Embark on an unforgettable Galápagos adventure tour that showcases the raw beauty of the archipelago through a diverse mix of activities. The itinerary includes snorkeling with sea lions at La Lobería and spotting reef sharks or sea turtles at Kicker Rock. You will also enjoy kayaking in the serene bay of Puerto Villamil alongside Galápagos penguins, hike across lava fields to the steaming sulfur vents of Sierra Negra, and swim in the clear emerald waters of Las Grietas.
This dynamic island-hopping journey connects San Cristóbal, Isabela, and Santa Cruz, with all included transport via a speedboat and a small-plane flight. A true wildlife highlight is the day trip to North Seymour Island, an uninhabited bird sanctuary where observation takes center stage as you walk close to blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and marine iguanas.
Stay in family-run accommodations spread across three different towns: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Puerto Villamil, and Puerto Ayora. These charming hotels provide an authentic and relaxing experience, beautifully blending modern comfort with warm, local hospitality. The pleasant atmosphere of these quiet harbor cities allows you to unwind each evening, enjoying a peaceful atmosphere just steps away from the ocean.
Full itinerary: snorkeling at La Lobería, Kicker Rock, North Seymour, and Los Túneles; a kayak tour in the bay of Puerto Villamil, the wetlands, and the giant tortoise breeding center on Isabela; the hike to the sulfur vents of Sierra Negra, wild tortoises, and lava tunnels in the Santa Cruz highlands; a swim at Las Grietas; and a walk among the seabirds of North Seymour.
Flights included: Quito ⇌ Galápagos round trip, plus a small-plane hop of 45 minutes or less from San Cristóbal to Isabela, low over lava channels and hidden beaches.
Four snorkel sites on one Galápagos snorkeling tour: sea turtles, rays, reef sharks, sea lions, and, with luck, Galápagos penguins or a hammerhead at Kicker Rock.
North Seymour Island: blue-footed boobies dancing at their nests and frigatebirds with red throat pouches, 40 minutes by boat from Santa Cruz.
Giant tortoises twice: hundreds at the breeding center on Isabela, then wild ones grazing in the Santa Cruz highlands.
7 nights in small, family-run hotels on three islands.
Activities guided by an English-speaking naturalist guide from the islands, licensed by the Galápagos National Park, with an assistant on hikes and snorkels in larger groups.
All-inclusive experience: flights (Quito ⇌ Galápagos and to Isabela), all transport on the islands, 7 nights, meals as listed, drinking water, activity fees, kayaks and snorkel gear, your naturalist guide, tips for boat crews, drivers, and hotel staff.
Please note: This is a sample plan. Inter-island flights, boat transfers, and snorkeling locations are subject to ocean conditions, weather, and Galápagos National Park regulations, allowing your guide to adjust the sequence or substitute sites as needed. Every activity is optional.
Itinerary
Day 1
Flight to San Cristóbal / La Lobería Beach / Snorkel and Coastal Trail
FlightQuito → San Cristóbal (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno) · Included
Walkto La Lobería · Easy sandy path · 15+ min each way
Snorkel or swimFrom the beach · Best at low tide
OvernightPuerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristóbal
Your Galápagos adventure tour begins with a morning flight from the mainland to San Cristóbal, one of the oldest islands of the archipelago. From Quito, the plane usually stops in Guayaquil for less than an hour while you stay on board. At the airport, pay the National Park entrance fee in cash (US$ 200), collect your bags, and meet your guide just outside.
After a lunch of local food in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the island’s administrative capital, walk to La Lobería. Sea lions sleep on the sand here, and their pups play in the surf. Swim or snorkel from the beach, or follow the coastal trail past it for a view over the ocean.
Meals included: Lunch / Dinner
Day 2
Kicker Rock Snorkel Tour / Boat-Only Beach / Interpretation Center / Tijeretas Hill
Boat tourto Kicker Rock · ~6h on the boat · Lunch on board
SnorkelAlong the walls and through the channel of Kicker Rock
Tijeretas HillPaved loop of 2 km · Four flights of stairs
OvernightPuerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristóbal
Kicker Rock is two sheer volcanic cliffs rising out of the sea, split by a narrow channel. Snorkel along the walls and through the channel with sea turtles, rays, starfish, and reef fish and, with luck, a Galápagos shark or a hammerhead. Before the first session, your guide offers a safety talk and a practice swim in sheltered water. Wetsuits provide extra buoyancy, and life vests remain on hand.
