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 $2121
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.

Includes

Meals: Lunch (1),
Accommodation: Guesthouse (6 nights)

Highlights

  • Opt to go snorkelling in Tijeretas – keep an eye out for eagle rays, Galapagos sea turtles, sea lions and plenty of colourful fish.
  • Take on the challenge of an optional, but highly rewarding volcano hike on Isla Isabela. This 17-km hike showcases some 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 optional excursions like nature hikes and boat trips. Your local leader’s expert knowledge will help you create an unforgettable Galapagos experience.
  • 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.
Galapagos Experience

Trip Details

Duration

7 days

Transportation

Speed boat, Private Vehicle, Public bus

Guide Language

English

Starts

Isla Santa Cruz, Ecuador

Finishes

Isla San Cristobal, Ecuador

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Isla Santa Cruz
Bienvenidos! Welcome to the Galapagos. You’ll meet your trip leader and the other travellers in your group at 11 am at the airport, then you’ll take a bus to Puerto Ayora. Head to the higher part of the islands to have close encounters with giant tortoises and observe these giants roaming in their natural habitat. Check into your hotel, then kick-start your adventure with a walking tour of Puerto Ayora with your leader. This afternoon, you’ll go on a walk to Tortuga Bay – an idyllic white sand beach where you can go kayaking, see marine iguanas or swim with harmless sharks.

Included Activities:

  • Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Isla Isabela
Have an early start this morning and travel to Isla Isabela – the largest island in the Galapagos and one of the most volcanically active places on earth. When you arrive, join your leader for a walking tour to get your bearings, then visit a lagoon where you’ll see flamingos wading through the water – if it’s the right time of year, you might even see them nesting or doing their courtship dance. Head to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre for a close encounter with these placid giants. Here, you’ll see tortoises in different stages of development and learn about the preservation program for this fascinating species. 

Included Activities:

  • Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Isla Isabela
Today is free for you to choose your own adventure on Isla Isabela. Ask your leader about the optional activities on offer – you might like to do something active, you could take a bus to the highest part of Isabela, where Sierra Negra Volcano is located, and take on a challenging 17-km hike up to the crater to see the spectacular views. If you’re lucky, you might even see the rare vermillion flycatcher. A worthwhile optional activity today is an excursion to Las Tintoreras, where white-tipped sharks rest during the day and marine iguanas nest. Otherwise, you could relax on the beach with a book, go for a swim or even do some snorkelling to discover what hidden wonders lie in Isla Isabela’s waters – you might see tropical fish, sea turtles or marine iguanas.

Optional Activities:

  • Isla Isabela - wetsuit rental (15 USD)
  • Tintoreras -Isabela (60 USD)
  • Kayak rental (50 USD)
  • Tunneles -Isabela (140 USD)
  • Isabela Island - Snorkelling gear rental (5 USD)
  • Isla Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours) (58 USD)
  • Isla Isabela - Snorkeling in Concha y Perla - Free

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Isla Santa Cruz
You’ll have an early start this morning, returning to Puerto Ayora via public speedboat. When you arrive, you’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. The station's visitor centre showcases 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.

Included Activities:

  • Isla Santa Cruz - The Galapagos Conservancy (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre (45 Minutes)

Optional Activities:

  • Santa Cruz Marine Reserves - Half Day Boat Tour (40 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Isla San Cristobal
Travel to Isla San Cristobal this morning. Settle into your hotel, then go on a walking tour of San Cristobal with your leader. This afternoon, visit the Galapagos Interpretation Center, where you’ll learn about the human and natural history of this island cluster. Afterwards opt to hike to Tijeretas Hill or 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)
6
Day 6: Isla San Cristobal
Experience Isla San Cristobal’s incredible wildlife and abundant landscapes with 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 back for an afternoon at your leisure. You may want to walk to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) for stunning views of the bay. Ask your leader for recommendations to help you plan your afternoon.

Included Activities:

  • San Cristobal - Excursion to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) or Lobos Islands

Optional Activities:

  • Frigate Bird Hill - Free
  • Mann Beach - Free
  • Snorkelling gear rental (5 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Isla San Cristobal
Today, you’ll be transferred to the airport by a local representative. With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end.
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.
AUD $2,121
(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 11 Jun 2027

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