Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel Mainao
This cheery hotel is in the main area of Puerto Ayora, offering spacious rooms, a nice breakfast, and helpful staff.
Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure
Prices
Highlights
Hop between the Galapagos Islands to experience their wildlife and nature
There are few places more naturally splendid than the Galapagos Islands, and the Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure is a great way to experience the wildlife and natural beauty of Baltra, Isabela, and Santa Cruz islands.
This tour combines guided and self-guided adventures, with snorkelling off Isabela Island, shark viewing in Tintoreas, an experience at a giant tortoise breeding center, hiking at the Sierra Negra Volcano, and exploration of the wetlands of Isabela on offer. You can use the flexibility of your free time to visit the Charles Darwin Center or explore Santa Cruz, or maybe you just want to watch the sea lions play from the comfort of the beach! However you spend your time outside of planned activities, the natural beauty and incomprehensible range of wildlife is sure to leave an impression on you! If you only have a week to spare in the Galapagos, the Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure is an ideal way to spend it.
Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Galapagos and Highlands Tour
The tour starts when you arrive on Baltra Island, so we recommend an early arrival. At arrival, have a meeting with the guide who will be waiting for you at the arrival lounge.
The first visit is to the highlands of Santa Cruz, where you will experience the strange and impressive phenomenon of the “Twins” (Spanish: Gemellos), two very deep depressions in the forested highlands. Later you’ll visit a farm neighbouring the national park. The farm, “Rancho Primicias”, attracts the wild giant tortoises with its green grass, and therefore this site is the best place to spot one of these amazing creatures that have given Galapagos its name. Enjoy lunch at the farm. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel in Puerto Ayora.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel on Santa Cruz
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- Lunch
Day 2 Isabela Island and Tintoreas
Today you will catch the early boat from Puerto Ayora to Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. In the afternoon, take a tour to Tintoreas where you will get to do some excellent snorkelling. Next, embark on a boat trip to “Los Tintoreras”, named after an abundant shark on Galapagos. The island is small and you have the chance to spot many marine iguanas and also the Tintoreras shark.
The snorkeling is excellent around this island, and you’ll have lots of time to snorkel and swim today.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel on Isabela Island
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 3 Hike to the Sierra Negra Volcano
Today there is a day excursion to the Sierra Negra Volcano. From the foot of the crater, you’ll take a 30-minute easy hike to the crater, with an amazing view of the 1450m volcano. It is the second largest crater in the world, with a diameter of 9.6km. The volcano is active and had a major eruption in 2005, and you can clearly see the remains of the lava rivers from this eruption.
Later you will visit the Chico volcano, an area not often visited, where you can appreciate clear signs of volcanic activity like fumaroles and mineral associations.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel on Isabela Island
- Distance
- 30 minutes hiking
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch
Day 4 Self-Guided Tour to Los Humedales
This morning is free for a self-guided tour to the Lava Tunnel “El Estero”, the historical site of The Wall of Tear, the Flamingo Laguna, and the giant tortoise breeding center. From the breeding center, walk back to the town along a very nice path.
In the afternoon you’ll take a boat transfer back to Santa Cruz. The evening is at your leisure.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Santa Cruz
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 5 Santa Cruz
Today you can choose how you spend the day. We recommend a tour to the Darwin Center or an optional tour to Seymore or Plaza South. We can help you arrange whichever activities you’d like to do! Another option is a tour to Tortuga Bay, just 20 minutes by foot from the town. It’s the perfect place to snorkel, kayak, or just to enjoy the beach.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Santa Cruz
- Distance
- Flexible
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 6 Departure
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the ferry for Baltra Island and given a ride to the airport. Safe travels!
- Overnight Location
- None
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- Breakfast
Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure Price and Dates
This partially guided tour of the Galapagos Islands is run as a private tour for your group only and the price per person depends on the size of your group.
Prices below are per person:
- Guided group of 4: from $1,095USD per person
* Pricing for this tour depends on the size of your group, as well as the travelling dates. Please click the Book Now button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Accommodation on the Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure Tour
This tour is based in 3-star hotels. The hotels are highly rated and enjoy locations near the beach.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of $415USD to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Night 2-3
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel Casa Marita
This award-winning hotel is on the beach. Some rooms offer balconies with hammocks and the staff can help with bike and paddleboard rentals.
Night 4-5
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel Mainao
This cheery hotel is in the main area of Puerto Ayora, offering spacious rooms, a nice breakfast, and helpful staff.
Hotels on Standard Tour
What’s Included in the Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure Tour?
Meals
5 breakfasts and 2 lunches are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 5 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
All personal and luggage transfers required by the itinerary are included. This includes pickup from the airport and departure transfers. Flights to and from the Ecuador Mainland are not included.
Also Included
- Guide in described activities
- Entrance fees on tours
- Ferries
Not included
- Visas if required
- Personal gear
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Airport transfers
- Meals not previously mentioned
- Guide services where mentioned as excluded
- Galapagos Park entrance fee, Ingala, and Isabela local taxes
- Optional tours
- Anything not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades where available
- Optional activities:
-
- Excursion to North Seymour Island and Bachas: $285USD per person
- Excursion to the Bartolomé Island: $290USD per person
- Excursion to South Plaza Island: $240USD per person
- Excursion to Española Island: $350USD per person
Frequenty Asked Questions about Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure
How hard is the Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure?
We rate this tour as a 2/5. This tour includes snorkelling and a short, easy hike. Participants should be good swimmers and comfortable in the ocean to get the most out of this tour.
Do I need a visa to travel to Ecuador?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
When is the best time to travel to Ecuador for this tour?
The best time to visit Ecuador for this tour is the dry season between December and May. This period brings warm weather, less rain, and good ocean clarity.
Are meals included on the Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure?
5 breakfasts and 2 lunches are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Baltra Island to start this tour?
You can connect to Baltra Airport from Quito or other main centers in Ecuador. You will be picked up to begin the tour once you arrive on Baltra. We recommend an early arrival or an arrival the night before (we can help book an extra night in the hotel if you arrive the day before the tour).
Is the Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure in English?
Yes, the guides are English-speaking.
Where does the Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure end?
The tour ends with a ferry transfer back to Baltra, where you will be taken to the airport.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Ecuador?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Ecuador?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Reviews
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Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
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What travellers say
Stephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
When can I do this tour?
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Why 10Adventures?
Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews
Tour Difficulty
We rate this tour as a 2/5. This tour includes snorkelling and a short, easy hike. Participants should be good swimmers and comfortable in the ocean to get the most out of this tour.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Local guide
Juan
Cajica, Columbia
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