Galapagos on a Budget: 10-day Experience, 5 islands in a row!

Embark on an unforgettable 10-day adventure through the Galapagos Islands, exploring five unique islands without breaking the bank! This budget-friendly trip offers a perfect mix of wildlife encounters and stunning landscapes. Begin your journey on San Cristobal, meeting playful sea lions and snorkeling at Kicker Rock. Discover ancient lava tunnels and giant tortoises on Santa Cruz, and experience the unique ecosystems of North Seymour and Santa Fe Islands. Kayak alongside vibrant fish and flamingos on Isabela Island, snorkel at the breathtaking Los Tuneles and hike the majestic Sierra Negra Volcano. From blue-footed boobies to Galapagos penguins, this trip promises to immerse you in the unparalleled beauty and extraordinary wildlife of the Galapagos.

Join us for an adventure of a lifetime!

Transportation

Airport transfers for arrival and departure flights.
Sea transportation from San Cristobal Island to Santa Cruz Island, to Isabela Island, and then back to Santa Cruz Island.

Gear included for the activities

Snorkeling masks, fins, and life vest Kayaks, paddles and life vest

Meals

9 breakfasts
4 lunches
5 box lunches

Accommodation

9 nights in tourist-class hotels in Galapagos

Experts

English and Spanish speaking local guides in Galapagos National Park
24/7 support from our team

General

Mandatory Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips for guides
Optional tours or activities
Upgrades

Galapagos Islands Entrance

INGALA Transit Card (20 USD per person – cash only)
Galapagos National Park fee: 100 USD per person – cash only)

Transportation

Airfare Ecuador mainland to Galapagos (round trip).
Pier-use fee at Puerto Ayora (1 USD).
Pier-use fee at Puerto Villamil (10 USD).
Water taxi at the pier between islands (3 USD in total)

Renting gear for extra activities

Snorkeling gear (mask and fins) (8 USD per day pp).
Wetsuit (10 USD per day pp).

Day 1: FRIGATEBIRD HILL & CAROLA POINT

Arrive on San Cristobal Island and settle into our hotel. After lunch, relax on a stunning beach, watching playful sea lions and listening to our guide’s commentary on their behaviors. Enjoy the unique spectacle of these lively creatures in their natural habitat.

Day 2: SNORKELING AT THE UNDERWATER WILDLIFE PARADISE OF KICKER ROCK

Experience a world-class underwater ballet at Kicker Rock with an immersive snorkeling adventure! Marvel at sea lions’ captivating dives, serene eagle rays, graceful sea turtles, and vibrant reef fish. Spot agile marine iguanas, Galapagos sharks, penguins, blue-footed boobies, and frigate birds.

Day 3 ANCIENT LAVA TUNNELS AND GIANT TORTOISES AT SANTA CRUZ

Start the day with a morning speedboat to Santa Cruz Island, possibly spotting whales or dolphins. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Center to learn about conservation and see the late Lonesome George. Spend the rest of the day with giant tortoises at Primicias Ranch, observing them in their natural habitat.

Day 4 NAVIGABLE DAY TRIP TO SEYMOUR NORTH ISLAND!

Start your day with a morning pickup and a scenic 45-minute ride to Canal Itabaca, where you’ll board a boat to North Seymour Island. Enjoy a dry landing and a hike over unique volcanic terrain before relaxing with a snorkeling adventure in the turquoise waters, where playful sea lion pups often join in the fun.

Day 5 EXPLORING THE REMOTE ISLAND OF SANTA FE & ITS HIDDEN BEACH

Experience the remote and ancient Santa Fe Island, with its unique landscape and vibrant marine life. Snorkel amongst sea lions, rays, and turtles, and explore secluded Playa Escondida or Garrapatero Beach. Reflect on your unforgettable experiences amidst the breathtaking beauty of this paradise.

Day 6 KAYAK WITH WILDLIFE - FLAMINGOS AND WHITE-SAND BEACHES

Take a morning speedboat to Isabela Island, known for its beautiful beaches and charming fishing village. After breakfast and check-in, enjoy an afternoon kayaking tour through crystal-clear waters, encountering playful sea lions and vibrant fish. End the day by exploring the Flamingo Lagoon to observe the vibrant pink flamingos.

Day 7 WORLD CLASS SNORKELING IN LOS TUNELES

Wander the sandy streets of Villamil or relax on the tropical beach. Snorkel at Los Túneles Cabo Rosa, a breathtaking site with lava formations and diverse Galapagos wildlife such as sea turtles, penguins, and rays. Conclude the day with a sunset at Concha de Perla Beach.

Day 8 TROPICAL WETLANDS OF ISABELA, SWIMMING AND SNORKELING WITH WILDLIFE AT TINTORERAS

Discover Isabela Island’s diverse landscapes, from its wetlands teeming with flamingoes and endemic birds to the historic Wall of Tears. Explore the Tintoreras Islets, where you can spot white-tipped reef sharks, marine iguana. Dive into the crystalline waters for an unforgettable snorkeling experience with a variety of marine life, including penguins and sea lions.

Day 9 HIKE THE SIERRA NEGRA VOLCANO

Strap on your hiking shoes for a journey around the Sierra Negra Volcano, where you’ll explore unique lava landscapes and witness stunning vistas. Enjoy your last evening with dinner, sunset watching, or stargazing at Concha Perla Beach.

GOODBYE GALAPAGOS!

Start the day with a morning speedboat to Santa Cruz Island, After arrive to santa cruz and take a breakfast, We’ll take you to Baltra Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador. Return home feeling invigorated by the energy of the extraordinary wildlife, and inspired by the unparalleled beauty of the archipelago.

Do I need a visa to visit Ecuador?

Most travelers do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. You can check here if you need a visa.

What is the best time to visit Ecuador and the Galapagos?

Ecuador is great year-round! For the Galapagos, December to May offers warmer waters and calmer seas, while June to November is cooler but excellent for diving. Different species of animals are active depending on the time of the year so you’ll always be exposed to different species all year round.

Is Ecuador safe for tourists?

Generally, most of Ecuador is safe, but like any destination, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated areas at night, and keep an eye on your belongings. For more info about safe areas in Ecuador, you can read our blog.