7-Day Galapagos Island Hopping Expedition – Galapagos Land Tour

This 7-Day Galapagos Island Hopping Expedition invites you to breathe the ocean air and feel the islands from the inside out. Instead of rushing from spot to spot, you’ll explore the archipelago the way travelers dream it: walking over black lava fields, snorkeling with sea turtles, and wandering through volcanic island towns where sea lions nap on doorsteps. This Galapagos land tour expedition is designed for travelers who want to move through the islands with intention, connecting with nature, wildlife, and the local communities that call this place home. It’s personalized, responsible, and deeply memorable; just the way island-hopping in the Galapagos should be.

Departure

All year round

Duration

7 días, 6 noches

Group Size

Up to 12 travelers

Travel-Style

small group adventure expedition

Recommended Age

6+ years old

Adventure Pace

Moderate (tooltips: balanced pace, active but not extreme)

Incluye

6 nights’ accommodation, airport transfers, land transportation, boat transfers, 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 Baltra (GPS) before 11:30 am and depart after 12:30 pm for a smoother trip!

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN BALTRA & TRANSFER TO ISABELA

Step into Baltra’s warm, dry breeze and feel like entering another world with frigatebirds hovering above and lava fields shining in the sun. You cross Santa Cruz at an easy pace, stopping in Puerto Ayora for a comforting local lunch before the afternoon boat carries you toward Isabela’s soft light and quiet charm. A short visit to the Flamingo Lagoon adds a gentle first touch of wildlife before settling into your hotel for a relaxed evening.

DAY 2 – LOS TÚNELES SNORKELING ADVENTURE

Explore the turquoise Pacific waters as you navigate toward Los Túneles, where arches of black lava shelter calm pools filled with turtles, rays, and curious penguins. Snorkeling here feels like floating through a dream—clear water, soft sunlight, and the slow rhythm of marine life moving beside you. A small hike and lunch on board complete this 6-hour adventure, guided by local experts who know every corner of the site.

DAY 3 – WETLANDS BIKE TOUR & TINTORERAS

With the sunrise warming the coast, you bike through the Isabela Wetlands, past mangroves, shorebirds, and the haunting silence of the Wall of Tears. After lunch, a short boat ride brings you to Tintoreras, where iguanas sunbathe on black lava and white-tip reef sharks glide through emerald rocky channels. A gentle walk and a refreshing snorkel close the afternoon before returning to the town’s peaceful pace.

DAY 4 – SIERRA NEGRA VOLCANO HIKE

Clouds drift low over the highlands as you hike toward Sierra Negra, its immense caldera opening like a vast, dark bowl shaped by fire. The landscape shifts around you—black lava turning to warm red as you approach Volcán Chico’s smoking fumaroles and panoramic views. It’s a steady, rewarding 12 km walk led by certified guides, with time to pause, breathe, and take in the living geology beneath your feet. Optional: Add a kayak experience or a surfing lesson to finish your day with a perfect touch.

DAY 5 – BOAT TO SANTA CRUZ, DARWIN CENTER & HIGHLANDS

The early boat to Santa Cruz carries soft morning light across the sea before you arrive in Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where conservation efforts come alive through decades of scientific work. After lunch, the highlands welcome you with mossy forests, lava tunnels, giant tortoises wandering freely at Primicias, and the deep green sinkholes of Los Gemelos. A visit to a traditional Trapiche Farm closes the day, sharing local stories of sugarcane and coffee made the old-fashioned way.

DAY 6 – PINZÓN ISLAND & LA FE BAY

A calm sea and sunlit cliffs guide you toward Pinzón, where playful sea lions, turtles, and reef sharks fill some of the clearest waters of the archipelago. Snorkeling here feels effortless—just warm currents, bright fish, and the quiet hum of the Pacific. After lunch on board, you drift toward La Fe Bay, a sheltered turquoise cove perfect for one last slow swim or simply floating in the gentle afternoon light.

DAY 7 – GOODBYE GALAPAGOS!

Your final morning leads through the cool highlands of Santa Cruz, the scenery shifting from green forests to the dry, open landscapes of Baltra. As you travel toward the airport, the islands offer one last calm, lingering farewell—misty hills, soft bird calls, and the feeling of having experienced something timeless. Ideal for flights departing after 12:30 pm.

At Takiri, we design local expert tours that honor the islands and the people who care for them. We work with community-run farms, family-owned lodges, naturalist guides, and small operators—ensuring your trip supports the Galapagos in meaningful ways. Responsible travel isn’t just a trend for us: it’s the way we do things!

How is the travel style on the Galapagos island-hopping trips?

The itineraries are designed as active expeditions on a flexible independent travel basis, which means that in some activities, other Takiri travelers might join you, while in others, 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?

You can book your flights to start your trip on any date of your preference. 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 family-run hotels such as the Cally Hotel in Isabela Island and the Lava House Hotel in Santa Cruz. You will have private 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 upgrade 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, like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, Darwin’s finches, sea lions, sea turtles, reef sharks, and Galapagos penguins. Our itineraries are crafted to bring you close to the islands’ natural wonders, but wildlife is unpredictable—so while we maximize opportunities, specific sightings can’t be guaranteed.

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 expeditions offer a balanced pace between moderate-level activities and some free time to rest and relax. 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 since 2021; you can now have your own seat (so it’s less bumpy) and satellite internet. Most travelers take motion sickness pills when navigating, or you can take a small interisland plane (contact us for prices).