General Information
Unforgettable Galapagos Island Hopping to Isabela, Santa Cruz and San Cristobal in 6 days!
This immersive 6-day Galapagos Island hopping tour will take you on a once in a lifetime adventure through the Galapagos Islands. This adventure, which spans three famous islands San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela is ideal for nature lovers, snorkelers, and inquisitive tourists alike. It offers the ideal combination of wildlife encounters, volcanic landscapes, and marine exploration.
Begin your journey in San Cristobal, where you can snorkel at La Lobería and Tijeretas with tropical fish and sea lions. After that, travel to Santa Cruz, which is home to the magnificent volcanic craters of Los Gemelos and the enormous tortoises of El Chato Reserve. Proceed to Isabela Island, where you can explore the Tintoreras and see the famous whitetip reef shark and take a stroll among the Galapaguera breeding center’s juvenile tortoises.
Visit Tortuga Bay, one of the archipelago’s most stunning beaches, and the famed Charles Darwin Research Station to round out your journey. Here, conservation efforts are being made to maintain this remarkable ecosystem.
For those who wish to see the best of the Galapagos in just six days, this program is ideal because it offers smooth inter-island transfers, knowledgeable local guides, and a well-planned itinerary.
If you’re looking for a diving experience, we offer options like the Galaxy Diver II, perfect for exploring the stunning marine life of the Galapagos. More details here⭷ .
Highlights
Tijeretas Hill: Panoramic viewpoint with ocean views and nesting frigatebirds.
El Junco Lagoon: The only permanent freshwater lake in the Galápagos, surrounded by misty highlands.
Los Túneles (Cabo Rosa): Stunning lava formations with some of the best snorkeling and abundant marine life.
Tintoreras Islets: Volcanic islets with resting white-tip reef sharks, penguins, and marine iguanas.
Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center: Conservation center protecting Isabela’s giant tortoise species.
Tortuga Bay: White-sand beach with turquoise waters and marine iguanas along the shore.
Charles Darwin Research Station: Scientific center focused on conservation and tortoise restoratio
Itinerary
- Arrival at San Cristobal Airport
- Transfer to hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
- Visit to Tijeretas Hill
- Snorkeling in Tijeretas Bay (sea lions, turtles, tropical fish)
- Morning visit to El Junco Lagoon
- Visit to Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado (Giant Tortoise Breeding Center)
- Relaxation time at Puerto Chino Beach
- Speedboat transfer to Santa Cruz Island
- Arrival and check-in at your hotel in Puerto Ayora
- Bay Tour along Santa Cruz’s coastline
- Snorkeling and wildlife viewing at key sites
- Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
- Observation of giant tortoises and conservation programs
- Morning boat trip to the Tintoreras Islets
- Wildlife watching
- Snorkeling
- Afternoon visit to the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center
- Guided boat tour of Los Túneles Cabo Rosa
- Snorkeling among sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, and tropical fish
- Wildlife viewing: blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and sea lions
- Return to Puerto Villamil
- Free afternoon to relax or explore on your own
DAY 1: ARRIVAL SAN CRISTOBAL-TIJERETAS HILL
Greetings from the Enchanted Islands! Your local guide will meet you at San Cristobal Airport and take you to your hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. After checking in and taking a quick nap, we set out for an afternoon excursion to Tijeretas Hill, a picturesque vantage point with expansive views of the surrounding islets and the coast.
PM:There is a serene bay at the foot of the hill that is ideal for snorkeling. Swim with sea turtles, vibrant reef fish, and playful sea lions as you dive into pristine waters. Tijeretas gets its name from the fact that it is a frigatebird nesting site. This is the ideal way to introduce the world-renowned marine biodiversity of the Galapagos.
Activities
DAY 2: TOUR JUNCO - TRANSFER TO SANTA CRUZ
AM:Following breakfast, we begin the day with a visit to El Junco Lagoon, the only freshwater lake in the Galápagos. Surrounded by lush highlands, this crater lagoon offers panoramic views and the chance to observe frigatebirds and other seabirds bathing in its calm waters.
We then continue to the Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado, a conservation center dedicated to protecting the iconic giant tortoises of San Cristobal. Here, you’ll learn about the breeding program and observe these majestic creatures in a natural and well-preserved environment.
Our next stop is the stunning Puerto Chino Beach, known for its soft white sand, turquoise waters, and peaceful atmosphere. Enjoy free time to walk along the shore, take photos, or simply relax while spotting blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and playful sea lions.
PM: After lunch, we take a scenic speedboat transfer to Santa Cruz Island, a journey of approximately two to three hours. Upon arrival in Puerto Ayora, you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening exploring the town or strolling along the vibrant waterfront.
Activities
DAY 3: SANTA CRUZ BAY TOUR - CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH
AM:Today begins with an exciting Bay Tour, a coastal exploration that takes you to some of Santa Cruz’s most beautiful natural highlights. You’ll navigate the turquoise waters around Academy Bay, stopping at iconic sites such as La Lobería, where sea lions rest on the rocks, and Las Grietas, a stunning volcanic fissure with crystal-clear water perfect for swimming. Depending on conditions, you may also visit Punta Estrada or Playa de los Perros, where marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and colorful reef fish are commonly seen. This half-day adventure offers great opportunities for snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and capturing unforgettable photos.
