity Activity:Exploring. Relaxing.
    • Transport Transport:Boat. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Ikala or similar.

  • DAY 4: Full-day island excursion: Bartolomé, Plazas, Floreana or North Seymour

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Pinnacle Rock and the twin beaches of Bartolomé Island

    Today, set out by speedboat for a full-day excursion to one of the Galápagos’ outer islands: Bartolomé, Plazas, Floreana, or North Seymour. The island visited depends on availability and Galápagos National Park regulations, though you can share your preference in advance.

    Throughout the day, combine hiking and snorkeling while looking for the distinctive wildlife of whichever island you visit. Return to Puerto Ayora in the afternoon.

    • Activity Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Snorkeling. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Boat. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Box Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Ikala or similar.

  • DAY 5: Santa Cruz highlands and speedboat to Isabela

    Rebecca Adventure Travel A giant tortoise with its mouth wide open amidst lush green grass in the Santa Cruz Highlands of the Galápagos Islands

    Start the day in the Santa Cruz Highlands, where you can walk among giant Galápagos tortoises in their natural habitat and explore the island’s distinctive highland vegetation.

    Later, take the public speedboat to Isabela Island, departing around 1:30 PM. The crossing takes approximately 2.5 hours. Upon arrival, transfer to your beachfront hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.

    • Activity Activity:Exploring. Sightseeing. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Boat. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Albemarle or similar.

  • DAY 6: Los Túneles snorkelling

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Green sea turtle swimming below snorkelers in the clear water of Los Túneles, Isabela Island

    This morning, head by boat from Puerto Villamil to Los Túneles, where lava flows have created a network of arches and tunnels above and below the water. Snorkel in the shallow, clear waters and look for sea turtles, penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions, and other wildlife.

    After a snack on board, return to Puerto Villamil in the afternoon. Please note that conditions at the entrance can make access difficult when waves are strong.

    • Activity Activity:Exploring. Snorkeling. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Boat. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Snack.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Albemarle or similar.

  • DAY 7: Kayaking at Puerto Villamil and a free afternoon

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Family paddling in colorful sit-on-top kayaks along calm coastal waters during a Kayaking Isabela Island excursion

    After breakfast, explore the bay of Puerto Villamil by kayak with your guide. Keep an eye out for penguins, sea turtles, rays, and other marine life as you paddle along the coast.

    Later, enjoy a free afternoon on Isabela. Relax at the beach or choose an optional activity to make the most of your final full day in the Galápagos.

    • Activity Activity:Relaxing. Kayaking.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Albemarle or similar.

  • DAY 8: Flight to Baltra and departure

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Two happy travelers with backpacks waving in front of the departures sign at Baltra Airport in the Galápagos Islands

    After breakfast, take the short flight from Isabela Airport to Baltra, with a flight time of approximately 45 minutes.

    Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, your 8-day Galápagos tour comes to an end.

    • Transport Transport:Car. Plane.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.

8-Day Galápagos Tour Map

Map of the 8-day Galápagos island-hopping route across San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz and Isabela

Inclusions

  • Meals as described in the itinerary.
  • Accommodation next to the beach in a single, double or triple room.
  • Airport pickup at San Cristóbal Airport and drop off at Baltra Airport at your arrival/departure time.
  • Transportation on and between the Islands as described in the itinerary.
  • Inter-island flight Isabela – Baltra on the final day.
  • Local naturalist guide (English & Spanish speaking).
  • Use of kayaks with buoyancy aids on the Puerto Villamil excursion.
  • All activities as described in the itinerary.
  • Snorkeling equipment: mask, snorkel, fins and life vest.
  • 24/7 assistance in English, Dutch and Spanish.

Exclusions

  • Flights from and returning to the Ecuador mainland.
  • Food & drinks that are not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Entrance fee for the Galápagos National Park: $ 200 p.p., cash only.
  • Migratory Control Card / Ingala Transit Card $ 20 p.p. – cash only.
  • Isabela dock fee $ 10 p.p., cash only.
  • Water Taxi (a small boat that takes you from the speedboat to the harbor and back).
  • For rent: wetsuit (recommended between May – November).
  • Optional tips for the guide.

Accommodations

Albemarle Hotel - Isabela

Hotel Albemarle

Whitewashed exterior of Casa Opuntia hotel with gardens and terraces on San Cristóbal Island

Hotel Casa Opuntia

Ikala - Santa Cruz

Hotel Ikala

8 Day Galápagos Tour: FAQs

  • What islands does this 8-day Galápagos tour visit?

    This itinerary visits San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela, giving you time to experience three distinct islands through snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, wildlife encounters, and guided excursions.

  • What wildlife can I see on the tour?

    You may encounter sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, penguins, rays, reef sharks, giant tortoises, and numerous seabirds. Wildlife sightings vary by location and season.

  • Does this 8-day Galápagos tour include snorkeling?

    Yes. Snorkeling is included at Kicker Rock, the full day island excursion, and Los Túneles. The itinerary also includes a guided kayaking excursion in Puerto Villamil.

  • Which island is best for the full-day excursion?

    Bartolomé for Pinnacle Rock and the volcanic landscape, North Seymour for frigatebird and blue-footed booby colonies. Availability depends on the daily park quota.

  • Where will I stay during the tour?

    You’ll stay in comfortable local hotels in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Puerto Ayora, and Puerto Villamil. Accommodation is based on availability and may be replaced by a similar hotel.

Additional information

  • Prices for the upcoming travel season are subject to change.
  • Essential items to bring include comfortable and lightweight clothing (with a jacket as a precaution), water, sunblock, sunglasses, and your passport.
  • To enter Ecuador, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your intended departure from the country.
  • Prices are subject to seasonal surcharges during Christmas, New Year’s, and Holy Week (Semana Santa).
  • For children under the age of 12, there is a 10% discount.
  • Activity schedules are subject to change based on departure/arrival times and availability. All inclusions are guaranteed until the afternoon of the final day of the itinerary.
  • Maximize your time in the Galápagos by choosing early arrival and late departure flights. Late arrivals or early departures may cause you to miss some of the included tours.
  • Bring smaller baggage/bags since public transportation on the Galápagos Islands is quite limited.
  • ​​There are no guides on the public speedboat transportation between islands.
  • It is suggested to have current travel insurance, including personal medical insurance and COVID-19 coverage. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.
  • Take the necessary precautions to avoid food poisoning (always wash your hands before eating, don’t eat street food, only eat peeled fruits, etc.).
  • Tap water in the Galápagos Islands might contain bacteria and should not be consumed, not even for brushing your teeth. Bottled or purified water is always recommended.
  • Rebecca Adventure Travel reserves the right to change the itinerary without prior notice due to weather conditions, availability, National Park regulations or notifications, or unforeseen circumstances.
  • When flying to the Galápagos from Quito or Guayaquil, we recommend arriving in the city at least 24 hours before your flight to avoid inconveniences.

Advantages of Booking with Rebecca Adventure Travel

  • Impactful Travel: Develop meaningful connections that provide mutual enrichment for both travelers and host cultures.
  • Empowering Locals: Support family-owned businesses, immerse yourself in local culture, and contribute to local economies.
  • Sustainable Travel: Preserve cultures and environments for future generations with our Huella Positiva, a sustainable and regenerative tourism model.
  • Peace of Mind: We’re here for you every step of the way, offering requisite insurance, certifications, and rebooking options.
  • Customized Service: Our personalized Travel Curator ensures your trip meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

When you book a tour with us, you agree to our terms and conditions.

Exact Code: 59GPH8CL

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