INTERESTED IN SCUBA DIVING IN THE GALÁPAGOS?

This is a sample of a 9-day trip we designed for a couple with both scuba and land-based tours on land & sea. Plus excursions in/around Quito.

Whether you're looking for one scuba day tour, a liveaboard diving cruise up north to Darwin & Wolf Islands or a land-based adventure like this with as much scuba as you desire, we are here to make it happen with the trusted local scuba experts we know & trust!

Just shoot us a comment using the "?" button above or filling out our Contact form on our website.

Giant Galápagos Tortoise Photo Credit/Copyright: our son & GNP naturalist guide Marvi Córdova

MORE DETAILS TO COME!

***Meet in hotel lobby by 8:50 am.

BRING:

• water

• camera

• good walking shoes

• wear/bring some sunscreen & hat--sneaky strong sun at Equator even in cooler temps

• rain jacket

• warm long-sleeved something under/layer your tops for 50-70 degrees w/ intermittent rain.

• souvenirs/tastings cash/cards (as desired)--Ecuador chocolate, coffee, handicrafts etc.

Pick up/Drop-off at Hotel

Guide: Sebastián Carrera

with own modern vehicle to use for the day

Backup use only please if can't reach Amy:

Main stops & timing to be confirmed with guide on initial drive from hotel

·      Mitad del Mundo/Museo Inti Ñan

·      Old Town Quito w/ min. 1 church

·      Lunch at local recommended restaurant

·      Shopping stop(s)

·      TelefériQo Cable Car Ride

·      Ask guide for dinner recommendations after tour (there is restaurant in hotel)

Wear:

• comfy walking shoes

• sunscreen (sun strong year-round at Equator regardless how cool it might be due to altitude)

• bring sweatshirt or light rain jacket (can rain, be cloudy anytime)

• consider money belt to hide more than pocket cash plan to carry

• pockets to hide phone/camera

• keep your hands on top of valuables while walking

Bring:

• water

• snacks if desired

• cash for attractions (about $25pp in small bills), shopping, food & beverages (see detailed tour itinerary for attraction est. prices)

• note all cash should be $20 or less and clean/not torn throughout Ecuador

• credit/debit cards accepted at larger locations with possible card fee up to 22%

Leave:

• valuables at hotel locked in suitcase or room safe or locked suitcase such as watches, your cash stash, most jewelry

• including those that look valuable e.g. gold or diamond look

• you can be more relaxed in Galápagos, just take these normal big city precautions in Quito

Photo credit & copyright: Marvi Córdova

by Galápagos native Tony Sotomayor

He will guide you personally through the extra steps at the UIO Quito airport to enter the Galapagos National Park as a UNESCO World Heritage-protected site:

• Get Galapagos Transit Control Card (TCT) ($20pp cost included with tour) as part of the Galápagos ecosystem protections.

• There is also extra baggage Galapagos bio-security inspection & declaration before you can complete normal check in with the airline & go through airport security.

• He also has tight working relationships with the airlines to get your boarding passes & baggage tags without your having to be in the airline kiosk and counter lines.

• Believe this is flight you mentioned planned on booking based on arrival time

• Your flight's on-time status will be available from the live link here with ability to choose text alerts for flight schedule changes.

• NOTE: this is a direct flight, no stops.

You'll go about 800 miles to the west as the "blue-footed booby" flies today.

WELCOME to Ecuador's Galapagos Province--you are now entering the Galápagos National Park.

**DID YOU KNOW? 97% of this world-unique island archipelago is protected within the Galapagos National Park (GNP).

Here are the GNP rules for visitors so you can help keep this ecosystem safe:

ARRIVAL AT GPS BALTRA ISLAND AIRPORT

You will disembark down plane stairs onto the tarmac of this one-runway airport.

**PHOTO OP: great quick group photo spot with the plane on tarmac before continue walking on tarmac to airport building (stay in painted pedestrian area)

1st stop inside: Galapagos National Park (GNP) entrance fee ($200pp adult, $100pp child under 12).

**TIP: If you would like a souvenir stamp in your passport from the park, can do this here as pay your park entry fee--though check if your country might invalidate your passport.

1. There may be quick GNP carry-on baggage inspection scan

2. Proceed to baggage claim: Expect to wait for dog inspection of all bags before you are allowed to grab your bag. (There is a restroom here)

3. Exit baggage claim & look for your guided escort displaying Galapagos Local Tours sign to take you to our reserved transport with planned stops.

🐢 Tortoise Ranch & Farm Lunch
Walk among giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural highland habitat at this private conservation ranch.

