5 Day Galapagos Budget

5 Day Galapagos Budget

You will be welcomed at your arrival at Baltra airport and transported to the harbor of Puerto Ayora. A speedboat will take you to Isabela Island, where you’ll visit the Flamingo lagoon and go snorkeling in Los Tuneles. Besides, you can choose an optional self-guided snorkeling activity in Concha Perla. Back on Santa Cruz Island, you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, learn more about his Theory of Evolution and about the history and ecosystems of Galapagos. You’ll have a closer look at the giant Galapagos tortoises and learn about the famous tortoise Lonesome George, who died in 2012 and was the last one of his species. During a day trip you will visit Santa Fe, which is a small island in the center of the Galapagos archipelago.

Itinerary

Day 1: BALTRA – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND – ISABELA ISLAND – FLAMINGO LAGOON

Stop At: Santa Cruz Island, Ecuador
Option 1: Itinerary for flights arriving at Baltra before 11:00 AM

At Baltra airport, an English speaking guide will pick you up to go to Puerto Ayora to enjoy your lunch. After lunch you’ll take the speedboat to Isabela Island. This can be a bumpy ride so provide yourself a waterproof jacket and motion sickness medication if necessary. Upon arrival on Isabela Island, a driver will pick you up and you’ll visit the Flamingo Lagoon. After that, your driver will drop you off at your hotel.
Duration: 5 hours

Stop At: Santa Cruz Island, Ecuador
Option 2: Itinerary for flights arriving at Baltra after 11:00 AM

If your flight is scheduled to arrive after 11:00 AM, you’ll stay at Santa Cruz Island on the first day because the last speedboat to Isabela Island leaves around 02:00 PM. You won’t have lunch in this case. The rest of the tour usually looks like this: Day 2: Santa Fe, Day 3 Bahia half day tour & Charles Darwin Station, Day 4 morning boat to Isabela, Los Tuneles, Day 5 morning boat to Santa Cruz and transfer out.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Hotel Fernandina or similar

Day 2: SNORKELING IN LOS TUNELES

Stop At: Los Tuneles, SE Isabela Island Nr. La Union Rock, Puerto Villamil 200250 Ecuador
Early in the morning, you will go on boat ride from Puerto Villamil. You will explore the brilliant scenery in Los Tuneles which is considered the most beautiful place to snorkel in Isabela Island. Around the Los Tuneles you will find a highly contrasted color for snorkeling with clear, calm water. You will get the chance to spot large quantities of seabirds and species feedings such as tortoises, swimming iguanas, sea lions, manta rays, Galapagos penguins, lobsters, and sea snakes. This exciting activity takes approximately about 6 hours including the boat rides and a snack before a short hike.

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel San Vicente or similar

Day 3: CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION – BAY TOUR

Stop At: Santa Cruz Island, Ecuador
At 06:00 AM you will go to Santa Cruz Island and have breakfast. Then, you’ll go to the Charles Darwin Research Station where the guides will explain more about the famous giant tortoises. After lunch, you will go on the “Bay Tour” and visit the highlights around Puerto Ayora. The first destination will be La Loberia where you find sea lions. Next you will go to Punta Camaño Islet where you will snorkel with sea lions and a large variety of fish. Your next activity will be a visit to the Channel of Love. Finally Playa de Los Perros. This is a 15-minute walk until you reach the beach where you will observe dog crab colonies, marine iguanas and unparalleled scenic views.

Duration: 10 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Hotel Fernandina or similar

Day 4: SANTA FE ISLAND

Stop At: Santa Fe Island, Ecuador
After breakfast you will travel to Santa Fe Island which is a small island that lies in the center of the Galapagos archipelago. Among animals, Santa Fe is home to endemic species such as the Barrington Land Iguana (Conolophus pallidus). After a 45 minute boat ride, you will arrive to the bay of Santa Fe. There you will have a very nice snorkeling activity, if you are lucky, you can spot some birds on the rocks. After snorkeling, you will go to Playa Escondida or Garrapatero in Santa Cruz island and have a wet landing there, where you will discover the beach.

Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Hotel Fernandina or similar

Day 5: TRANSFER OUT – BALTRA

Stop At: Santa Cruz Island, Ecuador
After breakfast, you will travel to Baltra Airport with a Spanish speaking driver, where you will depart to Quito or Guayaquil.

Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.