6-Day Galapagos Land Tour including San Cristobal & Santa Cruz

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Transfer in + Tijeretas & Carola Beach⌄

   Tijeretas Hill, also known as Frigatebird Hill, is a lookout point located on San Cristobal Island, with views of Kicker Rock to the west and Shipwreck Bay to the south. From the center of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, it takes about 45 minutes to reach the top of the hill, which serves as a nesting spot for two species of Frigatebirds.

   Punta Carola is a beach situated to the northeast part of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The beach is around 300 m/984 feet long with a dry forest along with it. A huge colony of sea lions can be found on this beach and marine iguanas can be seen in the bushes and on the rocks. The population of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno uses this area for recreation. People who visit Tijeretas Hill may also access Punta Carola via a trail.

   Meals: Lunch

   Overnight: Selected hotel in San Cristobal

2. 2San Cristobal Island / Lobos Island or Kicker Rock⌄

   Lobos Island, located in the vicinity of the larger San Cristóbal Island, has its name from the large colonies of sea lions (Lobos Marinos in Spanish) that practically fill the entire area of the island. In addition to sea lions, there is also a small population of blue-footed boobies and common frigatebirds who nest around the saltbushes. This site also presents great opportunities for snorkeling and diving, as the waters passing between Lobos Island and San Cristobal are calm and filled with marine life.

   You will visit the famous Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido – sleeping Lion), a volcanic formation amid the ocean. There you will be able to snorkel with sharks, rays, turtles and if you are lucky also with hammerhead sharks! After lunch on the boat, you will go to a beautiful, pristine beach, where you will have time to relax. In the afternoon you will be back at the port. The rest of the day is at your leisure. You can watch the sunset on Playa Mann or you can go to Loberia

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch: Box lunch

   Overnight: Selected hotel in San Cristobal

3. 3Santa Cruz - Giant tortoises - Twin Craters⌄

   Breakfast in the hotel. At 6:30 pick you up and take you to the harbor 7:00 speedboat to Santa Cruz (approx. 2-hour ride). A local guide will receive you at the harbor. Your guide drives up to the ranch in the highlands to see giant tortoises in their native environment! We will visit the Twin Craters and Lava Tunnels. Overnight in Santa Cruz.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch

   Overnight: Selected hotel in Santa Cruz

4. 4Full day navigable tour⌄

   Breakfast at the hotel. Depending on the dates and/or navigable site available, pick-up from the hotel will be early in the morning (6-or 7:00 am) to take you to the small vessel at the embarkation point in Puerto Ayora for a unique experience with Galapagos wildlife and endemic vegetation. The destination can be either Santa Fe, South Plazas, North Seymour, Pinzon, or Floreana. The activities will include hiking, snorkeling, swimming, and breathtaking sightseeing. After land and sea excursions, we will return to the hotel in Santa Cruz where you can relax and later have dinner at the restaurant specified by the guide. Overnight in Santa Cruz.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch: Box lunch

   Overnight: Selected hotel in Santa Cruz

5. 5Tortuga Bay Beach - Charles Darwin Research Station⌄

   Pick up from your hotel at 8:30 am. You will take a small road 2,500 meters long up to the access to Tortuga Bay. Enjoy a 2-hours hike (both ways) up to this beautiful beach which is perfectly preserved, and with the presence of wild animals such as iguanas, beach crabs. Only swim in the mangrove that is separated from the beach. Tortuga Bay is a white sand beach located on the south coast of the island of Santa Cruz.

   After lunch, you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station where you will have the opportunity to learn about Galapagos conservation in action. Over 200 scientists and volunteers are involved with research and conservation efforts here. Return to your hotel. Overnight in Santa Cruz.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch

   Overnight: Selected hotel in Santa Cruz

6. 6Transfer to the airport in Baltra⌄

   Your driver will take you to the Itabaca Channel, which you will cross on a ferry. Your driver will accompany you until the check-in point where your program ends with your return flight to the mainland.

   Meals: Breakfast