Galapagos Island Hopping

Galapagos Island Hopping

836 Views
8 Days From

$2940

$2262

Galapagos Island Hopping

8 Days Starting in Isla San Cristobal and ending in Isla Santa Cruz

Visiting: Isla San Cristobal, Galapagos, Isla San Cristobal, Isla Floreana / Isla Isabela, Isla Isabela, Isla Isabela / Isla Santa Cruz, Isla Santa Cruz, Isla Santa Cruz Galapagos

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

GGTG

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

From: $2940 $2262 (USD) Operator discount: -$678 -23%

NB: Prices correct on 10-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Amazing wildlife, both on land and under the water, is the main drawcard of the remote Galapagos Islands. On this eight-day trip, you’ll explore this otherworldly archipelago on foot and by boat with an expert naturalist guide to lead the way. Swim with sea turtles, see giant tortoises up close, watch sea lions lounge around town and discover fascinating, varied landscapes. Learn about the conservation efforts on Isla Santa Cruz, take a cooking class to make a famed Ecuadorian soup and enjoy multiple snorkelling opportunities, as well as a full-day hike to the second-largest volcanic crater in the world! This trip will have you cruising and exploring by day and relaxing on land by night, with all the logistics taken care of for you.

Highlights

  • Learn about the unique habits of the marine iguana with your expert naturalist guide. This dinosaur-like creature has an iridescent sheen and is only found on the Galapagos Islands.

  • Snorkel the incredible waters of Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) – an eroded volcanic cone where sea turtles, rays and colourful fish call home.

  • See the giant tortoises that freely roam the islands. Many visitors come to Isla Santa Cruz just to see these enormous creatures in their natural habitat!

  • Watch the aerobatic routines of blue-footed boobies and the death-defying stunts of the frigate birds as they whizz through the air. Calling all avid birdwatchers!

  • Start and end your trip in the Galapagos (as opposed to mainland Ecuador) – this means it’s easy to stay longer if you fall in love with the archipelago.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Isla San Cristobal, Galapagos

Location: Isla San Cristobal, Galapagos

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Bienvenidos! Welcome to San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands. After joining up with your fellow travellers and your local naturalist guide, you’ll head to La Loberia and put on your snorkelling gear for the first time. Go for a swim among the sea lions and maybe even spot sea turtles, too! After, you’ll return to town, where you have a free evening to head out with the group and get to know each other better. Maybe find some fresh seafood to enjoy or wander the shores at your own pace.

Included Activities:
-Isla San Cristobal- Snorkeling in La Loberia (1.5 Hours)

Optional Activities:
-Wetsuit (shortsleeve) hire for 5 days

Day 2: Isla San Cristobal

Location: Isla San Cristobal

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Take a 45-minute boat ride to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) this morning. On the way, you might be able to spot nesting frigates and blue-footed boobies. You might even get the chance to swim among the sea lions again. At Leon Dormido, you can snorkel and look for sea turtles, manta rays and the harmless Galapagos shark. Eat lunch on the boat, then head to the Interpretation Center. Learn about the history of the 'Enchanted Islands' and the conservation projects that seek to preserve them. Continue to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) – it's quite a climb to the top, but well worth the amazing views of the bay. Then, return to town in the late afternoon for a free evening.

Included Activities:
-San Cristobal - Excursion to Leon Dormido or Lobos Islands
-Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center (45 minutes)
-Isla San Cristobal - Cerro Tijeretas View Point (1 Hour)

Day 3: Isla Floreana / Isla Isabela

Location: Isla Floreana / Isla Isabela

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Take an early morning boat ride to Isla Floreana and look for dolphins and whales along the way. Snorkel in the clear blue waters and then break for lunch. After, venture to a black-sand beach belonging to the Witmers – descendants of some of the first settlers on the Galapagos. The town here – Puerto Velasco Ibarra – has about 150 residents and an intriguing history involving deaths, disappearances and murders. Later in the afternoon, wave goodbye to Floreana and continue to Isla Isabela, where you’ll spend the night.

Included Activities:
-Floreana - Snorkeling

Day 4: Isla Isabela

Location: Isla Isabela

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, you’ll hop on a small Zodiac boat and cruise to Las Tintoreras (Shark Alley), looking out for blue-footed boobies and the famous Galapagos penguin. Take a short walk on this isolated islet and popular iguana nesting site, then snorkel in a calm inlet with colourful fish and winding underground lava tubes. This area is also frequented by green sea turtles that like to rest on the calm, sandy bottom. Return to Isla Isabela and visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center, where you'll observe giant tortoises in all stages of development. After learning about the thousand turtles that are preparing for life here, you’ll head to a brackish lagoon to observe flamingos. Later today, take a kayak around the island and spend your evening resting in the sand and soaking in your first Isabela sunset – arguably the most beautiful of all the islands!

