Galápagos Express Adventure: Wilderness & Wildlife
From Santa Cruz Island to San Cristóbal Island
Tour Operator: G Adventures
Physical rating: 2 - Light
Special diets catered: Vegetarians, Vegans
Age range: Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
Tour operated in: English
Prices From:
Tour Overview
The Galápagos Islands aren't just all about cruising! Over a week’s time and beginning and ending right in the heart of the action (the islands, of course), you’ll stay active by snorkelling, hiking, and exploring the diverse terrain before slowing things down with wildlife exploration in the company of an expert Naturalist Guide. With plenty of options to stick around after the trip’s done (or show up early for some independent adventuring beforehand), this is the perfect express trip for a most excellent Galápagos experience.
Highlights
Snorkel with sea lions, travel by public speedboats around the Galápagos Islands, camp in the middle of it all to stay closer to nature, visit Charles Darwin Research Station, hike Sierra Negra Volcano.- Snorkel with sea lions
- travel by public speedboats around the Galápagos Islands
- hike Sierra Negra Volcano.
- camp in the middle of it all to stay closer to nature
- Snorkel with sea lions, travel by public speedboats around the Galápagos Islands, visit Charles Darwin Research Station, hike the Sierra Negra Volcano.
- visit Charles Darwin Research Station
Places You'll See
Countries:
Cities & Attractions:
Itinerary
Day 1: Santa Cruz Island
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.
Day 2: Santa Cruz Island/Isabela Island
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.
Day 3: Isabela 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).
Day 4: Isabela Island/Santa Cruz Island
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.
Day 5: Santa Cruz Island/San Cristóbal Island
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.
Day 6: San Cristóbal Island
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.
Day 7: San Cristóbal Island
Location: San Cristóbal Island
Meals: BREAKFAST
Depart at any time.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Simple hotels (4 nts), Multi-share hostel (2 nts).
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Meals
6 breakfasts
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Your G for Good Moment: Floreana Community Restaurants, Floreana Island. Interpretation Centre Visit (San Cristóbal Island). Hike to Sierra Negra Volcano (Isabela Island). Isabela Highlands Camping. Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island). Isabela Municipal Tax. Opportunities for snorkelling, swimming, and incredible wildlife encounters. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
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Isabela Municipal Tax
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All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
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Your G for Good Moment: Floreana Community Restaurants, Floreana Island
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Hike to Sierra Negra Volcano (Isabela Island)
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Isabela Highlands Camping
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Opportunities for snorkelling, swimming, and incredible wildlife encounters
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Your Big Night Out Moment: - Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island
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Interpretation Centre Visit (San Cristóbal Island)