Lunch is served on board, followed by some time on a beach you can only reach by boat. Back in town, the Interpretation Center tells the natural and human history of the islands. A short walk then climbs Tijeretas Hill to lookouts over the coast, one with a statue of Charles Darwin.
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 3
Small-Plane Flight to Isabela / Kayak in Puerto Villamil / Wetlands and Tortoise Breeding Center
FlightSan Cristóbal → Isabela · 6 to 9 seats · 45 min or less · 11 kg (25 lb) luggage limit
KayakBay of Puerto Villamil · Calm water, all levels
Wetlands walkto the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center · Flat, rocky trail
OvernightPuerto Villamil, Isabela
This is the day that sets this Galápagos island-hopping tour apart. Instead of a long crossing by sea, a small plane flies you low over lava channels, new vegetation, and hidden beaches to Isabela Island.
After check-in, paddle around the sheltered bay of Puerto Villamil, where sea lions, sea turtles, and Galápagos penguins share the water. After lunch, trails lined with mangroves pass lagoons with flamingos and pintail ducks on the way to the breeding center, home to hundreds of giant tortoises at every stage of life.
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 4
Hike to the Sulfur Vents of Sierra Negra (Minas de Azufre)
Hikeacross lava fields to Minas de Azufre · ~3 h on foot · 5 to 6 h in total with transport
Volcanic terrain· Steaming sulfur vents, yellow and orange mineral deposits
OvernightPuerto Villamil, Isabela
Trek across volcanic lava fields toward Minas de Azufre, a secluded geothermal area situated on the slopes of Sierra Negra—a highly active volcano in the Galápagos that last erupted in 2018. Spanning nearly 9 km (5.6 mi) in diameter, its impressive crater ranks among the largest volcanic calderas worldwide.
The walk itself takes about 3 hours. With the drive to the trailhead and back, the excursion lasts 5 to 6 hours.
At the vents, steam rises from the ground between crusts of yellow and orange minerals. This day is about geology more than wildlife: look for the hardy pioneer plants and the few birds that have adapted to the heat and the sulfur.
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 5
Los Túneles Snorkel Tour / Free Afternoon in Puerto Villamil
BoatPuerto Villamil → Los Túneles · ~45 min each way
Snorkelat Los Túneles · 1 to 1.5h in calm, shallow water
Free afternoonon Isabela
OvernightPuerto Villamil, Isabela
Created by ancient flows of lava spilling into the sea, Los Túneles forms a labyrinth of stone arches, submerged tunnels, and quiet volcanic pools. Widely celebrated as a top spot for snorkeling, these sheltered currents host sea turtles, seahorses, whitetip reef sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish, alongside occasional Galápagos penguins. Above the water, blue-footed boobies nest across the weathered basalt ledges.
Board by the ladder and walk a short way on lava rock (water shoes are a great help). If the sea is too rough, the captain takes you to another snorkel site instead. Back in town, a late lunch at a local restaurant is followed by a free afternoon on Isabela.
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 6
Boat to Santa Cruz / Highland Giant Tortoises and Lava Tunnels / Swim at Las Grietas
Public boatIsabela → Santa Cruz · about 2h · 20 to 30 passengers
Busto the Santa Cruz highlands · Lunch in the highlands
Wild giant tortoisesand a walk through a lava tunnel
Swimat Las Grietas, a volcanic fissure with clear water
OvernightPuerto Ayora, Santa Cruz
Departing early when conditions are at their calmest, the public boat crossing takes around 2 hours. This stretch of open water provides your prime opportunity during the entire 8-day Galápagos tour to spot dolphins, seabirds, and whales.
A bus climbs to the highlands of Santa Cruz, where giant tortoises roam free to graze and cool off in water holes. After lunch, take a swim in the clear, emerald-tinted water of Las Grietas, a natural volcanic fissure framed by towering basalt cliffs. Later, walk inside a dark lava tunnel carved into the rock, where soft lighting helps you explore (carrying a headlamp is helpful). Spend the night in Puerto Ayora.