• Observe tortoises roaming freely across pasture and forest

• Learn about the migration and preservation of these iconic reptiles

• Enjoy a fresh, 3-course farm-to-table lunch featuring local flavors, with vegetarian options available

Included: Entrance fee to tortoise ranch & your 3-course ranch lunch

Your guide will be waiting for you as you exit Galapagos National Park inspections, entry fee payment & baggage claim.

Your guide will help you through the multiple transports (guest pay cash: airport bus $5pp, water taxi $1pp; guide pays for self) to get from Baltra Island to Santa Cruz Island where your reserved taxi will be waiting to take you across Santa Cruz Island to meet your speedboat ferry to Isabela Island.

Your first of three inter-island speedboat ferry rides.

Your guide will help you through the ferry check-in process at the pier including inter-island baggage inspections by the Galapagos National Park to avoid introduced species as each island's ecosystem is unique.

Watch your step as you navigate each pier, boat, dock--best to grab onto crew's forearms as everything is moving and not standard.

Give any heavy hand bags/backpacks for a moment to the crew for these transfers instead of trying to balance these as well as your own body.

There is a $1pp cash fee for the water taxi to get you out to the speedboat ferry anchored in the bay.

Welcome to Isabela!

Watch for penguins, blue-footed boobies on right side of the bay as you enter the town port on top of the open lava tunnels called Los Tintoreras.

You will be met by a Spanish-language escort at the pier to help you through the payment of $10 cash entry tax per person due upon entry on Isabela Island and they will have a reserved transport waiting to take you to your hotel.

• Water taxi ride to pier - $1 cash pp

• On the pier, while looking for your escort also please claim all your luggage as unloaded from the water taxi(s) and you'll roll it short distance to your waiting transport.

• Be sure to ask questions about the town as you go to get oriented--restaurants, cafes, shops, swim spots.

• See Concha de la Perla swim/self snorkel spot on right as you walk from pier to your waiting ride

• Be sure to see where Tropical Adventures tour operator located for any snorkel gear for self-tours or extra tours you might want to book or just questions that might come up (our niece, Mayela, runs this top local agency) with Amy's favorite cafe across the street--Pan & Vino.

**On Hold**

Drake Inn is locally-owned beachfront hotel on the quiet end of the main town sand street, just 3 minutes’ walk to Puerto Villamil town center. No pool since located right on the beach!

They offer secure bag storage as needed around 1 pm check-in and 10 am check-out times.

Includes:

• Free continental breakfast buffet

• Free wifi

• Private bathroom w/ hot water

• Terrace w/ outdoor furniture (most rooms)

• A/C w/ room control

• Room safe

• Refrigerator

• Stairs to upstairs rooms--let us know if would like to request one of limited ground level rooms

• Hammocks & lounge chairs in shared courtyard and sea-facing terraces

• Steps away from the Puerto Villamil beach at front of hotel

Flamingos Photo Credit/Copyright: Marvi Córdova

Half-Day Hiking Adventure | Geological Wonders

Isabela Island is home to Sierra Negra, one of the most awe-inspiring volcanic formations in the Galápagos—and the most accessible.

Towering above the island’s southern highlands, Sierra Negra’s massive caldera and dynamic volcanic landscape offer a chance to witness the Earth in motion, with panoramic coastal views, lava flows, and even active fumeroles depending on your route.

Discover Galapagos' largest caldera

Sierra Negra Descent to "Sulfur Mines"
Challenging Hike | For Adventurous Travelers

For this more intense trek, you'll descend into the Sierra Negra caldera to visit the “sulfur mines”—a natural thermal area with active fumeroles and colorful mineral deposits. This route gives you a closer look at volcanic activity, tectonic features, and the ever-changing earth beneath your feet.

·       Total distance: ~7.4-8.7 miles round trip

·       Terrain: Steep and rugged, can be hot and muddy.

Trail down/up the caldera is made from volcanic sand, pea gravel that can be a bit slippery on incline portion. In caldera you might walk on volcanic sand, ashes, and lava boulders as see in pics.

·       Highlights: Steam vents, volcanic chemistry, surreal geology, and few crowds

Why Sierra Negra Is So Special

With dimensions ranging from 25-37 miles wide and 4.4 to 6.1 miles in length, Sierra Negra is the largest and shallowest caldera in the Galápagos. Though often claimed to be the second largest caldera in the world (it's not), it still ranks among the top 50 largest calderas globally.

Its elliptical shape and geologic history—marked by repeated collapses, uplift, and deformation—make it one of the best places to learn about the volcanic origins of the islands.

A chance to see the rare endemic Galapagos penguins plus rays, sea turtles, and/or baby white-tipped sharks--by a different form of marine transport than all your other tours!

