[7 days] Galapagos Islands Express – Land-Based Tour Galapagos Islands

Join us for an unforgettable, sustainable land-based trip to the Galapagos Islands where you’ll get to experience some of the most amazing natural wonders on earth! Explore the islands in their entirety through a number of guided tours and activities. This package offers a total combination to help you enjoy (almost) everything that these enchanted islands have to show you.

On this land-based tour of the Galapagos Islands, you will stay in a hotel and island hop by boat to explore the wondrous diversity of this World Heritage Site. Starting in Santa Cruz Island, you will visit the famous Charles Darwin biological station to learn about the complexity of the natural world, and visit the breeding center, before continuing on to Isabela Island where the wetlands and the volcanoes wait for you. You will also visit two of the following islands: Bartholome, North Seymour, Santa Fe, or South Plaza; each one has unique and endemic wildlife. Your trip will show you first-hand the importance of protecting our planet’s fragile ecosystems.

Highlights:

• 7 days in the remarkable land of giant tortoises
• Navigation and day tours by expert English-speaking guides
• Stunning views, unique landscapes, and friendly wildlife
• White sand, tranquil beaches
• Delicious cuisine
• Transportation by a speedboat, a ferry boat, and a yacht

Take a thrilling ferry speedboat ride to Isabela Island where you’ll embark on an exciting tour of the Wetlands, Wall of Tears, and Breeding Center, before taking a Bay Tour to Tintoreras Islet. Enjoy an adventure of a lifetime as you embark on an excursion to the breathtaking Sierra Negra Volcano, followed by an afternoon visit to Concha de Perla, a serene and picturesque beach. A day tour on a yacht will let you encounter the unique flora and fauna of the islands. Experience the ocean up close and meander through the different islands to uncover the enchanting wonders that this heavenly destination has in store for you. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore one of the most stunning places on earth!

3 reasons why the Galapagos Islands are so special:

1. Biodiversity: The Galapagos Islands are home to an incredible array of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. The islands’ isolated location, combined with their volcanic origin and complex ocean currents, created a unique ecosystem that allowed species to evolve in isolation from mainland populations. This led to the development of numerous endemic species, such as the Galapagos tortoise, the marine iguana, and the Galapagos penguin.
2. Scientific significance: The Galapagos Islands played a significant role in the history of science, particularly in the development of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. During his visit to the islands in 1835, Darwin observed and collected numerous specimens that helped him develop his theory of natural selection. His observations of the islands’ unique fauna and flora led him to propose that species change over time through a process of natural selection, which revolutionized the way we understand the natural world.
3. Conservation efforts: The Galapagos Islands are now recognized as one of the world’s most important conservation sites, with ongoing efforts to protect the islands’ unique ecosystem and biodiversity. The islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve were established in 1959 to protect the islands’ natural resources. Conservation efforts have included the eradication of invasive species, the establishment of breeding programs for endangered species, and the promotion of sustainable tourism practices.

Related Trips:
[8 days] Diving with Scientists in the Galapagos
[15 days] Diving with Scientists in the Galapagos

Seasonal Notes:
The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands depends on your interests and priorities. However, there are two main seasons to consider: the dry season and the wet season.

The dry season runs from June to December, and it is generally considered the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands. The Humboldt Current, a current that runs north-westward along South America’s west coast, ushers in cooler temperatures and nutrient-rich water that attracts rare fish and birds. With the cooler and drier weather comes less rain and more sunshine.  (When it does rain during these months, the showers tend to last longer than they do in the wet season.) During this season, the sea is calmer, making it easier to navigate between the islands and enjoy activities such as snorkeling and diving. Additionally, this is the best time to see many of the Galapagos’ iconic wildlife species, including giant tortoises, land iguanas, blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and penguins. If you want to see the most wildlife and enjoy the best weather for outdoor activities, the dry season is the best time to visit.

The wet season runs from January to May, and it is characterized by warmer temperatures (ranging from the low 70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit). This results in pleasant conditions for hiking and wildlife spotting, though there will be frequent (but short) showers and higher humidity. Despite the rainfall, the sun still shines brightly on most days. During this season, the islands are also lush and green, and the ocean is warmer, making it an ideal time for swimming and snorkeling. The wet season is also the best time to see many of the Galapagos’ underwater species, such as sea turtles and hammerhead sharks. If you want to see the islands at their most lush and green and don’t mind occasional rain, the wet season may be a better choice.