Galapagos Adventure: Snorkelling & Sea Lions

G Adventures · 9 days

4.9

21 Reviews

Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

The Galápagos Islands aren't just all about cruising! This 9-day trip keeps you close to the action — and trust us, there’s always plenty of action on the archipelago — while keeping costs lower than you’d expect for a sweet island adventure.

Includes

Activities

Your Big Night Out Moment: - San Cristóbal Island, San Cristóbal Island
Interpretation Centre Visit (San Cristóbal Island)
Snorkelling equipment and activity at Tijeretas (San Cristóbal)
Concha de Perla snorkelling excursion
Hike to Sierra Negra volcano (Isabela Island)
Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
Opportunities for snorkelling, swimming, and incredible wildlife encounters
Internal flights
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Simple hotels (8 nts).

8 breakfasts

Transport

Plane, public speedboat, van, public bus

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer)/Naturalist Guide while in the Galápagos Islands (certified by the Galápagos National Park Authority), local G Adventures Representative in Quito.

Highlights

Island-hop the Galapagos islands by public speedboats
Visit Charles Darwin Research Station
Hike the Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela Island
Go snorkelling to spot marine life

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Plane, public speedboat, van, public bus

Guide Language

English

Starts

Quito, Ecuador

Finishes

Quito, Ecuador

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Quito

Arrive at any time.
If you are not able to attend the welcome meeting, our representative will leave all important information at your hotel's reception indicating what time to be ready the next day. If there is any confusion on arrival, please do not hesitate to call the contact number listed in this dossier.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - The adventure begins today. Feel free to explore, but make sure you're back in time to meet the group. Your G Representative will review the details of your tour.

Day 2: Quito/Santa Cruz Island

Wheels up! Fly to the Galápagos Islands. Transfer across Santa Cruz island to town and take a guided visit in the afternoon to the Charles Darwin Research Station for an opportunity to see the famous tortoises up close. Get to know the group in the evening over a few drinks. Cheers to new adventures with new friends!

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Accommodation - Hotel Brisas del Pacifico

Day 3: Santa Cruz Island/Isabela Island

Hop on a speedboat and head to Isabela Island. Soak up the views around you — you might even see dolphins or whales alongside the boat! After dropping your stuff at the hotel, get up close and personal with a volcano as you hike the Sierra Negra. Explore the incredible landscape and admire spectacular views from above.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Hike to the rim of the 10km (6 mi) wide crater of the Sierra Negra volcano, which has the largest basaltic caldera in the Galápagos. Trek across the moon-like landscape of the lava fields and fumaroles, and enjoy spectacular views looking north toward Fernandina and the rest of Isabela Island. The volcano last erupted in June 2018, making it the most recent eruption of the Galápagos. This hike is 7km in total (3.5 km each way).Transport - Jump aboard this speedy vessel, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins or whales en route to the next island.Accommodation - Hotel Iguana

Day 4: Isabela Island

Take advantage of a full free day on Isabela Island where optional activities abound to do as much or as little as you like. Choose to take an excursion to Los Tuneles, go snorkelling at Tintoreras, take a surf lesson or just laze on the beach.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy a free day on Isabela Island to lounge on the beach or try out some of the many optional activities available in the area.Accommodation - Hotel Iguana

Day 5: Isabela Island/Santa Cruz Island

This morning enjoy a snorkelling excursion at Concha de Perla. Travel by speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island and enjoy a free afternoon exploring the town. Later, head out to explore Puerto Ayora town, time for shopping or enjoy a bite to eat.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit the calm bay of Concha de Perla for a snorkelling experience. Snorkel alongside up to 20 different species of bird as well as tropical fish, sea lions, and maybe even penguins.Transport - Jump aboard this speedy vessel, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins or whales en route to the next island.Accommodation - Hotel Brisas del Pacifico

Day 6: Santa Cruz Island/San Cristóbal Island

Take another speedboat to San Cristóbal Island and visit the Galapagos National Park Interpretation Center near town to learn about the unique history of the ecosystems, flora, and fauna of the islands.. Later, go snorkelling at Tijeretas to look for wildlife like sea lions, rays and marine iguanas before wandering along the malecón to look for a local place to watch the sunset. Later, choose to get your dance on!

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Learn about the history of the Galápagos Islands from the very beginning of their volcanic origins through to today’s conservation efforts. Tour the Human History exhibit to learn about the islands’ discovery and colonization, and discover the natural history and variety of flora and fauna that make the Galápagos so fascinating.Activity - Enjoy a snorkelling excursion at Tijeretas, which happens to be one of the best places to search for underwater life in the Galapagos. As you move through the water be on the lookout for sea lions, rays, and marine iguanas, and sea turtles.Activity - Enjoy a night out on the town with your travel friends and truly let your hair down in the fun and lively atmosphere of San Cristóbal Island.Transport - Jump aboard this speedy vessel, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins or whales en route to the next island.Accommodation - Casa de Laura Hotel

Day 7: San Cristóbal Island

The day is yours to explore San Cristóbal Island. You can opt to snorkel at epic Kicker Rock or Isla Lobos, visit the white-sand beach of Playa Mann, or La Lobería to mingle with the resident sea lions.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Accommodation - Casa de Laura Hotel

Day 8: San Cristóbal Island/Quito

Say "Adios!" to the Galapagos Islands and board a morning flight back to Quito. Transfer to the hotel to kick back and relax before enjoying the last night in the capital city.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Day 9: Quito

Depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $3269

AUD $2,451

(Tour only)

Offer ends 19 Apr, 2026 Per Person Standard

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 18 Apr 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

5.0

Mira L.

Traveled, July 2024

07/18/2024

Galapagos is a must visit. Amazing islands, amazing people, amazing food. Only regret is I wish I had spent more time there..

5.0

Chee T.

Traveled, June 2024

07/02/2024

Great to have a local guide who knows what he is talking about and has a passion for the environment.

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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