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5 Days Galapagos Island Hopping: San Cristobal & Santa Cruz

5 Days Galapagos Island Hopping: San Cristobal & Santa Cruz

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5 Days From

~~$1530~~

$1457

Tour Overview

For those pressed for time yet unwilling to compromise on experiences, this 5-day island hopping excursion to the Galapagos is tailored for you. Depart from Quito and fly to San Cristobal, renowned for its iconic sea lion colony and the impressive Kicker Rock. From there, journey by speedboat to Santa Cruz, where you'll encounter giant tortoises and explore an uninhabited island. ...more ...less

Highlights

Uncover Galapagos' history at the Interpretation Center
Marvel at majestic frigate birds on Tijeretas Hill
Encounter playful sea lions at La Lobería beach
Experience thrilling snorkeling at Kicker Rock
Discover giant tortoises in Santa Cruz Island's highlands
Explore pristine uninhabited islands through hiking and snorkeling

Places You'll See

5 Days Galapagos Island Hopping: San Cristobal & Santa Cruz

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Welcome to Galapagos! San Cristobal Island

Location: Airport Isla San Cristobal

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Lunch

Welcome to the beautiful Galapagos Islands! After checking in to your hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, you will first visit the Interpretation Center with your guide where you will learn everything about the history and future of the Galapagos. Afterward, you will take a short walk to Tijeretas Hill where frigate birds are nesting, and from there you have a spectacular view over the island. To top off this day, you will have the chance to visit La Lobería, a beach that is home to a colony of sea lions. For the evening and overnight stay, you return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. ...more ...less

Day 2 : Snorkeling at Kicker Rock

Location: Kicker Rock

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

An exciting day awaits you, after an early breakfast, on the agenda is a day trip to Kicker Rock, which is one of the most emblematic places in the Galapagos.

A comfortable speed boat navigates along the coast of San Cristobal until we arrive to Kicker Rock, it is composed of compacted volcanic ash, not rock, towers up almost 500ft / 150m from the ocean floor, splitting into two above surface structures, but they’re connected below the surface, with a channel running between them.

It is home to many birds, you will be able spot Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, frigate-birds and tropicbirds, and is the underwater world will make this day extra memorable as it is a real "hot spot" for underwater wildlife!

Day 3 : Speedboat to Santa Cruz Island: Highlands Tortoise

Location: Charles Darwin Research Station

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Get an early start this morning to take the public speedboat to Santa Cruz Island, roughly 2.5 hours away.

You will be amazed to see giant tortoises in the wild (in their natural habitat) at a farm in these highlands, then continue to the port in Puerto Ayora to check into the hotel.

In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Station, where scientists from all over the world meet and work together on environmental projects such as water analysis, animal protection, effects of tourism on nature, etc., and the most famous place to see Giant Tortoises in the Galapagos where the animals are raised before being released into nature. The actual name of the tortoise area here is the “Fausto Llerena” Breeding Center, named after the Galapagos National Park ranger who cared for Lonesome George. This is the best place in the Galapagos to view numerous different species and see how their tortoiseshell shapes have evolved differently to match the terrain and vegetation of the islands they are native to.

Day 4 : Exploring an Uninhabited Island

Location: Bartolomé Island

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After a very early breakfast, today you will enjoy an amazing day trip to an uninhabited island.

Depending on the weather, scheduling, and permissions granted by the National Park, you'll visit one of the following islands: Santa Fé, South Plazas, Bartolomé, or North Seymour where you will follow trails to discover their richness, while in the afternoon you will have the opportunity to explore the waters around.

Santa Fé and South Plazas are home to endemic land iguanas, while Bartolomé is known for its beautiful lava flows. On North Seymour, look for frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. Each island is unique, offering spectacular scenery and opportunities to see rare wildlife.

Lunch is included onboard, as well as walking and a snorkeling activity to maximize your experience.

In the evening, return to Puerto Ayora to enjoy some free time.

Day 5 : Transfer to Airport on Baltra Island

Location: Galápagos Ecologic Airport

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

If there is enough free time before your transfer to the airport, do some last-minute souvenir shopping or take a last stroll through Puerto Ayora.

At the designated time, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the Itabaca Channel, which you will cross on a ferry. For the last part of your trip to the airport, take the public shuttle bus to the terminal, where your program ends with your return flight to the mainland.

