6-Day Galapagos Island Hopping Tour: Santa Fe, Santa Cruz and Los Tuneles

Imagine setting out from the Ecuadorian mainland to the Galapagos Islands, a place where giant tortoises roam freely and sea lions lounge on volcanic rocks. This 6-day tour takes you through some of the archipelago’s most iconic sights, with visits to Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, and Los Tuneles. You’ll travel by speedboat, stay in local hotels, and enjoy most meals and snorkeling gear included—all for around $2,035 per person.

What we love most about this trip? First, the small group size of just 15 travelers means more personal attention and plenty of chances to ask our guide detailed questions about the wildlife and geology of each site. Second, the combination of land-based accommodations with boat trips offers a more relaxed experience—no bouncing around all night on a boat, which can sometimes cause motion sickness.

One thing to keep in mind is that some activities depend on weather or park regulations, so the itinerary is subject to change. Still, it’s a flexible, well-organized way to see a lot of the islands in a short time. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, active adventure with knowledgeable guides, stunning wildlife encounters, and the convenience of all-inclusive planning.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: Spot flamingos, sea turtles, giant tortoises, and playful sea lions.
• Comfort & Convenience: Most meals, accommodations, and snorkeling gear are included, with hassle-free airport transfers.
• Small Group Tours: A maximum of 15 travelers allows for personalized attention and better wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Land & Sea Balance: Sleep on land to minimize motion sickness and enjoy boat trips for close-up wildlife encounters.
• Flexible Itinerary: Activities may shift based on weather or park rules, but all main sights are covered.
• Authentic Experience: Travel with guides certified by the Galapagos National Park, ensuring knowledgeable commentary.

The Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: From the Mainland to Isabela or Santa Cruz

Depending on your arrival time, your adventure begins either with a transfer from Baltra Airport to Puerto Ayora or a direct stay on Santa Cruz. If arriving early (before noon), you’ll start with a transfer to Puerto Ayora for a local lunch before heading by speedboat to Isabela Island. This boat ride lasts roughly 2.5 hours and offers a scenic introduction to this volcanic island. If arriving later, you’ll settle into Santa Cruz accommodations first, with activities adjusted accordingly.

Our travelers appreciate the smooth logistics, especially the hassle-free pickup on arrival. As one reviewer noted, the tour “took so good care of me and I had to think of nothing.”

Day 2: Exploring Wetlands and the Wall of Tears

The second day kicks off early with a tour of El Tunel del Estero, a lava tunnel formed by cooled volcanic flows, offering a fascinating underground landscape. Beforehand, you’ll visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center—a highlight for animal lovers—and then walk part of the Wall of Tears, a historic site built by prisoners.

This wetlands tour involves about 3-4 hours of walking, so prepare for some physical activity. Many travelers comment on how well-organized and educational this part of the trip is. One said, “The guides were very knowledgeable, making the experience even richer.”

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Las Tintoreras Islet, famous for white-tip sharks resting at the bottom. The short trek over volcanic rocks is ideal for spotting wildlife, especially during low tide, and snorkel gear is provided for a closer look at the marine life.

Day 3: Snorkeling at Los Tuneles

A highlight for many is the boat ride to Los Tuneles, a network of lava formations with calm waters perfect for snorkeling. The small group size (up to 10 on this trip) makes the experience intimate and allows for better wildlife viewing. Expect to see penguins, sea lions, and a variety of seabirds, all amidst stunning volcanic scenery.

The activity lasts around 6 hours, giving ample time to snorkel and explore or relax on the boat. Some travelers even choose to explore Concha Perla afterward, which adds flexibility.

Day 4: Charles Darwin Station and Santa Cruz Bay Tour

After breakfast, you’ll take a public speedboat to Santa Cruz, then visit the famous Charles Darwin Research Station. Expect to see giant tortoises and learn about conservation efforts. This stop is often praised for its impressive wildlife and educational value.

