Included: An experienced, certified naturalist guide with extensive knowledge of the area 8-day or 12-day Galapagos island hopping adventure Accommodation for 7 or 11 nights in comfy hotels (double occupancy) Most meals: 7 breakfasts & 5 lunches for the 8-day tour, 11 breakfasts & 7 lunches for the 12-day tour Airport transfers within the Galapagos Speedboat transfers between islands Experiences & excursions as described in the itinerary: Full-day Santa Fe Island tour Full-day Bartolomé Island tour Tintoreras Bay and wildlife excursion on Isabela Los Tuneles snorkeling tour Snorkeling equipment during included tours Adventure insurance 12-day tour only: Airport transfers in Quito, Quito Old Town and Mitad del Mundo tour, and Sierra Negra Volcano trek Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout): Extra night(s) at the islands Not included: Flights to and from the Galapagos Islands Galápagos National Park entrance fee INGALA transit control card Personal expenses, activities during free days & wetsuit rentals Alcoholic and soft beverages Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above Insurance beyond the adventure coverage — recommended, available to add at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

What is the difference between the 8-day and 12-day tours?

Both tours cover the same core Galápagos itinerary: Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Bartolomé, and Isabela, with the same guided excursions, accommodation, and included meals. The 12-day adds two days in Quito at the start , giving you a proper taste of Ecuador’s capital before the islands: a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, a visit to Mitad del Mundo on the equatorial line, and a bit of time to settle in before the main event. It also includes a guided trek to Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela and an extra free day in Puerto Ayora at the end. If the Galápagos is the whole point and time is tight, the 8-day is the right call. If you want more of Ecuador and a fuller island experience, the 12-day is worth it. One thing to note on logistics: flights to and from the Galápagos Islands are not included in either tour and must be booked independently . For the 8-day, you’ll fly directly into Baltra Airport , typically connecting through Quito or Guayaquil. For the 12-day, you fly into Quito first, where transfers are included, but the onward domestic flight to Baltra on Day 3 also needs to be arranged separately.

How fit do I need to be?

This Galapagos island hopping tour suits a wide range of fitness levels. Most days involve short guided walks on island terrain, snorkeling, and time aboard the boat, with nothing that demands serious athletic preparation. Good general fitness is enough , along with comfort in the water for snorkeling sessions. For the 12-day tour, the Sierra Negra Volcano trek is a longer and more demanding hiking day, covering several hours on uneven volcanic terrain to reach the crater rim. A regular level of activity in daily life prepares you well for either option. Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Galapagos islands and Ecuador tours here!

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Clothing: Lightweight, breathable shirts (2-3, mix of short and long sleeve for sun protection) Swimwear (2 sets) Shorts and light trousers or zip-off hiking pants Light layer for cooler highland and evening temperatures Light rain jacket or windbreaker Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or light trail shoes for island excursions Water shoes or secure sandals for boat and beach days Water and sun: Reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen (required inside national park boundaries) Wide-brimmed sun hat UV-protection sunglasses Water bottle, 2L capacity Snorkeling: Personal snorkeling mask and fins (optional — equipment is included, but a personal mask improves fit and comfort) Rash guard or thin wetsuit for extended snorkeling sessions in cooler months (wetsuits available to rent on-site) Health and essentials: Personal medication and basic first aid kit Insect repellent Motion sickness tablets if prone to seasickness on boat transfers Passport and travel documents Optional: Underwater camera or waterproof phone case Dry bag for valuables on boat days Binoculars for wildlife spotting Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

What is the best time to visit the Galapagos?

The islands are worth visiting year-round , with each season offering different advantages. The warmer months from December through May bring calmer seas, better underwater visibility, and air temperatures around 26-28°C (79-82°F). The cooler months from June through November tend to have rougher sea conditions but significantly higher marine wildlife activity , including peak breeding seasons for many species. Both windows offer outstanding wildlife encounters. The Galapagos sits at the convergence of several ocean currents, and water temperatures vary by season and location. Surface temperatures generally range from 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F) . The cooler months from June through November, when the Humboldt Current is strongest, bring lower temperatures and increased marine wildlife activity. A rash guard or lightweight wetsuit is recommended for extended snorkeling sessions. Wetsuits are available to rent on-site.

