Hotel-Based Galapagos Island Hopping Tours

Red Mangrove Hotels

Isabela-Santa Cruz Premium Naturalist

10 Day

 

GALAPAGOS ISLAND HOPPING (6 nights / 7 days)

(Departs: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday)

" Transfer from Baltra airport to your hotel in Puerto Ayora, visiting on the way the highlands of Santa Cruz Island (lava tunnels and the turtle reservation)
" 2 nights of accommodation in Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Island with breakfasts
" Visit to the Scientific Charles Darwin Station
" Visit Garrapatero beach and take a tour by yacht to the bay
" Transfer by small boat from Santa Cruz to another island, San Cristóbal
" 2 nights of accomodation in San Cristobal Island with breakfasts included
" Visit to Centro de Interpretación and home of sea lion colonies
" Transfer by jet from San Cristóbal Island to another Island Isabela Island
" 2 nights of accommodation in Isabela Island with breakfasts included
" Visit to Tintoreras bay
" Full day excursion to Sierra Negra Volcaneo
" Transfer by jet back to Baltra
" Hotel taxes

Day 1 : Welcome at the Baltra airport and free transfer by bus to the tip of the Itabaca canal, where one will proceed by ferry to public service in the Island of Santa Cruz. Transport will be waiting in order to transfer you to Puerto Ayora, area where the hotels are located on the Island. On the way, one will have the opportunity to visit the lava tunnels and a Turtle reservation. Visit to the Scientific Charles Darwin Station, where you can learn more about the Galápagos Islands; the species that live in this enchanted place, its origin, the theory of Evolution, the conservation programs, and observe some Giant Turtles in captivity. Return to Accommodation.

Day 2 : Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Garrapatero beach, the beautiful white sand beach, in which you will be able to observe flamingos and finches, as well as enjoy a nice morning at the beach. Return to Puerto Ayora, for some free time to eat.
In the afternoon you will have a tour in yacht around the bay, so you can see get to know the island and visit "La Lobería" named for all the huge sea lion colonies that live there. Here one will be able to do snorkeling and to swim and play with the sea lions, see beautiful fish of all colors and sea turtles, then we proceed with the tour to the "Canal del Amor" from where one can observe the sharks with white fins with also the possibility of swimming and snorkeling with them, then the yacht will continue to Punta Estrada dock where you will start a walk to see the marine iguanas that live in "Playa de los Perros" and back to the dock to return to accommodation.
This tour only operates Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Day 3: Breakfast at hotel and free morning. In the afternoon transfer by a small boat to Puerto Ayora to San Cristóbal Island (aprox. 2 hours and a half) Arrival and accommodation

Day 4 : Breakfast at hotel. Visit to Centro de Interpretación, where you will learn the of the volcanoes of the islands, marine currents, the climate and all about the different species. In the afternoon visit the home of the sea lions, which is a beach with many colonies of sea lions which cover the beach and rock area as they lay and relax and reproduce. Another night of accommodation.

Day 5 Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning, transfer by plane from San Cristobal to Isabela Island (approx. 25 minutes). Arrival in Isabela. Accommodation. In the afternoon visit to the Dyers Bay, which is the favorite resting area of the white tip shark

Day 6 : breakfast at hotel. Excursion to Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes on the Island and with the second largest crater in the World to this date. Here we can apréciate the sulfer fumerals anda reas of lava from the small volcanoe. On top of the spectacular view of the whole island, see Elizabeth bay, Alcedo Volcano, and the Darwin and wolf Volcanoe.

Day 7 : Breakfast at hotel. Transfer from the hotel in Puerto Ayora to the Itabaca canal, in order to cross and return to the Baltra airport for your departing flight.

 

2011 Prices per person in US$:

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Hotel	single	double	triple
tourist - Casa Natura	1619	1241	1226
tourist - Villa Laguna	1632	1250	1249
superior - Silberstein	1816	1370	1355
First - Sol y Mar	1994	1443	1408
First - Angermeyer	2123	1471	1415
first sup. - Red Mangrove	2395	1774	1658
luxury - Royal Palms	2585	1804	$1916

 

 

 

 

** Programs to Galápagos do not include air ticket from Quito or Guayaquil
** Programs to Galápagos do not include taxes into the Nacional Park of Galápagos of $100 or the Tourist Transit Card of $10
** Programs to Galápagos and tour operations in GPS are subject to availability and changes in Intinirary, departure days, Climate conditions, operations, and logistics. Operator does however guarantees the number of excursions to be met but not the intinerary nor the specific place.
** operates with a minimum of 2 people. Add 5% for one person in single room

10 DAY ISLAND HOPPING PACKAGE (DAILY)

Departure: Every day of the week
Minimum: 2 passengers
Maxim: 12 passengers

Day 1: Arrival in Quito or Guayaquil
Transfer In airport - Hotel. Accommodation at the hotel in Quito or Guayaquil

