Galápagos Islands family

The main airport serving the Galápagos, located on Baltra Island. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to Santa Cruz Island.

A scenic bus and ferry ride across the Itabaca Channel brings you to Santa Cruz Island and then to Puerto Ayora, the main town.

• Keep an eye out for marine iguanas and sea lions during the ferry crossing.

Explore the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, home to giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Visit a private reserve like El Chato or Rancho Primicias for an up-close encounter.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light rain jacket, as the highlands can be damp.
• Be quiet and respectful around the tortoises; do not touch them.

Check into your hotel in Puerto Ayora and enjoy a relaxing evening. Consider a stroll along the waterfront.

Learn about conservation efforts and see the famous Galápagos giant tortoises, including the iconic Lonesome George's preserved remains. Understand the breeding programs for various tortoise subspecies.

• The visitor center provides excellent information on the islands' unique biodiversity.
• Check the feeding schedule for tortoises if available.

Enjoy a mid-day meal at a local restaurant in Puerto Ayora. Many offer fresh seafood and local Galápagos specialties.

A beautiful white-sand beach accessible by a pleasant 45-minute walk from Puerto Ayora. It's divided into Playa Brava (for swimming and surfing) and Playa Mansa (calm waters for kayaking and wildlife spotting).

• Bring plenty of water and sunscreen as there are no facilities on the beach.
• Look for marine iguanas basking on the black lava rocks at Playa Brava.
• Kayaks can be rented at Playa Mansa for exploring the mangroves.

Take a morning speedboat ferry from Puerto Ayora to Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. The journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.

• Sit near the back of the boat for a potentially smoother ride if you are prone to seasickness.
• Book tickets in advance, especially during peak season.

Visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Giant Tortoise Breeding Center to see various stages of tortoise development and learn about conservation efforts specific to Isabela's subspecies.

• This is a great opportunity to see the smaller, younger tortoises.
• Combine this visit with a walk to the wetlands.

Take a guided boat tour to Las Tintoreras, a small islet where you can observe marine iguanas, Galápagos penguins, sea lions, and white-tip reef sharks (tintoreras) resting in lava crevices.

• Snorkeling is often included, so bring your swimwear and towel.
• Keep an eye out for blue-footed boobies nesting on the rocks.

Check into your accommodation in Puerto Villamil and enjoy dinner. The town has a relaxed, beachfront atmosphere.

Embark on a hike to Sierra Negra, home to one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world. The trail offers spectacular views and unique volcanic landscapes.

• This is a moderately challenging hike; wear sturdy shoes and bring water.
• The weather can change quickly, so pack layers and rain gear.

A packed lunch is typically provided as part of the Sierra Negra Volcano tour, allowing you to enjoy your meal amidst the stunning volcanic scenery.

Visit the historic Wall of Tears, a somber reminder of the island's penal colony past. The site offers panoramic views and is a good spot for birdwatching.

• Rent bikes in Puerto Villamil to cycle to the Wall of Tears and surrounding trails.
• The area is also known for its flamingos in certain seasons.

Enjoy dinner at one of the beachfront restaurants in Puerto Villamil, savoring fresh local cuisine.

Embark on a full-day boat excursion to North Seymour Island, renowned for its large colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigatebirds (with their inflated red pouches), and land iguanas.

• This is a fantastic opportunity for birdwatching and photography.
• Lunch and snorkeling are typically included.

During the North Seymour tour, you'll often stop at Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz's north shore for snorkeling. This area is known for its shallow waters, sea turtles, and colorful fish.

After a day of wildlife encounters and snorkeling, return to Puerto Ayora by boat.

Enjoy a final dinner in Puerto Ayora, perhaps trying a restaurant recommended by locals.

Take a boat trip to Santa Fe Island, a less-visited island known for its endemic Santa Fe land iguana and playful sea lion colonies. The island features a beautiful turquoise bay and a palo santo forest.

• This tour often includes snorkeling in the bay, where you might see sea turtles.
• Observe the unique flora, including the endemic Opuntia cactus.

Lunch is typically served on the boat during the Santa Fe island excursion, featuring a variety of dishes.

Enjoy snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters near Santa Fe, often at a spot called Playa Escondida, known for its abundance of marine life and calm conditions.

Enjoy a final Galápagos dinner in Puerto Ayora, reflecting on the incredible wildlife encounters.

Enjoy a final leisurely morning in Puerto Ayora. You might want to pick up some last-minute souvenirs or revisit a favorite spot.

Transfer back to Baltra Island for your departure flight. Allow ample time for the bus and ferry transfer.

Depart from Seymour Airport (GPS) with unforgettable memories of the Galápagos Islands.