Can wildlife sightings be guaranteed?

The Galapagos is home to some of the most predictable wildlife encounters in the world. Giant tortoises at Rancho Primicias, sea lion colonies on Santa Fe’s beaches, white-tip reef sharks at Tintoreras, flamingos at Isabela’s lagoon, and penguins at Bartolomé are all reliably present throughout the year. These are wild animals, and individual sightings can never be guaranteed , but the density and general fearlessness of Galápagos wildlife makes meaningful encounters the norm rather than the exception.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Galapagos island hopping adventure , the usual client-to-guide ratio is 10 :1. It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 30 participants . A Galapagos island hopping adventure can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Galapagos island hopping adventure on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has participants under the age of 18 , contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

8-day tour: The starting point of your Galapagos island hopping adventure is Baltra . To get there, most people fly into Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE) and connect to Baltra from there. Flights to and from Baltra are not included in the tour price and must be booked independently. You will meet your guide at the arrivals area of Baltra Airport on Day 1 . 12-day tour: The starting point is Quito, Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) . The guide will meet you at arrivals and transfer you to the hotel in the historic center. Please note that flights to and from the Galápagos Islands are not included in the tour price and must be booked independently . On Day 3, you’ll need a domestic flight from Quito to Baltra (GPS).

What permits and fees are required to enter the Galapagos?

Two fees apply on top of the tour price. First, the Galapagos National Park entrance fee, which is collected at the airport upon arrival. Second, the INGALA transit control card, a transit fee collected at the mainland airport before boarding the flight to the islands. Neither is included in the tour price. Fee amounts can change; please check the official Galápagos National Park website for current rates before traveling.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

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GALAPAGOS | ECUADOR

Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure: Wildlife, Snorkeling, and Volcanic Landscapes

8-12 days | Easy | 5.00

From $2,240 ()

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In the Galapagos, wildlife hasn’t learned to be afraid. Sea lions drift past during snorkeling sessions, giant tortoises block the path without a care, and penguins have set up shop on the equator just to be confusing. We island-hop between Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Bartolomé, and Isabela, guided by certified naturalists who know where the good stuff is. We connect them all by speedboat and sleep in comfy hotels between days that tend to stay with people for a long time. Come find out what it feels like when the animals do the watching.

Wlady

Adventure Highlights

Access granted: Strict daily visitor caps make Bartolomé one of the hardest excursions in the Galapagos to get on, and it's in our itinerary
Amazing wildlife: Swim with sea lions, walk past tortoises, and watch flamingos feed in Isabela's lagoon at arm's length
Relax and enjoy: Enjoy all excursions, speedboat transfers between islands, certified guides, lodging, and daily breakfasts

Duration

8-12 days

Season

Year-round

Group size

Up to 30 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

This 8-day Galapagos island hopping tour covers four islands and four full-day guided excursions in one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. We start in Santa Cruz, exploring highland tortoise territories and ancient lava tunnels, then take the speedboat to Santa Fe's sea lion beaches and turquoise bays. Bartolomé is in the plan, and it takes real effort to secure: strict national park visitor caps make it one of the rarest excursions in the archipelago. We wrap up on Isabela, with white-tip reef sharks at Tintoreras and the lava arches of Los Túneles saved for last. Two free days are built in to explore at our own pace.

Day 1: Arrival

On arrival day, we cross the Itabaca Channel by bus and ferry to Santa Cruz Island, heading straight up into the misty highlands to Rancho Primicias, one of the best spots in the archipelago to see giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat. Lunch is at the ranch, surrounded by volcanic highland scenery. The afternoon takes us through ancient lava tunnels formed by prehistoric eruptions before we transfer to Puerto Ayora, the island’s main town, and check in for the night.

