7-Day Galapagos Adventure from Quito with Tortuga Bay Kayaking

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Kayak along the spectacular shores of Tortuga Bay, one of the archipelago's most picturesque spots
• 02 Snorkel in Santa Cruz Bay among sea lions, tropical fish, and striking underwater formations
• 03 Explore Las Grietas, where freshwater above meets saltwater below between towering cliffs
• 04 Visit an uninhabited Galapagos island with opportunities to spot endemic land iguanas, frigate birds, or blue-footed boobies
• 05 Enjoy free time in Puerto Ayora to soak up the relaxed rhythm of island life

Experience Ecuador from Quito to the Galapagos Islands on a 7-day journey that combines city arrival logistics with immersive time on Santa Cruz Island. Discover Puerto Ayora, snorkel and cruise around the bay, kayak along the spectacular shores of Tortuga Bay, and enjoy free time to experience island life at your own pace. A full-day excursion to an uninhabited island adds more dramatic landscapes and remarkable wildlife encounters, from endemic land iguanas to frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. This itinerary is ideal for travellers seeking a balance of adventure, nature, and leisure in the Galapagos.

You will start with a 45-minute hike from Puerto Ayora to the heavenly Tortuga Bay, famed for its soft coral sand and spectacular scenery.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Quito, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Quito and Transfer to Your Hotel

• Upon arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), your driver will meet you for the one-hour transfer to your accommodation in the city center.

2

Day 02

Flight to the Galapagos and Arrival on Santa Cruz

• The big day is here! Today, you will be taken to the airport to catch your flight to the Galapagos Islands.
• Your private transportation will be waiting for you at your hotel to take you to the airport. This ensures you arrive 2 hours before your flight so you have time to purchase the TCT, prepare your luggage, and get everything ready for your flight.
• Welcome to the beautiful Santa Cruz Island! After arriving at Baltra Airport, your guide will be waiting for you to take you to Santa Cruz Island.
• You will spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

3

Day 03

Santa Cruz Bay Tour and Snorkelling Adventure

• In the afternoon, you will be taken on a small boat to visit exotic places along the bay of Santa Cruz.
• You will arrive at the small islet called La Lobería, named for the great colony of sea lions.
• You can snorkel around sea lions and tropical fish, which create a dazzling show beneath the surface against interesting underwater formations.
• Afterward, at the Shark Channel, you may spot harmless white-tip sharks and blue-footed boobies.
• You will come upon the Canal del Amor, where you may find sea turtles and many varieties of tropical fish.
• After a 10-minute walk, you will see marine iguanas in their natural habitat and have plenty of opportunities to take pictures.
• Lastly, you will visit Las Grietas, two large cliffs separately filled with freshwater toward the surface and saltwater below.
• Arrive back in Santa Cruz and return to town.

4

Day 04

Kayaking and Wildlife Encounters at Tortuga Bay

• You will start with a 45-minute hike from Puerto Ayora to the heavenly Tortuga Bay, famed for its soft coral sand and spectacular scenery. This stretch of coast is considered one of the archipelago's most picturesque spots.
• Take a kayak out onto the water to see marine life up close and admire the coastline from a different perspective.
• Observe colonies of marine iguanas and marine birds, as well as mangroves, cacti forests, and fascinating coastal flora.
• You may spot an interesting array of birds residing here; pelicans and finches are common, and near the salt lagoon that backs onto the mangroves, you may even spot flamingos wandering.
• After kayaking at the nearby cove, sunbathe on the beach or head back under the waves for some snorkelling before returning to Puerto Ayora in the afternoon.

5

Day 05

Leisure Day on Santa Cruz Island

• With no planned activities today, you are free to enjoy the island's beauty at your own pace.
• Lay back and enjoy the hotel amenities, or discover the following activities:
  • Hike to Tortuga Bay
  • Go for a stroll in the peaceful town of Puerto Ayora
  • Shop for souvenirs
  • Explore hidden coves
• Today is for enjoying the beauty of the Galapagos, taking lots of beautiful photos, and slowing down the pace to truly appreciate island life.

6

Day 06

Full-Day Excursion to an Uninhabited Island

• After a very early breakfast, you will enjoy a fantastic day trip to an uninhabited island today.
• Depending on the weather, scheduling, and permissions granted by the National Park, you will visit one of the following islands: Santa Fé, South Plazas, Bartolomé, or North Seymour.
• On these islands, you will follow trails to discover their richness, while in the afternoon you can explore the surrounding waters. Santa Fé and South Plazas are home to endemic land iguanas, while Bartolomé is known for its beautiful lava flows.
• On North Seymour, look for frigate birds and blue-footed boobies.
• Each island is unique, offering spectacular scenery and opportunities to see rare wildlife.
• Lunch, walking, and snorkelling are included onboard to maximise your experience.
• In the evening, return to Puerto Ayora to enjoy some free time.

7

Day 07

Return to Baltra Airport and Flight to Quito

• If there is enough free time before your transfer to the airport, do some last-minute souvenir shopping or take a final stroll through Puerto Ayora.
• At the designated time, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the Itabaca Channel, which you will cross by ferry.
• For the last part of your trip to the airport, take the public shuttle bus to the terminal.
• Your program ends with your return flight to the mainland and international connection.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• 1 night in Quito
• 5 nights in Puerto Ayora
• English-speaking guides
• Meals according to the itinerary
• Transfers according to the itinerary
• Snorkeling equipment
• Kayak in Tortuga Bay

What's Not Included

• International flights
• Domestic flights
• Galapagos Migration Card ($20 per person)
• Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($200 per person)
• Travel insurance
• Optional activities/excursions
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary

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 kit and medication

Know before you go

• 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, and do not throw away organic waste or any other kind of waste until you find a proper place to dispose of it, as it can significantly affect the development of the ecosystem. Try to recycle or reuse all solid waste.
• Respect the recommendations given by the park rangers and the entrance hours of each area.
• Stay on 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 animals and entering with weapons or 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 flash photography so as not to alter the normal behavior of wildlife. Filming, professional photography for commercial purposes, and the use of drones require authorization from the corresponding Protected Area's management.
• Do not support the 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.
• The entire city of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• It stands at an altitude of 9,350 feet (2,850 m) and welcomes visitors with its picturesque plazas situated between mountain peaks.
• The city has an abundance of market stands, shamanistic healers, and fourth-generation hat makers.
• It also boasts a vibrant and sophisticated culinary and nightlife scene.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Baltra Airport Rd, Ecuador

Tour start

Tababela Parish S/N via Yaruquí, Quito 170183, Ecuador

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.