The Classic Galapagos Islands Hopping Tours are a combination of day tours and time to explore the islands by yourself. In this 7-day Galapagos tour, you’ll see the highlights of the islands with an English-speaking guide. You’ll stay in very comfortable hotels with a private room and bathroom. The tours include meals, transportation on and between the islands, and the activities mentioned in the tour itinerary. This 7-day Galapagos tour also includes a local flight between Isabela and Baltra to optimize the time.
Highlights
Kicker RockThe favorite place for an array of marine birds, and great underwater life.
Santa Cruz HighlandsYou will be surrounded by impressive flora and fauna including giant tortoises in their natural habitat and unique volcanic features.
Los TunelesSnorkel in the clear waters and swim with a lot of different unique animal species.
Charles Darwin StationKnown for its amazing turtles, born from 3 inches to 4 feet long, you can also see the memorial site of Lonely George.
Flamingo LagoonThe largest coastal lagoon found in the Galapagos, and if you are lucky, surrounded by pink flamingos.
Itinerary
DAY 1 QUITO/GUAYAQUIL – SAN CRISTOBAL
On the first day of your 7 day Galapagos Classic tour, your will start at San Cristobal Airport (SCY) where the guide will pick you up at the airport and will drop you off at your hotel. If you arrive before 02:00 PM you will get lunch. If you arrive later, lunch is not included. This day will be self-guided. Optional activities: you can visit The San Cristobal Interpretation Center, where you will learn about the islands, evolution of their species, fauna, migration, and how humans came to live here. Then you can go to Playa Mann for your first contact with the stunning waters of these islands.
Activity:Exploring, Sightseeing.
Transport:Car.
Meal:Lunch.
Accommodation:Hotel Casa Opuntia or similar.
DAY 2 KICKER ROCK
After breakfast, you go by boat to snorkel at the famous Kicker Rock. Two volcanic rocks of 140 meters tall, located off the coast of San Cristobal Island. When viewed from the south the rocks look like a sleeping lion, which is why the Spanish name is León Dormido (sleeping lion). From another side it looks more like a boot, hence the English name: Kicker Rock. In the sea, you see the great underwater life wherefore the site is that famous. The channel between the rocks is the ideal habitat to view a variety of sharks and rays. In the afternoon you go back to the hotel.
DAY 3 PUERTO AYORA – CHARLES DARWINS STATION – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND HIGHLANDS
In the morning you will take the speedboat from San Cristobal to Puerto Ayora, where your guide will be waiting for you. Around 10:30 AM you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you can see the memorial site for the last living Galapagos tortoise of its species. In the afternoon you will go to the Highlands of Santa Cruz to make closer contact with the Giant Galapagos Tortoises. You will have lunch here.
Activity:Sightseeing, Wildlife Watching.
Transport:Boat, Car.
Meal:Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation:Hotel Fiesta or similar.
DAY 4 SANTA FE ISLAND or PINZON ISLAND
If you choose Santa Fe, brace yourself for an encounter with the archipelago’s most endemic species. After a scenic 45-minute boat ride, you’ll arrive at Santa Fe’s pristine bay. Dive into the crystal-clear waters for a thrilling snorkeling adventure, where you might even catch a glimpse of shorebirds perched on the outer rocks. Following this, a wet landing awaits at Playa Escondida or Garrapatero on Santa Cruz Island, offering ample time to explore the mesmerizing beach. Alternatively, the Pinzon option unveils a mesmerizing display of marine iguanas and playful dolphins. La Fe, with its picturesque beach cradled by mangroves and rocky terrain, showcases an array of captivating marine life, from sea turtles and sea lions to small sharks and colorful fish. Prepare to be captivated by the extraordinary beauty of these enchanting destinations.
*Wet landing means that the boat gets close to the beach, and from there you will disembark in the sea. It is recommended that you bring extra clothing, as you might get wet.
Activity:Snorkeling, Wildlife Watching.
Transport:Boat, Car.
Meal:Breakfast, Box Lunch.
Accommodation:Hotel Fiesta or similar.
DAY 5 FREE MORNING – ISABELA ISLAND
This morning you have to explore by yourself. Around 1.30 PM, you will take a public speedboat to Isabela Island, which takes approximately 2,5 hours. Upon arrival in Isabela, you can go to Concha y Perla self-guided.
Activity:Exploring, Sightseeing.
Transport:Boat, Car.
Meal:Breakfast.
Accommodation:Hotel Volcano or similar.
DAY 6 LOS TUNELES SNORKELING
Today, you will explore the amazing formations of lava created by the last eruptions of the Volcanic Island along the seashore. Over here, you will have the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguin playing around. After the trip, you can enjoy some optional activities such as kayaking in Tintoreras, taking surfing lessons, biking or just relax on the exotic white-sand beaches of Isabela Island. We recommend you to take some time to visit the giant tortoise breeding center.
This is the last day of your 7 Day Galapagos Classic tour. After breakfast you take a short transfer to Isabela Airport (5 min) from where you take a small airplane (capacity of 9 people) to Baltra Airport. The flight time is about 40 minutes. The tour will end upon arrival to Baltra Airport.
Airport pickup at San Cristobal Airport 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
+ Flights between mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
+ Food & drinks that are not mentioned in the itinerary.
+ Entrance fee for the Galapagos National Park: $ 100 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.
+ Personal expenses.
+ Optional tips for the guide.
Additional information
For children under the age of 12, there is a 10% discount.
On the visit to Santa Fe island, you will have an activity called ‘Pesca Vivencial’ which means that you might be able to experience a fishing demonstration according to weather and park regulations.
It is recommended to book flights with an early arrival time to the Galapagos Islands and a late departure time from the Galapagos Islands to make sure you can enjoy all of the activities of the tour. Late arrivals and/or early departures mean you might miss some activities.
There are no guides on transportation between islands.
Try to only bring small baggage/bags since public transportation on the Galapagos Islands is quite small.
Tap water on the Galapagos Islands might contain bacteria and should not be consumed, not even for brushing your teeth. Bottled or purified water is always recommended.
Inform yourself about food safety when traveling to tropical countries. Take the necessary precaution to avoid food poisoning (always wash your hands before eating, don’t eat ‘street food’, only eat peeled fruits, etc.).
Rebecca Adventure Travel cannot take any responsibility for any illnesses or missed meals & tours due to an illness.
It is important to have valid travel and medical insurance. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.
Rebecca Adventure Travel reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, availabilities, National Park regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances.
It is possible that pictures will be taken during your tour, so it is recommended to bring a USB.