Summary

Galapagos Island Hopping offer a fantastic non-cruise alternative to explore the Galapagos. It is not only great for those that rather not travel by cruise, but also want more flexibility. This three-night sample land program is based on Santa Cruz Island, and it is perfect for those with little time.

You can be part of a small group, or if preferred, Contours Travel can design the perfect Island hopping program based on your needs and preferences. Regardless of how many nights, the type of accommodation and which islands to visit, we will make sure you will have an excellent guide throughout.

We can include all or only a few visits so you can go at your own pace. Regardless, we will always provide you with assistance and advice of our staff on each island. Not sure which would be the perfect holiday for you, just talk to one of our knowledgable consultants for some inspiration.

Highlights

Perfect for those wanting to spend most of their time on land, island hopping itineraries offer a fantastic alternative to traditional cruises.
Appreciate firsthand the wildlife in the Galapagos Islands.
Get to see the famous Galapagos giants. At the Charles Darwin Research Centre, you will be able to see the largest living species of tortoise.
Admire the incredible life under the sea, while snorkelling with rays, Sea Turtles, Sharks and much more marine species.

Inclusions

Accommodation in selected hotels
All meals as per itinerary
Excursions mentioned in the itinerary with English speaking naturalist guides
Contribution to the local community
Shared transfers in the islands and from main hotels in Quito and Guayaquil

ITINERARY

Day 1 Galapagos Islands/Santa Cruz Isl.

Very early this morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Galapagos.

PM: Charles Darwin Station- On Arrival to Baltra, you will take a shuttle thought out Santa Cruz Island. You will be able to admire the green vegetation of the highlands. Here you can see Giant Turtles in their natural habitat and enjoy a delicious lunch at the ranch. Then, visit the Charles Darwin Station. The centre is a reservoir of information on habitats and local conservation, as well as other fascinating, relevant statistics. The most striking attraction of this station is certainly the Tortoise Breeding Centre, where it is possible to see tortoises of varied sizes and shapes. Here, you can walk freely and get photos with the tortoises. Among other inhabitants at the centre, you can see the land and marine iguanas and different species of birds. After the visit, transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 Seymour Isl./Santa Cruz Isl.

Enjoy a navigable tour to North Seymour. This island is located northbound from Baltra. The main fauna species of this island are the Magnificent Frigate bird with their incredible scarlet regular pouch and blue-footed boobies and their particular courtship dance. You will also see Land Iguanas and sea lions surfing across the waves. Lunch on board. After lunch, you will be able to snorkel in Bachas where you will discover tones of different fish species and also swim with sea lions. Return to your hotel.

Day 3 South Plazas Isl./Santa Cruz Isl.

South Plazas it’s formed from uplifted marine lava and is one of the smallest islands on the archipelago. This Island, despite its size, has a great concentration of wildlife. You will disembark in a small dock frequently occupied by Sea Lions. Continue through a small forest of prickly pear cacti with their yellow flowers. It is common to see land iguanas waiting to feed on fallen fruits and flowers. Finally, you will arrive up to the cliff where you can often see a shoal of the endemic Yellow-tailed Mullet. The cliff provides an excellent opportunity to view Swallow-tailed Gulls, Tropic Bird, Frigate Birds, Pelicans. On the eastern end of the Island, Sea Lions congregate there to rest after losing their territory and recover energy and try to be again the beach master. After the tour, return to your hotel.