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Galápagos sea lion basking on a rocky shore, a daily encounter on a 5-day Galapagos island hopping tour

5-Day Galápagos Island Hopping Tour: Los Túneles and Santa Fe

Days Icon 5 Days
Location icon Galapagos
Budget icon From USD 1,381 p.p.
Request a quote Book now

5-Day Galápagos Island Hopping Tour Summary

Experience two of the Galápagos’ most fascinating islands on this five-day island-hopping tour, combining remarkable wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and thrilling outdoor adventures. Walk with giant tortoises on Santa Cruz, discover the lava fields and turquoise waters of Isabela, and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation efforts protecting the islands’ most famous species. Along the way, you’ll encounter marine iguanas, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and Darwin’s finches.

The adventure continues with snorkeling excursions through the lava formations of Los Túneles and a full-day visit to either Santa Fe or Pinzón Island, depending on National Park regulations. Swim alongside sea turtles, rays, reef sharks, and colorful tropical fish while exploring some of the Galápagos’ richest marine habitats. With its blend of guided excursions, ample leisure time, and unforgettable wildlife encounters, this journey is a classic way to experience the natural wonders of Ecuador.

Highlights

  • check Los Túneles

    Snorkel through a maze of lava arches and crystal-clear channels teeming with sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, and colorful fish.

  • check Bay Tour

    Cruise the coastline around Puerto Ayora, visiting hidden coves, shark channels, sea lion colonies, and excellent snorkeling spots.

  • check Flamingo Lagoon

    Walk beside a peaceful coastal lagoon where bright pink flamingos feed among mangroves, shorebirds, and native vegetation.

  • check Santa Fe Island

    Explore one of the Galápagos’ oldest islands, home to towering prickly pear cacti, endemic land iguanas, and excellent snorkeling with sea lions.

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 588 reviews

Prices

Prices, based on number of guests, start at:
1 guestUSD 1,713 p.p.
2-3 guestsUSD 1,404 p.p.
4 or more guestsUSD 1,381 p.p.

5-Day Galápagos Island Hopping Tour: Day-by-Day Itinerary

Download itinerary

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

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

    Your Galápagos adventure begins upon arrival at Baltra Airport. To make the most of today’s activities, we recommend booking a flight that arrives before noon.

    If your flight arrives before 12:00 PM, your guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to Puerto Ayora for lunch before boarding the public speedboat to Isabela Island. The crossing takes about two hours and can be choppy, so motion sickness medication is recommended if you’re prone to seasickness. Upon arrival in Puerto Villamil, you’ll be transferred to your hotel.

    If your flight arrives after 12:00 PM, you’ll spend your first night on Santa Cruz, as the final speedboat to Isabela departs around 3:00 PM. In this case, the itinerary will be adjusted, with visits to Santa Fe, the Bay Tour, and the Charles Darwin Research Station taking place before your stay on Isabela.

    • Activity Activity:Exploring. 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 snorkeling and Concha de Perla

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

    This morning, depart Puerto Villamil by boat for Los Túneles, one of the Galápagos’ premier snorkeling sites. Formed by ancient lava flows, its maze of arches, bridges, and crystal-clear channels creates an ideal habitat for an astonishing variety of marine life.

    Spend the day snorkeling alongside sea turtles, reef sharks, sea lions, marine iguanas, rays, Galápagos penguins, colorful fish, and, if you’re lucky, sea horses or sea snakes. The excursion lasts approximately six hours and includes a short guided walk, boat transfers, and a light snack.

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

  • DAY 3: Charles Darwin Research Station and Bay Tour

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

    After an early morning speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island, enjoy breakfast before visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station. Learn about the islands’ unique ecosystems and ongoing conservation efforts while observing giant tortoises at different stages of development.

    Later, set out on the bay tour around Puerto Ayora. Cruise past sea lion colonies and mangrove-lined coves before snorkeling near Punta Camaño, where tropical fish and marine life thrive. Continue to the Channel of Love and Playa de los Perros, where marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and dramatic coastal scenery await.

    • Activity Activity:Hiking. Sightseeing. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Boat. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Deja Vu or similar.

  • DAY 4: Santa Fe or Pinzon "Snorkeling and Fishing Tour"

    A scenic viewpoint of Santa Fe island in the Galapagos, featuring crystal clear blue water and rocky shores with opuntia cactus

    Today’s destination will be either Santa Fe or Pinzón Island, depending on Galápagos National Park regulations and daily availability. Both excursions combine wildlife viewing, hiking, and excellent snorkeling in protected marine habitats.

    On Santa Fe, you’ll explore a sheltered bay surrounded by towering prickly pear cacti before snorkeling with sea lions and tropical fish, followed by time at Playa Escondida or Garrapatero Beach. If you visit Pinzón instead, you’ll snorkel among sea turtles, reef sharks, colorful fish, and playful sea lions before taking part in “Pezca Vivencial,” a traditional fishing experience that highlights local culture rather than the catch.

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

  • DAY 5: Transfer to Baltra and departure

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

    After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Baltra Airport for your flight to mainland Ecuador. As your Galápagos island-hopping adventure comes to an end, you’ll depart with unforgettable memories of remarkable wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and world-class snorkeling.

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

5-Day Galápagos Island Hopping Tour Map

5-Day Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure Map

Inclusions

  • Meals as described in the itinerary.
  • Accommodation in a single, double or triple room with private bathroom.
  • 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 between mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands.
  • 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 (small boat that takes you from the speedboat to the harbor and back).
  • For rent: wetsuit (recommended between May – 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
★ ★ ★ ★
📍 Santa Cruz

Hotel Deja Vu

Laid-back hotel in Puerto Ayora offering comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and a lounge.

  • Outdoor pool
  • Free WiFi
  • Cozy lounge
White multi-level exterior of Hotel La Laguna Galápagos in Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island
★ ★ ★ ★
📍 Isabela

La Laguna Galapagos Hotel

Charming eco-hotel near Flamingos Lagoon featuring rooftop terrace, hot tub, and dining.

  • Rooftop terrace
  • Eco friendly
  • Onsite dining

5 Days in Galápagos: FAQs

  • Is 5 days enough for Galápagos island hopping?

    Yes, for two islands properly. Five days give Isabela two full days and Santa Cruz two, without the rushed overnight that four-day itineraries force.

  • What is the best 5-day Galápagos itinerary?

    Land on Baltra, cross to Isabela the same day, use days two and three for Los Túneles and Tintoreras, then return to Santa Cruz for the Darwin Station and a boat day.

  • How much does a 5-day Galápagos tour cost?

    Rates vary by group size and hotel category. Galápagos National Park entry costs USD 200 per person and the INGALA transit card USD 20, both cash on arrival.

  • Do I need snorkeling experience for a Galápagos island-hopping tour?

    No. Most snorkeling excursions are beginner-friendly, and guides provide equipment, safety briefings, and instruction before entering the water.

  • Do I need to change islands by plane or boat?

    By public speedboat, about two hours between Santa Cruz and Isabela. Crossings are included. Seas are roughest from July to November, so bring motion-sickness medication.

  • Is this 5 day Galápagos tour good for families?

    Yes. Concha de Perla and Los Túneles are shallow and calm, and the Tintoreras walk is short and flat. Children under 12 receive a 10% discount.

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.
  • 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: 59GPH5B

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