Galapagos Islands Explorer

Welcome to Quito, the largest and best-preserved colonial city in South America, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Known as the Cultural Capital of South America, it lies on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano.

Once you have arrived in Quito, make your way to the hotel for check-in. Depending on your arrival time, then you may have some time to explore Quito's historic old town and its surroundings.

Later, meet your fellow travellers and guide at 6 PM for a welcome briefing. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Airport transfers are not included on this tour, but we can arrange them for you.

Quito - Baltra Island (Galapagos Islands) - Puerto Ayora. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your included onward flight to Baltra Island in the Galapagos. Upon arrival, we will be met and transferred by ferry to Santa Cruz Island, crossing the Itabaca Channel.

We will then travel by private car to the Santa Cruz highlands, home to the giant Galapagos tortoises, a lush, volcanic landscape with dense forests, unique flora, and dramatic craters. At a private ranch, we'll search for tortoises and explore lava tubes formed by solidified lava streams.

Afterward, we will make our way to the hotel, where our guide will meet us for a short briefing. You will then have the rest of the evening to relax in the hotel and experience the island at your leisure.

This morning, we’ll embark on a half-day tour of Academy Bay. We’ll take a short boat ride from Santa Cruz Island to the bay, where we will have the chance to swim and snorkel alongside sea lions, exotic fish, and other marine life. These curious creatures may even swim right next to you. As we sail, you might even spot the blue-footed boobies, renowned for their striking blue feet, which make them highly sought after by birdwatchers and photographers.

Next, we’ll head to a viewpoint where, if you’re lucky, you might spot white-tipped reef sharks swimming below. Afterward, we’ll make our way to Playa de los Perros, where we will walk along the beach and potentially see marine iguanas basking in the sun. The deep red colour of the rocks and the turquoise, sparkling ocean provide stunning photo opportunities.

Please note: Make sure to bring all necessary items like a change of clothes and a towel, complimentary snorkel gear is available for those who wish to explore underwater.

Puerto Ayora - Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Today, we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the active conservation and preservation initiatives on the Galapagos Islands.

In the afternoon, we will travel by speedboat to San Cristobal Island. Upon arrival, we will head to the hotel, where you will have the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, we will be transferred to the dock for a boat ride across to Isla Lobos, located off the coast of the much larger San Cristobal. Along the way, you may spot various marine animals, such as sea lions, manta rays, and possibly even sharks or dolphins swimming alongside the boat.

Upon arrival, we’ll embark on a tour of the island, exploring the white coral beaches to observe frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, manta rays, sea lions, and occasionally sharks, all thriving in the island’s waters and landscape. You will have some time to enjoy a walk along the beach, swim or spot more wildlife before we return to the hotel.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal) - Quito. Today, you will have the morning at leisure to explore San Cristobal. Later, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your included flight back to Quito.

Once you have arrived back in Quito, you will be met and transferred to the hotel, where you will have the rest of the day at your leisure.

Our tour ends today after breakfast. Your airport transfer is not included, so you can make your way to the airport or continue your travels independently.