The Galápagos: Wildlife of Santa Cruz & Isabela Islands image
Save 20% off, auto-applied, ends 2026-06-27
Operated by G Adventures

The Galápagos: Wildlife of Santa Cruz & Isabela Islands

From
CAD 4,999
Duration
8 days
Countries
Ecuador
Activity
moderate

The adventure

Picture sunset cocktails, snorkelling with wildlife, kayaking in turquoise waters off of pristine beaches and spending time tucked away in a boutique hotel overlooking some of the most impressive scenery in all of the Galápagos Islands. The perfect balance of activities, wildlife and free time, this eight-day adventure is packed full of the essential highlights and local flavours of Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands. Stay active in the water and on land with snorkelling excursions and walks along diverse coastal terrain. Savour deliciously fresh cuisine and have lunch at a private reserve featuring giant tortoises in the wild. You’ll learn how important this fascinating, diverse, remote span of islands is to the world, all while hitting the reset button during a tropical island getaway.

At a glance

Duration
8 days
Route
Quito → Quito
Countries
Ecuador
Activity level
moderate
Style
Active & Multi-Sport, Beach & Islands, Food & Drink, National Parks & Wilderness, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

The Galápagos: Wildlife of Santa Cruz & Isabela Islands image

Day by day

Breathtaking aerial shot of Cotopaxi Volcano with a lone house in El Corazón, Ecuador. Perfect for nature lovers.
Your journey through

Ecuador

Day 1Gaze out at the rolling countryside and mountain…Quito
Aerial view of Quito featuring Panecillo Hill and Virgin statue, capturing historic architecture and vibrant cityscape.Quito
Gaze out at the rolling countryside and mountain peaks as you approach Quito, dreaming of the faraway Galápagos Islands that are almost within your reach. Take in a breath of fresh mountain air as you step out of the plane, knowing that soon enough you will be in the equatorial warmth at sea level. We welcome you to Ecuador, and invite you to prepare for one of the most incredible wildlife destinations on the planet—the Galápagos Islands.
Map showing Quito
Day 2The journey is part of the adventure today…QuitoStart early for a flight to Baltra from Quito. Travel ten minutes by public bus to the ferry port across Canal Itabaca then transfer by private vehicle to Puerto Ayora. Grab some lunch before taking a speed boat to Isabela, keeping an eye out for whales and dolphins along the way. Check into your OMG Stay on the island and spend some free time exploring before an included Ceviche Experience Party, where you will learn about this local dish and the culture of the island (Vegetarian options available).
Aerial view showcasing Quito's urban landscape with rolling hills and colorful rooftops.Quito
Start early for a flight to Baltra from Quito. Travel ten minutes by public bus to the ferry port across Canal Itabaca then transfer by private vehicle to Puerto Ayora. Grab some lunch before taking a speed boat to Isabela, keeping an eye out for whales and dolphins along the way. Check into your OMG Stay on the island and spend some free time exploring before an included Ceviche Experience Party, where you will learn about this local dish and the culture of the island (Vegetarian options available).
Map showing Quito
Day 3You will see firsthand today how unbelievable…Transfer to the dock after breakfast where your boat awaits. Cruise along to Los Túneles for a thrilling snorkelling excursion to spot marine life under the water, then walk the coastal trail to look for blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and more. Eat lunch onboard the boat on the way back to Puerto Villamil and take the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. Explore on your own, relax in the pool of the hotel or try out one of the many bars and restaurants in town.
Transfer to the dock after breakfast where your boat awaits. Cruise along to Los Túneles for a thrilling snorkelling excursion to spot marine life under the water, then walk the coastal trail to look for blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and more. Eat lunch onboard the boat on the way back to Puerto Villamil and take the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. Explore on your own, relax in the pool of the hotel or try out one of the many bars and restaurants in town.
Day 4Today you will be able to explore more…
Today you will be able to explore more of Isabela Island on your terms with the choice of two activities. Stick to the land and hike the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of five active ones located on Isabela Island, and rising to an altitude of 1124m. If you are looking for more snorkelling, take to the water and head to Las Tintoreras, an islet to the south of Puerto Villamil that forms part of the national park of the Galápagos Islands. The area is known for the reef sharks that can be seen swimming with fish and other marine life when the tide is low.
Day 5Swap islands today and travel to the second largest
Swap islands today and travel to the second largest—Santa Cruz—located in the centre of the archipelago, where you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station responsible for many of the studies conducted on the islands about the fascinating and prehistoric land tortoises. Enjoy lunch before walking to Tortuga Bay. Here, spend time at the beach named for its black sea turtles that nest there, and bask in the sun along this inviting stretch of white sand before a kayak excursion through the calm waters. Walk back to town and cap the day off with free time in port.
Day 6Travel to the highlands to a private ranch…Galapagos
Two Galápagos giant tortoises interacting in their natural habitat.Galapagos
Travel to the highlands to a private ranch to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat and visit some lava tunnels. After lunch, go to Garrapatero beach for some tidal pool gazing or wildlife spotting from the beach and around the lagoon. Before heading to town stop by an organic farm where you can learn about the hydroponic crops they are growing and how this technique is helping to protect the environment and reduce water usage within agriculture. This evening, it's time to say good-bye to the mighty Galapagos and there's no better way than with a signature cocktail-making experience during sunset.
Map showing Galapagos
Day 7While it’s time to bid the islands farewellQuitoSpend the day travelling back to Quito. Enjoy a private transfer to Canal Itabaca, board the ferry across, then take a short public bus ride to the Baltra Airport. Fly to Quito and check in to the hotel before a farewell dinner with the group in the historical centre of the city.
Aerial view of Quito featuring Panecillo Hill and Virgin statue, capturing historic architecture and vibrant cityscape.Quito
Spend the day travelling back to Quito. Enjoy a private transfer to Canal Itabaca, board the ferry across, then take a short public bus ride to the Baltra Airport. Fly to Quito and check in to the hotel before a farewell dinner with the group in the historical centre of the city.
Map showing Quito
Day 8Today your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time
Today your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time.

Discover Ecuador

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Majestic view of Cotopaxi volcano surrounded by vibrant wildflowers under a clear blue sky.
Stunning aerial view of Quilotoa Crater Lake surrounded by mountains under a vibrant blue sky.
A stunning aerial view of the hillside towns and lush greenery in Quito, Ecuador.
Breathtaking view of Cotopaxi Volcano in Ecuador, showcasing barren, eroded landscapes and clouds.
Explore the tranquil beauty of a remote lake nestled amid lush mountains, offering a peaceful escape.

Upcoming departures

Last Minute 20% off SEGE260627 · ends 2026-06-27 · auto-applied
DatesPrice / personAvailability
27 Jun 20264 Jul 2026CAD 4,999On requestBook my trip
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