Day 2: Quito or Guayaquil - San Cristobal Island High Land
Transfer Out from the hotel to the airport. Local flight to the Galapagos Islands. Arriving to San Cristobal Airport. Today our local guide will receive us and begin the excursion towards the high part of the island where we will have the opportunity to visit the Center where giant Galapagos turtles are raised. After this visit, we will enjoy a wonderful lunch at a nearby farm. Then we will continue our excursion to the Junco Lake -the only sweet water lake- where we will see marine birds. Just a few minutes from this place, we will stop at a lookout where we there is a beautiful view of the Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Bay. Return to the hotel and lodging. B/L

Day 3: San Cristobal Island Lobos Island - Leon Dormido - Puerto Grande
We will navigate to Lobos Island where we will snorkel with the local sea lion colony. Then we will continue to the famous Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) where we can watch the high-flying boobies and frigate birds. Our main recreation here will be snorkeling and we will have the opportunity to swim with rays, seals, iguanas, multicolored fish, and much more according to the ocean currents. The same day we will continue on to Puerto Grande with its beautiful white sand beach to enjoy a well-deserved rest and a box lunch. Return to the hotel and lodging. B/L

Day 4: Trip San Cristobal Island - Santa Cruz Island - Charles Darwin Station - Tortuga Bay Beach
Departure in a public speed boat to Santa Cruz Island in the morning (07 am), one of the most important islands in the Archipelago because this is where most of the hotels and tourist accommodations are located. After arrival, we will visit the important Charles Darwin Research Station where we will watch some of the largest breeding centers for Galapagos tortoises and land iguanas. Here the guide will give us a detailed explanation regarding the evolution of the Islands. We will have lunch at the village. In the afternoon we will take a long but easy walk to one of the most beautiful white sand beaches of the islands - Tortuga Bay Beach. Return to the hotel and lodging. B/L

Day 5: Santa Cruz Island - Highlands - Garrapatero Beach
Leave for the high part of the island and go to Primicias Ranch where we will walk into the brush to look for giant Galapagos tortoises. Then after a moderate walk, we will visit the lava tunnels and have lunch in a typical restaurant there. We will continue on that same day and go to Garrapatero Beach, one of the beautiful white sand beaches where the water is turquoise and the sea is tranquil. Here we can go snorkel and watch flamingos and other sea birds. Return to the hotel and lodging. B/L

Day 6: Santa Cruz Island - Bay Tour - Isabela Island -Flamingos Lagoon
In the morning, we will tour the bay and visit Punta Estrada, the Germans' Beach, Channels of Love and the Grietas. During this tour, we will watch marine birds and sea lions and be able to surface dive. Lunch in Puerto Ayora. In the afternoon, a fast speed boat will take us to Isabela Island, one of the most beautiful islands in the Archipelago. After 2,5 hours of navigating, we will reach this corner of paradise where a local transfer will take us to the hotel. After the check in we will walk to see the Flamingos Lagoon. Return to the hotel and lodging. B/L

Day 7: Sierra Negra Volcano - Campo Duro Farm - Tintoreras
Today will be very special because our guide will meet us at the hotel and take us to one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the world. The crater of this volcano called "Sierra Negra" is approximately 7 kilometers in diameter. This day we will have a trekking tour (4 hours) in order to enjoy the wonderful scenery unique in the world. Lunch in a local farm called Campo Duro where we can also watch Isabela Giant Tortoises during the visit. Back to Puerto Villamil town, we will visit Tintoreras Islets. Here a colony of white tip sharks can often be seen resting in a lava canal. Nearby hundreds of marine iguanas can be observed, as 'Las Tintoreras' is one of their main breeding sites. On the nearby sandy beaches, sea lions play and relax in the sun. Afterwards we will have the opportunity to snorkel. Return to the hotel and lodging. B/L

Day 8: The Tunnels of Cape Rosa - Wall of Tears - Orchilla Lookout - Breeding Center
Prepare yourself for one of the best days of your trip! After sailing for 45 minutes from Puerto Villamil, we will reach Cape Rosa on the western side of the island. This is one of the most beautiful places nature has bestowed upon humankind. Here we can walk over the connected lava tunnels situated in the blue sea waters. From the surface, we will very easily be able to see dozens of sea turtles, penguins and rays and we will also be able to do snorkeling and swimming alongside this rich marine fauna. As we sail to and from Isabela, we hopefully see manta rays of different sizes that will make this trip different, and if it is the mating season, we will see them diving upside-down on the surface, waiting to have their pictures taken. In the afternoon we will drive towards the "Wall of Tears". This historical place was built by prisoners from Ecuador's first jail. On the return we will stop at the Orchilla Lookout. From its summit you can see the entire coastal wetland system including Poza de los Diablos, Puerto Villamil, the beaches, the volcanoes and the islets to the south east of Isabela. It's a great location for taking panoramic photos on clear days. If there is still time we will visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center where we will be able to observe tortoises of all ages and sizes. We will also learn about the reproduction and rearing of giant tortoises and see all the work that is being carried out to help recover the wild populations of these species. Return to the hotel and lodging. B/L

