Where black lava meets a sea crowded with life
When to go
Year-Round
Trip length
10 days / 9 nights
Typical investmentPrice
from $5,300 pp
From stark volcanic ridges to clear Pacific shallows, this 9-night journey immerses you in the Galápagos at its wildest and most elemental. Explore two ecologically rich islands through guided landings, coastal walks, and daily snorkeling among sea lions, turtles, penguins, and reef sharks. Led by expert naturalists and shaped by the rhythm of tides and wildlife, this is the Galápagos experienced in full focus.
Along the way
Snorkel lava arches and shark-filled channels at Los Túneles and Tintoreras
Explore Bartolomé Island's volcanic landscapes and snorkel with penguins
Encounter blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and sea lions on North Seymour
Walk among giant tortoises in Santa Cruz's misty highlands
Your route
Fly from mainland Ecuador to Baltra, then cross the narrow channel to Santa Cruz Island. Settle into Puerto Ayora and ease into island time with a coastal walk or quiet afternoon, where lava rock meets mangroves and the Pacific moves at an unhurried pace. That evening, enjoy a private dinner by the water, with soft light, ocean air, and the sound of waves close at hand.
Visit El Chato Reserve, where giant tortoises roam freely among lava tunnels and lush highlands. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Puerto Ayora or relax at the lodge.
Cruise by boat to Bartolomé Island, one of the archipelago’s most striking landscapes. Walk across exposed lava for sweeping views of Pinnacle Rock, then snorkel in clear waters where penguins, turtles, and reef fish gather along the shore. Return to Santa Cruz as the light softens across the bay.
Today, cruise to North Seymour Island, home to frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, and playful sea lions. Return to your hotel in the evening, where Galapagos stars fill the sky.
A slower day on Santa Cruz. Walk the cactus-lined path to Tortuga Bay, where a wide sweep of white sand meets turquoise water and marine iguanas rest on lava rock. Alternatively, venture to the quieter shores of Garrapatero Beach for a more remote coastal escape. Swim, wander, or simply pause.
Take a ferry to Isabela Island and check into your boutique eco-retreat, perched at the edge of Puerto Villamil's soft sands. Spend the afternoon walking the beach, visiting the flamingo lagoon, or sipping cocktails on the rooftop as the sun dips behind volcanoes.
Explore one of the world's largest volcanic craters on a guided hike up Sierra Negra, then continue on to the lava fields of Volcán Chico. Afternoon is free to relax at the hotel or walk Isabela's quiet beach.
Embark on a shared boat tour to Los Tuneles, a surreal network of lava arches and shallow channels. Snorkel alongside turtles, rays, and reef sharks, surrounded by a landscape shaped by fire and time. Return to your hotel for a sunset on the sand.
A short ride brings you to Las Tintoreras, where narrow lava channels shelter resting reef sharks and marine iguanas cling to black rock. Snorkel in shallow waters shared with penguins and turtles, then return for a quiet final evening on Isabela.
After breakfast, take the ferry back to Santa Cruz and transfer to Baltra Airport for your onward flight. Depart with sand in your shoes, stories in your hearts, and the wild spirit of the islands still humming in your bones.
Let's discover your next adventure
Our top picks
Pikaia Lodge places 14 rooms and suites on a restored 76-acre giant-tortoise reserve in the Santa Cruz highlands. Floor-to-ceiling glass, a private exploration yacht, guided land days, an infinity pool, and two private suites support a land-based Galápagos expedition.
Galápagos Safari Camp places nine elevated safari tents and one three-bedroom Family Suite inside a private highland reserve on Santa Cruz. Private guiding, yacht days, family programs, and views across the national park create a highly personalized land-based expedition.
Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel places 33 rooms beside a small beach across the water from Puerto Ayora. Six large Evolution Suites, a pool, day yachts, gardens, and guided excursions make it one of the most convenient land-based Galápagos hotels for couples and families.
Scalesia Galápagos Lodge places 16 safari-style tents inside native forest in the Isabela highlands. Air conditioning, large private decks, included meals, and guided packages create a comfortable base for volcanoes, wetlands, tortoises, Los Túneles, and the island’s beaches.
Keep exploring
Let’s start planning
Tell us a little about your plans. We’ll be in touch to talk through this trip with you.
