Galapagos Wildlife Discovery

A lodge-based naturalist trip in the Galapagos that visits and explores 3 different Islands. An ideal option for those who don’t like boat travel, but still want a full itinerary, wildlife-viewing opportunities, and comfortable accommodations.

Trip Length: 5 Days
Destinations: San Cristobal, Isabela, & Santa Cruz Galapagos Islands
Lodging: First-class, ocean-front lodges
Activities: Wildlife viewing, naturalist walks, snorkeling

WHY THIS TRIP

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Many land-based Galapagos naturalist trips suffer from a slow-paced itinerary, too many boat rides, and dingy accommodations; the Galapagos Wildlife Discovery is the antidote to such subpar trips.

On this wildlife-filled itinerary, you’ll be snorkeling with sea turtles, wandering amongst magnificent frigate birds, and swimming with petite Galapagos penguins — all with your professional, naturalist guide. At night, you will relax at comfortable hotels.

This trip stays on three different Islands so as to avoid long round-trip boat rides. This lets you see more of an Island than what you would on a one-day visit, and experience the stark ecological diversity between the Islands.

You start on San Cristobal Island, famous for the blue-footed boobies and frigate birds founds on land, as well as the sharks, rays, sea lions, and turtles you’ll find at sites like Kicker Rock. On Isabela Island, you’ll be exploring a newer volcanic landscape and discovering a diversity of animals who have made their home here.

Snorkel among penguins and marine iguanas in turquoise water, walk white-sand beaches and hike up stunning volcanoes for a panoramic view of the archipelago. The trip finishes with a exploration of Santa Cruz Island where you observe giant tortoises lumbering through the highlands and visit the famous Charles Darwin Research Center.

While this trip is well-structured to ensure you see tons of wildlife and get to see the best of the Galapagos, there is still lots of room for you to personalize your trip.

There are longer versions of the trip, as well as the option to go with a group tour or a privately-guided trip. For those who want to see even more, SCUBA or naturalist tour days can be added upon request.

LOCAL OPERATOR: NeoTropic Expeditions

A pioneer of the multisport experience in the Galapagos, Quito-based NeoTropic Expeditions provides meaningful, fun and safe eco-adventure experiences reflecting the company’s strong commitment to sustainable eco-tourism in Ecuador.

Itinerary

Click the Abbreviated Itinerary to see the Detailed Itinerary

Itinerary
DAY 1: Fly to Galapagos, Explore San Cristobal Island: Interpretation Center & Hike Frigate Hill (San Cristobal hotel)
DAY 2: San Cristobal Island: Snorkel Northern Coast (San Cristobal hotel)
DAY 3: Isabela Island: Beaches, Lagoons, and Islets (Isabela hotel)
DAY 4: Santa Cruz Island: Highlands & Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz hotel)
DAY 5: Depart Galapagos

DAY 1: Fly to Galapagos, Visit The Interpretation Center, Hike & Snorkel Frigate Hill

After a morning flight from the mainland to San Cristobal Island, we continue to our hotel for an energizing lunch, introductions, and a short overview of our trip.

Our Galapagos adventure starts with a visit to the local Interpretation Center where we learn about the unique wildlife, geology, natural history, and social dynamics of the Galapagos.

Now that we know a little more about the islands we make our way to our first stop, Frigate Hill, where we might spot many of the unique avian species of the Galapagos.

As we hike over natural lava rock trails our guides tell us all about the Galapagos cotton, palo santo, acacia, and cacti surrounding us, as well as blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, herons, gulls, warblers, mockingbirds and finches that we spot in the vegetation and sea cliffs.

In addition to the diverse wildlife, this walking tour provides marvelous views of the rugged coastline and the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno below us.

During the return trip we stop at beautiful Carola Beach for a dip, where we snorkel and swim with sea turtles and sea lions while enjoying a lovely sunset on the beach.

We return to the hotel for a gourmet seafood dinner after which you can set out to explore the friendly, laid-back town and visit the colony of endemic Galapagos sea lions next door.

Overnight on San Cristobal Island
· Comfort Hotel: Casa Opuntia or similar
· Premium Hotel: Golden Bay Hotel & Spa or similar
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2: Snorkel The Northern Coast of San Cristobal

Today we explore the northern coast. We either visit Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock), Punta Pitt, or Cerro Brujo. The visiting site depends on the week day and the Galapagos National Park regulations.

