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

• DAY 1: San Cristóbal arrival and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

  

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

• DAY 2: Kicker Rock snorkelling

  

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

• DAY 3: Speedboat to Santa Cruz and Puerto Ayora

  

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

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

  

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

• DAY 5: Santa Cruz highlands and speedboat to Isabela

  

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

• DAY 6: Los Túneles snorkelling

  

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

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

  

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

• DAY 8: Flight to Baltra and departure

  

  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:Car. Plane.
  • Meal:Breakfast.

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.