Meals: Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Puerto Ayora

Day 2: Santa Fe Island full day tour

We set out from Puerto Ayora by boat for Santa Fe Island, one of the most wildlife-rich in the archipelago. Dolphins, sea turtles, and frigate birds often accompany the crossing. Santa Fe’s white-sand beaches are permanently claimed by sea lion colonies, and snorkeling in the turquoise bays puts us in the water with reef sharks, sea turtles, and tropical fish. Guided walks on the island lead into forests of giant Opuntia cacti and past endemic Santa Fe land iguanas found nowhere else on Earth. Lunch is served onboard.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Puerto Ayora

Day 3: Free day in Puerto Ayora

Today is free for independent exploration. The Charles Darwin Research Station runs active conservation programs for giant tortoises and endemic species and is a short walk from town. Tortuga Bay, a 2.5 km (1.6 mi) walk from the center, is widely considered one of the finest beaches in the islands, with white sand, marine iguanas, and calm water for swimming or kayaking. Activities today are not included.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Puerto Ayora

Day 4: Bartolomé Island full day tour

Bartolomé is subject to strict daily visitor caps set by the Galápagos National Park, making it one of the most exclusive excursions in the archipelago. We transfer to the dock early and spend the full day on the island’s dramatic volcanic terrain, climbing wooden stairs to a panoramic summit viewpoint with Pinnacle Rock in the foreground and lava fields stretching beyond. Snorkeling in the bay commonly brings penguins, reef sharks, rays, and sea turtles into the mix. Lunch is served onboard.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Puerto Ayora

Day 5: Speedboat to Isabela Island, Tintoreras, and wildlife

We board the morning speedboat for Isabela, the largest and one of the most volcanically active islands in the Galápagos. After arriving at Puerto Villamil, we visit Tintoreras, a cluster of lava islets where white-tip reef sharks rest in the narrow volcanic channels between rock formations. Sea lions, marine iguanas, and penguins are common throughout the area. The afternoon takes us to Flamingo Lagoon and the Galapaguera, a local breeding center dedicated to hatching and raising endemic Isabela giant tortoises.

Meals: Breakfast. lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Puerto Villamil

Day 6: Free day on Isabela Island

Today is free to explore Isabela at our own pace. Concha de Perla, a short walk from Puerto Villamil, is a natural lagoon with excellent snorkeling among sea turtles, rays, and sea lions. The Wall of Tears trail follows the coast past lava formations, beaches, and viewpoints, with history tied to the island’s former penal colony. Playa del Amor and other nearby beaches are good for a slower morning. Activities today are not included.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Puerto Villamil

Day 7: Los Tuneles snorkeling tour and return to Santa Cruz

Los Tuneles is one of the finest snorkeling sites in the Galapagos. The formation is a series of lava arches, bridges, and channels created by ancient volcanic flows meeting the ocean, producing a shallow and extraordinarily diverse marine environment. Sea turtles, seahorses, reef sharks, rays, penguins, and blue-footed boobies are commonly spotted in water calm enough to make every encounter feel unhurried. After the tour, we return by speedboat to Puerto Ayora.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Puerto Ayora

Day 8: Departure

Today, we transfer from Puerto Ayora to Baltra Airport for departure and say our goodbyes, marking the end of this amazing island hopping adventure.

Meals: Breakfast

The 12-day tour opens with two days in Quito before flying to the islands. Quito, the world's first UNESCO World Heritage city, sits at 2,850 m (9,350 ft) surrounded by Andean volcanoes, with one of the best-preserved colonial centers in South America. We tour the Old Town, stand on the equatorial line at Mitad del Mundo, then board a morning flight to the Galápagos. The island hopping itinerary runs the same course as the 8-day, with an added Sierra Negra Volcano trek on Isabela, two extra free days across the archipelago, and the same comfy hotels throughout.

Day 1: Arrival in Quito

Arrive in Quito, Ecuador’s capital, at 2,850 m (9,350 ft) above sea level in a valley ringed by Andean volcanoes. A transfer takes us to the hotel in the historic center. Quito holds the distinction of being the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage city, with one of the best-preserved colonial centers in Latin America. Depending on arrival time, the surrounding plazas, churches, and streets of the Old Town are within easy walking distance.

