3 Islands in 4 Days: Galapagos Highlights - Wildlife & Snorkeling

Day 1 · Santa Cruz Highland: Giant Tortoises, Lava Tunnel and Twin Crater "Los Gemelos"

1. 1

   Rancho Primicias

   one hour Admission included

   A hike through the beautiful, very green flora of this farm to observe Giant Galapagos Tortoises in their natural habitat, including water holes where the giant tortoises love to bath in. Rubber boots are provided if needed.

2. 2

   Lava Tunnel

   30 min

   Subterranean Adventure: Exploring the Lava Tunnel

3. 3

   Los Gemelos

   45 min

   As part of your highlands tour, you will also explore Los Gemelos, the striking twin volcanic sinkholes. Surrounded by a unique Scalesia forest, this area offers a cooler, greener side of the Galápagos. Enjoy a guided walk along scenic trails while observing native plant life and bird species such as the woodpecker finch and vermilion flycatcher.

   Combined with other key highland sites, this visit adds depth to your Galápagos experience, showcasing the unique biodiversity and dramatic landscapes beyond the coast.

We will either get a lunch menu at the tortoise farm or in one of the best restaurants in town, depending on the timing

Day 2 · Day tour to Pinzón Island and La Fé Bay with snorkeling and fishing (or, depending o availability, Floreana Island)

1. 1

   Stop 1

   8 hours

   During this tour, you'll snorkel at one of Galapagos' most spectacular spots, experiencing an incredible underwater world. There will be two snorkeling activities or one long session, starting in calm, shallow waters and then moving to deeper, blue waters teeming with sharks, sea turtles, rays, sea lions, marine iguanas, and more.

   Additionally, you'll enjoy another snorkeling activity at La Fé Bay. You'll observe marine iguanas, sea lions, sea turtles etc. and, depending on the conditions and the tide, you might also go for a short walk over the lava rocks.

   You'll also have the opportunity to participate in a short fishing activity (max. 30 minutes, rods will be put behind the boat to troll for a while), with yellowfin tuna being a common catch. Freshly prepared hot lunch or fresh ceviche will be served onboard.

   In case that we don't find availability for the tour to Pinzón, we might give you a free upgrade to the more expensive tour to Floreana Island (also here on Viator).

Day 3 · Fully day on Isabela Island: Las Tintoreras, Snorkeling, Wetlans (Flamingo lagoons) & Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre

1. 1

   Stop 1

   3 hours

   After sailing to Isabela Island, we'll embark on an excursion to Tintoreras Islet, where we'll search for Galapagos penguins, Nazca blue-footed boobies, and more. We'll enjoy a leisurely walk alongside a channel inhabited by white-tip and black-tip sharks. Finally, we'll delight in snorkeling near the habitats of these species.

2. 2

   Isabela Island Wetlands Complex

   30 min Admission included

   A journey from Puerto Villamil to reach the wetlands where we'll encounter the majestic flamingos.

3. 3

   Playa Puerto Villamil

   30 min

   Lunch in one of the best ocean front restaurants.

4. 4

   Centro de Crianza Arnaldo Tupiza

   30 min Admission included

   Exploring the breeding centers of the Galapagos National Park, where we'll observe recently hatched land tortoises as well as some that are slightly older.

5. 5

   Puerto Villamil

   2 hours

   Transfer from your hotel to the pier to board a speedboat heading to Isabela Island. You will be accompanied during the entire check-in process, and we will make sure you get good seats on the (public) speedboat that runs to Isabela.

   It is also possible to extend your stay on Isabela and to return on another day, in that case, we highly recommend to add the boat tour to the Marine Lava Tunnel Tour (Cabo Rosa) and we can also help with accommodations on any of the islands.

A very nice lunch menu at the best oceanfront restaurant on Isabela

Day 4 · Isabela Island: Excursion to the Sierra Negra Volcano & Sulfur Mines and Speedboat to Santa Cruz in the afternoon

1. 1

   Stop 1

   3 hours

   After taking in the views of Sierra Negra, the tour continues on foot with a 1.8 km (1.1 mile) hike to the historic sulfur mines. This trail takes you across otherworldly volcanic terrain, offering a closer look at the raw, active geology of Isabela Island.

   The sulfur mines, still emitting volcanic gases, were once manually exploited and offer a fascinating glimpse into the island’s natural and human history. Along the way, your guide will explain the region’s volcanic activity, as well as the unique plant and animal life that has adapted to this harsh environment.

   This part of the tour is ideal for travelers looking to explore a less-visited but geologically rich area of the Galápagos.

   Finally, We will conclude our journey by returning to the hotel by car.

2. 2

   Santa Cruz

   2 hours

   Transfer from your hotel to the pier to board a speedboat heading to Santa Cruz Island.

   It is also possible to extend your stay on Isabela and to return on another day, in that case, we highly recommend to add the boat tour to the Marine Lava Tunnel Tour (Cabo Rosa) and we can also help with accommodations on any of the islands.

3. 3

   Sierra Negra

   30 min Admission included

   Your tour begins with hotel pickup followed by a drive up to the Galápagos National Park checkpoint, located at 800 meters above sea level. From there, you’ll continue by car to one of the best viewpoints of the impressive Sierra Negra Crater.

   With a diameter of over 9 kilometers, Sierra Negra is one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world and remains one of the most active volcanoes in the Galápagos. From the viewpoint (if it is hopefully not too cloudy) you will be able to enjoy panoramic views of the vast crater floor and recent lava fields, while your guide explains the area's volcanic history and unique ecology and while you get more than sufficient opportunies to take great photos.

You will get a nice box lunch for today's tour and if you are still hungry, also a second lunch in a local restaurant.