What's Included

Accommodation

4 nights accommodation
Fully Guided

English-speaking guides
Meals

Meals according to the itinerary
Transport

Transfers according to the itinerary

What's Not Included

Additional Services

Galapagos Migration Card ($20 per person) - Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100 per person)
Airport Transfers at Destination

International flights - Domestic flights
Insurance

Travel Insurance
Meals

Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional

Optional Activities/Excursions

Videos

Check out our Q&As

Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

If there is such a probability
Are all entrance fees included in the price?

Yes, the entrance fees indicated in the itinerary are included.
What is the tipping policy?

Tips are well regarded in the country, and depend on the degree of customer satisfaction.
Are airport transfers included in this tour?

Yes, the transfers are included (upon request of our clients).
What is the maximum group size?

The maximum group size is 16 people

What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?

For this trip a minimum of 1 passengers is required but you need to pay an extra or you can choose share a room with another passenger.
Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

It depends on the amount of luggage your international flight permits.
Company Instant Book

We need to check on the availabilities first
Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

Ecuador is a small country, in some Andean accommodations, there is no Wi-Fi, and in some others, the connection is not good. Only in the big cities, there is a good Wi-Fi connection.
Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

Yes, we can arrange any tour or additional service in Ecuador. (Except for activities regulated by low)
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

Yes, there is a Supplement, it depends on the hotels and services. Request to our travel advisor this information.
Do you require a visa for this holiday?

Visa is not required to enter Ecuador.
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

Yes, of course, at the time of the confirmation of the services you will know the name of the hotels that you will have throughout your trip.
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

Yes, our guides speak English (we also have guides in other languages upon request.)
What currencies are required for this tour?

The official currency in Ecuador is the US dollar.
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

The guide that will be with you in the different activities in the Galápagos Islands, according to the itinerary
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

Very good physical condition is required, since you will be doing various activities that require you to be fit
Is the tour coach air conditioned?

Yes, it is.
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

The visa is not included in the services
Are flights included in this tour?

No, flights are not included in our rates. You can book on your own or request a quote from us.
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

Yes, there is some free time to enjoy the places to visit.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

We can arrange it if you do it before the time limit of our cancellation policies, subject to availability.
Can I join the tour once it has departed?

No, it is not possible
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

For the past 12 years, Responsible Travel has specialized in creating wonderful memories with our professional and trustworthy providers in every corner of Ecuador. We also collaborate with native communities and local suppliers to ensure that the incoming that comes through responsible travel generates profits for minorities.I am delighted that you are planning to spend your holidays in Ecuador;
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

At your arrival, you must present a COVID-19 vaccinations certificate with at least two doses completed at least 14 days before arrival. This is the only vaccine the government asks as a requirement to enter the territory.
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

We operate a “single share” only in cruises options.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

You will receive an Invoice detailing our terms and conditions. a voucher of services that included all the reserved services.
How long has the tour company been trading?

For the past 12 years, we have been operating Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands and recently South America destinations.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Mathew United States of America

5 Days Galapagos Island Hopping: San Cristobal & Santa Cruz

17-Jul-2023

We had the most amazing trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the initial interaction and Alvaro all the way through to our last day - everything was flawlessly planned and executed. Alvaro put together the perfect itinerary for us, and was always available during the course of the trip, and managed to change our plans at the last minute during our trip. All of our guides, drivers, tour operators, etc. were excellent - special mentions to Chris and Alejandro! Ecuador is a spectacular place to visit. I would highly recommend a trip - from the volcanos, cloud rainforest, jungle, Galapagos Islands, and the wonderful people. Thanks again Alvaro for planning such an epic visit! ...more ...less

Catherine United States of America

5 Days Galapagos Island Hopping: San Cristobal & Santa Cruz

26-Dec-2023

Had an amazing time in Ecuador and visiting the Galapagos. Alvaro planned an amazing itinerary for us, and we had a great balance of activities and rest.

Jessica United States of America

5 Days Galapagos Island Hopping: San Cristobal & Santa Cruz

24-Sep-2023

Alvaro helped me and my husband plan our honeymoon trip to Ecuador and it was amazing! Our guides were very kind and knowledgeable. We learned not only about the area and history, but also about current events and daily life. The food was delicious and healthy. In the Galapagos we learned about wildlife and had many up close experiences with the animals. We felt very welcomed everywhere we went, and we can’t wait to come back for another adventure in Ecuador! ...more ...less

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~~$1530~~ $1457 (USD)