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Lava arches over turquoise water at Los Túneles, a highlight of a 4-day Galapagos tour on Isabela

4-Day Galápagos Tour: Isabela, Los Túneles and Santa Cruz

Days Icon 4 Days
Location icon Galapagos
Budget icon From USD 1,071 p.p.

4-Day Galápagos Tour Summary

Discover the world-famous wildlife of the Galápagos on this four-day island-hopping adventure. Explore Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands as you walk among giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station, hike through volcanic landscapes, and snorkel in some of the archipelago’s richest marine habitats. Along the way, you’ll visit Los Gemelos (the Twin Craters), Flamingo Lagoon, and the remarkable lava formations of Los Túneles, where sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, and colorful tropical fish thrive.

Beyond the unforgettable wildlife encounters, this itinerary offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Snorkel in crystaline waters, cruise the bays of Puerto Ayora, and discover why the Galápagos remains one of the world’s most biodiverse destinations. With its combination of iconic visitor sites, outdoor activities, and accessible island travel, this four-day island-hopping tour is an excellent introduction to Ecuador and the Galápagos.

Highlights

  • check Los Túneles

    Collapsed lava arches off southern Isabela where reef sharks rest and green turtles feed in shallow, clear water.

  • check Flamingo Lagoon

    This peaceful coastal lagoon on Isabela Island is one of the best places in the Galápagos to observe bright pink flamingos feeding and nesting among mangroves and shallow wetlands.

  • check Bay Tour

    Explore the sheltered waters of Academy Bay by boat, visiting sea lion colonies, marine iguanas, hidden coves, and snorkeling sites where you can swim alongside sea turtles, rays, reef sharks, and tropical fish.

  • check Charles Darwin Research Station

    Visit the world-renowned conservation center dedicated to protecting the Galápagos ecosystem, where you can see giant tortoises of all ages and learn about the breeding programs helping restore endangered populations.

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

Prices

Prices, based on number of guests, start at:
1 guestUSD 1,324 p.p.
2 - 3 guestsUSD 1,095 p.p.
4 or more guestsUSD 1,071 p.p.

4-Day Galápagos Tour: Day-by-Day Itinerary

Download Itinerary
  • DAY 1: Baltra arrival, Santa Cruz crossing and speedboat to Isabela

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Santa Cruz - Galapagos Islands

    Your Galápagos adventure begins upon arrival at Baltra Airport. If your flight lands before noon, an English-speaking guide will meet you and escort you to Puerto Ayora for lunch before your afternoon public speedboat to Isabela Island. After the scenic (and sometimes splashy) crossing, you’ll transfer to your hotel in Puerto Villamil.

    If your flight arrives after 12:00 PM, you’ll spend your first night on Santa Cruz instead, as the final speedboat to Isabela departs around 3:00 PM. Your itinerary will be adjusted accordingly to ensure you don’t miss any of the included experiences.

    • Activity Activity:Sightseeing. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Boat. Bus. Car.
    • Meal Meal:*Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel La Laguna or similar (option 1). Hotel Deja Vu or similar (option 2).
  • DAY 2: Los Túneles snorkelling and Concha de Perla

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

    Today you’ll explore Los Tuneles, one of the premier snorkeling sites in the Galápagos. A 30 to 40-minute boat ride from Puerto Villamil brings you to a maze of lava arches and crystal-clear channels, where you may encounter sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, colorful fish, and even Galápagos penguins and seahorses.

    Depending on your National Park departure time, you’ll also have free time to visit nearby Flamingo Lagoon or Concha de Perla. Both are excellent spots to enjoy the island’s coastal scenery and observe wildlife at your own pace.

    • Activity Activity:Exploring. Snorkeling. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Boat, Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Snack.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel La Laguna or similar.
  • DAY 3: Return to Santa Cruz, Charles Darwin Station and bay tour

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Charles Darwin Foundation

    An early morning speedboat returns you to Santa Cruz Island for breakfast before visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station. Learn about the islands’ ongoing conservation efforts and see the famous giant tortoise breeding program that has helped protect one of the Galápagos’ most recognizable species.

    In the afternoon, enjoy a Bay Tour around Puerto Ayora by boat. Visit La Lobería, home to playful sea lions; cruise past Punta Camaño and the Canal del Amor; spot reef sharks and blue-footed boobies; and finish with snorkeling and coastal exploration at Playa de los Perros.

    • Activity Activity:Exploring. Sightseeing. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Boat. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Deja Vu or similar.
  • DAY 4: Baltra transfer 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, you’ll transfer to Baltra Airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador. As your Galápagos adventure comes to an end, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of volcanic landscapes, remarkable Galápagos wildlife, and some of the most spectacular marine environments on Earth.

    • Transport Transport:Boat. Bus. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.

4-Day Galápagos Tour Map

4-Day Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure Map

Inclusions

  • Meals as described in the itinerary.
  • Accommodation in a single, double or triple room.
  • Airport pickup and drop off at Baltra Airport at your arrival/departure time.
  • Transportation on and between the Islands as described in the itinerary.
  • Transportation between Baltra Airport – Itabaca Channel.
  • Local naturalist guide (English & Spanish speaking).
  • All activities as described in the itinerary.
  • Snorkeling equipment: mask, snorkel, fins and life vest.
  • 24/7 assistance in English, Dutch and Spanish.

Exclusions

  • Round-trip flights between mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
  • Food & drinks that are not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Entrance fee for the Galapagos 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).
  • Wetsuits for rent (recommended between May and November).
  • Personal travel & health insurance.
  • Optional tips for the guide.

Accommodations

Pool and tropical garden at Deja Vu Hotel on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos

Hotel Deja Vu

Palm-lined garden pathway leading to the pool at Deja Vu Hotel on Santa Cruz Island

Hotel Deja Vu

White multi-level exterior of Hotel La Laguna Galápagos in Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island

Hotel La Laguna

4 Days in the Galápagos: FAQs

  • Is 4 days enough for a Galápagos island hopping tour?

    Yes, for two islands. Four days cover Santa Cruz and Isabela with one full snorkelling day at Los Túneles. Three islands need six days because of the speedboat schedule.

  • What is Los Túneles in the Galápagos?

    A field of collapsed lava arches and channels off southern Isabela. The water is shallow and clear, with white-tipped reef sharks, green turtles, seahorses and blue-footed boobies overhead.

  • How long is the speedboat from Santa Cruz to Isabela?

    About two hours each way, departing Puerto Ayora in the morning and afternoon. Seas are choppiest between July and November, so bring motion-sickness medication.

  • Which airport do I use for this 4-day Galápagos tour?

    You fly into Baltra (GPS) and out of Baltra. Transfers, the Itabaca Channel ferry and all inter-island speedboats are included in the tour price.

  • Can non-swimmers do this Galápagos tour?

    Partly. Los Túneles and Concha de Perla both require snorkelling. Wetsuits and flotation vests are provided, and guides run a shallow-water briefing before each entry.

Additional information

  • 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.
  • 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 and the respective cruise operator reserve 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: 59GPH4B

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