Included Activities:
-Isla Isabela -Tintoreras or Shark Alley (2.5 Hours)
-Isla Isabela - Flamingo lagoon visit (30 Minutes)
-Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (1 Hour)
-Isla Isabela - Kayaking

Day 5: Isla Isabela

Location: Isla Isabela

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Start your last day on Isla Isabela by heading towards the Sierra Negra Volcano – one of the Galapagos’ most active volcanoes and the world's second-largest crater! Weather permitting, you’ll take a challenging hike of around 17 km up the rocky mountain. After, make your way back to town for some free time to curl up with a book, soak your tired muscles or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner.

Included Activities:
-Isla Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours)

Day 6: Isla Isabela / Isla Santa Cruz

Location: Isla Isabela / Isla Santa Cruz

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Jump aboard a private speedboat this morning and head to Isla Santa Cruz. When you arrive, leave your bags at the hotel and head to the Santa Cruz Highlands. Your first stop is a local farm, where giant tortoises roam the grounds freely. Here, you’ll meet with an expert chef for a cooking class to make the famed encebollado – a local tuna soup that’s widely considered one of the best in the world! This hearty dish uses slow-cooked albacore tuna and a savoury broth made of onions, cilantro and spices. The dish is traditionally served with yuca (a starchy root vegetable) and garnished with lime and green onions. Enjoy the soups of your labour for lunch, then wander the grounds with the slow-paced residents. After lunch, you’ll visit an organic sugar cane farm run by a local family for a tour of their trapiche (a sugar cane mill used in artisanal sugar production). See how the family harvests and processes sugar cane and cacao and how they work with the local community.

Included Activities:
-Santa Cruz Highlands Visit (3 Hours)
-Santa Cruz – Organic Farm Tour
-Santa Cruz – Encebollado Cooking Class

Day 7: Isla Santa Cruz

Location: Isla Santa Cruz

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Take a morning walk in Tortuga Bay after breakfast. Along the way, keep an eye out for eagle rays, sea turtles and blue-footed boobies. Later, you’ll head to the local fish market for a dose of local life on the way to The Galapagos Conservancy, who help protect the Galapagos' unique biodiversity. Learn how The Intrepid Foundation supports the Galapagos Conservancy Women in Sustainable Entrepreneurship (WISE) program, which provides critical capital for sustainability initiatives and builds the entrepreneurial capacity of Galapagos women. After, head to the Charles Darwin Research Station – an international non-profit organisation that’s dedicated to the scientific research and conservation of the archipelago’s environment and biodiversity.

Included Activities:
-Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk
-Isla Santa Cruz - The Galapagos Conservancy (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit
-Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre

Day 8: Isla Santa Cruz, Galapagos

Location: Isla Santa Cruz, Galapagos

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you need to book a connecting flight out of the Galapagos, or if you'd like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (7 nights)

  • Meals
    7 breakfasts, 4 lunches

  • Isla San Cristobal- Snorkeling in La Loberia (1.5 Hours)

  • San Cristobal - Excursion to Leon Dormido or Lobos Islands

  • Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center (45 minutes)

  • Isla San Cristobal - Cerro Tijeretas View Point (1 Hour)

  • Floreana - Snorkeling

  • Isla Isabela -Tintoreras or Shark Alley (2.5 Hours)

  • Isla Isabela - Flamingo lagoon visit (30 Minutes)

  • Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (1 Hour)

  • Isla Isabela - Kayaking

  • Isla Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours)

show more

What's Not Included

  • International Travel

  • Tipping and Gratuities

Transport

  • Speed Boat , Private Vehicle

Included Activities

  • Isla San Cristobal- Snorkeling in La Loberia (1.5 Hours)
  • San Cristobal - Excursion to Leon Dormido or Lobos Islands
  • Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center (45 minutes)
  • Isla San Cristobal - Cerro Tijeretas View Point (1 Hour)
  • Floreana - Snorkeling
  • Isla Isabela -Tintoreras or Shark Alley (2.5 Hours)
  • Isla Isabela - Flamingo lagoon visit (30 Minutes)
  • Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (1 Hour)
  • Isla Isabela- Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours)
  • Kayaking - Isla Isabela
  • Santa Cruz Highlands Visit (3 Hours)
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Important Information