Day 9: Isabela Island - Santa Cruz Island - Baltra - Quito
Early departure to take the speed boat back to Puerto Ayora. We will immediately take a bus across Santa Cruz Island to the Baltra Airport where we will check in for our flights to the Continent. Those who want can take an inter-island flight in a 5 to 9 capacity plane. The flight from Isabela to the Baltra airport is 30 minutes and connects to the flight to the continent (no flights on Sundays). This service is optional and is charged extra and should be reserved at least 48 hours in advance. Transfer In airport - hotel. Accommodation in a hotel in Quito or Guayaquil. B/.

Day 10: Departure from Quito or Guayaquil.
Transfer Out to airport for international flight

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2011 price per person in US$:

 

The Galapagos package includes:
" Accommodation in double or triple room
" Breakfast and lunch as details in the program
" Public Speed Boat for navigation (open boats)
" Bilingual English speaking naturalist guide (local guides) during the excursions
" Private land transportation
" Snorkel equipment
" Confirmed flights (go/back).

The Galapagos package does not include:
" Airfare round trip
" Entrance fee Galapagos National Park (US$ 100)
" Transit Control Card (US$ 10)
" Isabela Departure Fee (US $5)
" Any specify meals (diners)
" Wet suit
" Personal expenses, tips and all drinks.

RECOMMENDATIONS
" Bring Medical or Travel insurance

" Luggage: We suggest taking a 20kg suitcase and a carry-on bag since these are allowed by the airline. You must remember that the trip in Galapagos in the open and include hikes, swimming, scuba diving and other physical activities that require comfortable, lightweight, informal clothing good for any kind of weather.

" Clothing: For the hot months (December - May) we recommend a bathing suit, T-shirts, shorts, sunglasses, cap or hat, insect repellent, sunscreen, sport shoes good for walking in lava and through rocks, and sandals. For the cooler months (June- November), a waterproof jacket or poncho and lightweight pants are necessary. Other important items are lip balm, eye drops, plastic bags for electronic equipment, binoculars, patches or pills for seasickness, a photo or video camera and sufficient film, and medicine normally taken.

Flexibility of the programs
- The programs start every day of the year.
- The packages can be offered with tourist, superior tourist and first class hotel. This depends on the correspondent island and on the availability of rooms in the hotels.
- For small groups of up to 11 passengers we can offer a bilingual guide that permanently stays with the group instead of having a new local guide on every island. This depends on how exclusive you would like the service to be.
- We can offer private speed boats for long navigations. This depends on your requirements and on how exclusive you want the service to be.
- Our passengers receive an individual service. We do not share activities with other local operators or with other groups of our company.
- If you would like to get a cheaper price, it is possible to share services with other local operators. However, normally our packages are basically private.
- We offer you to visit special and interesting places which usually are neither part of our cruises nor offered by other local operators.
- If you would like to add diving tours, we will be pleased to offer you tours starting from Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristobal Islands with a minimum of 4 dives on each excursion.
- If you wish to reduce the number of days and only stay 4, 5 or 6 days, we can shorten up our program to the island which you would like to see the most.
- In our programs, we operate the best places to achieve the best customer satisfaction!

Important Information
* The months of agitated sea are from July 15 to September 15. The rest of the year the sea is calm. It is recommended to take this into account when planning your trip.
* Bring health or medical insurance. We recommend you to conclude a travel and accident insurance as this is an active adventure program which requires precautions.
* We suggest taking a 20 kg suitcase and a carry-on bag since these are allowed by continental airlines.
* In public speed boats, only one suitcase of 20 kg and a carry-on bag per person are allowed.
* In light aircrafts, one suitcase of 10 kg and a carry-on bag per person are allowed.

Clothing and accessories to take with you to Galápagos:
For the hot months (December - May) we recommend a bathing suit, T-shirts, shorts, sunglasses, cap or hat, insect repellent, sunscreen, sport shoes good for walking in lava and through rocks, and sandals. For the cooler months (June- November), a waterproof jacket or poncho and lightweight pants are necessary. Other important items are lip balm, eye drops, plastic bags for electronic equipment, binoculars, patches or pills for seasickness, a photo or video camera and sufficient film, and medicine normally taken. Wet suits are available for rent, but please check in advance as these have an extra cost.