12-Day Galapagos Boutique Experience – Immersive Land Tour

This 12-Day Galapagos Boutique Experience is crafted for travelers who value slow exploration, handpicked boutique stays, and meaningful encounters woven into every day. Designed as an elevated 5-island Galapagos land tour, it moves gently across San Cristóbal, Isabela, Santa Cruz, Seymour North, and Pinzón—combining wildlife-rich snorkeling, volcanic hikes, organic farm visits, yoga by the beach, cooking classes, and time to simply breathe in island life. With semi-private tours, curated restaurantsy immersive local experiencias, this journey blends comfort, culture, and nature into a boutique-style Galapagos island hopping adventure unlike any other!

Departure

All year round

Duration

12 días, 11 noches

Group Size

Up to 12 travelers

Travel-Style

small group, flexible boutique expedition

Recommended Age

6+ years old

Adventure Pace

Leisure (tooltips: low-paced, active with comfort)

Incluye

11 nights’ boutique accommodation, airport transfers, land transportation, boat transfer, interisland flight, meals (tooltips: breakfasts and lunches), naturalist guides, entrance fees, and gear.

No incluido

round-trip airfare, travel insurance, dinners, Galapagos NP fee (200 USD pp), Galapagos Card (20 USD pp)

Takiri Tip

Arrive at San Cristobal (SCY) before 11:30 am and depart after 12:30 pm from Baltra (GPS) for a smoother trip!

DAY 1 – SAN CRISTÓBAL: FRIGATEBIRD HILL & DARWIN BAY + WELCOME DRINK

Soft ocean light greets you as you arrive in San Cristóbal and settle into town before your afternoon walk toward Frigatebird Hill, where sweeping views of Darwin Bay reveal turquoise waters and marine iguanas warming on black lava. With warm coastal breezes and gentle terrain, it’s an easy first glimpse into island life. Your day ends at Golden Bay with a welcome drink as sea lions scatter across the shore at sunset.

DAY 2 – KICKER ROCK SNORKELING ADVENTURE

This morning, you navigate toward Kicker Rock—two towering cliffs rising from deep blue water. Slip into the sea to find Galapagos sharks gliding below, turtles drifting through the currents, and rays sweeping gracefully across the sand. After a beach stop and lunch on board, you return to San Cristóbal for a quiet, boutique-style afternoon by the ocean.

DAY 3 – THE HIGHLANDS: EL JUNCO LAGOON & PETREL COFFEE FARM

Cooler highland air accompanies your visit to El Junco, the archipelago’s only freshwater lagoon, perched inside an ancient volcanic crater. Mist rolls gently across the rim before you continue to Petrel Coffee Farm, where the aroma of freshly roasted beans fills the air and island-grown coffee is prepared by local hands. The afternoon is yours to enjoy the coast at an easy pace.

DAY 4 – FLIGHT TO ISABELA & SUNSET COOKING CLASS OR BEACH YOGA

A short Emetebe flight brings you to peaceful Isabela, where pastel-colored waters and soft sandy streets set the tone for the next chapter of your journey. After check-in, choose between a sunset cooking class—preparing a fresh local dish with a chef—or a relaxing beachside yoga session. As the sky turns golden, the evening unfolds slowly and gently, boutique-style.

DAY 5 – LOS TÚNELES & CABO ROSA SNORKELING TOUR

Your boat glides over clear blue water toward Los Túneles, where lava arches twist above turquoise pools. Snorkeling here feels magical—penguins dart past, seahorses cling to corals, reef sharks drift through shadows, and turtles move with unhurried grace. A short walk over the lava bridges offers surreal views before returning to Puerto Villamil.

DAY 6 – SIERRA NEGRA SULFUR MINES HIKE & ORGANIC FARM VISIT

Morning clouds hang low over Sierra Negra as you hike toward the Sulfur Mines, a landscape painted in burnt gold, amber, and mineral whites. Steam rises from fumaroles as you explore one of the most unique volcanic terrains in the islands. Later, visit a family-run organic farm to sample seasonal fruit and learn about sustainable agriculture in nutrient-rich volcanic soil.

DAY 7 – FREE DAY ON ISABELA

Today is yours to drift through Isabela at your own rhythm—walk the wide white-sand beach, visit nearby lagoons, bike along quiet coastal paths, or simply rest by the sea. Optional experiences such as kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing lessons, or bike rentals can be arranged for a gentle touch of adventure.

DAY 8 – BOAT TO SANTA CRUZ, TRAPICHE & PRIMICIAS + BEER TASTING

An early boat takes you to Santa Cruz, where the highlands open into green fields dotted with giant tortoises. After exploring a traditional Trapiche and learning about sugarcane, coffee, and cacao, continue to Primicias Farm for lunch and a slow walk among tortoises in their natural habitat. Back in Puerto Ayora, a sunset beer tasting with small pairings adds a warm, flavorful end to the day.

