GALAPAGOS EPIC EXPLORATION – SANTA CRUZ AND SAN CRISTOBAL – 7 days

DAY 1- FLY TO SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND – HIGHLANDS OF SAN CRISTOBAL:

Meet a member of our staff in the Guayaquil or Quito airport. We will offer assistance at the process of paper work for the Galapagos. Fly to the Galapagos.

You will fly to San Cristobal. At arrival, you will meet their tour guide who will be holding a sign with your name. You will spend some time exploring Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the main town on the island, and get oriented. Then, you will have lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, you will go and explore the highlands of San Cristobal. First spot will be Laguna del Junco, a freshwater crater lake. You will walk around the rim of the crater and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. After that you will visit The tortoise breeding center to see some of the endemic tortoises of the Archipelago and you will end with beach time at Puerto Chino, which is most people’s favorite beach in San Cristobal Island.

Finally, you will go back to the hotel.

DAY 2 – TOUR TO ISLA LOBOS

You will embark on an exciting and memorable tour to Isla Lobos, a stunning island located just off the coast of San Cristobal in the Galapagos archipelago. This tour offers a unique opportunity to observe and interact with incredible wildlife, including playful sea lions and various seabird species. Get ready for a day of exploration, adventure, and natural beauty.

Your will disembark onto the island, where you’ll be greeted by a colony of friendly and curious sea lions. Isla Lobos is renowned for its vibrant sea lion population. Observe these playful creatures in their natural habitat, as they lounge on the beach, swim, and frolic in the water. Keep an eye out for a variety of seabirds, including blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and pelicans, as they soar overhead and nest along the rocky cliffs.

After the short walk, the snorkeling activity will start. Experienced guides will ensure your safety and enhance your underwater experience.

This tour finishes after lunch time, you will have the rest of the afternoon free to enjoy the local beaches or you can walk to the interpretation center.

DAY 3 – TOUR TO KICKER ROCK

Kicker Rock is a dramatic rock formation rising out of the turquoise waters off the coast of San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos.

The tour begins with a boat ride from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the main town on San Cristobal Island, towards Kicker Rock. As you approach the iconic rock formation.

Upon reaching Kicker Rock, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the pristine waters surrounding the rock through guided snorkeling activities.

Immerse yourself in the underwater world, where you’ll encounter a diverse array of marine life, with high chances of seeing sharks.

After the snorkeling experience you will go to a beach that could be Playa Grande or Cerro Brujo and will have lunch on the boat.

You will be back in town between 3 and 4 pm.

DAY 4 – FERRY TO SANTA CRUZ – HIGHLANDS OF SANTA CRUZ

You will take your morning ferry to Santa Cruz Island, departing 7am, and after 2 hours of boat ride you will get to Santa Cruz Island. In the pier of Santa Cruz you will meet your tour guide.

You will start your excursion in Santa Cruz as soon as you get there. The first stop will be the twin craters, two large volcanic sinkholes located in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. You will learn about the geological history of these formations, which were created by collapsed magma chambers, and the lush vegetation that thrives within them.

Continue your journey to explore the underground world of the Galapagos by visiting a lava tunnel. These natural formations were created by flowing lava that formed tunnels as it solidified on the outside, leaving behind fascinating caverns. You will walk through the tunnels, marveling at the unique rock formations and gaining insights into the volcanic processes that shaped the island.

Later, you will proceed to a tortoise ranch, where you’ll have the opportunity to observe giant Galapagos tortoises up close and learn about their behavior, habitat, and conservation efforts. You will walk through the lush environment and witness these magnificent creatures in their natural surroundings. You will have lunch at this place.

Then you will go to hotel for check in and will have the rest of the afternoon to rest.

DAY 5 – TOUR TO DARWIN CENTER AND TORTUGA BAY

You will begin your day at 10h00 with a walk to the Charles Darwin Research Station, a renowned scientific institution dedicated to the conservation and study of the Galapagos’ unique flora and fauna. You will learn about ongoing research projects, conservation efforts, and the importance of protecting the delicate ecosystem of the islands.

Then you will have lunch and after lunch you will start your hike to Tortuga Bay. Arriving at Tortuga Bay, you’ll be greeted by a pristine beach that offers the perfect setting for relaxation and exploration. You can relax the rest of the afternoon there, and you will be able to rent kayaks ok spot. After that, you can choose between walking balk to town with your tour guide.

DAY 6 – TOUR TO NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND OR PLAZAS ISLAND

You will be picked up at the hotel at 06h50, so you can be at the port at 7am to meet the group. Then you will go in a van to Itabaca Canal to board the boat.

You will have one hour boat ride through the ocean. In North Seymour Island you will step ashore onto a rocky landscape characterized by rugged terrain, low vegetation, and stunning coastal views.

One of the main attractions on North Seymour Island is its population of colorful land iguanas. Observe these fascinating reptiles as they bask in the sun or traverse the rocky terrain. You will also see frigate birds and there are chances of seeing blue footed boobies in this island.

After the walk, you will go back to the boat for lunch and then you will head to Mosquera or Bachas beach.

Then you will go back to Itabaca Cana, and get to the hotel around 4.30pm

If Seymour is not available the tour will be to Plazas Island which is also very close and you can see land iguanas and birds here.

DAY 7 – TRANSFER TO AIRPORT – FLIGHT OUT.

You will be picked up at the hotel in the morning and go to the airport to fly back to Guayaqui or Quito.

Included:

Accommodation every night in nice local hotels: In San Cristobal: Casa Opuntia or Galapagos Planet, and in Santa Cruz Hotel Ninfa or Hotel Fiesta.

Galapagos airport transfers and transportation in the islands.

All tours mentioned in the itinerary with certified guides and boats.

Private tours in land. Shared tours on boats.

All breakfasts and lunches.

Ferry from San Cristobal to Santa Cruz.

Excluded:

Flight to the Galapagos. We offer it separate for $450 (expect late December and early January).

Ingala card: $20 each.

Entry fee to the Galapagos: $200 adults $100 for kids. (Subject to change).

Activities not mentioned in the itinerary and optional activities.

Wetsuits rentals, is an option for Seymour. ($10 each)

Dinners.

Travel or medical insurance.

Gratuities.

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