Ultimate Wildlife Encounter

Welcome to the Galápagos! Upon your arrival at the airport, our friendly team will greet you and provide a short transfer to your hotel. Once you've settled in at the hotel, you'll have the opportunity to meet your fellow travelers for an exciting welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor the delicious flavors of Ecuadorian cuisine. *IMPORTANT*: Before you depart on your flight to the Galápagos, you will need to obtain a Transit Control Card (or TCC, also known in spanish as TCT - tarjeta de control de transito) in order to board your flight. The TCT is not included in your trip cost, but can be purchased for $20 USD (price subject to change). Separately, upon your arrival to the San Cristobal airport, you must get in the line for foreigners to register your entrance to the Galapagos National Park and pay a $200 USD cash only (price subject to change) fee when presenting your passport and TCT.

• Welcome Briefing

  This evening, you'll be introduced to your Guide during a welcome meeting, where they'll walk you through the itinerary for your trip.

  18:00· 30 min· San Cristobal
• Transfer · San Cristobal (SCY) → San Cristobal (SCY)

  TrovaTrip will provide 3 arrival transfers from San Cristobal Airport (SCY) to the hotel between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. Exact transfer times within this window will be determined closer to the trip departure based on provided traveler flight information. Travelers arriving outside of the requested flight guidelines will need to make their own transfer arrangements to meet the group at the hotel.

  private · 10 min

Your first day exploring the Galápagos Islands begins with a boat transfer to Isla Lobos. There, you'll have the opportunity to snorkel alongside playful sea lions and wander the island on foot to admire the enchanting blue-footed boobies. Later, enjoy a tasty lunch aboard the boat before setting sail for Ochoa Beach. Spend the afternoon basking in the sun, sinking your toes into the sand, and enjoying more snorkeling adventures. Return to the hotel in the afternoon, where you'll have free time for dinner at your leisure. Depending on yacht availability, you may do this activity in the afternoon. It's advisable to come prepared with swimsuits, UPF rash guards, sturdy water shoes, a hat, sunglasses, windproof jacket and a backpack containing beach essentials like a towel, sunscreen, and water. If you are prone to sea sickness, it is recommended to take sea sickness medication before the boat transfers.

• Sea Lions Colony Tour at Isla Lobos & Ochoa Beach

  Your day kicks off with a brief 5-minute stroll to the port where a speed boat awaits. The boat has both indoor and outdoor social spaces, a restroom, and comfortably accommodates up to 16 travelers. Onboard you will find water, coffee, and tea to keep you refreshed throughout the journey. Following a thrilling 45-minute cruise, you'll arrive at Isla Lobos, stepping onto its shores to commence a guided walking exploration. The island's main attractions are the iconic colonies of blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigates, emblematic bird species of the Galápagos. Your hike's duration is flexible, typically spanning about an hour, walking through rocky and sandy terrain that reveals the island's unique wildlife. Returning to the boat, a security briefing precedes an exhilarating snorkeling session with the island's playful sea lions. All necessary gear—masks, fins, snorkels, and life jackets for non-swimmers—is provided, ensuring a safe and immersive experience for about 45 minutes in the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by these majestic creatures. Later, as you savor a tasty lunch aboard the boat, you'll cruise through the awe-inspiring Galapagos archipelago toward your next destination, Playa Ochoa. Travelers prone to seasickness are advised to carry necessary medications for comfort.

  08:00· 210 min· Isla Lobos
• Stop at Ochoa Beach

  After lunch, a brief 25-minute boat ride takes you to Ochoa Beach, a wild beach located on San Cristobal Island. Upon arrival, ample time awaits for you to discover this pristine haven, admiring the untouched beauty of the Galápagos. Take leisurely strolls on the powdery white sands, enveloped by endemic flora, while listening to the waves. Keep an eye out for the cool-looking marine iguanas chilling on the rocks – they're the iconic inhabitants of the Galápagos. Should your appetite for snorkeling persist, seize the opportunity to grab your gear and explore the underwater wonders by swimming from the shore. Once you finish, return to the boat for a 10-minute journey to San Cristobal pier, followed by a brief 5-minute walk back to your hotel. Arriving in the afternoon, you'll have free time to either explore the surroundings or unwind at your leisure.

  13:30· 45 min· San Cristobal Island

Let's keep discovering the Galápagos Archipelago! Today, say goodbye to San Cristobal Island and set off on a morning journey to Santa Cruz Island. After arriving, you will enjoy breakfast, then set out to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station for an educational experience. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at one of nearby restaurants close to the Research Station. In the afternoon you'll take a short walk to Tortuga Bay for sandy shores perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, and swimming. In the evening, you'll walk back into town. With your guide, you'll do a short orientation tour of Puerto Ayora. Afterwards, you're free to get dinner with the evening at your leisure. Today you'll want to wear comfy walking shoes and bring along a hat, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle for your comfort. Don't forget a backpack with essentials such as a swim suit, towel, mosquito repellent, and water to make the most of your day. If you are prone to sea sickness, it is recommended to take sea sickness medication before the morning boat transfer.

