Great Galapagos Expedition: 8 Days of Wildlife and Nature Adventure Tour

About this tour

DAY 1 – Welcome to Baltra and First Wild Dive at North Seymour. Your journey to Earth’s most fascinating natural sanctuary begins with your arrival at Baltra Airport. After being welcomed by our expert naturalist guide, you’ll board the yacht to begin an unforgettable expedition. In the afternoon, the bow points toward North Seymour , a flat lava islet where wildlife thrives. As you walk along the volcanic rock path, you’ll be just inches away from dazzling blue-footed boobies performing their mating dances, while frigatebirds inflate their striking red throat pouches above the palo santo bushes. Along the shore, marine iguanas bask on the black rocks while sea lion pups play in the low tide.

DAY 2 – The Giants of Santa Fe and the Chromatic Explosion of South Plaza . We awaken on the tranquil waters of Santa Fe . After disembarking in its turquoise bay surrounded by peaceful sea lions, we venture into a sacred forest of giant Opuntia cacti. This is the exclusive home of the Santa Fe land iguana, a yellowish endemic species found only on this island. During the hike, your guide's keen eye will allow you to spot Galapagos hawks keeping watch from the treetops. In the afternoon, the adventure moves to South Plaza , a small islet famous for its carpet of Sesuvium vegetation that changes from bright green to intense red. Here, land iguanas rest beneath the cacti while the vertical cliffs offer an aerial spectacle of swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds slicing through the air.

DAY 3 – Genovesa's Flying Kingdom: El Barranco and Darwin Bay. Our overnight voyage takes us far north to the collapsed caldera of the mythical Genovesa Island, known as "Bird Island." In the morning, we'll ascend the stone steps of El Barranco (Prince Philip's Steps). Upon reaching the plateau, the landscape is filled with the whispers of thousands of red-footed boobies nesting in the low branches, frigatebirds soaring through the sky, and enigmatic Galapagos fur seals sheltering in the shadows of volcanic crevices. After lunch, we'll disembark on the white coral beach of Darwin Bay . You'll walk surrounded by colonies of seabirds that are unafraid of humans and can immerse yourself in its crystal-clear waters for an unforgettable snorkeling experience alongside rays and reef fish.

DAY 4 – The Magic of the Santa Cruz Highlands and Sunset at Bachas Beach Today we set foot on the mainland of Santa Cruz Island to ascend into its highlands . The landscape changes dramatically to a lush, humid forest. Here you will witness a majestic spectacle: giant Galapagos tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat among grasslands and lagoons. You will also explore impressive underground lava tunnels formed by ancient eruptions. In the afternoon, we will sail to Bachas Beach , a brilliant white sand beach formed from coral remnants. It is the perfect place to relax, walk along the brackish lagoons looking for flamingos, or put on your snorkel gear to swim just a few meters from the sea turtles that frequent its shores.

DAY 5 – The Majesty of Kicker Rock and the Tenderness of Isla Lobos. The fifth day brings you face to face with one of the most imposing sights in the Galápagos: Kicker Rock (Sleeping Lion). This volcanic tuff monolith, rising more than 140 meters above the ocean, is a marine paradise. We'll circle the structure to admire blue-footed and masked boobies resting on the rocky walls before putting on our snorkels to explore the marine channel inhabited by Galápagos sharks, eagle rays, and turtles. Later, we'll travel to Isla Lobos , a tranquil haven where sea lion pups become your swimming companions, while frigatebirds and boobies go about their daily lives along the coastal path.

DAY 6 – The Wild Spectacle of Punta Suárez and the Turquoise Tranquility of Gardner Bay . We'll set sail for the legendary Española Island. The morning begins at Punta Suárez , considered by experts to be one of the most extraordinary wildlife viewing sites on the planet. As you walk along its rocky path, you'll dodge coppery and reddish-hued marine iguanas and witness the impressive force of a natural blowhole. If you sail during the season (April to December), you'll witness the sacred dance and takeoff of the majestic Galapagos albatross, which uses these cliffs as its only nesting site on Earth. The afternoon balances the excitement with absolute relaxation at Gardner Bay , an endless coral sand beach where you can swim, kayak, or unwind alongside tranquil colonies of sea lions.

DAY 7 – Secrets of Floreana: Flamingos, the Mystical Devil's Crown, and Post Office Bay. We wake up on the legendary island of Floreana. At Cormorant Point, we'll disembark on a beach shimmering with greenish hues from its olivine crystals. A short walk will take us to a brackish lagoon inhabited by vibrant pink flamingos, ending at a beach with sand so fine it resembles flour, where sea turtles lay their eggs. Next, we'll experience one of the best snorkeling excursions of the trip at Devil's Crown , a submerged volcanic cone that acts as a natural aquarium teeming with multicolored schools of fish, turtles, and peaceful reef sharks. In the afternoon, we'll visit Post Office Bay to relive the postal tradition started by whalers in the 18th century: you'll leave a postcard in the famous wooden barrel and check other travelers' postcards to hand-deliver those near your city.

DAY 8 – Living Legacy at the Charles Darwin Research Station and Return On our final day, we'll head to the Charles Darwin Research Station in Santa Cruz. Accompanied by your guide, you'll tour the breeding and research centers to understand the monumental conservation work that has saved the iconic giant tortoises from extinction. You'll observe specimens of different subspecies and ages, culminating in a profound understanding of evolution and biodiversity. With memories filled with volcanic landscapes and hearts connected to the purest nature, we'll transfer to Baltra Airport to board your flight back to mainland Ecuador.