Post-lunch, a Bay Tour takes you around Puerto Ayora, visiting spots like La Loberia and crossing narrow channels. This boat tour offers stellar views of the islands’ diverse ecosystems, with many reviewers commenting on the beautiful scenery and wildlife sightings.

Day 5: Santa Fe or Pinzon Island Adventure

Your final full day offers a choice—pending park regulations—between Santa Fe or Pinzon Island. On Santa Fe, snorkel in clear waters and relax on beaches like Garrapatero, known for its mangroves. On Pinzon, you’ll encounter marine iguanas and more playful sea lions.

Reviewers value this flexibility: “The beaches are beautiful, and snorkeling was a highlight,” says one guest. Others note the chance to observe marine iguanas up close or just unwind on the pristine sands.

Day 6: Departure from Galapagos

After breakfast, a short transfer to Baltra Airport marks the end of your adventure. Many travelers appreciate the smooth logistics and the convenience of included transportation, making this a hassle-free conclusion.

What Travelers Say

The tour enjoys a 4.7/5 review score based on 26 reviews, with 92% recommending it. Many praise the knowledgeable guides, stunning wildlife, and delicious, simple food. One said, “The guides were very attentive and helpful, making the experience even better,” capturing the general sentiment.

Some mention the basic accommodations—not luxury hotels, but clean and comfortable enough for a rugged adventure. As one reviewer put it, “Rooms are roomy and comfortable but don’t expect five-star plumbing.” The focus is on the experience, not the plushness.

The snorkeling gear, included in the package, is well-rated, and many find it essential for appreciating the marine life. Travelers also appreciate the small group size, allowing for more personalized attention and better wildlife viewing.

A Few Considerations

While most reviews are positive, some mention basic food options that can feel repetitive over multiple days. The itinerary is also subject to change due to weather or park rules, so flexibility is key. Plus, you’ll need to bring small luggage due to limited boat space and local transportation constraints.

Why This Tour Is a Great Fit

If you’re looking for a well-organized, wildlife-focused adventure, with knowledgeable guides and a good balance of land and sea activities, this tour is ideal. It suits travelers who want to maximize their time without sacrificing comfort and who are comfortable with some physical activity.

It’s especially well-suited for those who value authentic wildlife encounters, enjoy snorkeling, and appreciate small-group experiences that allow closer interactions with nature. Budget-conscious travelers will find this offers solid value considering most meals, accommodations, and gear are included.

FAQs

• How many days is the tour?
  The tour lasts about 6 days, covering multiple islands with a mix of land and sea activities.

• Are meals included?
  Yes, most meals—five breakfasts and four lunches—are included, making it easier to focus on enjoying the experience.

• What transportation is used?
  The tour includes transfers from Baltra Airport, boat trips between islands, and local transportation, with no guides on the public speedboat.

• Can I snorkel?
  Yes, snorkeling gear is included, and the waters around Los Tuneles and other sites are prime for marine wildlife viewing.

• Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
  The itinerary involves walking, boat rides, and some uneven terrain, so it’s best for travelers with moderate physical fitness.

• What is the group size?
  The maximum is 15 travelers, allowing for a more personal and flexible experience.

• Are there any additional fees I should know about?
  Some fees, like the Isabela dock fee and water taxis, are not included. Park entrance fees and transit cards will be detailed on your voucher.

Final Thoughts

This 6-day Galapagos island-hopping tour offers a compelling combination of wildlife encounters, scenic boat rides, and land-based comfort, all at a reasonable price. The small-group format, expert guides, and diverse activities make it a standout choice for those eager to see the archipelago’s highlights efficiently and authentically.

It’s best suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of adventure and comfort, and who value guidance and logistics taken care of. Whether you’re an animal lover, an avid snorkeler, or simply a curious traveler, this trip promises plenty of unforgettable moments amid some of the world’s most extraordinary islands.