Galápagos Express Adventure: Wilderness & Wildlife

Location: Santa Cruz Island

Accommodation: Lava House Hotel

Arrive to Galapagos before 11:00am and transfer across Santa Cruz Island to the town of Puerto Ayora. Meet the group at the hotel at 2:30pm for a guided visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station for an opportunity to see the famous tortoises up close. Get to know the group in the evening over a few drinks. Cheers to new adventures with new friends!

ACTIVITY: Visit Fausto Llerena Breeding Center a great place to observe many species of tortoises and land iguanas in captivity. Brought back from the brink of extinction, see the famous Galápagos tortoise up close – a corral houses adult tortoises, and a nursery cares for the young until around age three when their shells have hardened. This area also houses the Charles Darwin Research Station, a scientific organization initiated in 1964, which works to preserve the Galápagos' ecosystem through the conservation efforts of scientists, researchers, and volunteers. While the offices themselves are not open to visitors, the research station provides a study location for international scientists and environmental education for the local community.

Location: Santa Cruz Island

Accommodation: Hotel Iguana

Meals: BREAKFAST

Hop on a speedboat and head to Isabela Island. Soak up the views around you — you might even see dolphins or whales alongside the boat! After dropping your stuff at the hotel, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the town of Puerto Villamil or to laze on the beach.

Additional Information: Please note that travel between islands is done by speedboat. The ride can be quite rough, especially from July to December. Make sure to bring sea sickness medication if you are prone to sea sickness.

TRANSPORT: Jump aboard this speedy vessel, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins or whales en route to the next island.

Location: Isabela Island

Accommodation: Hotel Iguana

Meals: BREAKFAST

Get up close and personal with a volcano as you hike the Sierra Negra today. Explore the incredible landscape and admire spectacular views from above. The afternoon is yours to snorkel, visit the giant tortoise breeding centre, or check out the Flamingo Lagoon.

Additional Information: Please note that space may be limited for optional activities during high season, these activities are operated by third-party operators and will be subject to availability.

ACTIVITY: Hike to the rim of the 10km (6 mi) wide crater of the Sierra Negra volcano, which has the largest basaltic caldera in the Galápagos. Trek across the moon-like landscape of the lava fields and fumaroles, and enjoy spectacular views looking north toward Fernandina and the rest of Isabela Island. The volcano last erupted in June 2018, making it the most recent eruption of the Galápagos. This hike is 7km in total (3.5 km each way).

Location: Isabela Island

Accommodation: Lava House Hotel

Meals: BREAKFAST

Travel by speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island and enjoy a free afternoon exploring the town or walking to nearby Tortuga Bay for a swim. Later, head out to explore Puerto Ayora and sample the local specialties of the Santa Cruz Brewing Company. Enjoy a bite to eat, or continue on to another bar or to get your drink (and dance!) on.

TRANSPORT: Jump aboard this speedy vessel, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins or whales en route to the next island.

ACTIVITY: Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.

Location: Santa Cruz Island

Accommodation: Hotel Mar Azul Galapagos

Meals: BREAKFAST

Take another speedboat to San Cristóbal Island and visit the Galapagos National Park Interpretation Center near town to learn about the unique history of the ecosystems, flora and fauna of the islands. Watch out for sea lions as you stroll along the malecón and look for a place to grab a drink and watch the sunset.

Additional Information: Please note, the accommodation for the night is multi-share in a hostel.

TRANSPORT: Jump aboard this speedy vessel, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins or whales en route to the next island.

ACTIVITY: Learn about the history of the Galápagos Islands from the very beginning of their volcanic origins through to today’s conservation efforts. Tour the Human History exhibit to learn about the islands’ discovery and colonization, and discover the natural history and variety of flora and fauna that make the Galápagos so fascinating.

Location: San Cristóbal Island

Accommodation: Hotel Mar Azul Galapagos

Meals: BREAKFAST

The day is yours to explore San Cristóbal Island. You can opt to snorkel at epic Kicker Rock or Isla Lobos, visit the white-sand beach of Playa Mann, or La Lobería to mingle with the resident sea lions.

Location: San Cristóbal Island

Meals: BREAKFAST

Depart at any time.