Galapagos Island Hopping
Experience Overview
Amazing wildlife, both on land and under the water, is the main drawcard of the remote Galapagos Islands. On this eight-day trip, you’ll explore this otherworldly archipelago on foot and by boat with an expert naturalist guide to lead the way. Swim with sea turtles, see giant tortoises up close, watch sea lions lounge around town and discover fascinating, varied landscapes. Learn about the conservation efforts on Isla Santa Cruz, take a cooking class to make a famed Ecuadorian soup and enjoy multiple snorkelling opportunities, as well as a full-day hike to the second-largest volcanic crater in the world! This trip will have you cruising and exploring by day and relaxing on land by night, with all the logistics taken care of for you.
Highlights
- Learn about the unique habits of the marine iguana with your expert naturalist guide. This dinosaur-like creature has an iridescent sheen and is only found on the Galapagos Islands.
- Snorkel the incredible waters of Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) – an eroded volcanic cone where sea turtles, rays and colourful fish call home.
- See the giant tortoises that freely roam the islands. Many visitors come to Isla Santa Cruz just to see these enormous creatures in their natural habitat!
- Watch the aerobatic routines of blue-footed boobies and the death-defying stunts of the frigate birds as they whizz through the air. Calling all avid birdwatchers!
- Start and end your trip in the Galapagos (as opposed to mainland Ecuador) – this means it’s easy to stay longer if you fall in love with the archipelago.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1939
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Speed Boat, Private Vehicle
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: GGTG
Starts: Isla San Cristobal, Ecuador
Finishes: Isla Santa Cruz, Ecuador
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7), Lunch (4),Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2891 ($361 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands. After joining up with your fellow travellers and your local naturalist guide, you’ll travel to La Loberia by private minibus for the first Galapagos snorkelling experience of your trip. Go for a swim among the sea lions and maybe even spot sea turtles, too! After, return to town for a free evening and maybe head out with the group and get to know each other better over some fresh seafood.
Included Activities:
- Isla San Cristobal- Snorkeling in La Loberia (1.5 Hours)
Optional Activities:
- Wetsuit hire for 5 days (60 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a 45-minute boat ride to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) this morning. On the way, you might be able to spot nesting frigates and blue-footed boobies. You might even get the chance to swim among the sea lions again. At Leon Dormido, you can snorkel and look for sea turtles, manta rays and the harmless Galapagos shark. Eat lunch on the boat, then head to the Interpretation Center. Learn about the history of the 'enchanted islands' and the conservation projects that seek to preserve them. Next, walk to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) for stunning views of the bay. You’ll return to town in the late afternoon for a free evening.
Included Activities:
- San Cristobal - Excursion to Leon Dormido or Lobos Islands
- Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center (45 minutes)
- Isla San Cristobal - Cerro Tijeretas View Point (1 Hour)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise bright and early today for a private speedboat trip to Isla Isabela – keep an eye out for dolphins and whales on the journey! On the way, you’ll stop at Isla Floreana where you’ll take a short walk to a black sand beach owned by the Witter family – descendants of some of the Galapagos’ earliest settlers. Here, you’ll learn about the island’s small community and unusual history. Then, put on your snorkelling gear and head into the water to spot colourful fish and sea turtles. For today’s lunch, you’ll sit down for a traditional meal at Leila – a small, family-run restaurant with a genuine community feel. Leila is part of the Floreana Community Tourism Association, meaning your visit directly supports local families and sustainable tourism on this little island. Later today, continue to Isla Isabela, where you’ll spend the night.
Included Activities:
- Floreana - Snorkeling
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you’ll hop on a small motorboat and cruise to Las Tintoreras (Shark Alley), looking out for blue-footed boobies and the famous Galapagos penguin. Take a short walk through a marine iguana nesting site (watch your step as they camouflage into the surrounding rock!), then stop at ‘Shark Alley’ – a narrow channel where white-tipped reef sharks rest in the clear, shallow waters. Head back to the boat, then put on your snorkelling gear and jump in to look for sea turtles, playful sea lions, colourful fish, eagle rays and sea stars. Return to Isla Isabela for lunch and then visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center, where you'll observe giant tortoises in all stages of development, then visit a brackish lagoon to observe flamingos. Later today, kayak around the Bay of Puerto Villamil, maybe spotting pelicans, frigatebirds and the brightly coloured Sally Lightfoot crabs along the way. Spend your evening resting in the sand and soaking in an Isla Isabela sunset – arguably the most beautiful of all the islands!
