When I first started looking at visiting the Galápagos Islands, my dreams were quickly dashed. All I saw were expensive cruises ranging from $5,000 – $15,000 which I could NOT afford on a public school teacher salary. So, as time allowed, I started digging into other options. I watched hundreds of YouTube videos and explored tons of travel sites, and found that a LAND TOUR was more my style and gave me the affordability I needed to make this destination dream come TRUE! So, now, let me share my hard work with you in hopes that it may help you plan the perfect trip for yourself too.
San Cristóbal Island (3 Nights)
- Fly into San Cristóbal Airport (SCY) on LATAM or Avianca Airlines
- Swim with sea lions at La Lobería beach (bring your own snorkel gear and beach towel, etc.)
- Take a snorkeling tour to Kicker Rock and swim with hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, and spotted eagle rays
- Shop for souvenirs here (No souvenirs on Isabela Island, and prices doubled on Santa Cruz)
- From here, consider flying to Isabela with ESAV (affordable and they are QUICK to answer on their WhatsApp at +593 23325666)
I use LATAM for many of my Central and South America adventures. They provide trusted service and easy-to-navigate air travel.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATION: Eco-Friendly Galápagos
Harry at Eco-Friendly Galápagos was the reason I felt so comfortable from the very beginning of my trip! He helped me book my tours last minute, made sure I had a great breakfast every morning (EARLY, because of what time the 360 tour begins). I loved my time here, but he made it that more special. Highly recommend!
TOURS I TOOK:
The 360 Tour – This 9-hour tour is quite intense, not in the activity level, but in the blistering intensity of your bottom on a boat for hours at a time. The waves sends the boat crashing down into the water over and over again. Throughout the 9 hours you are stopping about 4-5 stops for snorkeling and beach adventures around San Cristóbal island. I even had a few tour mates who got sick on the boat. If anyone in your party has back problems, I highly recommend skipping this tour.
Alternative – When you get into town, visit one of the many tour companies (the shops that have tons of snorkel pictures in the windows and snorkel gear hanging on the wall) and ask for a half-day (or 2-3 hour) trip to Kicker Rock. This is the spot to swim with rays, turtles, and see the amazing hammerhead sharks down below (they don’t swim close to the surface).
NOTE for Americans: If booking tours on Viator (or similar sites) in advance makes you feel more comfortable then I recommend booking here for your confirmation. However, if you bring cash, you can book these day trips for $200 or under, bargaining for a better price.
Isabela Island (2 Nights)
- Book a half-day tour of the tintoreras (with snorkeling)
- Book a half-day tour of the túneles, or tunnels (with snorkeling)
- Take the opportunity to soak up some quiet and stillness (unlike the other islands)
- When you leave, take the 2-hour ferry to Santa Cruz Island (very easy and affordable)
TOURS I TOOK:
Half Day Tintoreras Tour from Isabela Island – I really enjoyed walking along the Islote Tintoreras to see all of the marine iguanas on the volcanic island. On the boat, we also pulled alongside a large group of the famous blue-footed boobies. It also had one of the most unique snorkeling experiences through the narrow paths, where we were able to swim above sleeping sharks. If you like snorkeling, make sure to book a combo tour with land explorations and a water adventure in the area, although land-only tours are available if you prefer not to swim with the wildlife.
Full day Lava Tunnels Tour from Isabela Island – This was another of my favorite snorkeling adventures, because I was able to swim among small white-tipped reef sharks. I thought I would be more scared, but I absolutely loved it! With the help of my guide, I also got to peek inside a shark den. What an experience. We also saw plenty of blue-footed boobies along the túneles before we got off the boat to explore the area. I highly recommend this adventure.
NOTE for Americans: If booking tours on Viator (or similar sites) in advance makes you feel more comfortable then I recommend booking here for your confirmation. However, if you bring cash, you can book these day trips together for about $200, bargaining for a better price.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATION: Cormorant Beach House
The Cormorant Beach House was a splurge for me, choosing the Junior Suite with ocean view and a balcony. It was such a wonderful three days (two nights). I absolutely loved spending time on the beach here. They had a great breakfast on the top floor with a beautiful view, friendly staff members, and strong wifi. I truly would go back in a heartbeat. Prices aren’t even that bad for the amount of room and location you get. Not only is it on the beach, it’s also on the main road that leads to any food places you’d like to enjoy in the small town. You can’t go wrong here!
Santa Cruz (4 Nights)
- Tour the Charles Darwin Center and say hi to Lonesome George’s remains
- Tour adventurous, uninhabited islands of the Galápagos with fun day trips
- Explore los gemelos and lava tunnels by hiring a driver at an hourly rate
- Visit giant Galápagos tortoises in their natural habitat at Primicias
- Enjoy the modern restaurants in town, including my favorite, Midori, a fantastic sushi restaurant with great cocktails too
- Shop at some of the local speciality stores like the Galápagos Jewelry, Chocolapagos, and Sarah Darling Galápagos (local artist)
- Fly out from Baltra Island (a 30-minute taxi ride North)
TOURS I TOOK:
Adventure with Turtles, Lava Tunnels and Los Gemelos Craters – I booked my tours by visiting a tour office in the center of town. For the same price he hired me a “private driver” that actually included a surprise couple we picked up (though I was expected to still pay the full price – eye roll). However, this tour is the same price for a driver and it includes coffee or tea. Just make sure that they take you to Rancho Primicias turtle reserve, because people I met said the other one wasn’t that great.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATION: La Casa de Judy
La Casa de Judy was everything I could want in a hotel on a busy island. There were quiet rooms, a clean pool, great breakfast, and the best views from the spacious balcony. The staff was nice, and helpful with arranging my taxi to the airport. It’s a 10-minute walk from the main plaza, but you pass shops, coffee spots, and restaurants. It’s a short walk to the Charles Darwin Center too. I absolutely loved my time here and would definitely rebook upon my return.
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