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5 Days Galapagos Wildlife Discovery (2 Uninhabited Islands)
5 days
+2
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Who is attending
0 people, 8-70
Exertion Level
Medium
Language
English, Spanish
Comfort
Midscale
Route
Complain about the tour
On this trip, you will get to know the highlights of the central Galapagos Island, Santa Cruz, in just 5 days with a balanced mix of exciting excursions and free time. In the green highlands of Santa Cruz with its primeval giant tortoises, you can watch the young tortoises in the Charles Darwin breeding station.
An experienced naturalist guide will accompany you on a drive to two uninhabited islands that you can explore while hiking and snorkeling. Birds abound both on land and in the air, such as frigatebirds, pelicans, and Darwins finches, while playful sea lions and marine iguanas roam the beaches.
The rugged, sometimes bizarre landscapes stand in impressive contrast to the white sandy beaches and the turquoise-blue sea, in whose crystal-clear water you can find tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks, and rays.
- Exploring the Charles Darwin Breeding Station
- Uninhabited Island Adventure with Naturalist Guide
- Birdwatching Extravaganza: Frigatebirds, Pelicans, and Darwins Finches
- Playful Encounters: Sea Lions and Marine Iguanas
- Contrasting Landscapes: From Rugged Terrain to White Sandy Beaches
- Underwater Wonderland: Tropical Fish, Sea Turtles, Sharks, and Rays
Experience the highlights of central Galapagos Island, Santa Cruz, in just 5 days with a balanced mix of excursions and free time. Explore the green highlands with giant tortoises at the "Charles Darwin" breeding station. Venture to uninhabited islands with a naturalist guide for hiking and snorkeling. Encounter diverse birdlife, playful sea lions, and marine iguanas on pristine beaches. Witness contrasting landscapes from rugged terrains to sandy shores, and dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with tropical marine life.
Organized by: travel-expert Alvaro P
Program
Day 1. Welcome to Galapagos: Encounter the magnificent gi
After arriving at Baltra Airport, a local guide will meet you. On the way to Puerto Ayora, stop at a local farm in the highlands, where dozens of giant tortoises live. Wander among them to appreciate these majestic creatures. Then enjoy lunch before continuing to your destination.
In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Witness first-hand the work of international scientists who come to the Galpagos to carry out environmental projects. Head to the nearby Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, where giant Galpagos tortoises breed and are cared for. This is the best place on the islands to see different tortoise species and learn more about each of them and their fascinating lives.
Day 2. Stunning tour of Santa Cruz Bay
In the afternoon embark on a bay tour by small boat to visit exotic places along the bay of Santa Cruz. Visit at least one - or more if time allows - of these fantastic sites.
Begin with the small islet of La Lobera, named for the great colony of sea lions. Snorkel amongst them and swim beside the tropical fish and their dazzling displays beneath the waves, all with a backdrop of incredible underwater formations.
Afterward, at Shark Channel, spot harmless white-tip sharks and bluefooted boobies, then stumble upon the Canal del Amor, a great place to find sea turtles along with many tropical fish varieties.
Head ashore for a short 10-minute walk to see marine iguanas in their natural habitat, with plenty of opportunities for photography.
Return to Puerto Ayora, to spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 3. Discover an intriguing uninhabited island
Embark on an unforgettable adventure to explore the stunning beauty of the Galpagos Islands. During this part of the trip, there is the chance to visit Santa F, South Plaza, Bartolom, or North Seymour, depending on the permit granted by the National Park authorities for that days activities.
Set sail and witness the awe-inspiring vista of turquoise waters and the rocky shorelines of the archipelago. An expert guide leads a hike to explore the untouched natural habitats of the islands, to discover an array of exotic flora and fauna.
After a morning of exploration, take a break back on-board for a scrumptious lunch, before continuing the journey. Relax on the pristine beaches and soak up the sun, or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters for a refreshing swim.
Afterwards, return to Puerto Ayora, invigorated and inspired by the natural wonders of the Galpagos Islands.
Day 4. More wonderful wildlife adventures
Another day, another boat trip to an uninhabited island, but a different location to the previous day. Enjoy incredible opportunities to see endemic wildlife in its natural habitat and protected lands. The boat trip itself is a joy, as its passes through the magnificent ocean scenery.
Back on dry-land, enjoy the evening in the laid-back town of Puerto Ayora.
Day 5. Transfer to Baltra Airport
The time has come to leave the Galapagos Islands but this time with everlasting memories. Take a final stroll through town and buy souvenirs for those who stayed home this time. When the time comes, you will be transferred to Baltra airport to catch your flight back to Quito or Guayaquil depending on your flight.
Exertion Level
Medium
Activities within the same location or change of several locations during the route, infrastructure-developed locations, periodic outings to nature.
Conditions
Included
- 4 nights in single or double room
- English or Spanish speaking naturalist guide
- 4 breakfast / 3 Lunch
- Speedboat to Baltra airport
- Shuttle bus fee on Baltra Island
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel Insurance (We recommend that you take out travel cancellation and health insurance)
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee (Us$ 100 per person, payable in cash upon arrival)
- Galapagos Migration Card Tct (Us$ 20 per person, payable in cash before departure)
- Wetsuits on the boat excursions in Galapagos
- Services, meals or drinks not mentioned
- Personal expenses such as tips
- Optional excursions and entrance fees
- Possible increase in fees
Allocation
Comfort or similar, Hotel 3*
Comfort
Midscale
Is affordable, with a modestly enhanced level of facilities, décor and amenities.
Accommodation
Double
Single
Important information
Tour preparation
Lightweight and breathable clothing for warm weather
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
Swimsuit and quick-drying towel
Sun hat and sunglasses for sun protection
Sunscreen with high Spf and reef-safe formula
Insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and other bugs
Lip balm with Spf to protect lips from sun and wind
Personal medications and first aid kit
Motion sickness medication if youre prone to seasickness
Passport or identification
Travel insurance information
Itinerary and any necessary reservations or tickets
Cancellation terms
-
Guest requirements
Be accurate about your level of ability so we can design an enjoyable experience for all; if youre out of practice, speak to us about refresher courses or buoyancy orientations
If your photographic equipment is bulky, ensure your skill level is sufficient to control it and prevent damage to the marine environment
Respect your guides instructions regarding safety, local etiquette & dos and donts, including marine wildlife viewing distance
Remain within the activity area and respect the buddy system/group contact protocol
Use reef safe sun protection, e.g., sunscreen marked as such or wear rash vests / similar
Ensure your equipment fits well before getting in the water; it can be not easy to adjust afterward
If snorkeling over a shallow reef environment, use a life jacket/vest to help with buoyancy and reduce the need for kicking over this fragile area; practice snorkeling skills away fr om the reef
Maintain a comfortable distance from the reef, making allowance for swell/waves
Be aware of wh ere your fins are, and avoid kicking up sand when on/near the ocean floor; this can suffocate coral polyps
If you need to hold on to something during the activity, choose rocks or dead patches of reef
Dont collect flora or fauna or disturb their habitat; this includes not standing/walking on, or touching coral reefs
Dont chase or corner marine wildlife, nor disturb them with sticks / similar for any reason
Dont feed wildlife; it can harm their health & encourage problematic behavior
Minimise flash photography; repeat exposure can cause undue stress to marine wildlife
Use low-intensity torches/flashlights to minimize negative impacts on marine wildlife, e.g., disorientating them
Do I need to pay full amount at once?
The amount of prepayment is determined by the Travel Expert and is indicated on the tour page. For the majority of tours standard prepayment does not exceed 50% of the tour price. If you have any difficulties with payment, please contact the customer service.
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