Galapagos Experience

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

5 out of 5 based on 51 reviews submitted.
Wildlife
From
USD $1,306
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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 18.96 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.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2023

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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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

5 out of 5 based on 51 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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Ole · Traveled August 2023
We saw more wildlife on land and in the sea than on any other trip we've been on. The Galapagos Islands are a special place on my bucket list and Intrepid Travel delivered a dream trip in large part because of Genesis Coronel, our tour coordinator.
Review submitted 04 Sep 2023

Madeleine · Traveled August 2023
Great experience, will never forget this trip! Local leader in the Galapagos was amazing, hope to see her again. Hotels were all very nice, 2ppl per room with private bathrooms. Only 7 in our group, all included and optional tours were great with enough free time. Did Isla Lobos and Tintoreras per leader recommendation
Review submitted 04 Sep 2023

Katherine · Traveled August 2023
Great trip. Andres our guide was brilliant and very knowledgeable about the Galapagos and all its wildlife.
Review submitted 18 Aug 2023

Arielle · Traveled August 2023
Had a really good time travelling with Intrepid. The travel between the islands was straight-forward and well-organized. Our trip had a busy itinerary that allowed us to see a little bit of everything and had a good variety of activities, but also enough down time to do a bit of our own thing. Isabela was our guide and she did an amazing job!
Review submitted 03 Sep 2023

Maggi · Traveled July 2023
I was a bit skeptical of this trip because I had heard the way to do the Galapagos is by cruise. However, I don't feel like we missed out on anything! We saw incredible wildlife, met great people, and had an overall fantastic adventure. I wish the itinerary were longer, but this is a great budget option. Our guide Isabela was truly incredible. Her knowledge, positive attitude, and ability to keep everything organized made our trip. We're so lucky she was our guide. This was my 3rd Intrepid trip, and I have been impressed with every single one.
Review submitted 28 Jul 2023
Galapagos Experience
From
USD $1,306