DAY 9 – PINZÓN ISLAND & LA FE BAY SNORKELING DAYTRIP

You navigate toward Pinzón, one of the most vibrant snorkeling spots in the Galapagos. Slip into clear water to swim alongside playful sea lions, rays drifting across sandy bottoms, reef sharks, turtles, and—if you’re lucky—penguins. After lunch on board, La Fe Bay offers a calm second snorkel or time to rest in turquoise water before returning to Santa Cruz.

DAY 10 – FREE DAY IN SANTA CRUZ

A slow, easy morning awaits—enjoy good coffee, wander the waterfront, browse artisan shops, or walk to Tortuga Bay’s powdery white beach. With no schedule to follow, it’s the perfect day to soak in the islands’ natural charm and relaxed coastal energy.

DAY 11 – SEYMOUR NORTH NAVIGABLE DAYTRIP + FAREWELL DINNER AT ALMAR

Today you explore Seymour North, home to blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds displaying bright red chests, sunbathing land iguanas, and lively sea lion colonies. After a guided hike and refreshing snorkeling session, return to Puerto Ayora. Your journey closes with a farewell dinner at Almar, an elegant oceanfront spot where the sound of waves marks a beautiful ending.

DAY 12 – TRANSFER OUT TO BALTRA AIRPORT

At the scheduled time, your coordinator meets you for your final transfer across Santa Cruz to Baltra Airport. With one last crossing of the Itabaca Channel, your boutique island adventure comes to a peaceful close.

Our boutique itineraries are crafted with intention—small-group excursions, handpicked hotels, curated meals, and the immersive local encounters that define local expert tours. We collaborate with island families, chefs, guides, and sustainable projects to offer travel that is warm, genuine, and deeply connected to the Galapagos.

What makes this boutique experience different from standard tours?

Our boutique itinerary stands out for its handpicked comfort-level hotels, known for exceptional service and facilities, plus curated restaurants that blend local flavors with refined techniques. All this, while enjoying semi-private tours to visit the highlights of each island, a laid-back pace, and authentic, immersive local experiences—definitely a more personalized journey than standard group tours.

How is the travel style on the Galapagos boutique experiences?

The itineraries are designed as laid-back immersive expeditions on a flexible, independent travel basis, which means that in navigable activities, other travelers might join you, while on land, you’ll have private guided tours. You’ll always have someone to assist you throughout the islands.

Are there any specific requirements for the Galapagos flights?

We strongly recommend arriving at Baltra airport (GPS airport code) by 11:30 am (or less), and departing after 12:30 pm from the same airport for a better and smoother experience.

What are the accommodations included?

On these expeditions, you will stay in handpicked boutique accommodations such as the Galapagos Sunset Oceanfront Hotel in San Cristobal, the Casa de Marita Beachfront Hotel in Isabela Island, and the Fiesta Galapagos Hotel in Santa Cruz. You will have private, comfortable rooms with ensuite bathrooms, hot water, air conditioning, and wifi. You can find more info here: Our Hotels In Galapagos (link to the blog).

Do you offer customized tours?

Yes, all our itineraries can be personalized up to your preferences and budget. Whether you want to change your accommodations, extend your stay, or combine it with tours in Ecuador’s mainland or the Amazon. You just need to contact us, and we’ll put together a trip for you.

What wildlife can I expect to see in Isabela and Santa Cruz?

This itinerary focuses on wildlife spotting, such as giant tortoises, black marine iguanas, lava lizards, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, pink flamingos, Darwin’s finches, green sea turtles, white-tip reef sharks, and Galapagos penguins.

Is this itinerary good for families with kids?

Yes, the flexible travel style allows families with kids to make the most of their trip. These boutique expeditions offer a balanced pace between moderate-level activities and free time to enjoy the beach or the hotel facilities. For families with children younger than 6 years old, we suggest contacting us directly to craft a personalized tour.

What’s the best season for visiting the Galapagos?

The Galapagos Islands are an all-year-round destination with amazing wildlife in every month. High season typically runs from March–April, June–September, and December–January; the rest of the year is lower season with fewer visitors. From December–May, expect warmer weather and calmer seas; June–November brings cooler, drier conditions with nutrient-rich waters. Average temperatures range from the 70s–80s°F (21–30°C) year-round.

Are the speedboat rides comfortable?

The speedboat rides (2.5 hours approx) have upgraded their services in the last two years; you can now have your own seat (so it’s less bumpy) and satellite internet during the ride. If you’re prone to seasickness, most travelers take Dramamine pills when navigating, or you can take a small interisland plane (contact us for prices).