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 7
North Seymour Island Day Trip / Blue-Footed Boobies and Frigatebirds / Snorkel
BoatSanta Cruz → North Seymour · 40 min each way
Trail walkamong nesting blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds
Snorkelaround North Seymour · Picnic lunch
OvernightPuerto Ayora, Santa Cruz
A 40-minute boat ride takes you to North Seymour Island, a small, uninhabited island off Santa Cruz. On the trail, blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance beside the path while male frigatebirds puff up their red throat pouches. Sea lions and marine iguanas rest on the rocky shore.
After a picnic lunch, snorkel in the water around the island, with reef fish and sea turtles, and return to Santa Cruz in the late afternoon.
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 8
Transfer to Baltra Airport / Flight to Quito
TransferPuerto Ayora → Baltra Airport
FlightBaltra → Quito · Included
After a last breakfast, you transfer to the airport on Baltra Island for the flight back to Quito, where your Galápagos adventure tour ends. Make sure to retain your Transit Control Card stub, as it must be presented upon departing the islands.
Meals included: Breakfast
What is Included
Round-trip transfer by air (Quito ⇌ Galápagos: in to San Cristóbal on Day 1, back from Baltra on Day 8)
Small-plane flight from San Cristóbal to Isabela
All land, air, and sea transport in the Galápagos: day boats, the public boat to Santa Cruz, buses, and transfers
7-night stay at small local hotels in San Cristóbal (2 nights), Isabela (3 nights), and Santa Cruz (2 nights)
Meals as listed in the itinerary
Drinking water
All activity fees
Kayaks and snorkel gear: mask, snorkel, fins, and a wetsuit or rash guard
Assistance at Quito Airport for the flight to the Galápagos
Tips for the local support crew: boat crews, drivers, and hotel staff
Guided tours (La Lobería, the Kicker Rock snorkel tour, the Interpretation Centre and Tijeretas Hill, the Puerto Villamil kayak, the wetlands and tortoise breeding centre, the Minas de Azufre hike, Los Túneles, the Santa Cruz highlands and lava tunnels, Las Grietas, and North Seymour)
Your group’s own English-speaking naturalist guide, licensed by the Galápagos National Park, for the whole tour, with an assistant on activities in larger groups
Not included
International flight tickets to and from Ecuador
Galápagos National Park entrance fee: US$ 200 per person, cash only, paid at the airport on arrival
Transit Control Card: US$ 20 per person, cash only, bought at the mainland airport
Hotel nights in Quito and transfers in Quito (available as extras)
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Drinks other than water (soft drinks, beer)
Single supplement
Diving (on request, see Optional Extras)
Extra luggage on the small plane (US$ 2 per pound over 25 lb/11 kg)
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Accommodation options vary depending on each traveler’s preferences and availability. The Galápagos adventure tour includes overnights in small, family-run local hotels, usually close to the beach. The hotels named below are examples, subject to availability. Most hotels have Wi-Fi, though the signal can be slow or drop at times.
Rooms are priced per person sharing a double or triple room. A solo traveler who agrees to share is paired with a guest of the same sex and, if no one is available, gets a single room at no extra cost. A private single room costs the single supplement.
Seaside
In San Cristóbal, at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. A beachfront hotel a few steps from Playa Mann, with an outdoor pool, a garden, and a terrace.
Albermale
In Isabela, at Puerto Villamil. A small boutique hotel whose front door opens onto the sand and the palm trees of Puerto Villamil’s beach.
Solymar
In Santa Cruz, at Puerto Ayora. A Mediterranean-style hotel on Pelican Bay in central Puerto Ayora, with a bar and an outdoor pool. The Charles Darwin Research Station is a few minutes away.
Meals follow the itinerary: breakfast at the hotel and lunch at a different local restaurant most days, with fresh Ecuadorian cooking. Three lunches change setting: on board the boat at Kicker Rock, in the Santa Cruz highlands, and as a picnic on North Seymour Island.
