Galapagos Cruise and Private Island-Hopping
10 days from £6,550 pp
Combine the best of The Galapagos Islands on our Galapagos Cruise and Private Island-Hopping Holiday. Sail for 5 nights on an extraordinary expedition round incredible islands, witnessing iconic birdlife up close and local marine life of the Galapagos Archipelago. Hop onto smaller dingy boats to get close to wildlife and enjoy walks amongst nature. Afterwards, jump on dry-land and spend five nights ashore, with guided hikes, Giant Tortoises and chances to swim and snorkel in the clear Galapagos waters.
Trip Highlights
- Join a Galapagos wildlife cruise and sail this untouched archipelago
- Walk through lava fields and hike volcanoes
- Swim alongside playful baby sealions and sea turtles
- Cycle past Giant Tortoise and visit a reserve
Our Expert Tip
”Check your toiletries! Make sure your products are eco-friendly and reef-safe to help protect the islands fragile ecosystem”
Sam, Founder
Detailed Galapagos Cruise and Private Island-Hopping Itinerary
Day 1: Cruise – San Cristobel
Start your Galapagos Cruise and Private Island-Hopping Holiday by flying to San Cristobal Island. Meet your expert guide and transfer to your boat, where you will meet your crew and fellow Galapagos travelers. Set sail for Kicker Rock; a striking rock formation located a couple hours off the western shore of San Cristobal.
Jutting out of the water, the rocks stand vertically at hundreds of feet above the ocean divided by a small channel. Hop into a smaller dinghy boat to get close to the incredible marine life that surrounded the rocks.
Day 2: Cruise – North Seymour & South Plaza
Today your Galapagos Cruise takes you to the beautiful North Seymour and South plaza Islands. Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds are abundant on North Seymour Island. The island was formed by a submarine lava containing layers of sediment lifting due to tectonic activity. The almost mythical island is characterized by its arid vegetation zone.
The small island of South Plaza was formed by rising lava and is now covered by Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as colorful yellow and red land iguanas. Look out for the colouful and ever changing tones of the local plant, Sesuvium.
Day 3: Cruise – Rabida & Bartholomew
Your Galapagos Islands Cruise sets sail for Rabida and Bartholomew, which will be a highlight of your Galapagos holiday. Rabida is one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago and a wonderful snorkeling site. Its famous maroon sandy beach and stunning lookouts provide wonderful landscapes. The island is a birdwatcher’s delight – look out for some of the rarest species, such as nine varieties of finches, large-billed flycatchers, Galapagos hawks and brown pelicans.
Home of the famous Pinnacle Rock, Bartholomewis home to an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. Hike up a number of stairs to the summit of the volcano for of the best views in the whole Galapagos archipelago. The beach here is perfect for snorkeling and possible sightings of the Galapagos penguin.
Day 4: Cruise – Santiago & Santa Cruz
This morning, your Galapagos Cruise will head for Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island. A coral beach landing leads towards a lava field as far as the eye can see. Walk across the two distinguished types of lava, pahoehoe and ‘a’a, spotting signs of plant life that have managed to emerge over the past 100 years since the most recent volcanic explosion. A truly amazing volcanic experience…up close and personal!
Situated on Santa Cruz Island, Dragon Hill is one of the newest visitor sites accessible to tourists in the Galapagos Islands. Strap on hiking boots and head out for a walk along beaches up to the lagoon lookout where bright flamingos, pintail ducks, and land iguanas can be spotted.
Day 5: Santa Cruz Highlands
Say goodbye to your fellow Galapagos Cruise passengers and disembark. Meet your private guide and drive up into the Santa Cruz highlands to visit an exclusive giant tortoise reserve. Lunch is included here, followed by a guided walk around the habitat of these iconic creatures.
In the afternoon, continue to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the successful conservation efforts and breeding programmes. Stay in a comfortable land-based hotel for the next 2 nights, taking you closer to the incredible Galapagos wildlife.
Day 6: Las Grietas
This morning take a water taxi to the “Other Side Pier” to start an easy 1km walk Las Grietas. This is a stunning geological ‘fissure’ where you will witness two impressive rock walls with an elongated crystal clear water pond ideal for snorkeling.
Walk through a deciduous forest for another 2.5km, reaching one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago, Tortuga Bay. Pick-up kayaks and enjoy a peaceful and beautiful ride around the Bay. Look out for an array of Galapagos wildlife, including blue-footed boobies, white-tipped reef sharks, marine iguanas, rays and sea turtles.
Day 7: Isabela & Tintoreras Islands
Depart by speedboat and head to the island of Isabela, the biggest in the Galapagos archipelago. Visit the Giant Tortoise breeding center, before heading to the small island of Tintoreras, known as “Galapagos in miniature”.
Discover the iconic wildlife found in the area, from blue footed boobies, white tipped sharks, sea turtles, rays and even penguins. Enjoy an afternoon swim and snorkel to cool off in the clear waters and relax at your hotel where you will stay for the next three nights.
Day 8: Sierra Negra Volcano
Today you will explore Isabela, one of the archipelago’s youngest and most volcanically active islands. Start by hiking up to the crater of the massive Sierra Negra volcano and onward to the rim of the Volcan Chico. This fascinating walk usually begins with some morning fog and drizzle adding to its mysterious character. Look out for Galapagos Hawks, finches, flycatchers and Short Eared Owls en route.
Reach the rim of the Sierra Negra crater, the second largest in the world after the Ngorongoro in Tanzania, with unreal views of this ginormous crater.
Relax in the shade of a lovely “jaboncillo” tree, taking in the spectacular and expansive views. Head back down to complete an epic day of hiking (16km in total) and relax on the beaches of Puerto Villamil.
Day 9: Island Bay
An exciting active day on your Galapagos Cruise and Private Island-Hopping Holiday. Kayak to Island Bay, looking out for turtles, rays, penguins, and blue-footed boobies. You may spot sea lions paddling alongside you!
Pick up bikes and cycle the Wetlands Trail, where you’ll see marine iguana colonies and different types of mangroves trees whilst traversing the network of trails, beaches and historic sites.
Witness the sobering Wall of Tears, built in the late 1940’s by Second World War prisoners held at the US base on the islands, giving you a glimpse into the lives of the island’s previous inhabitants.
Day 10: Depart
Today take an early morning speed boat back to Santa Cruz, and then transfer by land to Baltra for your flight back to the mainland. Let us know if you would like our experts to include some extra night in Quito at the end of your Galapagos Islands holiday.
When to Go
Includes
- All accommodation
- Excursions
- Transport
- Private guides
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa cost
- Tips
Why Book With Travel Differently
Passionate and experienced
- Each member of the team has over a decade of experience in the industry
- Our 5* client reviews reflect our service & standards
- We are a fully independent & owner-run tour operator
- Our holidays include full financial protection & ATOL coverage
- We are destination experts, ensuring authentic & reliable advice
Committed and Responsible
Tailor-made and Personal
- No two trips are the same, our holidays are 100% bespoke
- We design personal, genuine cultural connections & experiences
- From planning to travel, you’ll have one dedicated point of contact
- Our support is available around the clock during your holiday
- We take care of the details, so you don’t have to
Need More Inspiration?
Want to combine multi-countries, take less flights, or include a hike in Patagonia? Thinking of a longer sabbatical holiday, or staying in some luxury yurts? It’s all possible; all our holidays are tailor-made with a focus on responsible travel. Take a look at more ideas below, and contact our experts.
