Galapagos Turtles & Tortoises
Join us for this unique trip to the legendary Galapagos Islands. We will visit three different islands, each day will include different activities such as snorkeling with sea turtles, seeing tortoises in captive rearing programs and in the wild, and checking out the diverse wildlife including birds like blue footed boobies, marine animals like sea lions and iguanas.
We will also visit the islands’ exotic landscapes including reefs, volcanoes, participate in volunteer activities, and more. This trip is led by a bilingual local guide (English & Spanish) in coordination with our local partner Galakiwi, a respected Galapagos tour operator.
2026 Dates:
May 1 - 10 (full)
May 15 - 24 (6 spots left)
2026 Price: $5,695 pp. Deposit to register is $500.
Includes: Roundtrip airfare from Quito to Galapagos ($600 value), internal Galapagos flight, meals as listed, Galapagos accommodations, activities, and service tips (activities and hotels).
Excludes: Airfare to Quito, Quito hotel, tip for guide, travel insurance (required), drinks other than water, and $220 in national park and tourist fees.
Trip Highlights
Snorkel with sea lions, turtles, rays, and colorful reef fish at Loberia Beach, Kicker Rock, and Los Túneles
Learn from researchers at the Galápagos Science Center and take part in a turtle photo ID workshop
Hike the rim of Sierra Negra Volcano for panoramic views across one of the world’s largest calderas
Kayak through the sheltered waters of Puerto Villamil, spotting penguins, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas
Join a tortoise reintroduction program in the highlands of Isabela and encounter giant tortoises up close
Explore Tintoreras islet (“Shark Alley”) with nesting iguanas and calm snorkeling in turquoise waters
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and discover the conservation legacy of the islands
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Animal List
Will SEE: Green turtles, sharks, giant tortoises, blue footed boobies, sea lions, marine iguanas
May SEE: Penguins, Darwin’s finches, eagle rays, seahorse
All profits support conservation efforts
Work directly with local researchers
Unique experiences
Personalized service
Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrive to Quito
Fly from your home to Quito, Ecuador. Meals and hotel are on your own today, giving you flexibility to choose and we can provide recommendations.
DAY 2: Fly to San Cristobal, Loberia Beach Snorkel
This morning, the group will meet our local representative at the Quito airport to take a short flight to one of the oldest islands in the Galapagos archipelago, San Cristobal. We’ll land in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, a coastal town and the administrative capital of the islands. After a quick check in to our hotel we will savor a buffet style lunch, allowing us to try some local dishes and snacks.
After lunch, we’ll head to Loberia Beach which is a short drive from town and an easy walk down the beach. Loberia is the perfect sandy spot to observe sea lions in their natural habitat. They play, nap and sometimes, they pose for pictures and play with you! Green turtles can also often be found here. Along the way, keep a lookout for marine iguanas that can usually be found lounging in the shade of the salt brush and other coastal flora. Tonight’s dinner is at a neighborhood restaurant where travelers can try classic Ecuadorian and Galápagos specialties.
Overnight at Seaside Hotel (3 nights). Meals: LD
DAY 3: Kicker Rock Snorkel Tour
The highlight of San Cristobal and one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago. After breakfast, we will head to Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido as it’s known by the locals) to explore the remains of a tuff cone rising over 143 meters out of the ocean. You’ll hop in here for a deep-water snorkel along the edge and through a channel of this drastic compact ash formation. You’ll be on the lookout for sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, chocolate chip starfish, and with any luck, a Galapagos shark or two. These gentle sharks cruise calmly by, uninterested in swimmers as they scan the waters for fish.
After our exhilarating snorkeling adventure, we'll visit one of the pristine beaches accessible only by boat along San Cristobal's coastline. Here, you can relax with some leisurely swimming in the turquoise waters looking for more turtles or marine iguanas or capture photos of the diverse birdlife, crabs, and other fascinating creatures who call this beach home. Following lunch onboard, we'll return to town. Meals: BLD
DAY 4: Turtle Photo ID Workshop, Interpretive Center & Frigatebird Hill
This morning, we will head over to the Science Center at San Francisco University to receive a talk on sea turtle research lead by a Galapagos Science Center Researcher. We’ll also visit the national park interpretive center to learn about the unique history, ecology and geology of this incredible archipelago. Next we’ll head across the street to Playa Mann for a delicious local lunch and a bit of beach time to digest.
Just behind the Interpretation Center is a walk called Tijeretas or Frigatebird Hill. It’s named after the frigate birds that populate the area (known as Tijeretas) by locals because of their forked tails that resembles scissors. At the top is a beautiful lookout over Charles Darwin Bay. You can also snorkel in the bay or take a sidetrack to Playa Carola for some beach time. We will then head back to town late afternoon with some time to freshen up before we head to a local restaurant for dinner. Meals: BLD
DAY 5: Flight to Isabela, Kayak & Snorkel
After an early breakfast, we’ll take a scenic flight to Isabela. During the 45 minute flight, you’ll experience stunning views of the Galapagos archipelago, including volcanic landscapes and beautiful coastlines. After checking into our cozy hotel, we’ll enjoy a fresh lunch before the afternoon adventure.