Drinking water is included. Other drinks are extra, and so are the meals not listed. A simple meal costs about US$ 8 to 15, a nicer one US$ 20 to 40, a beer US$ 3 to 5, and a soft drink US$ 1 to 2. Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge.
Dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free or allergy-related needs, can usually be accommodated at the local restaurants. Tell us when you book so the local team can plan ahead.
FAQ
Reviews
“We are all "active seniors" (60-78 years of age). She answered every email, returned my phone calls, and sent timely and detailed information about what I would need for the trip. We stayed in the local hotels and ate the local cuisine. Every single meal was fresh and delicious and amazing! And being with Fabricio (our amazing naturalist tour guide, who knows everyone) made us feel welcome and like family. The hotel accommodations were upscale and lovely. (the Cormorant, right on the beach, was especially delightful). We snorkeled, hiked, swam, kayaked, and of course, did a lot of wildlife viewing. We especially appreciated all of the different snorkeling experiences (off the beach, in the open (Kicker Rock), and through the rocks (Los Tunneles). Swimming at Los Grietas was a favorite. I also like to hike, so enjoyed the "break" from the water with the hike to the Sierra Negra sulfur mines. Also enjoyed excursions to see the wildlife (the reserve, North Seymour, breeding center, interp center). Another "activity" I was not expecting was the eating - omg, best food ever! Exploring all of the local restaurants was so much fun! Fabricio, our naturalist tour guide, was the best - a lot of fun and the perfect guide. He was passionate about his subject and truly loved sharing his beloved Galapagos with us. As a naturalist, he was exceptionally knowledgeable. As a guide, he was patient, kind, caring, organized, approachable, and clear with his communicationsThis was my first "guided tour", and, for me, this trip was wonderful. I loved the great customer service from beginning to end, the high level of activity, the comfort of feeling well-taken care of and safe in a foreign country, staying in local hotels and eating local cuisine, and having a top-notch tour guide!”
— Boyd Legett
“It was fantastic! The agency was very helpful in advance (arranging for an extra hotel night and instructing the shuttle to pick us up). Then, the trip itself was excellent. 11 guests total with one dedicated official guide, Pepo, and one assistant guide, Paolo, the whole time. They were excellent, kind and helpful, and fun to be with. Being land-based with guides who live full time in Galapagos meant we got a good glimpse of life on the islands, even meeting Pepo's parents. The snorkling trips and other excursions were smoothly planned, and the equipment we had for the week was good quality (I didn't use the mask I brought because theirs was better), and the local restaurants we were taken to were fun and tasty.”
— Jane A
“Planning for a trip to the Galapágos Islands can be quite overwhelming. Because most of the islands areas are strictly protected (almost 100% of the Galapágos is designated as National Park and Marine Reserve) visitors are required to hire a guide or tour group in order to explore any protected areas (land & sea). My husband and I did the 10-day land-based tour. Of note: it's not really 10 days on the islands, as they build in 2 travel days, so keep that in mind when you are planning your trip. Consider exploring other parts of mainland Ecuador on either end of your trip. This takes all the complicated work out of the planning portion of this type of adventure. My husband and do not typically travel by tour - we almost always plan and book every aspect of our trips and we usually explore the various sites on our own, at our own pace and time-line. These organized tours of the Galapágos are all planned out in advance and the schedules for these tours are set for each day, each location, and down to the very last detail from your start once you land in Ecuador, to when you return back to the mainland. This was definitely a whole new way of traveling for us, however it was actually quite refreshing to have it all booked and planned out for us. That said, it is a very rigorous schedule and not for those wanting to relax and go at a slower pace. Every day you are up very early and every day is packed full of all manner of activities - from snorkeling to kayaking, to biking and hiking, to visiting interpretation centers, and to dining at local restaurants in each town on all the islands you visit. Our guides were absolutely the best available, our captains on every boat were fantastic, and both the guides and the captains had decades of experience and knowledge.”
