Ecuador • Wildlife
Galapagos Island Hopping
This land-based Galapagos adventure offers a mixture of wildlife, marine activities and great food while staying at boutique hotels.
Visit the islands of San Cristobal, Isabela and Santa Cruz, each very different and offering a wonderful array of experiences that unfold with the help of expert local naturalist guides. An ideal alternative to explore areas not possible to reach on the regular Galapagos Island cruises, and to better interact with the local people.
From NZ$9,460 per person, twin share
6 Days / 5 Nights • Daily, year-round • Ecuador
Price quoted is a lead-in rate. As pricing may vary seasonally and according to standard/category selected, please contact us for a quote on your specific requirements.
Wildlife journey. This itinerary can be tailor-made, with the number of days, places visited, and activities varied to suit you.
Who this suits
Travellers who would rather sleep ashore than aboard: two nights on San Cristóbal and three on Santa Cruz in four-star hotels, with a private naturalist guide for the island sightseeing and shared day boats out to two of Bartolomé, North Seymour and the Plazas. Snorkelling with sea lions and turtles, León Dormido or Punta Pitt, a ceviche class in a family home, El Chato’s giant tortoises and the lava tunnels. All meals included.
Good to know
Flights from the mainland, the Galápagos National Park fee and the transit card are paid separately. Which two nearby islands you visit depends on the week’s boat schedule, and the day trips run one to two hours each way by shared boat; the inter-island crossing is by public speedboat. Everything is subject to weather and National Park rules. The grid runs to mid-December; festive-season pricing is on enquiry.
The journey
Day by day
Day 1 — San Cristobal Island
On arrival in San Cristobal, enjoy a lunchtime briefing before visiting the Galapagos Interpretation Centre, followed by a walk to Frigate Hill – a natural rock lava trail with bird spotting along the way. Later, take in scenic views of the sea cliff and the vibrant beach town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. On your way back, snorkel at beautiful Carola Beach with sea lions and turtles and enjoy a glorious Galapagos sunset.
Day 2 — San Cristobal Island
Today you will explore the north coast of San Cristobal island, visiting either Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) or Punta Pitt. The visiting site will depend on the day of the week based on Galapagos National Park regulations.
Your guides will make sure to search the nearby coves and cliffs for sea turtles, sea lions, frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, and Nazca boobies. Here you will have the chance to get up close and personal with sea lions in their favourite playground. While snorkelling, see eagle rays, golden rays, Galapagos sharks (considered harmless), starfish, clams, and thousands of tropical fish. In the evening you will visit the home of a local family and join a hands-on ceviche cooking class. End the experience by sharing a traditional meal while learning about the locals’ way of life and culture.
Day 3 — San Cristobal Island › Santa Cruz Island
Early morning you’ll board a public speedboat for a scenic ride to Santa Cruz Island. You’ll then visit El Chato, home to scores of Galapagos giant tortoises.
The sensation of walking amongst these ancient creatures, which can live to over 175 years old, is amazing. The giant tortoises share their habitat with pintail ducks, Darwin’s finches, frigate birds, egrets, and the vibrant vermillion flycatcher. Here you will have the opportunity to participate in a reforestation activity where you can plant endemic species that are currently at risk of extinction.
Later, stop at a group of cavernous lava tunnels frequented by the pirates that once roamed the Galapagos and, according to legend, a perfect hiding spot for their plundered Inca gold. Explore the surrounding forest of endemic Scalesia trees covered in ferns and epiphytes, home to the beautiful but shy short-eared owl. Before heading back to your hotel you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Center.
Days 4 – 5 — Bartolome › North Seymour › Plazas Islands
For the next two days, we’ll embark from Santa Cruz on day trips to two of the nearby small islands: Plazas, Bartolome, or North Seymour. Boats depart to different islands on a weekly schedule, so your destination will depend on the days of travel. The boat rides should take between one to two hours each way, and you’ll enjoy activities like hiking, snorkelling, bird watching, and natural history interpretation. Enjoy delicious breakfasts and dinners each day, and field lunches during day trips.
Day 6 — Santa Cruz Island › Baltra Island
Transfer to the airport for departure.
Pricing • New Zealand dollars, per person
By season and category
2026
| Season | Twin, per person | Single | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-star | |||
| 01 Jan – 15 Dec | NZ$9,460 | NZ$17,495 | Enquire → |
2027
| Season | Twin, per person | Single | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-star | |||
| 01 Jan – 15 Dec | NZ$9,935 | NZ$18,025 | Enquire → |
Price quoted is a lead-in rate. As pricing may vary seasonally and according to standard/category selected, please contact us for a quote on your specific requirements.
What’s included
- Tailor-made journey
- 5 nights’ accommodation
- 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners
- Meet & Greet at San Cristobal Airport
- Private transfers as per the itinerary
- Shared speedboat San Cristobal › Santa Cruz
- Private sightseeing with English-speaking naturalist guide as per the itinerary
- Shared sightseeing with English/Spanish-speaking guide for small island day trips
Not included
- Galapagos National Park fee currently USD $200 per person
- INGALA Transit Control Card currently USD $20 per person
- Return flights from the mainland
- Gratuities
Booking conditions
Booking conditions as supplied by World Journeys.
- Pricing varies due to fluctuations in exchange rates; please contact us for current pricing or other changes
- Please enquire about cross-season or festive season pricing
- Surcharges may apply during events, festivals, public/religious holidays, or other high-demand dates
- Please also enquire should you wish to extend your stay in the islands
- This itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions and National Park policy
Journey operated by World Journeys and booked through Fine Travel.
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