Accommodation: Hotel in Quito

Day 2: Quito Old Town and Mitad del Mundo

We spend the day exploring Quito’s beautifully preserved colonial center on a guided tour: Plaza Grande, the gold-encrusted interior of La Compania de Jesus Church, San Francisco Plaza, and the traditional craft streets of the Old Town. The afternoon continues north to Mitad del Mundo, the monument marking the equatorial line where standing in two hemispheres simultaneously is a very literal option. We’re back in Quito by evening.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Quito

Day 3: Flight to Galapagos & Santa Cruz highlands

This morning you’ll go to Quito Airport for the domestic flight to the Galápagos. After landing at Baltra Airport, we cross the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz and head up into the highlands to Rancho Primicias, where giant tortoises roam freely across the open volcanic landscape. Lunch is at the ranch. The afternoon includes a walk through ancient lava tunnels before we transfer to Puerto Ayora and check in for the night. Note that the domestic flight is not included in the tour price.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Puerto Ayora

Day 4: Santa Fe Island full day tour

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Puerto Ayora

Day 5: Free day in Puerto Ayora

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Puerto Ayora

Day 6: Bartolomé Island full day tour

Bartolomé is subject to strict daily visitor caps set by the Galapagos National Park, making it one of the most exclusive excursions in the archipelago. We transfer to the dock early and spend the full day on the island’s dramatic volcanic terrain, climbing wooden stairs to a panoramic summit viewpoint with Pinnacle Rock in the foreground and lava fields stretching beyond. Snorkeling in the bay commonly brings penguins, reef sharks, rays, and sea turtles into the mix. Lunch is served onboard.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Puerto Ayora

Day 7: Speedboat to Isabela Island, Tintoreras, and wildlife

We board the morning speedboat for Isabela, the largest and one of the most volcanically active islands in the Galapagos. After arriving at Puerto Villamil, we visit Tintoreras, a cluster of lava islets where white-tip reef sharks rest in the narrow volcanic channels between rock formations. Sea lions, marine iguanas, and penguins are common throughout the area. The afternoon takes us to Flamingo Lagoon and the Galapaguera, a local breeding center for endemic Isabela giant tortoises.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Puerto Villamil

Day 8: Free day on Isabela Island

Today is free to explore Isabela at our own pace. Concha de Perla, a short walk from Puerto Villamil, is a natural lagoon with excellent snorkeling among sea turtles, rays, and sea lions. Visitors may also choose to rent bicycles, walk the beaches of Puerto Villamil, or hike the Wall of Tears trail along the coast past lava formations, mangroves, and historical sites connected to the island’s former penal colony. Activities today are not included.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Puerto Villamil

Day 9: Sierra Negra Volcano trek

Sierra Negra’s caldera spans roughly 10 km (6.2 mi) across, placing it among the largest volcanic craters in the world, and the trek to its rim is the most demanding day on the islands. After breakfast, we transfer to the national park entrance and hike through highland ecosystems and volcanic terrain to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the caldera and surrounding lava fields. The route continues toward Volcan Chico, where fumaroles, multicolored lava formations, and surreal geology make the landscape feel like another planet. We return to Puerto Villamil in the afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Puerto Villamil

Day 10: Los Tuneles snorkeling tour and return to Santa Cruz

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Puerto Ayora

Day 11: Free day in Puerto Ayora

The final free day in Puerto Ayora is for whatever the trip hasn’t yet covered. The waterfront has cafés, artisan shops, and a good atmosphere for a slow morning or afternoon. Optional activities like diving, kayaking, or additional island excursions can usually be arranged on request. Activities today are not included.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Puerto Ayora

Day 12: Departure

Today, we transfer from Puerto Ayora to Baltra Airport for departure and say our goodbyes, marking the end of this amazing island hopping adventure.

Meals: Breakfast

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Lodging & food

Comfy hotels

Most nights are spent in Puerto Ayora, the main hub of Santa Cruz, at Hotel Maidith or a similar property. Centrally located, air-conditioned, and a short walk from the waterfront and the fish market, it’s the kind of base that makes early morning departures easy.

