Galápagos with Floreana Island

Airfare from abroad is not included on this trip, so you are responsible for arranging your own transportation to and from Guayaquil, Ecuador. The meetup is at the airport on day 2, 3 hours before the flight time. More information will be given after booking the trip (at a later stage). We would be happy to assist you with booking an airport hotel.

In the morning, we will fly out to the Galápagos Islands in the Pacific. The archipelago is on UNESCO's World Heritage list, largely due to its unique flora and fauna that evolved as a result of their complete isolation from the mainland. Our local guide will meet us at the airport and accompany us via "airport bus" and ferry to our transport on the other side of the Itabaca Channel. On our way to Puerto Ayora, we will make a short excursion to a local giant tortoise farm in the highlands. Here, we will have lunch and get the chance to experience the giant tortoises in their natural environment. We will also visit a lava tunnel, which are common on this volcanic archipelago, before we arrive in Puerto Ayora and our hotel for the night.

It’s time to board a first-class yacht for our adventure to Floreana Island. Our day begins at 6:30 AM with a short walk to the pier in Puerto Ayora, where a local aquatic taxi will take us to the Galapagos Element Wind Yacht. From here, we’ll set sail to the small town of Puerto Velasco Ibarra, located on Floreana Island. If we’re lucky, during our journey, we may spot marine turtles, manta rays, various species of seabirds, and possibly even whales. Upon reaching Puerto Velasco Ibarra, a local water taxi will take us from the speedboat to the town’s pier. Here, we’ll have an excellent opportunity to see sea lions and marine iguanas basking in the morning sun. Next, we’ll take a local vehicle known as a "Chiva" for a 30-minute ride up to Floreana’s highlands. From there, we’ll begin a scenic walk, where we can observe the area’s typical flora. Along the way, we’ll also encounter some of the famous Galapagos tortoises. Our lunch will be served at a small local restaurant. After a short rest, we’ll take a 1 km walk to a stunning bay known as "La Loberia." This picturesque location is home to a small colony of sea lions (Zalophus Wollebacki), and there’s also a good chance of seeing marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus Cristatus) resting on the rocks. Afterward, we’ll return for some free time before boarding our Galapagos Element Wind Yacht to sail back to Puerto Ayora.

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure to the breathtaking islands of Bartolomé and Sullivan Bay in the Galápagos! This exclusive tour takes you through stunning volcanic landscapes and pristine beaches, offering a true taste of paradise. Your journey begins at 7:00 AM at Puerto Ayora’s dock—transfer to the dock is included! There, your guide will welcome you and assist with boarding your first-class yacht. As you sail toward Bartolomé, take in the striking scenery and prepare for an incredible experience. Marvel at the iconic Pinnacle Rock, snorkel with playful sea lions, and encounter the diverse wildlife that thrives in this unique ecosystem. This is one of the most sought-after navigable tours in the Galápagos, and you’ll enjoy it with good guides and a nice yacht. Lunch will be served on board. Next, cool off with a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Sullivan Bay, where you can swim alongside sea turtles, vibrant fish, and even penguins! After the tour, you'll have the rest of the afternoon to explore the town at your own pace or unwind at your hotel.

Early in the morning, we’ll take a walk to the Santa Cruz pier to board our public speedboat to Isabela Island. The inter-island transfer takes approximately two hours. Upon arrival, we'll head to our hotel to drop off our belongings before embarking on one of the most memorable tours on Isabela Island. Your adventure begins with a scenic boat ride from Puerto Villamil, the island’s main port. After about an hour of sailing, we’ll reach Los Tuneles, a captivating geological formation sculpted by ancient volcanic activity. These natural tunnels, created by lava flows beneath the Earth's surface, form a surreal landscape unlike anything you've ever seen. Once ashore, your guide will take you on a hike through the area, passing lava formations and tunnels. Along the way, you’ll learn about the island's volcanic history and the special ecosystem found here. Isabela Island is known for its rich wildlife, and Los Tuneles is no exception. Be on the lookout for colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and possibly even Galápagos penguins along the rocky shores. After the hike, we’ll cool off with a snorkeling adventure. You’ll swim in the clear waters, exploring the vibrant marine life, including playful sea lions, eagle rays, and beautiful coral gardens.

Today, we’ll explore the main highlights of Isabela Island. Depending on the weather, our private transport will take us early in the morning to the highlands, where we’ll reach the National Park checkpoint. From here, we begin a scenic hike to the rim of Sierra Negra, home to the world's second-largest volcanic crater. The stunning views make this trek unforgettable. After our hike, we return to Puerto Villamil for lunch (on your own). In the afternoon, we set out on a navigable tour to the islets known as Tintoreras. This guided excursion includes a scenic walk where we can observe Tintoreras sharks, marine iguana colonies, sea lions, penguins, and a variety of Galápagos bird species.

We’ll transfer to Isabela’s dock for our 06:00 departure on the speedboat (approximately 2.5 hours) to Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival and after checking into our hotel, we’ll take a walking tour to visit the famous Charles Darwin Research Station and the Fausto Llerena Interpretation Center, where we can see the preserved body of the world-renowned turtle, “Lonesome George.” In the afternoon, we’ll take a 45-minute walk to the stunning Tortuga Bay known for its pristine beauty. The beach, with its fine white sand, is bordered by expansive sand dunes. The first part of the beach is not ideal for swimming due to strong currents, but as we continue our walk, we’ll reach a more protected area where we can observe a colony of marine iguanas and various seabirds, including pelicans, finches, and seagulls. We’ll also see the iconic red mangroves of the Galapagos and a unique cactus forest. This is a great time to relax and enjoy the beach. In the late afternoon, we’ll return to our hotel in Puerto Ayora.

On the way to Baltra Airport, we’ll stop to visit the Twin Craters, a interesting geological formation created by lava. Afterward, we’ll continue our transfer to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil, where you will either catch your return flight home or continue your journey. Would you like to explore more of Ecuador, including Quito and the Amazon rainforest, or perhaps venture to Machu Picchu in Peru? We would be delighted to assist you in crafting an additional itinerary tailored to your interests.