Galápagos Islands family

Baltra Island's airport, the main gateway to the Galápagos. You'll go through immigration and baggage claim before a short bus ride to the Itabaca Channel.

• Have your park entrance fee and transit control card ready.

A short ferry ride across the channel separates Baltra from Santa Cruz Island. The views are often accompanied by sea lions and seabirds.

Explore the lush highlands, home to giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Visit a private ranch for an up-close encounter and learn about conservation efforts.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring insect repellent.
• Look for Darwin's finches in this area.

A prime location to see giant tortoises roaming freely. The reserve also features lava tunnels you can walk through.

The main town on Santa Cruz Island, bustling with restaurants, shops, and hotels. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy dinner.

Learn about the conservation efforts and the islands' unique biodiversity. See the tortoise breeding programs and educational exhibits.

• Visit the tortoise nursery to see hatchlings.

A stunning white-sand beach accessible via a scenic walking path. The calm waters of Playa Mansa are perfect for swimming and kayaking, while Playa Brava is a nesting site for marine iguanas.

• Bring plenty of water and snacks as facilities are limited.
• Watch out for crabs and marine iguanas.

Rent a kayak at Playa Mansa for a gentle paddle in the calm bay. You might spot sea turtles, rays, and various fish.

Experience local dining on Charles Binford Street, where restaurants set up tables on the sidewalk each evening. Enjoy fresh seafood and Galápagos specialties.

A popular day trip destination known for its large colonies of blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds. You'll walk along a trail observing these amazing creatures.

• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket.

After exploring the island, enjoy snorkeling in the rich waters surrounding North Seymour. Look for sea lions, reef sharks, and colorful fish.

Lunch is typically included as part of the day tour, offering a chance to refuel after a morning of exploration and wildlife viewing.

Arrive back in Puerto Ayora after a full day of adventure. Relax and have dinner at a local restaurant.

A small but ecologically rich island known for its unique flora, including prickly pear cacti, and large colonies of land iguanas. You'll also see swallow-tailed gulls and Nazca boobies.

• The landscape is arid and rocky; wear sturdy shoes.
• Look for the dramatic cliffs on the eastern side.

Enjoy snorkeling in the clear waters near South Plaza, often a good spot for spotting sea lions and various fish species.

A packed lunch or buffet lunch is typically provided by the tour operator during the day trip.

After a day of island exploration and marine life encounters, return to Puerto Ayora for a relaxed evening.

Take a speedboat ferry from Puerto Ayora to Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. The journey can be bumpy but offers scenic ocean views.

• Book tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
• Consider seasickness medication if you are prone to motion sickness.

Isabela's main town, known for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful beaches. Check into your hotel and have lunch.

A short boat ride from Puerto Villamil takes you to a small islet where you can see white-tip reef sharks (tintoreras) resting in lava crevices, marine iguanas, and penguins.

• Wear water shoes for the rocky landing.
• Keep an eye out for blue-footed boobies.

Enjoy dinner at one of the beachfront restaurants in Puerto Villamil, savoring fresh seafood with ocean views.

Hike to the rim of Sierra Negra, one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world. The trail offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and other volcanoes.

• Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring layers as the weather can change.
• A guide is recommended for safety and to learn about the geology.

A packed lunch is usually provided by the tour operator for the volcano hike, or you can find local eateries in Puerto Villamil.

Visit this historical site, a former penal colony's wall built by prisoners. The walk or bike ride to get there is scenic, passing by flamingo lagoons.

• Rent a bike in Puerto Villamil for an enjoyable ride.
• Look for flamingos in the nearby lagoons.

Relax on the expansive Playa Grande, known for its beautiful sunsets. It's a great spot for a leisurely walk.

Enjoy a final dinner on Isabela Island, reflecting on the volcanic landscapes and wildlife encounters.

Take the morning speedboat ferry back to Santa Cruz Island.

From Puerto Ayora, take a taxi or bus to the Itabaca Channel, then a ferry across, and finally a bus to Seymour Airport (GPS) for your departure.

Depart from Baltra Island.