— Ashley H
“Our family of 7, ages 18-82 years old, went on a 9 day land based trip and had an amazing experience! Our planners were great in matching beautiful and clean accommodations and a diversity of activities to our families needs. They were very helpful and prompt on planning. We couldn't have asked for better planners and they gave us everything we needed to feel well prepared.Our guides were absolutely amazing! Another good fit for our family. Very knowledgable, kind, respectful, fun, knew local people on each island, we felt safe, they shared their favorite nature spots, foods, coffee houses etc. They were so good at timing all the drivers, activities, lunches and dinners so that there was very little wasted time. The water crafts were all spacious, clean and comfortable, and the crews were professional. The accommodations were also clean, comfortable, safe, close to town to enjoy the local life, friendly and charming, and served breakfasts that were local and delicious. We enjoyed the balance of playing during the day and relaxing at night, ate fresh and local foods, enjoyed exploring the small communities, appreciated that they spent the holiday sharing experiences with us, knew how to take great care of my 82 year old mom so she felt safe and comfortable at all times. And we had just enough downtime throughout the trip to reset our batteries. We really enjoyed having 2 guides with us, each sharing so much about their local lives and knowledge, and love for the islands. We had a lead guide and another guide who catered to my mom so she felt loved at all times and could enjoy the snorkeling and other activities with us. They shared so much about themselves too. We truly could not have had a better time and saw and experienced so much- more than we ever thought! Truly, a once in a lifetime experience!”
— Emma
“Everything about the tour was executed perfectly and the guides were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. But of course the real highlight were all the incredible animals - sea lions and iguanas everywhere, huge tortoises and more. The nature in the Galapagos is equally incredible and we got to experience a lot of it during our numerous hikes and snorkels as we as our bike ride and kayak adventure. The agency was a fantastic company to travel with and highly recommended!”
— Jason
“We had an amazing 10 day Galapagos tour in July. Fabo was an outstanding guide and clearly has genuine love for the flora and fauna of Galapagos as well as the island culture. He was always super informative but at the same time fun. They were on top of all logistics prior to and during the trip including transport from Quito to Galapagos and back with their people meeting us at Quito airport and San Cristobal airport. Opportunities to interact with wildlife from snorkeling with sea lions, sharks, rays, and sea turtles to observing Galapagos giant tortoises and Galapagos penguins in their natural habitat are unbelievable but at same time done in a way that follows national park rules and avoids stressing the wildlife. Small group size of only 7 people on our tour made the experience even better than we expected. All the meals at local restaurants and hotel accommodations on various islands were great. It was also nice to go with local operator that clearly supports the communities on the islands. Trip of a lifetime.”
— E R
“They exceeded expectations at every opportunity. Karen was real -time responsive, helping to arrange everything and advising us throughout our trip. It ended up being one of the highlights of their trip. We started by spending 3 days in Baños (white water rafting, zip lines, waterfalls), then did a day trip to Otovalo (1hr for the market and 2hrs for the birds of prey rescue center which was EPIC), and then a couple of days for old town Quito before heading to join our group for 10 days on the Galapagos adventure tour. Pablo was our guide and Paolo was his assistant. We started on San Cristobal island with downhill bike riding to a lovely beach. Then we took a boat to Kicker Rock, where we snorkeled with a hammerhead shark, a ridiculous amount of turtles, and fish of all sizes and colors everywhere. Pablo is the Steve Irwin of the Galapagos- always enthusiastic, truly passionate, and deeply knowledgable. Then we took a boat to Floreana island, an island of 144 inhabitants with a lovely black sand beach for snorkeling. The hotel there was not our favorite, but it was the best one they offer since it is very rural. Then we took a beach to Isabela island, which was by far our favorite and where we spent 3 nights at a beautiful beach front hotel. The kayaking offered us a sneak peak at the afternoon's snorkeling, which was amazing. The Galapagos penguins were everywhere! Finally, we headed to Santa Cruz, which is the most populated island. We went to a farm where tortoises hang out and saw massive tortoises, followed by a trip to the Darwin Center to see their breeding efforts firsthand. The structure was very simple: early morning (by 7AM each day) breakfast, morning activity, back to the hotel, lunch, afternoon activity, and then dinner by 7PM. We opted out of the 10 mile volcano hike and instead spent a lazy day shopping in the town and sitting on the beach with some tropical drinks. Our entire family agreed this was an incredible once in a lifetime experience.”
