Magic of Isabela - Galapagos Island Hopping

You can arrive to the Galapagos Islands only by flight either from Quito or Guayaquil (air ticket not included). An English-speaking guide will be waiting for you at the Baltra airport. He will then take you to Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) for lunch.

Afterwards, the guide will lead you to the Public speedboat towards Isabela Is. (departs at 14:00) for a two and a half hours ride. After arriving at Isabela and after a brief rest at the hotel, we head to the Flamingo Lagoon, the largest coastal lagoon found in the Galapagos and one of the main reproductive sites for the majority of flamingos.

Dinner will be served at the local restaurant specified by the guide.

Early in the morning (8:00 am), after breakfast, get ready for the Sierra Negra Volcano hike (comfortable clothes, walking shoes and a light rain jacket are recommended). Make sure your camera is stored in waterproof bags, wear some sunscreen, bring water, and a hat! Yourself will prepare your box lunch at the hotel with the foodstuff of your choice. We will then travel approximately 45 minutes by truck or bus to begin the 12 km hike (approx. 4 hours).

The hike is long in terms of distance, but not very difficult as the inclines and declines are quite gradual. (There is an option to ride horses for an additional cost if interested please let us know beforehand). Sierra Negra Volcano has the second largest crater in the world, measuring approximately 6 miles in diameter and 300 feet deep. We will then reach Volcan Chico, which should provide a spectacular view of the islands.

Once we get back to the hotel we will take a short break to rest. In the afternoon, get to do some fine snorkelling in Concha Perla. Swim with sea lions, colourful varieties of fish and, with luck, sea turtles and rays. Return to the hotel to rest before heading to dinner at a local restaurant indicated by the guide.

After breakfasts, get ready to visit Tintoreras Islet. Make our way to the dock of Puerto Villamil in order to embark on small speedboats (12 passenger capacity). After a short ride (approx. 20 min.) we will arrive at Tintoreras Islet. The name of the islet derives from the sharks that inhabit in the waters surrounding the islet, the famous white-tipped fins Tintorera Sharks. The islet is one of the most fascinating places on Isabela Island. Galapagos sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Sally Lightfoot Crabs, sea turtles, pelicans, and Galapagos Penguins can all be found in this site. It is also one of the main breeding sites for marine iguanas, and a great spot to get a close-up with them.

After a hike around the islet, get back on the boat and cool off by snorkelling in the waters nearby. Swimming next to multicolour fish, starfish, sea urchins, and with luck manta rays, sharks, and sea lions is a major highlight in this excursion. After a fascinating experience, we will return to the hotel for lunch.

In the afternoon, visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center of Isabela. Here you can observe a variety of species of giant tortoises. You will also hear how this centre has successfully bred and raise the giant tortoises to preserve many endangered subspecies. Afterwards, we will visit the Wall of Tears (Muro de las Lagrimas).

On the way back we will make a visit to a Lava Tunnel near the Wall- Visits to Mirador Orchilla, Estero de Isabela, and Playa del Amor are also programmed. We will then return to the hotel to rest before heading to dinner at a local restaurant specified by the guide.

After breakfast and depending on the tide, we will make our way to the dock and prepare for the kayaking excursion. After listening to the instructions and safety precautions, and once equipped with lifejackets and oars, you will begin rowing towards Tintoreras Islet where you will be able to observe a variety of fauna from our kayaks, including Penguins, Blue-footed Boobies, and Marine Iguanas. You will make our way up to El Faro before heading back to shore (appx. 2 hours). Return to the hotel for lunch.

In the afternoon you will visit the Highlands of Isabela, specifically Campo Duro inhabited by approx. 42 Giant Galapagos Tortoises in a semi-natural protected environment. On the way back we will visit the Mirador del Mango, La Cueva de Sucre, and then return to the hotel to rest before eating dinner at a local restaurant specified by the guide.

Get ready to go to the dock (it is recommended to wake-up at 5:00 AM) to take the Public speedboat, which leaves at 7:00 a.m. (subject to change), to Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz Island (approx. 2 hr.). Upon arrival, the guide will take you to eat breakfast. After a short rest, we will make our way to the Highlands of Santa Cruz. Here you will have the unforgettable opportunity to observe the famous Galapagos Giant Tortoises in their natural environment. The Islands themselves were named after these species. You will also be able to observe the famous Galapagos Finches, Bird Wizards, as well as endemic vegetation such as Escelacias forests and Matazarnos. Afterwards, we will return to Puerto Ayora. Dinner will be served local-style menu in the restaurant specified by the guide.

In the afternoon, the guide will have specified the meeting time to begin the visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here you can find a large variety of Giant Tortoise, one of each island in the archipelago.

You will also learn about the ongoing conservation efforts directed at preserving the Giant Tortoises, as well as the natural environment of the archipelago as a whole. After this, we will make a short visit to the Art Galleries of Puerto Ayora. Dinner at a local restaurant specified by the guide.

On the final day we recommend waking up at 6:00 am to get ready and have breakfast before the transfer out to Baltra Airport where you will catch your return flight to either Quito or Guayaquil The last visit to the Twin Craters on the way out will depend on the departure time of your flights and the general timings of the tour.