On our exploration trip we make sure to search the nearby coves and cliffs for sea turtles, sea lions, frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, and Nazca boobies. Here we have the chance to get up close and personal with sea lions in their favorite playground.

As we snorkel, we might see eagle rays, golden rays, Galapagos sharks, starfish, clams, and thousands of tropical fish. If we’re lucky, we may even come across hammerhead sharks. As the sun sets on our day under the waves, we return to the hotel to for a relaxed evening.

Overnight on San Cristobal Island
· Comfort Hotel: Casa Opuntia or similar
· Premium Hotel: Golden Bay Hotel & Spa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Discover Isabela Island’s Beaches, Lagoons, and Islets

Our journey continues to Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos. It´s constantly changing and evolving due to the six shield volcanoes, rendering it one of the most volcanically active spots on the planet. After a short small aircraft flight we settle into our hotel.

We then set out on a one-of-a-kind hike that will take us through an incredible variety of coastal ecosystems, along the way we spot giant tortoises, flamingos, and other wildlife as we pass through white sand beaches, the alluring poison apple forest, a gaping lava tube, dark mangroves and brackish lagoons.

After a nourishing lunch we set out to explore Tintoreras, a group of small islets filled with hidden coves and isolated beaches. Here we find the endemic Galapagos penguin, as well as reef sharks, sea turtles and sea lions. At the end of the day, we retire to our hotel.

We finish the evening with a delicious dinner and an optional stroll down the expansive beach and the sand streets of idyllic Puerto Villamil.

Overnight on Isabela Island
· Comfort Hotel: Casita de la Playa or similar
· Premium Hotel: Iguana Crossing or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Explore the Santa Cruz Island Highlands & Visit Charles Darwin Research Station

Early in the morning, we board a speed boat or internal flight to Santa Cruz Island. Along the way we keep an eye out for whales and dolphins in the ocean around us.

After checking in we head to El Chato nature reserve in the Santa Cruz highlands, home to the Galapagos giant tortoise. It is an honor to hike among these fascinating, gentle giants, who on average live to be over 175 years old.

El Chato is also home to many pintail ducks, finches, frigate birds, egrets and the beautiful vermillion flycatcher. Our hike continues through some incredible lava tunnels created by flowing magma.

Legend has it that the buccaneers who once frequented the Galapagos used these deep caves to hide Inca gold plundered from Spanish ships! After some pirate stories from our guides we head up to Los Gemelos, a pair of deep volcanic sinkholes at the high point of Santa Cruz.

The path takes us through a forest of endemic Scalesia trees covered in ferns and epiphytes where we’ll keep a lookout for the resident short-eared owl.

If there is enough time we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station where local scientists rear endemic plants and animals for educational, scientific, and conservation purposes. We’ll learn about the ongoing conservation efforts to protect the future of the Galapagos.

In the late afternoon, we get ready to celebrate our once-in-a-lifetime trip with a delicious farewell dinner. We soak up the ambiance of our last night in the Galapagos with magnificent views of the brightly-lit ships in the bay and the town beyond.

Overnight on Santa Cruz Island
· Comfort Hotel: Hotel Mainao or similar
· Premium Hotel: Angermeyer Waterfront Inn or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Depart Galapagos

Finally, it’s time bid a fond farewell as we transfer to Baltra Island for our return flight to the mainland.

Meals Included: Breakfast

travel logistics

Getting To and From the Trip:

This trip begins with the flight to the Galapagos from either Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador on the first morning of the trip, and ends with the return flight from the Galapagos to either Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador, on the last day of the trip, arriving in the late afternoon.

These flights are not included in the trip price, but they will be arranged for you and the cost added to your bill.

You need to overnight in your choice of departure city, either Quito or Guayaquil, at least one night before the trip begins as you will fly to the Galapagos early in the morning of Day 1 of your trip.

At the end of the trip we recommend overnighting in Ecuador one night before moving on to your next adventure or flying home, although it is possible to catch a late night flight out on this day.

We do not sell international airfare but partner with a flight specialty company, Exito Travel, who can arrange all of your flights for you, simplifying the process of this part of your trip.