  • 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
  • 2. Full passport details are required at the time of booking. The passport you travel with must match the booking details provided to us. This information is necessary to purchase entry permits to certain sites. Delays in providing this information could result in additional booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
  • 3. All visitors to the Galapagos must have a Transit Control Card. Please see the 'Passport, Visas and Entry Requirements' section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
  • 4. The Galapagos National Park fee (US$200) and Isabela Port fee (US$10) are payable upon arrival to the islands (cash only). These amounts are in addition to your trip payment.
  • 5. Please refer to the Special Information section on Day 1 of the Itinerary for instructions on how to join your group.
  • 6. Strict rules apply in the Galapagos Islands to protect and preserve its unique biodiversity. Intrepid supports these rules, which range from times of the day that a destination can be visited to the distance kept between people and wildlife. In particular, not removing anything from the environment (shells and corals, for example). All rules will be explained in more detail by your leader when you join the trip. Not adhering to these rules can lead to hefty fines for travellers and Intrepid losing the license to operate in the Galapagos Islands. Failure to adhere to the rules can result in your removal from the trip without a refund.
  • For more information: http://www.galapagos.org/travel/travel/park-rules/

Mode of Transport

  • Speed Boat , Private Vehicle

Accommodation

  • Hotel (7 nights)

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    If you would like your return travel from Quito included, please search the website for our trip Best of Galapagos (GGTF).

    This trip includes a 17 km hike (approximately 6 to 7 hours) on rocky terrain. We recommend bringing sturdy, comfortable hiking or trail shoes with good support. Please see Day 5 of the Itinerary for more information.

    This trip involves a lot of travel by speedboat between the various Galapagos Islands. The rides can be quite bumpy at times, but the good news is that seasickness can often be managed with medication. Please consult a health professional to assess your suitability for such medication.

    From June to August the water in the Galapagos can be rougher than usual. Consequently, travel times will be longer than usual. If you suffer from seasickness you may want to reconsider travelling during this period.

    Proximity to the equator means the sun in the Galapagos is incredibly strong. Ensure you are prepared with sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. We also recommend a rash guard.

    This trip includes snorkelling on multiple days. Confident swimming skills are required to take part. Alternative activities will not be available.

    The Galapagos is a great place to switch off and take a break from your phone, as internet access can be patchy and wi-fi is not always available or reliable.

    Hot water can be sporadic in some parts of the Galapagos, so there may be a few cold showers on the trip.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

John Appleby (Google Reviewer)  

The Intrepid tour to Everest...

13-Mar-2025

The Intrepid tour to Everest Base camp is the best tour I have ever done. The itinerary was perfect and the guides were incredible. They look after the participants constantly and are constantly on the look out for any issues with altitude. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this trip it was amazing

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

john whelan (Google Reviewer)  

We booked the 10 day...

28-Feb-2025

We booked the 10 day Group Explorer package with them for Vietnam and Wow !!! . It was fantastic. We were initially a bit anxious, but that all settled after day one. There is a fair bit of travelling and moving involved, but we'll woth it as you get to see and experience loads .Our Guide Huy was brilliant and looked after us really well from local knowledge to restaurants and tour information and activities . It's worth doing folks with intrepid . Well done, keep up that standard of service.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Declan Curry (Google Reviewer)  

I have recently completed the...

07-Feb-2025

I have recently completed the Premium India In Depth tour. A most wonderful introduction to this amazing continent. From the Taj Mahal to Tigers 🐅 in the wild , dining whe the locals eat and a couple of meals with families was a great way to embrace the people and their culture. Magnificent architecture,be it Forts or Shrines. The most informative and inspiring of guides was great to have with us. Mumbai to Delhi and 6 more cities plus A Safari included. Best trip to experience India 🇮🇳. Prepare to have all your senses assaulted . Go for it.

D' ARTICULATE (Google Reviewer)  

They offer some great deals...

11-Jan-2025

They offer some great deals and group travel itineraries without the flights but will include them if needed by the traveller ; leaving one to choose a more personal holiday stance or exploration & time schedule too. Neat!

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Sunday

May 04, 2025 - May 11, 2025
$3375 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

May 07, 2025 - May 14, 2025
$2940 $2534 (USD)

Operator discount: -$406 (USD)

Friday - Friday

May 09, 2025 - May 16, 2025
$3375 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

May 11, 2025 - May 18, 2025
$3235 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

May 14, 2025 - May 21, 2025
$3375 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

May 21, 2025 - May 28, 2025
$2995 $2580 (USD)

Operator discount: -$415 (USD)

Friday - Friday

May 23, 2025 - May 30, 2025
$2940 $2262 (USD)

Operator discount: -$678 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

May 25, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025
$2960 $2414 (USD)

Operator discount: -$546 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

May 28, 2025 - Jun 04, 2025
$2940 $2398 (USD)

Operator discount: -$542 (USD)

Friday - Friday

May 30, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025
$2940 $2398 (USD)

Operator discount: -$542 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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