On Isabela, we move to La Laguna Gran Hotel or a similar property in Puerto Villamil: a 4-star stay in tropical gardens with a pool, quieter streets, and a pace that fits the island well.

For the 12-day tour, the first two nights are in a hotel in Quito‘s historic center, walking distance from the Old Town’s plazas and colonial churches.

Food

Breakfasts at the hotel are a daily given, typically a mix of Ecuadorian staples and familiar international options. Lunches on guided tour days are served onboard and keep things fresh and simple between snorkeling sessions.

Beyond what’s included, the waterfronts in Puerto Ayora and Puerto Villamil have some pretty good restaurants leaning heavily on the day’s catch.

Adventure, packed to go

Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure: Wildlife, Snorkeling, and Volcanic Landscapes

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Wlady

Having traveled extensively and lived on four continents, Wlady heeded the call of his native Ecuador. His company works alongside indigenous communities to organize low-impact adventures in the country's uniquely diverse ecosystem. There's hardly a corner of Ecuador he hasn't hiked or climbed, either as a guide or adventure lover always on the lookout for new challenges.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (3 reviews)

Benjamin Ohlhausen

One of the best companies I have ever used. The guides were excellent. Wlady kept me in the loop on my accommodations every step of the way.

Lubna Ismail

We recently visited Ecuador and we couldn’t be more pleased with the experience. We were greeted/welcomed ant the airport and transferred in a spacious bus to our hotel. We were a large group, then the hotels were very comfortable with great service. The whole experience from Waldy the owner and all the operators was exceptional!

Craig Webb

Wlady and his team are one of the best run machines we have ever encountered anywhere in the World. They will be with you to answer any questions before your adventure. Be there during your adventure. And be there if something goes wrong for you!

Show all reviews

Benjamin Ohlhausen

One of the best companies I have ever used. The guides were excellent. Wlady kept me in the loop on my accommodations every step of the way.

Lubna Ismail

Craig Webb

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, certified naturalist guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 8-day or 12-day Galapagos island hopping adventure
  - Accommodation for 7 or 11 nights in comfy hotels (double occupancy)
  - Most meals: 7 breakfasts & 5 lunches for the 8-day tour, 11 breakfasts & 7 lunches for the 12-day tour
  - Airport transfers within the Galapagos
  - Speedboat transfers between islands
  - Experiences & excursions as described in the itinerary:
    
    Full-day Santa Fe Island tour
    
    Full-day Bartolomé Island tour
    
    Tintoreras Bay and wildlife excursion on Isabela
    
    Los Tuneles snorkeling tour
  - Snorkeling equipment during included tours
  - Adventure insurance
  - 12-day tour only: Airport transfers in Quito, Quito Old Town and Mitad del Mundo tour, and Sierra Negra Volcano trek
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
- - Extra night(s) at the islands
Not included:
- - Flights to and from the Galapagos Islands
  - Galápagos National Park entrance fee
  - INGALA transit control card
  - Personal expenses, activities during free days & wetsuit rentals
  - Alcoholic and soft beverages
  - Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  - Insurance beyond the adventure coverage — recommended, available to add at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
Both tours cover the same core Galápagos itinerary: Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Bartolomé, and Isabela, with the same guided excursions, accommodation, and included meals.

The 12-day adds two days in Quito at the start, giving you a proper taste of Ecuador’s capital before the islands: a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, a visit to Mitad del Mundo on the equatorial line, and a bit of time to settle in before the main event. It also includes a guided trek to Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela and an extra free day in Puerto Ayora at the end.

If the Galápagos is the whole point and time is tight, the 8-day is the right call. If you want more of Ecuador and a fuller island experience, the 12-day is worth it.

One thing to note on logistics: flights to and from the Galápagos Islands are not included in either tour and must be booked independently.