• Charles Darwin Research Station

  This morning, a brief 5-minute transfer will take you to the Charles Darwin Research Station, a hub dedicated to preserving the islands' biodiversity. Expert guides offer insights into ongoing conservation efforts, including successful giant tortoise breeding programs, unraveling the region's evolutionary significance. The station, nestled amidst lush surroundings, offers great facilities such as restrooms and a cafe, making the 1.5-hour educational tour comfortable and informative. Following the tour, enjoy some free time for lunch at nearby restaurants. Please note, The Charles Darwin Research Station itself is restricted to scientists only, and visitors are not allowed inside the main facilities. However, your visit will include the breeding center, where you can see baby tortoises from Floreana Island, as well as a museum and souvenir shop, where Lonesome George is exhibited. All these areas are part of the visitor experience of the station.

  11:30· 120 min· Santa Cruz
• Beach Time at Tortuga Bay

  After lunch, you'll continue to Tortuga Bay. You will walk a trail to Tortuga Bay. It is recommended to carry ample water and wear a hat for sun protection. Upon arrival at the beach, discover a vast expanse of sandy shores ideal for relaxation, sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying leisure time with fellow travelers. For enthusiasts, a short trail awaits, offering sightings of marine iguanas, brown pelicans, blue-footed boobies, blue herons, and more. The return walk spans an easy 1.5-mile cobblestone trail, approximately 45 minutes each way. Kayaks are available for rent from local vendors for an additional fee.

  14:30· 240 min· Santa Cruz Island
• Santa Cruz Island Walking Tour

  After returning to Puerto Ayora from Tortuga Bay you will have a short orientation tour of the town, accompanied by your guide. Begin at the bustling waterfront, where colorful boats and bustling fishermen set the vibrant scene. Explore the town's fish market, offering insights into the local maritime industry. Wander along Charles Darwin Avenue, a lively boulevard adorned with shops, cafes, and galleries. Conclude at the main square, a bustling hub perfect for soaking in the town's energy and ambiance. Following the orientation walk, you have the option to return to the hotel or choose to dine (at your expense) at one of the local restaurants. This walking tour covers approximately 1 to 1.5 miles on foot.

  18:30· 60 min· Santa Cruz Island
• Transfer · San Cristobal → Santa Cruz

  Following hotel check-out, a quick 15-minute transfer brings you to the pier. Board a shared speedboat—a comfortable boat with expansive windows, accommodating up to 24 travelers—for a scenic 2.5-hour cruise from San Cristobal Island to Santa Cruz Island. Please note that navigation times may be subject to change based on decisions by marine authorities. Travelers prone to seasickness are advised to carry necessary medications for comfort.

  150 min

This morning, embark on a boat transfer to Isabela Island. After arriving, you'll check into your hotel and then enjoy breakfast. Begin your day by exploring Puerto Villamil on a walking tour, after which you'll have time for lunch on your own. After lunch, you will transfer to Concha de Perla, where you will be able to swim and snorkel among the marine life. Today, comfortable walking shoes and swim attire are recommended, along with a hat and sunglasses to shield from the sun. If you are prone to sea sickness, it is recommended to take sea sickness medication before the morning boat transfer.

• Isabela Island Walking Tour & Pink Flamingo Watching

  After breakfast, join your guide for a relaxed walking tour through Puerto Villamil town. Immerse yourself in the unhurried island lifestyle, embracing the local culture as you explore. Discover small art galleries, shops, and local markets, offering opportunities to purchase souvenirs, handmade crafts, and engage with friendly locals. During the tour, you'll visit nearby lagoons where a colony of serene flamingos reside. Marvel at these elegant birds and other endemic species from walkways and viewpoints. Conclude the tour by strolling back to the hotel along the town's charming waterfront, graced with local seafood restaurants offering an authentic Galapagos dining experience (at your own expense) amidst breathtaking ocean views. The leisurely walking tour covers approximately 1 to 1.5 miles, showcasing the town's highlights. It's advisable to have mosquito repellent handy.

  10:30· 120 min· Isabela Island
• Visit and Snorkeling at Concha de Perla

  This afternoon, take a 10 minute transfer and a 5 minute walk through mangroves to reach Concha de Perla. Concha de Perla is a little hidden paradise located in the crystalline waters in Isabela Island. Surrounded by coral formations and abundant marine wildlife, it is a perfect spot for snorkeling. Its waters are warm and crystal clear allowing you to swim among tropical fish, playful sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, and with a bit of luck, even rays. Afterwards, you'll transfer back to town.

  14:30· 90 min· Isabela Island
• Transfer · Santa Cruz → Isabela

  Once at the pier, board a public speedboat—a comfortable boat with expansive windows, accommodating up to 24 travelers—for a scenic 2.5-hour cruise from Santa Cruz Island to Isabela Island. Upon arrival, a 15-minute transfer will take you to your hotel, with some free time to settle in and freshen up. Please note that the boat is equipped with toilets for your convenience.

