Galapagos Experience

Intrepid Travel · 7 days
Galapagos Experience
Galapagos Experience
Galapagos Experience
Galapagos Experience
Galapagos Experience
Galapagos Experience
Galapagos Experience
Galapagos Experience
Galapagos Experience
Galapagos Experience
Galapagos Experience
Galapagos Experience
7 Days
From AUD $1895
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(20 reviews)

Galapagos Experience

Galapagos Experience

Intrepid Travel · 7 days
Duration

7 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin on this wildlife-filled adventure through nature’s playground.

Highlights

  • Snorkel in Tijeretas and keep an eye out for eagle rays, Galapagos sea turtles, sea lions and plenty of colourful fish.
  • Scale a volcano on Isla Isabela, a 17-kilometre hike that rewards you with epic views across the island plus the possibility of sighting the rare, red-feathered vermilion flycatcher.
  • Head to the highlands of Isla Santa Cruz to see giant tortoises munching grass, walking slowly and chilling in their natural habitat.
  • You have the option to tailor your experience with unforgettable optional excursions like nature hikes and boat trips.
  • Learn about Galapagos’ natural and exploratory history with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and learn about conservation efforts to preserve their ecosystems.

Trip Details

Duration

7 days

Transportation

Speed boat,Private Vehicle,Public bus

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Isla San Cristobal, Ecuador

Finishes

Isla Santa Cruz, Ecuador

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Isla San Cristobal
Welcome to the Galapagos! Meet the other travellers in your group at 1pm, at the hotel listed in the ‘Joining point’ section of the Essential Trip Information. Check in to your hotel and then kick-start your adventure with an included visit to the Galapagos Interpretation Center to learn about the human and natural history of this island cluster. Afterwards, you’ll have your first snorkel at Tijeretas where you may be joined on your swim by sea turtles, rays, fish and sea lions.

Included Activities:

  • Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center (45 minutes)
  • Isla San Cristobal - Snorkelling in Tijeretas Hill

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Isla San Cristobal
Enjoy a free day on Isla San Cristobal, with plenty of optional activities on and off the island if you want a little structure. The optional boat ride to Isla Lobos is one of our favourite excursions and gives you the chance to snorkel with varied marine life, spot birdlife on shore and relax near sea lions on the beach.

Optional Activities:

  • Kicker Rock excursion (120 USD)
  • Frigate Bird Hill - Free
  • Mann Beach - Free
  • Snorkelling gear rental (5 USD)
  • Isla Lobos. (80 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Isla Santa Cruz
Early in the morning, take a 2.5-hour public speed boat ride to Isla Santa Cruz. On arrival, have breakfast and settle into the hotel before a mid-morning visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. The station's visitor centre and museums contain information about the islands and the conservation efforts being made to preserve the unique ecosystem here. It's also a great place to have close encounters with giant tortoises. In the afternoon, head to the higher part of the islands to observe these giants roaming in their natural habitat.

Included Activities:

  • Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre (45 Minutes)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Isla Isabela
Today you’ll travel to Isla Isabela where you’ll check-in to the hotel and enjoy breakfast. The island is the largest in the Galapagos and one of the most volcanically active places on earth – and you have a free day here to explore at your own pace. A worthwhile optional activity today is an excursion to Las Tintoreras, where white-tipped sharks rest during the day and marine iguanas nest.

Optional Activities:

  • Isla Tintoreras (47 USD)
  • Isla Isabela - wetsuite rental (15 USD)
  • Kayak rental (50 USD)
  • Isla Isabela - Snorkeling in Concha y Perla - Free
  • Isabela Island - Snorkelling gear rental (5 USD)
  • Tunneles Snorkelling (120 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Isla Isabela
Start the day with a visit to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre for a close encounter with these placid giants. Here you can see tortoises in different stages of development as well learn about the preservation program for this unique species. Take a bus to the highest part of Isabela where Sierra Negra Volcano is located. Weather permitting, go for a hike up to the crater to enjoy spectacular views and the possibility of sighting the rare vermillion flycatcher. The challenging 17-kilometre hike takes between 5–6 hours, but at the top you'll be able to enjoy spectacular views. After the hike, make your way back to town in the late afternoon for some free time to curl up with a book or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner.

Included Activities:

  • Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (1 Hour)
  • Isla Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Isla Santa Cruz
Return to Isla Santa Cruz in the morning and enjoy breakfast on arrival at the island for some free time this morning. Maybe take part in an optional activity like the excursion to Tortuga Bay – an immaculate natural paradise where you can go kayaking, observe marine iguanas or swim with harmless sharks. After lunch (own expense), jump on a boat to La Loberia where you can swim in the waters that the area’s sea lions call home. Then, it’s off to Punta Estrada to observe birds like blue-footed boobies and pelicans. Finally, visit Playa de Los Dogs to see a large number of iguanas, the only sea-going lizard in the world that lives in these volcanic landscapes.

Included Activities:

  • Santa Cruz Marine Reserves - Half Day Boat Tour
  • Isla Santa Cruz - The Galapagos Conservancy (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit

Optional Activities:

  • Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk - Free

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Isla Santa Cruz
With no activities planned for today your Galapagos adventure comes to an end after breakfast. Bid any travellers continuing on to Quito goodbye. You are free to leave the accommodation at any time, provided you comply with the hotel’s internal check-out policy. If you wish to leave the Galapagos Islands today, you are responsible for organising your own flights, as well as travel arrangements to the airport.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • 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 willdo 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. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

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.
AUD $1,895
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 7 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin on this wildlife-filled adventure through nature’s playground.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 23 Jan 2026

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
3.5
Dawn
Traveled, January 2024

02/05/2024

The Galapagos is amazing, and it’s definitely a place where having a tour is advised. Intrepid made sure we got to experience multiple islands, and as each island is unique, it was so beneficial to the experience to have the whole itinerary (including travel between islands) planned.

4.5
Daniel
Traveled, January 2024

02/05/2024

Galapagos Islands is, thus far, my favorite destination ever. Intrepid provided us with a wonderful tour guide named Genesis, who was a well-spring of knowledge on the islands, their history, and its fauna. I loved the activities, the scenery, the wildlife, the food, the people. 10/10.

Tour Operator

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