Galapagos Essential Wildlife Discovery: 5 days

A day dedicated to discovering the amazing underwater world of the Galapagos, snorkeling in crystal clear waters! Our expert guides lead a shared group in search of sea turtles, frigate birds, blue-footed boobies and Nazca boobies around the nearby beaches and cliffs. In addition, you will enjoy the company of friendly sea lions, who are always curious and mischievous with their young.

While snorkeling in these crystal clear waters, you are likely to come across eagle rays, golden rays, Galapagos sharks, starfish and an incredible variety of tropical fish that inhabit the archipelago.

At sunset, we will return to the hotel to enjoy a quiet night in this relaxed island village.

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We have breakfast and say goodbye to San Cristobal to board a small plane that will take us on an inspiring journey over the crystal clear seas and volcanic landscapes of the islands to Isabela Island, one of the most active volcanic sites on the planet. In fact, many locals witnessed the last major eruption in 2005.

Once settled at the hotel, you will embark on a unique, self-guided and easy hike. Isabela is a real treasure. As you explore along wooden trails, you will observe an incredible variety of flora and fauna, including giant tortoises, flamingos, finches and mockingbirds. You will continue through coastal ecosystems that include white sand beaches, the attractive poison manzanillo forest, an impressive lava tube, dark mangroves and saltwater lagoons.

In the small coastal town of Puerto Villamil you'll find a range of seafood, Ecuadorian and international cuisine and you can enjoy them on your own. You can also take a quick dip in the ocean or relax in a hammock before heading to the tourist spot known as Tintoreras, as part of a shared boat tour. This group of small rocky islets is full of small hidden bays and secluded beaches, which are explored by boat and snorkeling gear. Be prepared for close encounters with the endemic Galapagos penguin, as well as reef sharks, sea turtles and sea lions.

At the end of the day, you will have the evening free to enjoy it at your own pace.

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We take an early morning shared speedboat from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island and Puerto Ayora; the largest town in the Galapagos. We will meet you at the dock and take you to the hotel.

Just a short walk from the harbor is the famous Charles Darwin Research Station and the National Park's tortoise breeding program. Visit on your own and explore the heart of scientific research and conservation in Galapagos.

After enjoying lunch on your own in Puerto Ayora, where you will find many options to choose from, we will join a naturalist guide. In a shared group, we take a boat and sail west from the port. We will pause at La Lobería, to observe sea lions in their natural habitat. Then we arrive at Punta Caamaño islet, a perfect place to put on our snorkeling gear and swim among sea lions and brightly colored fish.

Moving towards the romantic Canal del Amor, we will be captivated by the surroundings before disembarking at Playa de los Perros, where jet-black marine iguanas bask in the sun on the rocks.

At the end of the day, you can stroll around the port at your own pace, exploring its stores, restaurants and bars during the evening.

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The time has come to say goodbye to the magical Galapagos. In the morning, you will embark on a scenic drive to the north of Santa Cruz Island, passing through iconic landscapes that culminate in the Itabaca Channel. Here we bid you farewell to continue your adventure: all that remains is to enjoy a short ferry ride and a short bus ride to the airport on Baltra Island. See you soon, Galapagos!

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