Ecuador · Wildlife

5-Day Galápagos Wildlife Tour with Santa Cruz and Island Excursions

5 Days Round trip from Aeropuerto Seymour de Baltra Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 See giant tortoises in the green highlands of Santa Cruz
  • 02 Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and Fausto Llerena Breeding Center
  • 03 Snorkel with sea lions and tropical fish in Santa Cruz Bay
  • 04 Explore two uninhabited Galápagos islands with a naturalist guide
  • 05 Spot wildlife such as marine iguanas, sea turtles, sharks, rays, and seabirds

Get to know the highlights of the central Galápagos Islands on Santa Cruz in just 5 days, with a balanced mix of exciting excursions and free time. In the green highlands of Santa Cruz, you can see primeval giant tortoises and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and Fausto Llerena Breeding Center to learn more about conservation. Boat excursions to uninhabited islands combine hiking, snorkeling, and close encounters with birds, sea lions, marine iguanas, tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks, and rays. Rugged volcanic landscapes contrast beautifully with white sandy beaches and the turquoise-blue sea, making this a memorable wildlife-focused island experience.

Boat excursions to uninhabited islands combine hiking, snorkeling, and close encounters with birds, sea lions, marine iguanas, tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks, and rays.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Guayaquil, Quito, Galapagos Islands, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival, Giant Tortoises, and Charles Darwin Research Station

  • After arriving at Baltra Airport, a local guide will meet you.
  • On the way to Puerto Ayora, stop at a local farm in the highlands, where dozens of giant tortoises live.
    • Wander among them and appreciate these majestic creatures up close.
  • Enjoy lunch before continuing to your destination.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.
    • Witness first-hand the work of international scientists who come to the Galápagos to carry out environmental projects.
  • Head to the nearby Fausto Llerena Breeding Center.
    • See giant Galápagos tortoises being bred and cared for.
    • This is one of the best places on the islands to see different tortoise species and learn more about each of them and their fascinating lives.

Meals included: Lunch.

2
Day 02

Santa Cruz Bay Boat Tour and Snorkeling

  • In the afternoon, embark on a bay tour by small boat to visit exotic places along the bay of Santa Cruz.
    • Visit at least one - or more, if time allows - of these fantastic sites.
  • Begin with the small islet of La Lobería, named for the great colony of sea lions.
    • Snorkel among them and swim beside tropical fish and their dazzling displays beneath the waves, all with a backdrop of incredible underwater formations.
  • Afterward, at Shark Channel, spot harmless white-tip sharks and blue-footed boobies.
    • Continue to Canal del Amor, a great place to find sea turtles along with many varieties of tropical fish.
  • Head ashore for a short 10-minute walk to see marine iguanas in their natural habitat.
    • There are plenty of opportunities for photography.
  • Return to Puerto Ayora to spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast.

3
Day 03

Uninhabited Island Exploration by Boat

  • Embark on an unforgettable adventure to explore the stunning beauty of the Galápagos Islands.
    • During this part of the trip, there is the chance to visit Santa Fé, South Plaza, Bartolomé, or North Seymour, depending on the permit granted by the National Park authorities for that day's activities.
  • Set sail and take in the awe-inspiring vista of turquoise waters and the rocky shorelines of the archipelago.
    • An expert guide leads a hike through the untouched natural habitats of the islands, where you can discover an array of exotic flora and fauna.
  • After a morning of exploration, take a break back on board for a scrumptious lunch before continuing the journey.
    • Relax on the pristine beaches and soak up the sun, or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters for a refreshing swim.
  • Afterward, return to Puerto Ayora, invigorated and inspired by the natural wonders of the Galápagos Islands.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

4
Day 04

Second Uninhabited Island Wildlife Excursion

  • Another day, another boat trip to an uninhabited island, but to a different location from the previous day.
    • Enjoy incredible opportunities to see endemic wildlife in its natural habitat and protected lands.
    • The boat trip itself is a joy, as it passes through magnificent ocean scenery.
  • Back on dry land, enjoy the evening in the laid-back town of Puerto Ayora.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

