8 Days/7 Nights
Departs Daily from Quito or Guayaqui
Galapagos: Island Hopping 7 Nights
San Cristobal, Santa Cruz & Isabela Islands
San Cristobal, Santa Cruz & Isabela Islands
Explore the magical Galapagos archipelago by "island hopping" to three islands that feature their own diverse topography, plant life and wildlife.
INCLUSIONS
• All air, boat and ground transfers within the Galapagos (flights to/ from the Galapagos purchased separately)
• Accommodations
• Guided Island Eco-Tours
• Yacht Exploration Tours
• Guided Island Eco-Tours
• Yacht Exploration Tours
• Daily Breakfast and some lunches, with the option to upgrade to Full Board
Arrival/San Cristobal Island:
After arriving from the mainland at San Cristobal Airport, your first visit will be to the Interpretation Center, where you will learn about the origin, history and flora and fauna of the islands. Then you'll have a two-hour hike to Frigate Hill for a beautiful view of the island and its surroundings. The main attraction here is a colony of frigate birds. After this hike you'll visit Frigate Bay for some snorkeling. Finally, you head for your hotel.
(Lunch & Accommodations, San Cristobal)
Kicker Rock or Islas Lobos:
Today you will one of two snorkeling/swimming excursions:
1. Leave early in the morning for a boat ride to Kicker Rock, known as one of the best places for snorkeling and diving in the islands. You can see sharks, rays and many species of fishes. After snorkeling, you will visit one of three beautiful beaches. In the afternoon, return to San Cristobal for leisure time.
2. An early morning boat ride takes you to Islas Lobos, where you can snorkel with sea lions and observe different bird species such as blue-footed boobies. Then continue to Playa Ochoa, a beautiful beach. Lunch is served on board. In the afternoon, return to San Cristobal for leisure time.
(Breakfast & Accommodations, San Cristobal; Lunch on Excursion)
Transfer to Santa Cruz:
This morning you take a short flight to Baltra's airport. A naturalist guide will be waiting for you to escort you during the transfer to Puerto Ayora. On the way, you will make a stop to visit the highlands. Next you will enjoy lunch at a ranch where you will see the giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat. You will have time to walk through the grounds to search for the giant tortoises. After lunch you will continue on to the Charles Darwin Station.
At the Charles Darwin Station, you will be able to see a variety of species of Giant Tortoises in captivity. You will watch their different size and ages, and learn more about the Islands they originally come from. Here you will learn more about the ongoing conservation efforts directed to preserve the Giant Tortoises, as well as learning more about the entire Galapagos environment.
After all these activities you will be taken to your hotel in Puerto Ayora.
(Breakfast, San Cristobal; Lunch and Accommodations, Santa Cruz)
Excursion to Another Island:
After breakfast, the guide will meet you in the hotel's lobby in order to take you to the dock to start the tour. Lunch will be included onboard the yacht. Depending on availability you will enjoy one of the tours mentioned below:
Bartolomé Island is the most attractive landscape of the archipelago, and is undoubtedly the most photographed of all the Galapagos Islands. You can appreciate a spectacular view of two beautiful bays and observe the fascinating formations of lava and volcanic cones.
North Seymour Island
is a spectacular place to hike, swim, and enjoy snorkeling. The main attractions are: frigates, boobies, gulls, hawks, green sea turtles and the famous Galapagos Sharks.Two islands form Plazas. The turquoise waters of the channel contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava coast. It is a wonderful spot to observe marine life, including manta rays - a perfect spot for snorkeling activity.
Santa Fe: This Island has a lot of diversity. The lagoons provide an excellent place for snorkeling alongside colorful fishes, sea lions, giant tuna and even small sharks.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Accommodations, Santa Cruz)
Excursion to Another Island:
After breakfast, the guide will meet you in the hotel's lobby in order to take you to the dock to start the tour. Lunch will be included onboard the yacht. Depending on availability you will enjoy one of the tours mentioned below:
Bartolomé Island is the most attractive landscape of the archipelago, and is undoubtedly the most photographed of all the Galapagos Islands. You can appreciate a spectacular view of two beautiful bays and observe the fascinating formations of lava and volcanic cones.
North Seymour Island
is a spectacular place to hike, swim, and enjoy snorkeling. The main attractions are: frigates, boobies, gulls, hawks, green sea turtles and the famous Galapagos Sharks.Two islands form Plazas. The turquoise waters of the channel contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava coast. It is a wonderful spot to observe marine life, including manta rays - a perfect spot for snorkeling activity.
Santa Fe: This Island has a lot of diversity. The lagoons provide an excellent place for snorkeling alongside colorful fishes, sea lions, giant tuna and even small sharks.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Accommodations, Santa Cruz)
Charles Darwin Station and Transfer to Isabela Island:
In the morning, we head to Charles Darwin Station to learn about the habitats of the Galapagos and conservation efforts. The most striking attraction is the Tortoise Breeding Center, where you can view and take pictures of many types of tortoises. You can also see land and marine iguanas. In the afternoon you will take a plane to Isabela Island. After checking in to your hotel, you have the rest of the day to explore on your own.
(Breakfast, Santa Cruz; Accommodations, Isabela)
Los Tuneles:
After breakfast at your hotel you'll take a 45-minute boat ride to Los Tuneles. Along the ride, we will enjoy seeing the beautiful Galapagos wildlife such as giant mantas rays, sea turtles and more. We will make a short stop at Roca Union where we can see masked boobies, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, sea lions and occasionally a fur seal from the boat. Los Tuneles is a breathtaking site formed by lava arches on the water. Tour the site by boat and go snorkeling. Experience close encounters with many species of fish, rays, sea turtles and perhaps the Galapagos penguins. Depending on sea conditions, you may have a chance to snorkel with penguins and sea lions in the same spot! Lunch will be served on board the yacht as you return to Isabela. In the afternoon, we will also visit the Tortoise Breeding Center, where you will learn more about the breeding and reproduction of the tortoises. Return to the hotel overnight.
(Breakfast, Boxed Lunch & Accommodations, Isabela)
Departure for the Mainland (Quito or Guayaquil):
After breakfast, you'll fly to Santa Cruz Island, then have a short boat transfer to Baltra Island for your return flight to Quito or Guayaquil, where you will catch your flight to the States or to continue on to your next Avanti adventure!
(Breakfast, Isabela) ** Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
