Santa Cruz – Isabela – External and Internal
GENERAL INFORMATION
The program may change due to national park rules or weather conditions without notice.
Included
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- Daily tours with an English/Spanish speaking guide certified by the National Park. We use the local guide service, you will also be assisted by our operations staff on each island (they speak English, Spanish and sometimes French)
- Meals mentioned above
- Accommodation in a double room (Specify whether you require a double bed or two separate beds)
- All transport on each island (boat, taxi) EXCEPT transport used during your free time.
- The tax upon arrival in Isabela is included.
- Snorkeling equipment includes: fins, mask and snorkel, short 2.5mm wetsuit for aquatic activities during excursions requiring it (not during your free time).
Not included
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- Flights from/to the continent (approx. $550)
- Entrance fee to Galapagos National Park $100** (You will need to pay upon arrival at the airport – CASH ONLY – There are no ATMs at the airport. Please bring sufficient cash with you.
- The $20 TCT Migration Card** must be paid in cash at Quito or Guayaquil airport. (The Consejo de Gobierno (Council of Government) counter is easy to find at the airport. Likewise you will need to register your personal details before checking into your respective airline)
- All services not mentioned in the program such as travel insurance, gratuities etc.
- Travel insurance
- Tipping: Guides and boat crews on tours generally expect to receive tips.
- **These tax prices are subject to change without prior notice from government authorities**
- GENERAL INFORMATION: The program may change due to National Park rules or climatic conditions without prior notice.
Itinerary
Day 1+
- day 1: Santa Cruz
You will be met at the airport by your private and certified guide. You will take a public bus directly towards the Itabaca Canal which you will cross by ferry. Then you will go by taxi to a Ranch in the upper part to observe giant tortoises in their natural environment! You will continue towards Garrapatero, a beach where you can swim. In the evening, you will have free time to stroll around Santa Cruz. For your dinner in town, you will have the choice between several different restaurants. The "Kioscos" in the center of Puerto Ayora are also a good option: Every evening in the center of the town, a street is closed to traffic. Restaurants therefore take advantage of this to install their chairs and tables there. These establishments offer typical dishes, popular with the locals. To finish, we recommend a short night stroll on the port to see the young sharks swimming.
Day 2+
- day 2: Santa Cruz - Isabela
At 6:30 a.m. we will pick you up from the hotel and then take you to the pier where you will take the 7:00 a.m. boat towards Isabela (approximately 2 hours journey). Upon your arrival our team will welcome you and accompany you to your hotel for check-in. You will have free time until lunch. We advise you to visit the Lagoon of the Pink Flamingos or to visit the turtle breeding center (accessible on foot). After lunch you will visit Tintoreras islet for a short walk and snorkeling. You can discover penguins, land iguanas, sea lions and sharks resting in a lava channel. You will snorkel in turquoise waters and you will be able to observe different types of fish, sea turtles, rays. You will have the evening free. You can have a drink while admiring the sunset in the bars “De Beto” or “Casa Rosada”, both located right on the beach. For dinner, we recommend the restaurants: Coco Surf, Red Lobster or Isabela Grill, and many other options.
Day 3+
- day 3: Isabela
Tour 1: Volcan Sierra Negra: You will walk through beautiful lava landscapes and have beautiful views of the northern Isabela and Fernandina volcanoes. The excursion to the Sierra Negra Volcano and the Chico Volcano is 16km in total (approx. 6 hours of walking), but the effort is worth it! You will observe the second largest active crater in the world and explore different vegetation zones. A picnic-style meal will be served to you during the excursion.
Tour 2: Cabo Rosa (Les Tunnels): You will go by boat to Cabo Rosa (45 min. approx) a place where lava previously flowed into the ocean, forming beautiful lava tunnels. Here you will see penguins, blue-footed boobies and sea turtles. However, the highlight is snorkeling. You will surely be able to observe reef sharks, sea turtles, sea lions, rays, seahorses and several tropical fish. The Tour to Cabo Rosa lasts approximately 5 hours.
The rest of the day is free. You can enjoy the beautiful central beach or go snorkeling at the Concha de Perla Lagoon. (Snorkeling equipment during free time is not included but can be rented on site.)
Day 4+
- Day 4: Isabela
At 5:20 a.m. we will pick you up from the hotel to accompany you to the pier, where you will share a boat at 6:00 a.m. towards Santa Cruz (approx. 2 hours journey). When you arrive, our team will welcome you and accompany you to a hearty breakfast. Then your driver will take you to the Itabaca Canal where you will cross by ferry. For the last part you will take a public bus. Your driver will accompany you to check-in at the airport, where your program will end with your return to the mainland. For a stress-free transfer, do not book a flight that departs before 12:30 p.m. on this program. There are also direct flights from Isabela to Baltra at extra cost, if you are interested please ask us for more information.