Galapagos Islands Land-Based Tour

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  • Duration

    7 days
  • Bookable From

    Year-round
  • Trip Style

    Privately Guided
  • Country

    The Galapagos Islands
  • Physical Rating

    Average

Overview

On this unforgettable land-based tour of the Galapagos Islands, experience some of the most enchanting wildlife and amazing natural wonders on Earth!

Explore the islands in their entirety through a number of guided tours and activities. This sustainable package tour of the Galapagos Islands will help you enjoy (almost) everything that these enchanted islands have to offer and show you first-hand the importance of protecting our planet’s fragile ecosystems.

Stay in hotels - as opposed to on a cruise ship or a small yacht - and island-hop by boat during the days to explore the wondrous diversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Starting on Santa Cruz Island, you will have excursions to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station and the tortoise breeding center. On Isabela Island, the wetlands and volcanoes will be waiting 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.

For children and adults curious about nature, animals, and science, this ecotourism experience in the Galapagos is the perfect option. Enjoy navigating the islands in a stress-free manner thanks to our carefully crafted itinerary and guides, so you can focus on being with your family, snorkeling, taking pictures to last a lifetime, and being present for every moment of this experience!

Highlights

  • Discover the islands via speedboat, a ferry boat, and a yacht
  • Soak in stunning views, unique landscapes, and white-sand beaches
  • Spend 7 days in the remarkable land of giant tortoises
  • Admire friendly wildlife from respectful distances
  • Learn about the complexity of the natural world from expert, English-speaking guides
  • Enjoy delicious cuisine

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 the adventure of a lifetime with 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.

Seasonal Notes

The islands are, without a doubt, a year-round destination with two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season.

  • June to December: The dry season is generally considered the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands. Enjoy cooler and drier weather with less rain and more sunshine. The sea is calmer, making navigation between the islands easier and providing pleasant conditions for snorkeling and diving. The dry season is best for seeing rare fish, birds, and many of the Galapagos’ iconic wildlife species, including giant tortoises, land iguanas, blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and penguins. This is the best time to see blue-footed booby mating displays and migrating whales. Note: When it rains during the dry season, the showers tend to last longer than in the wet season.
  • January to May: The wet season is characterized by sunny weather, frequent yet short showers, higher humidity levels, and warmer temperatures (ranging from the low 70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit). Despite the rainfall, the sun still shines brightly on most days, making it a good season for hiking and wildlife spotting. The islands will be lush and green, the ocean will be warmer, and sailing will be smooth. This is the best time to see many of the Galapagos’ underwater species, such as sea turtles and hammerhead sharks.

Itinerary

Day 0 Quito or Guayaquil [Ecuador] (arrival day)

  • Arrive in either Quito or Guayaquil on Ecuador's mainland at least one night prior to your trip to the Galapagos.
  • Take a flight from Ecuador's mainland to Baltra on the Galapagos Islands (not included in the trip price).

Day 1 Baltra - Santa Cruz Island

  • Transfer from Seymour on Baltra Island to Santa Cruz Island.
  • Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.
  • Visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center.

Day 2 Isabela Island

  • Take a ferry speedboat to Isabela Island.
  • Visit the Wetlands, Wall of Tears, and the Breeding Center.
  • Bay Tour to Tintoreras Islet.

Day 3 Land Excursions

  • Morning excursion to the Sierra Negra Volcano.
  • Afternoon excursion to visit Concha de Perla.

Day 4 Isabela Island - Santa Cruz

  • Take a ferry speedboat from Isabela Island back to Santa Cruz.
  • Special Santa Cruz Highlands trip: El Chato Ranch, El Trapiche, and El Garrapatero Beach.

Days 5-6 Yacht Day Tours to Islands

We will take a small yacht to visit one of these islands each day:

  • Bartholome, North Seymour, South Plazas, or Santa Fe.

Day 7 Quito or Guayaquil (departure day)

  • Fly back from Baltra Island to either Quito or Guayaquil.
  • Consider adding a mainland extension to your Galapagos experience to see even more of Ecuador! Choose between a Cloud Forest excursion, a Nature & Culture tour, or contact us for custom trip planning to the volcanoes, the Amazon Rainforest, and beyond.

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • 4 nights' accommodation at Santa Cruz Island

  • 2 nights' accommodation at Isabela Island

  • Lunch and breakfast daily

  • Transportation within Galapagos

  • English-speaking naturalist guide

  • Permits and entrance fees

  • Airfare to/from Quito or Guayaquil on Ecuador's mainland

  • Airfare to/from the Galapagos Islands

  • Entrance fees to the Galapagos Islands ($100)

  • Ingala tourist control cards ($20)

  • Meals unless mentioned

  • Beverages, tips, extras

  • Travel and health insurance

Pricing

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

Contact us for luxury hotel pricing, or for groups of 10 or more.

  • Deposit per person

    50% of the trip price

  • Solo Traveler

    Contact for pricing

  • Group of 2 Travelers - price per person

    Contact for pricing

  • Group of 3-4 Travelers - price per person

    Contact for pricing

  • Group of 5-9 Travelers - price per person

    Contact for pricing

Sustainability

This is a program that enables you to understand the importance of this amazing destination. It is carefully designed with the support of our local supplier and follows all regulations imposed by the Galapagos National Park to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the islands.


Environmental Initiatives
By visiting the islands you will be helping with the Islands’ preservation as your entry fee to the national park will go directly towards the conservation projects.

The preservation and sustainability standards here are the highest in the country. However, there are many challenges the Galapagos faces: overfishing, human population growth, climate change, and invasive species.

When you visit the islands be aware of the fragile nature ecosystem you are stepping on, and make sure you always abide by the following rules explained by your naturalist guides.

Everything in the Galapagos is very special and you must follow the rules to keep this paradise as remote as possible. Guides will make all efforts for every traveler to understand the importance of each island, they will explain to them the preservation efforts of the community, the government, and the local operators. They will be the voice of the wildlife and you will follow in Darwin's footsteps!

The accommodations chosen are small and locally run, and they use eco-friendly cleaning products and energy-saving lights. All lodges and hotels follow the regulations of the Galapagos National Park strictly.


Local Economy

The Galapagos economy depends on tourism. We work with a local partner who is regulated by the Galapagos National Park laws. They employ excellent local guides and staff and follow all the sustainability policies ordered by the Galapagos government system.

Health & Safety

Please be sure you have traveler's insurance.

We have been certified with the Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel & Trade Council and we follow all regulations instructed by the Ministry of Tourism in our country.

FAQs

What does the Physical Rating of "Average" mean for this trip?

Some hiking, snorkeling, and wet landing are involved in our activities.

What are the accommodations like?

You can either choose a mid-range, first-class, or luxury hotel for this tour package.

Is this trip recommended for solo travelers, Women, and BIPOC travelers?

Yes, Galapagos is a destination that honors all forms of life. It is a place where tourists from all over the world come together to explore the magic of these paradisiac islands.

Would you recommend this land-based island hopping program or a cruise?

If you are a person who enjoys a certain level of comfort, despite your budget, this is the perfect program since you will stay overnight in a hotel and spend the days on excursions discovering the enchanted islands.

If you want to discover more islands, or if you have a specific interest like birding or scuba diving, please let us know so we can find the right cruise for you.

For special citizen science scuba diving trips with marine biologists on board, check out this 8-day program and the extended, 15-day program.

How long in advance should I book this program?

As soon as you have your travel dates set, the better. However, we are always willing to assist clients with last-minute requests.

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