7 Days | A week exploring the natural wonders and wildlife of the Galapagos Islands
Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin on this wildlife-filled adventure through nature’s playground. Snorkel with sea lions, get up close to giant tortoises, scale a volcanic crater and discover the incredible evolutionary history of the Galapagos Islands, all under the guidance of an expert naturalist guide. With accommodation on Isla San Cristobal, Isla Santa Cruz and Isla Isabela, this trip is perfect for people who don’t want to tour the islands on a cruise. Included activities are both educational and immersive, while still allowing you plenty of free time to relax or get active at your own pace.
Trip overview
- Start
- Isla San Cristobal, Ecuador
- Finish
- Isla Santa Cruz, Ecuador
- Theme
- Wildlife
- Destinations
- Ecuador
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Basix
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 15
- Trip code
- GGRX
- Snorkel in Tijeretas and keep an eye out for eagle rays, Galapagos sea turtles, sea lions and plenty of colourful fish.
- Scale a volcano on Isla Isabela, a 17-kilometre hike that rewards you with epic views across the island plus the possibility of sighting the rare, red-feathered vermilion flycatcher.
- Head to the highlands of Isla Santa Cruz to see giant tortoises munching grass, walking slowly and chilling in their natural habitat.
- You have the option to tailor your experience with unforgettable optional excursions like nature hikes, boat trips and scuba diving.
- Learn about Galapagos’ natural and exploratory history with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and learn about conservation efforts to preserve their ecosystems.
- This trip involves day travel by boat between the various islands of the Galapagos. The good news is that seasickness can often be managed with medication and by consulting a health professional before you travel.
- The trip includes a 17-kilometre hike (approximately 5–6 hours) on rocky terrain. We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes that offer good support.
- Understandably, many of our travellers express interest in scuba diving in the Galapagos. We are now able to assist with booking this activity, though please note that our staff are only able to do this through a provider that meets our internal safety policy. Speak to an Intrepid agent at the time of booking for more information.
- The Galapagos is a great place to switch off and take a break from your phone, as internet access can be patchy, and Wi-Fi is not always available or reliable.
- Hot water can be sporadic in some parts of the Galapagos, so there may be a few cold showers on the trip.
Itinerary
Inclusions
6 breakfasts
Speed boat, Private Vehicle, Public bus
Hotel (6 nights)
- Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center (45 minutes)
- Isla San Cristobal - Snorkelling in Tijeretas Hill
- Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
- Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre (45 Minutes)
- Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (1 Hour)
- Isla Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours)
- Santa Cruz Marine Reserves - Half Day Boat Tour
- Kicker Rock excursion - USD120
- Frigate Bird Hill - Free
- Mann Beach - Free
- Snorkelling gear rental - USD5
- Isla Lobos. - USD80
- Isla Tintoreras - USD47
- Isla Isabela - wetsuite rental - USD15
- Kayak rental - USD50
- Isla Isabela - Snorkeling in Concha y Perla - Free
- Isabela Island – Snorkelling gear rental - USD5
- Tunneles Snorkelling - USD120
- Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk - Free
- Scuba Diving - Galapagos islands - USD280
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. Due to limited hotel availability, a single supplement is not available on this trip.
2. Intrepid offers a longer version of this tour (search trip code GGRR), which includes flights to and from Quito.
3. A Galapagos Transit Card fee of US$20 must be purchased at Quito Airport (or whichever airport in Ecuador you are flying to the Galapagos from) before your flight to the Galapagos. Without this card, you might be denied boarding. After you have purchased your Transit Control Card, you will have to check your luggage at the SICGAL counter, where they will seal your checked bags; then proceed to the check-in counter of your respective airline. You will need to be at the airport at least 2 hours prior to the departure time, as this can be a lengthy process. You will also need to have cash on hand, as credit cards are not accepted.
4. The Galapagos park fee (US$100) and Isabela Port fee (US$10) are payable upon arrival to the islands (cash only). These amounts are in addition to your trip payment.
From the 1st of August 2024 the Galapagos Islands National Park fee will be increasing from USD100 to USD200
5. Full passport details are required at the time of booking. Please ensure all your details are correct and that they match your passport. The passport you travel with must match the booking details provided to us. This information is necessary to purchase entry permits to certain sites. Please note that delays in providing this information could result in additional booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
6. Please refer to the ‘Special information’ section on Day 1 of your itinerary for detailed instructions on how to join your group.
7. Strict rules apply in the Galapagos Islands aimed at protecting and preserving its unique biodiversity. Intrepid strongly agrees and supports these rules, which range from times of the day that a destination can be visited to the distance kept between people and wildlife and especially not removing anything from the environment (shells and corals, for example) – all these rules will be explained in more detail by your Leader on the ground. Not adhering to these rules can lead to hefty fines for travellers and can result in Intrepid losing the license to operate in the Galapagos Islands – these rules must be adhered to by all, without exception. Failure to adhere to the rules can result in being removed from the trip without a refund.
For more information, please follow this link: http://www.galapagos.org/travel/travel/park-rules/
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