Included Activities:
- Isla Isabela -Tintoreras or Shark Alley
- Isla Isabela - Flamingo lagoon visit
- Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre
- Isla Isabela - Kayaking
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, travel by private minibus to the trailhead of Sierra Negra Volcano – one of the Galapagos’ most active volcanoes and home to the world's second largest crater! Weather permitting, you’ll take a challenging 17 km round trip hike up the rocky mountain. Starting amid lush highland vegetation, watch the landscape surrounding you transform into stark volcanic terrain as you walk. After your hike, make your way back to town for some free time to relax – maybe curl up with a book, soak your tired muscles or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner.
Included Activities:
- Isla Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Jump aboard a private speedboat this morning and head to Isla Santa Cruz. When you arrive, leave your bags at the hotel and head to the Santa Cruz Highlands. Your first stop is a family-run organic sugar cane farm for a tour of their trapiche (a sugar cane mill used in artisanal sugar production). Here, you'll learn how sugar cane, coffee and cacao are harvested and processed. Next, you’ll watch a cooking demonstration featuring the famed encebollado – a local tuna soup that’s widely considered one of the best in the world! Watch as slow-cooked albacore tuna is prepared in a savoury broth of onions, cilantro and spices. The dish is traditionally served with yuca (a starchy root vegetable) and garnished with lime and green onions. Settle in for a bowl of the soup for lunch, then take a leisurely walk around the grounds, where giant tortoises roam freely.
Included Activities:
- Santa Cruz Highlands Visit (3 Hours)
- Santa Cruz – Organic Farm Tour
- Santa Cruz – Encebollado Cooking Class
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a scenic morning walk in Tortuga Bay after breakfast. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time to relax on the beach, go for a swim and watch marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and other coastal wildlife. Later in the afternoon, you’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station – an international non-profit organisation that’s dedicated to the scientific research and conservation of the archipelago’s environment and biodiversity. After, head to the Galapagos Conservancy to learn how the Intrepid Foundation supports the Women in Sustainable Entrepreneurship (WISE) program. The program provides grants and training to women-owned, sustainability-focused businesses, creating lasting benefits for local communities and the Galapagos’ fragile ecosystems.
Included Activities:
- Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk
- Isla Santa Cruz - The Galapagos Conservancy (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit
- Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you need to book a connecting flight out of the Galapagos, or if you'd like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Christopher - Traveled, February 2024
Our guide Cesar was an extremely informative and professional chap. His passion for the Galapagos was clear to see. The itinerary of our 10 day tour was perfect. Well done Cesar and Intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/18/2024
Carmen - Traveled, February 2024
Galapagos by Intrepid is a great, mind blowing and unique experience! I will recommend this experience to anyone who love adventure, travel, flora, fauna and autentic places. A rich experience that will enhance your view positively about life, nature and holidays.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/17/2024
Rob - Traveled, February 2024
For those wanting to visit a unique magical place and who appreciate fauna and flora, this is the perfect trip. It certainly provides the best of Galapagos and you come away feeling mentally and physically refreshed, whilst being stunned by the uniqueness of the islands and their isolated nature.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/18/2024
Karin - Traveled, February 2024
Best of the Galapagos Tour (10 days) was an amazing, unforgettable experience of a lifetime! Intrepid's guides in Quito (Marcello, Luis, and Anna) and on the Islands (Cesar (aka CheChe) were fantastic! It is difficult for me to identify a favorite experience from the trip, but highlights include swimming with baby sea lions, baby hammerhead sharks, and rays, seeing giant tortoises in the wild, hiking the world's 2nd largest volcanic crater at Sierra Negra, and making new friends from around the world. Thank you, Intrepid!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2024
Mary - Traveled, January 2024
Amazing holiday! So fun to travel to this area with a great group of like-minded people and of course, a wonderful tour guide, who was extremely knowledgeable of the plants, animal, and history.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/12/2024
Franziska - Traveled, January 2024
Amazing trip! You should book this trip if your interested in wild life and nature. Galápagos Islands will leave you speechless. Make sure that César is gonna be your guide. His knowledge and love for the islands is amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/29/2024
Joseph - Traveled, January 2024