5
Day 05

Farewell to the Galápagos

  • The time has come to leave the Galápagos Islands, but this time with everlasting memories.
    • Take a final stroll through town and buy souvenirs for those who stayed home this time.
  • When the time comes, you will be transferred to Baltra Airport to catch your flight back to Quito or Guayaquil, depending on your flight.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Charles Darwin Research Station, La Lobería sea lion colony, Bartolomé Island volcanic shores

Where this trip takes you

Charles Darwin Research Station, La Lobería sea lion colony, Bartolomé Island volcanic shores

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Aeropuerto Seymour de Baltra 5 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • 4 nights in a single or double room
  • English- or Spanish-speaking naturalist guide
  • Meals according to the itinerary
  • Speedboat to Baltra Airport
  • Shuttle bus fee on Baltra Island

What's Not Included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Galápagos National Park entrance fee (US$ 200 per person, payable in cash upon arrival)
  • Galápagos Migration Card TCT (US$ 20 per person, payable in cash before departure)
  • Wetsuits on the boat excursions in the Galápagos
  • Services, meals, or drinks not mentioned
  • Personal expenses such as tips
  • Optional excursions and entrance fees
  • Possible increase in fees

What to bring

  • Travel documents (passport, etc.)
  • Day pack (or fanny pack)
  • Duffle bag, suitcase, or backpack
  • Comfortable walking shoes or boots with good traction
  • Teva-style sandals
  • Swimming suit
  • Light to medium fleece jacket
  • Gore-Tex (or similar) rain jacket
  • Shorts
  • T-shirts
  • Long-sleeve shirt or blouse
  • Lightweight full-length pants or trousers, either synthetic or cotton
  • Hat or cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Socks
  • Regular underwear
  • Toiletries
  • First aid and medication

Know before you go

  • Make sure to adjust your watch and smartphone to Ecuadorian time.
  • Mainland Ecuador Time Zone - GMT -5:00
  • Galápagos Islands Time Zone - GMT -6:00
  • Please be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight to Galápagos. You must go to the SICGAL desk to get your Migration Card (TCT), paying $20 per person in cash. After this step, you will have to pass through a luggage inspection before checking in your luggage with the airline.
  • Do not feed wildlife.
  • Respect wildlife and their natural habitat. Keep no less than two meters' distance from the animals so as not to affect their behavior.
  • Avoid consuming disposable goods. Do not throw away organic waste or any kind of waste until you find a proper place to dispose of it, as it can significantly affect the development of the ecosystem in which it is located. Try to recycle or reuse all solid waste.
  • Respect the recommendations given by the park rangers and the entrance hours of each area.
  • Stay inside the trails and respect the signs. Do not destroy infrastructure.
  • Carry out campfires, camping, and other activities only in the permitted zones of each area.
  • Special care is required during the breeding, molting, or rearing season. Do not place yourself between two animals, especially between a mother and her young. Some species are highly protective and may attack if they suspect their young are threatened or may leave the young more vulnerable to predators.
  • Hunting of animals, entry with weapons, and alcoholic beverages is strictly forbidden. It is also forbidden to damage the flora or take plants, animals, or geological remains. Check the list of permitted objects for entry to the corresponding Protected Area.
  • Avoid taking flash photography so as not to alter the normal behavior of wildlife. Filming, professional photographs for commercial purposes, and the use of drones require authorization from the corresponding Protected Area's Management.
  • Do not support illegal trade of flora and fauna species.
  • Use environmentally friendly insect repellent and completely avoid aerosols. We recommend using cream-based repellents or other alternatives.
  • In the green highlands of Santa Cruz, with its primeval giant tortoises, you can watch the young tortoises in the 'Charles Darwin' breeding station.
  • Birds abound both on land and in the air, such as frigatebirds, pelicans, and Darwin's finches, while playful sea lions and marine iguanas roam the beaches.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Baltra Airport Rd, Ecuador
Tour start
Aeropuerto Seymour de Baltra, Isla Baltra Baltra, HP4J+4C3, Seymour, Ecuador
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 days finish where they began, in Aeropuerto Seymour de Baltra.

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USD 1,535 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $1,535.00 — $1,965.00
Double Sharing $1,535.00

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