PM:In the afternoon, you will visit the world-renowned Charles Darwin Research Station, the heart of conservation efforts in the Galápagos Islands. Here, you’ll learn about ongoing scientific projects, the protection of native species, and the history of the famous giant tortoise breeding program. As you walk through the station’s paths, you’ll encounter giant tortoises of different ages and learn about the legacy of Lonesome George, the islands’ most iconic conservation symbol. This visit provides meaningful insight into the importance of preserving the unique ecosystems that make the Galápagos a global treasure.
Activities
DAY 4: ISABELA TRANSFER - GIANT TURTLE CENTER-TINTORERAS TOUR
AM:Your day begins with an early speedboat transfer to Isabela Island, the largest island in the Galápagos and one of the most volcanically active places in the world. Upon arrival in Puerto Villamil, you’ll settle in and prepare for a morning visit to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, an important conservation site dedicated to protecting several endangered tortoise species native to Isabela. As you walk through the facility, you’ll observe tortoises at different stages of growth and learn how restoration programs help increase their populations in the wild.
PM:After lunch, you’ll embark on the famous Tintoreras Tour, one of Isabela’s most impressive wildlife excursions. A short boat ride takes you to a group of small islets formed by volcanic lava. Here, you may encounter resting white-tip reef sharks in shallow channels, along with marine iguanas, Galápagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, and playful sea lions. The tour also includes time for snorkeling in calm waters, where you can often see sea turtles, rays, and colorful tropical fish. It’s a perfect blend of volcanic scenery and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Activities
DAY 5: TUNELES CABO ROSA - FREE AFTERNOON
AM:Today you will experience one of Isabela Island’s most extraordinary natural wonders: Los Túneles (Cabo Rosa). This stunning landscape was formed by ancient lava flows that created a series of arches, tunnels, and crystal-clear channels one of the best snorkeling sites in the entire Galápagos. As you navigate through the calm waters, you’ll witness dramatic scenery shaped by volcanic forces and enjoy exceptional wildlife encounters both above and below the surface.
During the tour, it’s common to spot blue-footed boobies resting on the lava formations, sea turtles gliding through the channels, and curious sea lions swimming nearby. Snorkeling here offers the chance to see majestic marine life such as sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, and colorful reef fish in an incredibly transparent environment. Los Túneles is a favorite spot for photographers due to its unique formations and abundant wildlife.
PM:After returning to Puerto Villamil around midday, you will have a free afternoon to enjoy Isla Isabela at your own pace. You may choose to relax on the beautiful white-sand beach, explore local cafés and shops, or visit nearby lagoons where flamingos can often be seen. It’s the perfect time to unwind and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the island.
Activities
DAY 6: TRANSFER TO BALTRA- FAREWELL TO THE GALAPAGOS
AM:You will be driven across Santa Cruz to Baltra Airport for your flight back to Ecuador's mainland following breakfast. Take one final look at the distinctive wildlife and landscapes that have contributed to the unforgettable experience of your Galapagos voyage.
Price 2026
| Accomodation/ Price per person | Budget | Standard | Confort |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Passengers (doble room + Triple room) | $ 1.295 | $ 1.415 | $ 1.965 |
| 4 Passengers (quadruple room) | $ 1.260 | $ 1.390 | $ 1.865 |
| 3 Passengers (triple room) | $ 1.335 | $ 1.435 | $ 2.160 |
| 2 Passengers (Double room) | $ 1.445 | $ 1.605 | $ 2.335 |
| 1 Passenger (single) | $ 1.835 | $ 2.170 | $ 3.140 |
GALLERY
Maps
6-Day Island Hopping: Across the main Galapagos Islands FAQ
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 🔍
Where are the Galapagos Islands located?
The Galapagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 1,000 km (600 miles) off the coast of Ecuador.
When is the best time to visit the Galapagos?
The Galapagos Islands are a year-round tourist destination, and each season offers the chance to observe unique wildlife.
Warm season in December and May: Calmer, warmer waters ideal for snorkeling, and active breeding of many terrestrial species. Cool season in June and November: Cooler waters, more active marine wildlife, and clear skies.Are the Galapagos Islands safe for tourists?
Yes, the Galapagos Islands are generally very safe for tourists.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Galapagos?
You can observe endemic species such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, Galapagos penguins, sea lions, and several species of finches, often up close, and other animals not found anywhere else in the world.
Is travel insurance necessary for the Galapagos?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to cover unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
What should I pack for a Galapagos trip?
Light clothing, a swimsuit, walking shoes/sandals, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and (optional) a camera to capture your moments in the Galapagos.
Can I explore the Galapagos Islands independently?
You can stay in hotels on inhabited islands on your own. However, to visit the protected visitor sites of the Galapagos National Park or Marine Reserve, you must be accompanied by a certified naturalist guide as part of an organized tour.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY TO THE GALAPAGOS:
Valid Passport: Valid for at least 6 months.
Visa: Not required for citizens of the U.S. and most other countries, but verify your nationality.
Transit Control Card (TCT): $20 USD (purchased at airports in continental Ecuador).
Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee: $200 USD per foreign adult (payable in cash upon arrival in the Galapagos).
Biosecurity Inspection: Your luggage will be inspected before flying to the Galapagos
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