Trip Start: Trip begins with a flight from Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador to San Cristobal Island (Galapagos). Your flights to the Galapagos will be arranged for you by NeoTropic Expeditions and added on to your total trip cost. Flights to the Galapagos depart in the morning between 7am - 10am. You need to overnight in either Quito or Guayaquil the night before this flight. We can assist you with any pre or post hotels (at an additional cost).

Trip End: Trip ends with drop off at the Baltra Airport (Galapagos) for your return flight to either Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador, arriving in the late afternoon on the last day of the trip. Most travelers need to overnight that night before returning home or continuing to their next adventure. We can assist you with any pre or post hotels (at an additional cost).

Complete Your Trip

This is a Galapagos trip segment starting and ending at Galapagos airports. No services in mainland Ecuador are provided before or after the trip.

You will need to overnight at least one night in Quito or Guayaquil prior to departing to the Galapagos and typically one night after returning from the Galapagos.

We can easily make this trip a complete package by taking care of all the necessary logistics in mainland Ecuador before and after the Galapagos. Click the links below to view our recommended Quito and Guayaquil hotels, as well as, Galapagos hotels for those arriving early or staying late.

In addition to the Galapagos, we specialize in trips to the Amazon, mainland Ecuador, Machu Picchu and Peru, Chile, Argentina, Patagonia, Brazil, Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico.

Prices & Dates

2023 PRICES:

Group Departures
Please enquire

Private Departures
Please enquire for rates.

Notes:
– Departures between December 18 and January 3rd will have a Holiday Surcharge applied

Note On Pricing: Pricing is subject to change based on hotel/room availability. If the hotels/rooms that are normally used on this trip are not available, alternatives will be used and it’s possible the trip price can change slightly.

2024 PRICES:

Group Departures
Please enquire

Private Departures
Please enquire for rates.

Notes:
– Departures between December 18 and January 3rd will have a Holiday Surcharge applied

What's Included / Not Included

INCLUDED:

•   Accommodations in your choice of Comfort or Premium Hotels, in double, triple or single rooms (extra cost will be applied for single rooms)
•   All meals from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last day
• Top quality adventure and safety equipment (not including wetsuits, can rent locally)
•   Professional bilingual Galapagos naturalist guide
•   All sea, land, and inter-island air transportation within the Islands

View Terms and Conditions:
https://detourdestinations.com/terms-and-conditions/neotropic-expeditions

NOT INCLUDED:

•   International flights and flights to/from the Galapagos (our flight partner Exito Travel can arrange these for you, or you can book them on your own. For a quote, please let us know your home airport)
•   Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee ($100* per adult / $50* per child under 12)
•   Migration Transit Card ($20* per person / can be pre-paid)
•    Baltra Island transportation fee ($5* per person)
•   Beverages in restaurants
•   Wetsuits (can rent locally)
•   Personal and medical expenses
•   Insurance (recommended)
•   Health insurance (required to enter Ecuador)
•   Gratuities and Tips to guide and support team
•    Potential overweight baggage fees on Galapagos inter-island flight(s) Note: Guests are allowed 1 checked luggage of no more than 20 lbs + 1 small carry on

* Fees subject to change

Accommodations

Comfort Hotels are comfortable and charming tourist superior class hotels. They are well located in town, but aren’t always right on the beach or waterfront.

Premium Hotels are luxurious and boutique first class hotels. They are located right on the beach or waterfront. All hotels are locally owned and operated.

COMFORT HOTELS:

San Cristobal Island: Casa Opuntia or similar

Isabela Island: Casita de la Playa or similar

Santa Cruz Island: Hotel Mainao or similar

PREMIUM HOTELS:

San Cristobal Island: Golden Bay Hotel & Spa or similar

Isabela Island: Iguana Crossing or similar

Santa Cruz Island: Angermeyer Waterfront Inn or similar

Rooming Options

ROOMING OPTIONS: Double, Triple, Single, Suite, Single Supplement

1 review for Galapagos Wildlife Discovery

Jonalie – July 27, 2015

I would give it 4.5 stars. It was beautiful and very well planned, but the travel between islands was a bit confusing and very cramped. Our hotels were very nice and the food was excellent.

Also, our guide Pablo, was very nice and took good care of us,

Add a review Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a review.

GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE DISCOVERY