In the afternoon, we’ll do a relaxed kayak ride around the calm waters of Puerto Villamil's sheltered bay area. Keep an eye out for Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, and rays, which are commonly spotted in these shallow waters. Along the shore and in the nearby mangrove trees, you may also see blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and pelicans taking a break, adding to the natural beauty of the scenery. We’ll end the day with an optional snorkel at nearby Concha de Perla, a beautiful spot set in a mangrove on the edge of town. Overnight at Albemarle Hotel (4 nights) Meals: BLD
DAY 6: Tuneles
After breakfast we will set out for to Tuneles (also known as Cabo Rosa), a stunning area located an hour boat ride from town. Los Tuneles is formed by lava flows meeting the ocean, creating tunnels, arches, and sheltered bays. It's renowned for its rich marine diversity, serving as feeding grounds for sea turtles, resting spots for Galapagos sharks, occasional visits from charming Galapagos penguins, as well as hosting nesting blue-footed boobies.
Reaching Los Túneles can be bumpy, but the reward is unforgettable: swimming in the crystal-clear waters alongside sea lions, green turtles, black and white tip reef sharks, eagle rays, and a plethora of tropical fish, sea stars, and sea urchins. In your free time in the afternoon, take a short walk to a sulphur pond to check out the local pink flamingos. Tonight, we'll savor the flavors of the Galapagos as we enjoy a delicious dinner featuring local cuisine at a local restaurant. Meals: BLD
DAY 7: Sierra Negra Volcano Hike & Tortoise Reintroduction Program
Lace up your hiking boots – we’re hiking up a volcano! Sierra Negra is one of the most active volcanoes in Galapagos; its last eruption was in June 2018. As we hike to the perimeter of the caldera, we’ll be on the lookout for bird species found only in the highlands like the bright red Vermillion Flycatcher and the elusive short-eared owl. Once we reach the rim, if the clouds cooperate, we’ll be met with a 9km view that stretches across one of the most active calderas in the world. The hike is around 3 - 4 mile round trip taking around 2-3 hours with regular stops.
Following our morning adventures, we'll make our way to Campo Duro for a delicious local lunch in the highlands. After lunch, we will visit the Campo Duro Giant Tortoise Project, dedicated to the preservation of Galapagos tortoise populations. We will participate in a volunteer opportunity at their tortoise reintroduction program and meet their two resident tortoises. We’ll round off the day with dinner at a local restaurant serving authentic island dishes. Meals: BLD
DAY 8: Tintoreras Walk & Snorkel
This morning, we'll embark on an excursion to Tintoreras, also known as Shark Alley, a secluded islet renowned as a prime nesting site for marine iguanas. Here, amidst the stunning volcanic landscapes, we'll observe the bustling iguana colonies. Afterwards, we'll have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the tranquil waters of a serene inlet, perfect for snorkeling. Explore the vibrant underwater world teeming with colorful fish and graceful green sea turtles gliding above the sandy seabed.
In the afternoon, join us for an optional beach cleanup to help protect turtles and other wildlife from plastic waste. Then rest up for dinner in town. Meals: BLD
DAY 9: Estuary Walk & Boat Transfer to Santa Cruz
This morning, we’ll head to a nearby estuary, where will we see some impressive iguanas, many species of birds, a lava tunnel, and hopefully some wild tortoises. After lunch, it's time to bid farewell to Isabela as we board a boat bound for Santa Cruz Island, the bustling heart of the Galapagos Archipelago.
After we have a chance to check into our hotel, our guide will lead us on a discovery walk of the town, allowing us to soak up the local charm and gather for a farewell dinner. Overnight at Hotel Silberstein (1 night) Meals: BLD
DAY 10: Darwin Research Station, Transfer to Baltra, Fly to Quito
If time allows, we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station before transferring to Baltra for your flight back to Quito. Meals: B
Traveler Testimonial:
This trip exceeded all of my expectations. The variety of what we saw and did was incredible. I learned so much, and left with a sense of awe and gratitude for such a unique and important place on our planet. The accommodations and food were first rate. I like the small group size, too.
Trip Notes:
Minimum recommended age is 16 years old, under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult.
Group size is limited to 10 people, maximum and at least 8 people need to register to confirm the trip.
Discounts Available: $100 off for paying by check. $100 off for students age 16-18.
We give full refunds if we need to cancel a trip. If you cancel, your fees can be applied to a future trip, except within 60 days of departure when payments to local providers are already made. See our full terms and conditions.
Payments can be paid monthly or in two bulk payments. Final payments are due 60 days before departure.
Travel insurance is required by our local partner for every participant. We can provide recommendations but any service can be used.
Is This Trip Right For Me?
This will be an active trip that requires good physical fitness including hiking and snorkeling. The Galapagos is a safe destination, receiving more than 200,000 visitors per year. We will be staying at mid-level hotels on the island. Be prepared for a lot of time in and on the water, snorkeling with wild animals including white tipped reef sharks, a docile shark that is not aggressive. The trip includes two uphill walks that require some physical exertion though the pace can be slow with interpretation along the way. All activities are optional for the group.
