Galapagos Experience

7 Days | A week exploring the natural wonders and wildlife of the Galapagos Islands

4.9 out of 5 based on 48 reviews submitted.
Wildlife
From
EUR €1,141
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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

Map of Galapagos Experience including Ecuador
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
This trip generates 19 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
  • 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.

Is this trip right for you?
  • 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

Map of Galapagos Experience including Ecuador

Inclusions

Meals

6 breakfasts

Transport

Speed boat, Private Vehicle, Public bus

Accommodation

Hotel (6 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
  • 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

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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.
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/

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.

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Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 48 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.

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Daniel · Traveled January 2024
Galapagos Islands is, thus far, my favorite destination ever. Intrepid provided us with a wonderful tour guide named Genesis, who was a well-spring of knowledge on the islands, their history, and its fauna. I loved the activities, the scenery, the wildlife, the food, the people. 10/10.
Review submitted 05 Feb 2024

Dawn · Traveled January 2024
The Galapagos is amazing, and it’s definitely a place where having a tour is advised. Intrepid made sure we got to experience multiple islands, and as each island is unique, it was so beneficial to the experience to have the whole itinerary (including travel between islands) planned.
Review submitted 05 Feb 2024

mo · Traveled January 2024
Excellent choice to see the Great Galapagos in 9 days. Excellent leader and transportation was well organized.
Review submitted 01 Feb 2024

Mariah · Traveled December 2023
Review submitted 12 Dec 2023

Lyndall · Traveled December 2023
Review submitted 12 Dec 2023
Galapagos Experience
From
EUR €1,141