Galapagos Islands Extension (Essence)

Transfer to hotel and Overnight at hotel.

Transfer in Guayaquil to deluxe hotel, alongside English-speaking guide.

Transfer out of Guayaquil alongside guide to your flight to Galapagos. Arrive on Baltra island before being transferred to a short ferry ride through the Santa Cruz Channel to the island of the same name.

Once on Santa Cruz, we journey through the Highlands, stopping at a ranch for a chance to have lunch alongside the magnificent Giant Tortoises of the archipelago. After this visit, we will explore the Charles Darwin Station at Puerto Ayora to learn about the local conservation efforts in the islands. This stop will show the famous Tortoise Breeding Centre, where you can walk freely among the iconic tortoises and take photos. You can even take time to appreciate the embalmed body of the worlds’ most famous tortoise: Lonesome George.

Today will give you the opportunity to enjoy a daily tour of one of the four following nearby islands, subject the availability;

Bartolome Island: Discover the amazing landscape of this island, exploring the fascinating geological formations like Pinnacle Rock. This island provides great opportunities for snorkelling.

North Seymour Island: Explore this island, rich with animal life, such as the Magnificent Frigate Birds, Land Iguanas, Blue-footed boobies and playful sea lions surfing across the waves.

South Plazas Island: This small island has an outstanding showcase of wildlife, dramatic cliffs, a spectacular natural red carpet of algae and great colour contrasts perfect for photography.

Santa Fe Island: This island, rich in diversity, is an excellent place for snorkelling alongside colourful fish, sea lions, giant tuna, and even small sharks in Santa Fe’s striking lagoons.

After breakfast you will be transferred to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz before taking a speedboat to Isabela Island. This trip takes approx. 2h30m. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your ocean-front hotel before beginning activities.

Our guide will take us to visit the Flamingo Lagoon, an artificial lake flooded by rain and occupied by the local flamingo population. The trail leading up to the lagoon is approximately 2 kilometres long and will take you past some of the island’s unique vegetation and geological features.

Today we will visit the stunning Cape Rose Tunnels, starting our trip onboard a speed boat with a 45 minute trip. Our captain will safely guide the boat across the waves that normally hide the tunnels. Our guide will join us as we snorkel through the ancient Magma tunnels, encountering marine life such as sharks, lobsters, penguins, sea lions, boobies, sea turtles and other endemic species of the Galapagos Islands.

We will then visit the Tortoise Breeding Centre, learning more about the breeding of the Giant Tortoises. This centre on Isabela was completed in 1994, and helps preserve many populations of Tortoises from southern Isabela. Visitors can observe both hatchling tortoises and older animals.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the port in Puerto Villamil to take an early morning speedboat ride back to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz. Upon arrival,  you will be driven back to Baltra Airport, and prepare you for your flight back to the mainland.