5 Day Galapagos Island Hopping on a Budget (3 Islands)

Discover the life of the Galapagos Islands on an experience you will never forget! Cruise the waters of the Pacific in a speedboat on your way to Isabella Islands, admire the pink flamingos in the salt lagoons of Isabela, and snorkel in the waters of Los Tuneles Cabo Rosa, a world’s top snorkeling destination, with great chances to see a huge variety of Galapagos endemic wildlife, and explore Tintoreras Islet, where the endemic white reef sharks live.

Swim with penguins, sharks, and even the friendly sea lions! Explore the wetlands of Isabela, visiting the Wall of Tears, the lava tunnels, and more. Visit the highlands of Santa Cruz and get to see the giant Galapagos tortoises in nature, learn about Charles Darwin and its theory of species in his research center, stop by the curious twin craters, and be amazed by everything this paradise has to offer!

DAY 1: FLAMINGOS AND WHITE-SAND BEACHES

Morning: Touch down in Baltra Island. We’ll take you straight to the small port town of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island to enjoy your first local lunch, revealing some typical Galapagos flavors.

Afternoon: We’re hopping over to Isabela Island by speedboat (2.5-3 hours –  it can be a bumpy ride). If your idea of paradise is strolling along a  white sandy beach, with a sea breeze rustling through the palm trees, topped off with exploring a charming fisherman village, then our home for the next few days is your paradise. Today we’re meeting the pinkest and most elegant of birds at the Flamingo Lagoon.

Meals included: Lunch

Tip alert: Book a flight arriving before 11:30 AM, so you can take the speedboat to Isabela Island on the first day.

DAY 2: WORLD-CLASS SNORKELING IN LOS TUNELES

Morning: Explore the sandy streets of the small town of Villamil or stroll along the tropical beach. Put on your bathing suit because by mid-morning we’re heading to the iconic Los Túneles Cabo Rosa, one of the world’s most beautiful snorkeling spots. Picture pitch-black, tunnel-like, lava formations with cacti and rough vegetation on top. We want to share with you the absolute abundance of quintessential Galapagos land and aquatic species. Blue-footed and Nazca boobies, pelicans, and sometimes sea lions keep each other company on the rocks.

Afternoon: We always wonder who’s more curious during this snorkel experience: us gazing at the exceptional wildlife, or the sea turtles approaching us in fascination. Other friendly aquatic animals are the Galapagos penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, seahorses, eagle and manta rays, white-tipped sharks, and more. Occasionally, playful dolphins and killer whales greet us on the boat ride back. We’ll arrive back at Isabela Island in the late afternoon.

Meals included: Breakfast and box lunch

DAY 3: ANCIENT LAVA TUNNELS AND GIANT TORTOISES AT SANTA CRUZ

Morning: We’ll be up bright and early to catch the morning speedboat (06:00 AM) to Santa Cruz Island. From July to October, there’s a good chance to spot whales or dolphins, amusing us with their whimsical dance. After an energizing breakfast, we’ll descend into an ancient lava cave, formed when the outer layer of lava flows became solidified while the inner stream of magma kept moving. The stream dried out, leaving a mesmerizing underground maze of hollow lava tunnels for us to explore.

Afternoon: We’re dedicating the rest of the day to the Galapagos’s most emblematic inhabitants: the giant tortoises. Listen to their deep grunts, and observe up close how these centenarians slowly plow their way through their natural habitat at Primicias Ranch. After seeing them in action, we’re heading to the Charles Darwin Research Center to learn more about the endangered species and their conservation and see the late Lonesome George, who was the last known Pinta Island Tortoise and a symbol for conservation efforts worldwide.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

DAY 4: EXPLORING THE REMOTE ISLAND OF SANTA FE, SNORKELING AND HIDDEN BEACH

Morning: Embark on an adventure to the unpopulated, 4 million-year-old (the oldest of the Archipel) Island of Santa Fe. Walk around the arid and atypically flat landscape, between the beautiful prickly pear cacti with its bouquets of succulent green petals, and surrounded by intense red and orange ground vegetation, resembling reef corals. Santa Fe is so remote, that there are more native species than on any of the other islands. You’ll immediately notice the difference between the pinkish-red and turquoise-colored Santa Fe marine iguana and the blackish ones you’ve seen on the other islands.

Afternoon: Wind blowing in our faces, we’re sailing towards one of two idyllic, white-sand, turquoise water beaches. Anchor at Playa Escondida, a hidden beach only accessible by boat. Soak up the sun, and watch the natural wildlife play unfolding before your eyes with marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and sally lightfoot crabs as protagonists. Snorkel the turquoise waters amongst golden and spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, and white-tip sharks.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 5: TWIN CRATERS AND ADIOS GALAPAGOS

Depart: We’ll take you to Baltra Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador. Return home feeling invigorated by the energy of the extraordinary wildlife, and inspired by the unparalleled beauty of the archipelago.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Important Details

FLEXIBLE GROUP TRIP

You’ll enjoy a combination of private excursions and group day trips, joining a flexible group of travelers. On the private activities, your travel party may have a guide to yourselves, or be part of a wider group, depending on the season. For the group day trips, you’ll have different guides and will have the pleasure of meeting other travelers every day. Groups are usually around 8 people with a maximum of 15.

DEPARTURE DATES

You can start any day of the year. For local holidays or last-minute bookings, please inquire about the availability before booking.

FLYING TO THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

The trip starts and ends at Baltra Airport (GPS). To adhere to this itinerary, book a flight arriving before 11:00 AM and a flight back after 12:00 PM midday. For flights arriving later or departing earlier, we’ll make some changes to the itinerary.

ACCOMODATION

We care about responsible tourism and supporting local businesses. We’ve hand-picked small, comfortable tourist-class hotels, run by friendly locals. All rooms have air conditioning and a private bathroom. We assure you that all accommodations are clean and safe.

Single room upgrade. Solo travelers, we’ve got your back. We recently added the single supplement for this trip, making it more accessible for everyone.