Galapagos Discovery

9 Days | Meet sea lions and bunk on the best islands

4.6 out of 5 based on 42 reviews submitted.
Wildlife
From
EUR €2,211
View dates and book

Take in the highlights of the unique flora- and fauna-rich islands of the Galapagos on this eight-day adventure. From rubbing shoulders with giant tortoises to gazing up in wonder at the spectacular blue-footed boobies’ synchronised fishing technique, the Galapagos offers the chance to see an abundance of rare creatures at close range. We’ll show you the best islands, coves and natural wonders, and give you plenty of time to explore (with local advice!) so you can spend your time the way you want. Snorkel with sea lions, swim with sea turtles and relax in paradise.

Trip overview

Map of Galapagos Discovery including Ecuador
Start
Quito, Ecuador
Finish
Quito, 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 16
Trip code
GGRR
This trip generates 78 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Get your blood pumping as you scale Sierra Negra Volcano during an epic hike, then cool off with a swim in the perfect waters of Isla Isabela’s beaches.
  • Many come to Isla Santa Cruz just for the giant tortoises. Get up close and personal with these enormous animals as they drag themselves through the sand.
  • Learn about the unique habits of the marine iguana. This dinosaur-like little creature has an iridescent sheen and is only found on the Galapagos Islands.
  • Birdwatching at the Galapagos is quite an experience. Watch the aerobatic routines of blue-footed boobies and the death defying stunts of the frigate birds as they whizz through the air.
  • This trip combines plenty of must-try activities and islands with generous mounts of free time, so you can explore the Galapagos at your own pace.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip begins in Quito, where elevation can cause altitude sickness regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Medical and health information’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
  • This trip includes a 17 km hike (approximately 6 to 7 hours) on rocky terrain. We recommend bringing sturdy, comfortable hiking or trail shoes with good support.
  • This trip involves a lot of travel by speedboat between the various Galapagos Islands. The rides can be quite bumpy at times, but the good news is that seasickness can often be managed with medication. Please consult a health professional to assess your suitability for such medication.
  • From June to August the water in the Galapagos can be rougher than usual. Consequently, travel times will be longer than usual. If you suffer from seasickness you may want to reconsider travelling during this period.
  • Proximity to the equator means the sun in the Galapagos is incredibly strong. Ensure you are prepared with sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. We also recommend a rash guard.
  • This trip includes snorkelling on multiple days. Confident swimming skills are required to take part. Alternative activities will not be available.
  • Many travellers express interest in diving in the Galapagos. We are now able to assist with booking this activity, but only through a provider that meets our internal safety policy. Speak to your 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.
  • If you would like a trip that starts and ends in the Galapagos, please search the website for our trip Galapagos Experience (GGRX).

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Galapagos Discovery including Ecuador

Inclusions

Meals

5 breakfasts

Transport

Plane, Speed boat, Private Vehicle, Public bus

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nights)

Activities
  • 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
Add on activities
  • Quito - Market Discovery Urban Adventure - USD99
  • Quito - Papallacta Hot Springs (Full day) - USD70
  • Quito - Sweet & Culinary Experience - Urban Adventures - USD103
  • Quito - Old Town & Gastronomic- Urban Adventures - USD99
  • Quito - Condors and Culture in Otavalo Urban Adventures - USD156
  • Quito - Otavalo Indian Market (Full day) - USD70
  • Quilotoa - Quilotoa Lagoon (Full day) - USD100
  • Quito - Bellavista Cloud forest (Full day) - USD110
  • Cotopaxi - National Park Hiking Tour - USD95
  • 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
  • Quito - La Ronda Walk - Free
  • Antisana Trek Full day from Quito - USD120
  • Urban Adventures: Condors and Culture in Otavalo - USD756
  • Quito - Urban Adventures: Legends and Culture Tour - USD50

Dates and availability

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

Important notes

1. Due to limited hotel availability, a single supplement is not available on this trip.

2. Full passport details are required at the time of booking. The passport you travel with must match the booking details provided to us. This information is necessary to purchase entry permits to certain sites. Delays in providing this information could result in additional booking fees or changes to your itinerary.

3. All visitors to the Galapagos must have a Transit Control Card. We will use your passport details to complete the application process on your behalf. At the Welcome Meeting in Quito, you will be required to pay your leader US$20 in cash to cover the fee.

4. The Galapagos National Park fee (US$200) and Isabela Port fee (US$10) are payable upon arrival to the islands (cash only). These amounts are in addition to your trip payment.

4.Strict rules apply in the Galapagos Islands to protect and preserve its unique biodiversity. Intrepid supports these rules, which range from times of the day that a destination can be visited to the distance kept between people and wildlife. In particular, not removing anything from the environment (shells and corals, for example). All rules will be explained in more detail by your leader when you join the trip. Not adhering to these rules can lead to hefty fines for travellers and Intrepid losing the license to operate in the Galapagos Islands. Failure to adhere to the rules can result in your removal from the trip without a refund.
For more information: http://www.galapagos.org/travel/travel/park-rules/

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 based on 42 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

Filter by rating

Meghan · Traveled August 2024
The entire trip was amazing!! I had high expectations for the Galapagos which were exceeded at every turn! In particular, our guide Lorenzo was absolutely excellent, he had so much knowledge of the islands!
Review submitted 03 Sep 2024

Kimberly · Traveled August 2024
Absolutely delighted with the itinerary and our very knowledgeable and attentive local guide, Carlos. Excellent balance of activities: snorkelling and hiking, with wildlife observation and education. Amazing mother & daughter vacation.
Review submitted 20 Aug 2024

Julie · Traveled June 2024
This trip was a wonderful way to experience the Galapagos. Joel is a very knowledgeable guide and made this a trip we will never forget. Ecuador is a fascinating country. The snorkeling and hiking were phenomenal. We are so glad we chose a land-based approach to the Galapagos.
Review submitted 05 Jul 2024

Kaleigh · Traveled May 2024
This 9 day trip was absolutely amazing. It was a surprise trip for my mom's upcoming 60th birthday as it's always been her dream to see the giant land tortoises and they did not disappoint! The islands are so beautiful and the people are kind, I feel so thankful to have been able to share their home country/islands with them for a short time. The wild life there is unbelievable, I've never seen anything like it before. Everything organized by Intrepid was perfect and I can't wait to book another trip in the future!
Review submitted 30 May 2024

luisa · Traveled April 2024
This trips are really dependent on the guide and their enthusiasm. Unfortunately, our was lackluster.
Review submitted 13 May 2024
Galapagos Discovery
From
EUR €2,211