Galapagos Turtles & Tortoises

Fly to Quito, Ecuador, arriving anytime this day. We will provide recommendations for hotels and those who arrive early can meet for dinner in the city. No meals or hotel included today.

This morning, we’ll gather at the airport for a short flight to San Cristobal, one of the oldest islands in the Galapagos archipelago. We’ll arrive in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the coastal town and administrative capital of the islands. After a quick check-in at our hotel, we’ll enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local dishes and snacks.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Interpretation Center, an excellent spot to learn about the archipelago’s history and its unique features. Just behind the center, you’ll find the Tijeretas or Frigatebird Hill, named after the frigate birds (tijeretas) known for their scissor-like tails. From the top, you’ll have a stunning view of Charles Darwin Bay. You can also snorkel in the bay or take a short detour to Playa Carola for some beach time. We’ll return to town in the late afternoon, giving you some time to freshen up before our welcome dinner at a local restaurant. We’ll be staying at the Seaside Hotel for the next four nights. All meals included.

This morning, we’ll visit the Science Center at San Francisco University for a seminar and workshop on sea turtle Photo ID, led by a researcher from the Galapagos Science Center. After lunch, we’ll travel to the highlands, beginning with a visit to El Junco, the only freshwater lake in the islands, located in a dormant crater. On clear days, it offers breathtaking views of the ocean.

Next, we’ll stop at La Galapaguera, a conservation center dedicated to increasing the population of San Cristobal’s endemic giant tortoises. Our final destination for the day is Puerto Chino, a serene and picturesque beach on the southeastern coast of San Cristobal. Renowned for its pristine white sand and turquoise waters, Puerto Chino provides a tranquil, relatively secluded spot to appreciate the natural beauty of the Galápagos, framed by lush greenery and volcanic rock formations.

One of the highlights of San Cristobal and a top snorkeling destination in the archipelago awaits. After breakfast, we’ll head to Kicker Rock, or Leon Dormido as the locals call it, to explore this dramatic tuff cone rising 143 meters from the ocean. You’ll dive into the deep water for a snorkel along the edge and through a channel of this striking volcanic formation. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, chocolate chip starfish, and, with a bit of luck, a Galapagos shark or two—don’t worry, they’re more interested in the sea than in you.

Following our thrilling snorkeling adventure, we’ll visit one of San Cristobal’s pristine beaches, accessible only by boat. Here, you can swim in the clear turquoise waters or snap photos of the diverse birdlife, crabs, and other intriguing creatures that inhabit the area. After lunch onboard, we’ll return to town. All meals included.

Famous for its sea lion population, Loberia is an ideal sandy spot to observe these playful creatures in their natural habitat. Watch as they frolic, nap, and occasionally strike a pose for the camera! Keep an eye out for marine iguanas, often seen lounging in the shade of the salt brush and other coastal plants.

Beyond Loberia, there's a hidden hike leading to a bird-filled cliff. The trail winds along the coast, where marine iguanas can often be spotted, and ends at a stunning overlook across a small, turbulent bay. This incredible vantage point is perfect for watching gulls, tropicbirds, and blue-footed boobies as they come and go from their cliffside nests. After the hike, we'll have the opportunity to cool off with a swim and snorkel in the sea. We’ll also join the local scouts for a beach cleanup, splitting into teams to compete in collecting the most plastic. All meals included.

We’ll start our adventure with an early transfer to the airport for a scenic flight to Isabela Island. During the 45-minute journey, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Galapagos archipelago, with its volcanic landscapes and stunning coastlines. Upon arrival and check-in at our hotel, we’ll head out to Tuneles (also known as Cabo Rosa), a breathtaking area located about an hour’s boat ride from town.

Los Tuneles is a remarkable site where lava flows have met the ocean, forming tunnels, arches, and sheltered bays. This area is renowned for its rich marine life, serving as feeding grounds for sea turtles, resting spots for Galapagos sharks, and occasional visits from charming Galapagos penguins. It’s also a nesting site for blue-footed boobies. While access can be challenging due to rough seas and tides, the experience is well worth it for the chance to encounter sea lions, eagle rays, octopuses, and a vibrant array of tropical fish, sea stars, and sea urchins in the crystal-clear waters.

In the evening, we’ll indulge in a delicious dinner featuring local cuisine at a nearby restaurant. We’ll spend the night at Albemarle Hotel, where we’ll be staying for the next three nights. All meals included.

Get ready to lace up your hiking boots—we’re heading up a volcano! Sierra Negra, one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos, last erupted in June 2018. As we hike toward the caldera's edge, we’ll keep an eye out for bird species unique to the highlands, such as the vibrant Vermillion Flycatcher and the elusive short-eared owl. Once we reach the rim, we’ll be rewarded with a stunning 9-kilometer view across one of the world’s most active calderas. The hike is approximately 3 to 4 miles round trip and takes about three hours with regular stops along the way.

After our morning adventure, we'll head to Campo Duro in the highlands for a delicious local lunch. Following lunch, we’ll visit the Campo Duro Giant Tortoise Project, which is dedicated to preserving Galapagos tortoise populations. Here, we’ll engage in a rewarding volunteer opportunity with their tortoise reintroduction program, participating in vital activities like monitoring, feeding, and maintaining their habitat. Afterward, we’ll return to town and enjoy another local restaurant's delicious cuisine. All meals included.

This morning, we’ll return to the highlands to continue our support for the giant tortoises as they prepare for their release into the wild. After enjoying lunch at Campo Duro, we'll head back to Puerto Villamil for a leisurely kayak ride around the calm waters of the sheltered bay. Keep an eye out for Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, and rays, which are often seen in these shallow waters. Along the shore and among the nearby mangroves, you might spot blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and pelicans resting, enhancing the natural beauty of the area. In the evening, we’ll dine at a waterfront restaurant, savoring a mix of grilled delights and island-inspired dishes while taking in the stunning views.

This morning, we’ll set out on an excursion to Tintoreras, also known as Shark Alley, a secluded islet famous for being a prime nesting site for marine iguanas. Amidst the striking volcanic landscapes, we’ll have the chance to observe the lively iguana colonies. Afterward, we’ll dive into the calm waters of a serene inlet, ideal for snorkeling. Here, you can explore the vibrant underwater world filled with colorful fish and graceful green sea turtles gliding above the sandy seabed.

Following lunch, we’ll say goodbye to Isabela as we board a boat to Santa Cruz Island, the bustling heart of the Galapagos Archipelago. Once we’ve checked into our hotel, our guide will take us on a discovery walk through town, allowing us to soak up the local charm before enjoying a farewell dinner. We’ll spend the night at Hotel Silberstein. All meals included.

The group will transfer to Baltra Island for the return flight to Quito. No hotel included today. Meal - breakfast.