  150 min

A memorable day of exploration in the Galápagos. In the morning, embark on a brief panga boat transfer to the stunning volcanic landscapes of Tintoreras Islet. Begin with a leisurely hike across the islet, encountering a wide variety of marine iguanas, each displaying a captivating array of colors and sizes. Following the hike, don your mask and fins for an exhilarating snorkeling adventure amidst white-tipped reef sharks and a rich diversity of marine species. After snorkeling you'll head back to town where you'll have time to get lunch on your own with the afternoon and evening at your leisure. It's advisable to come prepared with swimsuits, UPF rash guards, sturdy water shoes, a hat, sunglasses, windproof jacket and a backpack containing beach essentials like a towel, sunscreen, and water. If you are prone to sea sickness, it is recommended to take sea sickness medication before the boat transfers.

• Discover Marine Iguanas at Tintoreras Islet

  After breakfast, a quick 5-minute transfer brings you to the pier, where a panga boat awaits for your short 15-minute journey to Tintoreras Islet. As you arrive, the striking volcanic terrain captivates with its rugged, lava-formed landscape, setting the stage for your adventure. Accompanied by an expert guide, embark on a hike across the islet, uncovering the breathtaking sight of marine iguanas sprawled across shores and rocks. These captivating creatures, boasting a spectrum of colors and sizes, bask in the sun and forage, providing an enchanting glimpse into the iconic wildlife of the Galapagos. The 1.5-mile trail winds through white sand beaches and contrasting black rock formations, offering a flat path for about 1.5 to 2 hours of exploration. After the hike, return to the boat to delve into an immersive snorkeling experience. Kindly be aware that Tintoreras Islet is a natural area, offering no facilities or services.

  10:00· 120 min· Isabela Island
• Snorkeling at Tintoreras Islet & Shark Experience

  Upon returning to the panga boat, the captain will navigate to prime reef areas for an up-close encounter with the incredible underwater wildlife. Following a safety briefing, immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters surrounding Tintoreras Islet for an unforgettable snorkeling experience. A highlight includes swimming alongside white-tipped reef sharks, a thrilling yet safe experience with these magnificent creatures. The underwater realm boasts a rich diversity of marine life, from colorful fish weaving through vibrant coral formations to playful sea lions darting by. It's important to note that while these species are not harmful and roam freely, Galápagos conservation guidelines require maintaining a strict 6 ft. distance from all animals, even if they approach, to uphold their natural habitat. All essential gear—masks, fins, snorkels, and life jackets for non-swimmers—is provided. This experience typically lasts about 45 minutes, depending on water conditions. Once concluded, the panga boat will take you back to Isabela port, followed by a brief 5-minute transfer to your hotel. You'll have ample time to enjoy lunch at your leisure and the rest of the day free to explore nearby beaches.

  10:00· 120 min· Tintoreras Islet

Today offers an opportunity to marvel at the iconic Giant Tortoise, a symbol of the Galápagos Islands. In the morning, a boat transfer will take you to Santa Cruz where you'll have breakfast upon your arrival. You'll then continue onward to Manzanillo Ranch, a highland reserve dedicated to preserving the tortoise habitat, allowing you to witness these majestic creatures roaming freely. Enjoy a traditional lunch at the ranch around midday. Then you'll have the afternoon at your leisure before meeting up in the evening for a final farewell dinner with your group. For the morning excursion, wearing sneakers and athletic clothing is advisable to ensure comfort during the activities. If you are prone to sea sickness, it is recommended to take sea sickness medication before the morning boat transfer.

• Giant Tortoises Tour

  Following breakfast, take a 40-minute transfer to El Manzanillo Ranch, a dedicated highland reserve aimed at preserving the habitat of the Giant Tortoise. As you arrive, the lush surroundings and rolling landscapes immediately immerse you in this conservation haven. Your visit involves a guided exploration of the reserve, led by expert naturalists who share insights into the behavior, biology, and significance of these remarkable creatures. Learn about their lifecycle, habitat requirements, and the ongoing conservation efforts aimed at protecting these gentle giants. The highlight of the tour is witnessing the Giant Tortoises in their natural environment. Rain boots are provided to wander through the reserve and witness these magnificent creatures roam freely, graze leisurely, or bathe in mud pools—a sight that captures the essence of the Galapagos' unique biodiversity. After this leisurely 2-hour walk spanning approximately 1 mile within the reserve, a traditional lunch awaits at the ranch. Following lunch, a transfer will take you to the hotel.

  10:00· 180 min· Santa Cruz
• Transfer · Isabela Island → Santa Cruz

  A quick 15-minute transfer brings you to the pier. Board a public speedboat—a comfortable boat with expansive windows, accommodating up to 24 travelers—for a scenic 2.5-hour cruise from Isabela Island to Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival, a 15-minute transfer will take you to your hotel, with some free time to settle in and freshen up.

  150 min

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport where we'll say a fond farewell and look forward to welcoming you back soon.

• Transfer · Baltra Airport (GPS) → Baltra Airport (GPS)

  TrovaTrip will provide 2 departure transfers from the hotel to Baltra Airport (GPS) between 8:00 A.M. and 12:00 P.M. Exact transfer times within this window will be determined closer to the trip departure based on provided traveler flight information. Travelers departing outside of the requested flight guidelines will need to make their own transfer arrangements to the airport.

  60 min