— Krista
“Our trip to Galapagos was absolutely amazing. Pepo & Paulo our guides were ace, Pepo really informative and great to listen to. His superplans were always really clear and made for some great adventures. Paulo was ever so helpful whenever we needed anything. And Fernando our Quito guide also booked, was also excellent. We enjoyed the Cloud Forest, Equator and City Tour whilst in Quito. Accommodation in Galapagos was good (not great) but certainly okay. Our adventures particularly the snorkelling were superb. Kicker Rock and the tunnels especially. The highlight for us was swimming with a pod of wild dolphins as we headed to the beach after Kicker Rock. The cycling, volcano hike and kayaking were all good fun. A first class adventure.”
— Michael C
“We're a group of seasoned global travelers with very high expectations of our land-based trip to the Galapagos. The agency Adventures not only met our expectations, they exceeded them! They put our safety, comfort and enjoyment at the forefront of our 13-day customized tour. We loved the selection of mostly family-run locally owned hotels (Casa de Marita! Casa Playa Mann!) in great locations and with quality service and delicious breakfasts. Above all, their team of local guides, including award-winning Pablo and awesome Fabricio took us on memorable snorkeling adventures (Kicker Rock, Los Tuneles) and great hikes (Sierra Negra Volcano, Tintoreras) sharing with us their expert knowledge of the Galapagos' wildlife, ecology, history and local culture and current development issues.”
— Michele L
“I’d been dreaming of going to the Galapagos for years, actually decades. Finally in 2019 my husband and I decided to book a trip for 2020. After much searching we decided to go, a land based tour. You know what happened next, Covid struck! So we changed to 2021, then cancer struck, ughh! Would 2022 finally be the year? She let us know we could rebook whenever we were ready and at the same price we had originally. Once we were ready, Laura called us to answer some questions we had about the trip and also sent us a wealth of information on possible excursions we could add both near Quito or to other islands in the Galapagos. She was invaluable during our planning. Once our journey started we were met at the Quito hotel by Fernando, who explained everything we would and wouldn’t need for our trip, including paperwork. We also met our group for the trip, fourteen in total. Fernando made it easy for all of us navigate the airport with the documents needed, then saw us off at the entrance to our gate. He would also be waiting for us upon our return. By that time we were a happy and cohesive group full of stories. We flew from Quito to San Cristóbal where Pablo, our guide for the next eight days, was waiting for us. From the minute we got on the bus Pablo was telling us about the Galapagos archipelagos - it’s geology and history, as well as the beautiful and various birds and animals we would see. He was knowledgeable and passionate as he shared information and answered questions about the islands. We immediately knew we were in good hands. Once we arrived at the office we met Paolo, the assistant guide and some of the other team members, then headed upstairs to share a delicious lunch on the rooftop terrace. Just what we needed after traveling! After lunch we checked in to our room, where our bags were already waiting for us. After a brief time we were off to our first adventure. It was nonstop from that point on. We shared one fun or incredible learning experience after the other: biking, snorkeling, kayaking and hiking through some of the most exciting and captivating landscapes I’ve ever seen. We saw sea lions everywhere, sharks, rays, blue footed boobies, nazca boobies, finches, sea turtles and different types of land tortoises. After San Cristóbal, we visited Floreana, Isabela and Santa Cruz. Day after day Pablo shared his wealth of knowledge, giving us a rich and detailed history about the microclimates and the flora, fauna and sea life of each island. At every step Paolo was always there to answer questions and lend a helping hand. We could not have asked for better guides, always gracious and fun. The food was good, fresh, and always local. It was nice to meet the people at the restaurants, always proud of their islands. As were the people in the markets and stores, who were always friendly and interested in hearing where we were from, not that we had much time to shop. That’s not a complaint! We loved all the activities. Our group was fun and interesting, we all got along and respected each other. This was the trip of a lifetime and the team helped make that possible. It was a well managed and fun tour with a company and team that respects the islands and its flora and fauna. I’m so glad we did a land-based tour. We were able to be in touch with the people and their culture much more than we would if we had been staying on a boat. If they had a tour of some of the other islands we wouldn’t hesitate to book with them again. I am forever grateful!”