For the 8-day, you’ll fly directly into Baltra Airport, typically connecting through Quito or Guayaquil. For the 12-day, you fly into Quito first, where transfers are included, but the onward domestic flight to Baltra on Day 3 also needs to be arranged separately.
This Galapagos island hopping tour suits a wide range of fitness levels. Most days involve short guided walks on island terrain, snorkeling, and time aboard the boat, with nothing that demands serious athletic preparation. Good general fitness is enough, along with comfort in the water for snorkeling sessions.

For the 12-day tour, the Sierra Negra Volcano trek is a longer and more demanding hiking day, covering several hours on uneven volcanic terrain to reach the crater rim. A regular level of activity in daily life prepares you well for either option.

Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Galapagos islands and Ecuador tours here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

Clothing:
- - Lightweight, breathable shirts (2-3, mix of short and long sleeve for sun protection)
  - Swimwear (2 sets)
  - Shorts and light trousers or zip-off hiking pants
  - Light layer for cooler highland and evening temperatures
  - Light rain jacket or windbreaker
Footwear:
- - Comfortable walking shoes or light trail shoes for island excursions
  - Water shoes or secure sandals for boat and beach days
Water and sun:
- - Reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen (required inside national park boundaries)
  - Wide-brimmed sun hat
  - UV-protection sunglasses
  - Water bottle, 2L capacity
Snorkeling:
- - Personal snorkeling mask and fins (optional — equipment is included, but a personal mask improves fit and comfort)
  - Rash guard or thin wetsuit for extended snorkeling sessions in cooler months (wetsuits available to rent on-site)
Health and essentials:
- - Personal medication and basic first aid kit
  - Insect repellent
  - Motion sickness tablets if prone to seasickness on boat transfers
  - Passport and travel documents
Optional:
- - Underwater camera or waterproof phone case
  - Dry bag for valuables on boat days
  - Binoculars for wildlife spotting
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

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The islands are worth visiting year-round, with each season offering different advantages. The warmer months from December through May bring calmer seas, better underwater visibility, and air temperatures around 26-28°C (79-82°F).

The cooler months from June through November tend to have rougher sea conditions but significantly higher marine wildlife activity, including peak breeding seasons for many species. Both windows offer outstanding wildlife encounters.

The Galapagos sits at the convergence of several ocean currents, and water temperatures vary by season and location. Surface temperatures generally range from 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F).

The cooler months from June through November, when the Humboldt Current is strongest, bring lower temperatures and increased marine wildlife activity. A rash guard or lightweight wetsuit is recommended for extended snorkeling sessions. Wetsuits are available to rent on-site.
The Galapagos is home to some of the most predictable wildlife encounters in the world. Giant tortoises at Rancho Primicias, sea lion colonies on Santa Fe’s beaches, white-tip reef sharks at Tintoreras, flamingos at Isabela’s lagoon, and penguins at Bartolomé are all reliably present throughout the year.

These are wild animals, and individual sightings can never be guaranteed, but the density and general fearlessness of Galápagos wildlife makes meaningful encounters the norm rather than the exception.
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this Galapagos island hopping adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 10:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 30 participants.
A Galapagos island hopping adventure can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Galapagos island hopping adventure on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
8-day tour:

The starting point of your Galapagos island hopping adventure is Baltra. To get there, most people fly into Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE) and connect to Baltra from there.

Flights to and from Baltra are not included in the tour price and must be booked independently.

You will meet your guide at the arrivals area of Baltra Airport on Day 1.

12-day tour:

The starting point is Quito, Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO). The guide will meet you at arrivals and transfer you to the hotel in the historic center.

Please note that flights to and from the Galápagos Islands are not included in the tour price and must be booked independently. On Day 3, you’ll need a domestic flight from Quito to Baltra (GPS).
Two fees apply on top of the tour price. First, the Galapagos National Park entrance fee, which is collected at the airport upon arrival. Second, the INGALA transit control card, a transit fee collected at the mainland airport before boarding the flight to the islands. Neither is included in the tour price.

Fee amounts can change; please check the official Galápagos National Park website for current rates before traveling.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits

Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

Basic
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.

Have more questions?

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