Really fantastic trip! The Galapagos is a truly special place. I felt that the trip struck the right balance of activities, free time and travelling between the islands. Encountering the pod of Orcas on our boat was the highlight! Jessica, our tour guide was truly excellent! Incredibly organised, approachable and knowledgeable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/15/2024
Lisa - Traveled, January 2024
The Galapagos Island Hopping trip was amazing - thanks to our group leader Katty we saw so much wildlife in the water (hammerheads, turtles, reef sharks) and land (tortoises penguins, blue-footed boobies), learned about the formation of the islands, wildlife conservation and reforestation programmes and ecological coffee production. It was perfect and I can't wait to go back again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/12/2024
Julia - Traveled, January 2024
Best tour experience I have ever had. Our tour lead is the best.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/09/2024
David - Traveled, December 2023
The Galapagos archipelago is truly our planet's most unique natural treasure. There is so much beauty here, so many fascinating things to learn about, and so many adventures to go on. If you want to make sure you have a once in a lifetime experience that you will never forget, make sure to have Cesar as your guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/09/2024
Patricia - Traveled, December 2023
I highly recommend Intrepid's island hopping tour of The Galapagos. It was incredibly well organized and enjoyable. The knowledge of our naturalist guide and relationships with local officials ensured that we could access many parts of the islands in a relatively short period of time and have a meaningful and enjoyable experience in all.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/31/2023
Stephen - Traveled, December 2023
This trip to experience the beautiful and fascinating Galápagos Islands, both itinerary and outstanding operational leadership of our tour group, made each day fun, interesting, and a memorable experience. It exceeded my high expectations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/31/2023
Diya - Traveled, December 2023
A wonderful trip to experience the breathtakingly beautiful islands, their flora & fauna, the local culture & cuisine, and their history! The itinerary was perfect for us, and Katty, our guide was the most helpful, knowledgeable, and accommodating person that we could possibly have gotten! The rest of the team members were wonderful people too, and very respectful to the local culture and laws. A once-in-a-lifetime trip done well!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/05/2024
Sarah - Traveled, March 2023
My Intrepid trip to The Galapagos has certainly been a trip of a lifetime. A whirlwind of travel from island to island exploring this special environment with a local guide, who had so much knowledge, enthusiasm and care, that I was swept up into the uniqueness of these islands. Every day had its 'WOW' moments from snorkelling with sealions and turtles, to watching giant tortoise in the wild. Experiencing the local communities in a truly personal and informative way has created some very special memories. Thank you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/29/2023
Karen - Traveled, March 2024
The Galapagos are amazing and this tour shows you their beauty. This was in no small part due to Katty our tour leader whose knowledge and enthusiasm brought greater levels of enjoyment to the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/26/2024
Carol - Traveled, March 2024
Galapagos island hopping was a great trip for a mix of ocean, land, unique geology, animals birds and fish. Isabella snorkelling with turtles and Sierra Negra volcano were my top two moments! Our guide Katty has great knowledge and always shares it with a smile.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/24/2024
Kurt - Traveled, February 2024
Perfect trip! Our Galapagos Island Hopping trip exceeded our expectations. We had a fantastic time on these amazing islands, and we found our intrepid trip to be very well organised! Our guide, Dome, was very knowledgeable, kind, interesting, and on top of being a great guide she was lovely company. She transmitted her love for the islands while teaching us about wildlife, culture, and history, and she was always ready to answer all of our (numerous!) questions, to share extra resources, and to adapt the plans flexibly to the group’s needs. She added a great deal to an already awesome trip! Great job Intrepid, and great job Dome!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/28/2024
Rosemary - Traveled, February 2024
Fantastic tour. I highly recommend it. Our guide’s enthusiasm for nature and Galapagos was infectious. Excellent!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/25/2024
Stuart - Traveled, February 2024
This trip is a must do bucket list destination. Intrepid has put together a well thought out itinerary that takes in all the highlights of these islands.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/22/2024
Tiana - Traveled, February 2024
We had a fantastic trip at the Galapagos, our guide Cesar was very knowledgeable and organised and make the trip a seemeless experience! We got up and close with all the animals of the Galapagos and learned so much about the history, animals and conservational work. I would HIGHLY reccomend this trip to any ages! Thanks again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/25/2024
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