6-Day Galapagos Adventure in Santa Cruz and Pinzón from Baltra

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Witness the iconic giant tortoises in their natural habitat
• 02 Experience the thrill of kayaking in the pristine waters of Tortuga Bay
• 03 Get up close with the rare and fascinating Galapagos penguin
• 04 Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and learn about conservation efforts

Step into the unparalleled natural wonder of the Galapagos Islands, where pristine beauty reigns supreme. This extraordinary journey brings you face to face with endemic wildlife species found nowhere else on Earth, from the iconic giant tortoises to the playful blue-footed boobies. Explore this remote archipelago and be captivated by breathtaking landscapes that stretch from rugged volcanic terrain to crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. It is an unforgettable experience that promises to leave an indelible mark on your soul, a testament to the marvels of the planet's unique ecosystems.

This extraordinary journey brings you face to face with endemic wildlife species found nowhere else on Earth, from the iconic giant tortoises to the playful blue-footed boobies.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Galápagos National Park, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Santa Cruz - Highlands - CDRS

• Arrive at Baltra Airport, take a transfer and pay an entrance fee for the Galapagos National Park. and your luggage will be inspected.
• Guide will pick up from the hotel to proceed to explore the beauty of Santa Cruz in the morning.
• Start by visiting the Charles Darwin Station, where scientists from all over the world meet and work together on environmental projects such as water analysis, animal protection, effects of tourism on nature. 
• See the most famous place, Giant Tortoises in the Galapagos where the animals are raised before being released into the wild. The actual name of the tortoise area here is the “Fausto Llerena” Breeding Center, named after the Galapagos National Park ranger who cared for Lonesome George. This is the best place in the Galapagos to view numerous different species and see how their tortoiseshell shapes have evolved differently to match the terrain and vegetation of the islands they are native to.
• Continue toward Santa Cruz highlands where see giant tortoises in the wild (in their natural habitat) at a private farm.
• Enjoy a delicious lunch before returning to Puerto Ayora.

2

Day 02

Kayaking Tortuga - Free Afternoon

• 30-minute boat ride will lead to Tortuga Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos.
• Do kayaking and stay for sunbathing or snorkeling. There will be reserved kayaks at Tortuga Bay.
• Afternoon leisure.

3

Day 03

Bay Tour - Free Afternoon

• Have a delicious breakfast, and then move on a small boat to visit exotic places along the bay of Santa Cruz.
• Reach small islet called La Lobería named after the great colony of sea lions where you can snorkel around sea lions and tropical fish displaying a dazzling show beneath the surface against interesting underwater formations.
• Watch the harmless white-tip sharks and blue footed boobies at the Shark Channel.
• Cross Canal del Amor, where you may find sea turtles and many tropical fish varieties.
• Take a 10-minute walk to see marine iguanas in their natural habitat and you will have plenty of opportunities to take pictures.
• Lastly, visit Las Grietas, which are two large cliffs separate filled with freshwater towards the top of the surface and salt water below.
• Return to the dock and return to the hotel in the afternoon and spend the rest of the afternoon strolling and exploring Puerto Ayora.

4

Day 04

Pinzon and Playa La Fe

• Enjoy a delicious breakfast and embark on a fantastic adventure to Pinzón Island and La Fe.
• Stop at Pinzón, the first snorkel stop of the day, after disembarking at Penguin Bay, snorkel area with clear blue waters and much marine life. This site gives a great chance to see many Sea lions, Turtles, Reef sharks, Rays, Fish and Penguins.
• As the tour is run by fishermen there is a short fishing time, and any fish caught are served as fresh sashimi.
• Enjoy another 30-minute ride and reach La Fé, a beautiful white sand beach where you will disembark and swim from the beach or just relax in the sun.
• Lunch will be served on board. This is also the last snorkel site of the day where you can see sea lions, turtles, reef fish, rays and reef sharks as well.
• Finish the day in Puerto Ayora, for a well-earned rest.

5

Day 05

Explore Puerto Ayora on Your Own

• 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
• Enjoy the beauty of the Galapagos, taking lots of beautiful photos, and slowing down the pace to truly appreciate island life.

6

Day 06

Transfer to Baltra Airport for Departure Flight

• After this final visit, transfer to the Baltra airport in time for the flight back home.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Tourist-class accommodations (5 nights)
• English- and Spanish-speaking national guide
• Meals as mentioned on the itinerary
• All transfers according to the program

What's Not Included

• Galapagos flights are not included.
• International flights are not included in the price.
• Travel insurance
• National Park entrance fee (USD 100 per person until July 31st, then USD 200 per person)
• Galapagos Migration Card TCT (USD 20 per person)
• Optional excursions
• Personal expenses such as tips
• Alcoholic drinks
• Any other meals, drinks, and/or services not mentioned in the program

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.
• Luggage will be inspected before entering Galapagos National Park.
• 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 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 damage 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 they may leave the young more vulnerable to predators.
• Hunting animals, entering with weapons, and bringing alcoholic beverages are 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 using 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.

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.