After a morning hike & lunch on your own when return to town, you'll have a free afternoon to enjoy options like:

• A swim in this calm public visit site of Concha de la Perla. This is a mangrove bay near the speedboat pier you arrived at. (Go for low tide timing for higher chance of seeing marine life if your goal is more than swimming.)

• Puerto Villamil beach is one of the most beautiful & longest in Galapagos--be sure to meet the baby iguanas on the lookout tower steps & fun to take walks different times of day or enjoy a cocktail for sunset. Watch out for the strong sun & strong rip currents year-round--don't swim alone.

• Flamingo Lagoon is just behind the Tropical Adventures office--be sure to visit several times at different times of day to see varying amounts of flamingos with variation on how close they are to viewing boardwalk

• Walk the main sand street of the village--there is a nice expresso cafe, good bakery, fresh empanadas, fruit bowls/smoothies and more plus a nice central park to explore

• There is sometimes a fruit bowl/smoothie food truck on the main sand street which makes HUGE bowls from wide variety of fresh fruits--try some you can't get at home!

• See Self Tours PDF for more free time ideas for ideas or ask Amy or Mayela's office team if you're in the mood for something in particular.

Half-Day Boat Tour | Snorkeling & Geological Walk | Isabela Island’s Hidden Gem

Venture into one of the Galapagos’ most spectacular underwater worlds on this unforgettable half-day speedboat excursion to Cabo Rosa, more commonly known as Los Túneles.

Only recently opened as an official visitor site by the Galapagos National Park, this tour combines world-class snorkeling, a short lava formation hike, and up-close encounters with iconic wildlife—both above and below the surface.

This is Isabela Island’s must-do daily marine tour on one of the newest boats on Isabela that happens to be owned by Walter's niece Mayela & her husband, Ramiro, who was born on Isabela. They run a leading travel agency focused on Isabela experiences.

Tour Highlights

🛥️ Boat Ride Along the Western Coastline
Departing from Puerto Villamil’s main town pier, enjoy a 40-minute speedboat ride along Isabela’s dramatic western coastline. Your journey offers scenic views of volcanic terrain and turquoise waters, with a brief stop at Roca Unión—a favored nesting site for masked boobies, often viewable from the boat.

🌋 Los Túneles Lava Formations
Arrive at the main attraction: Los Túneles, a surreal network of lava bridges, open tunnels, and natural arches formed by ancient volcanic flows from Sierra Negra Volcano.

• Navigate the boat through this maze-like lava landscape

• Disembark for a short 10–15 minute guided hike across the formations

• Spot coastal birds resting or nesting among the arches

🤿 El Finado Snorkeling Site
End your tour with a peaceful snorkeling session in El Finado, a calm, clear-water cove tucked among mangroves.

• Swim alongside sea turtles, reef fish, rays, and white-tipped reef sharks resting along the sandy bottom

• If you’re lucky, your guide may help you spot seahorses hidden among the seagrass

• Perfect for all skill levels thanks to its calm, shallow waters protected by the "tunnels" lava formations at the coast

Onboard Experience includes:

• Towels

• Snorkeling Gear

• Digital photos/video taken by guide

• Snack & basic non-alcoholic/non-sparkling beverages (advise of dietary requirements or beverage requests in pre-trip survey)

Note: schedule & stops subject to change due to Galapagos National Park restrictions & ocean conditions.

Options include:

• Lunch on own

• If you're craving a expresso drink and/or a nice sandwich, our favorite breakfast/lunch/coffee place in town is Pan & Vino Café https://maps.app.goo.gl/45CVPeJcH8nHn2aq5 which happens to be in front of the Tropical Adventures tour office.

• In the same area, stop by to see the Flamingo Lagoon if you haven't yet--one of best viewing spots in all the islands. Located just behind Tropical Adventures office a block in from main sand street.

The hotel will be happy to store your luggage during your am tour until your ~1:45 pm speedboat ferry pickup.

Reserved transport with Spanish language escort will pick you & your luggage up from the hotel & help you through the ferry check-in process.

Seymour Point

Diving at Seymour in the Galapagos Islands is an amazing experience known for its breathtaking marine biodiversity. Seymour Island offers divers a chance to encounter a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea lions, sharks, rays, and even encounters with schooling hammerhead sharks and whale sharks. The underwater landscape at Seymour is also diverse, with rocky formations, coral reefs, and underwater caves to explore. Diving at Seymour is often considered a bucket-list experience for diving enthusiasts due to its unique and untouched underwater ecosystems.

• Underwater Landscapes: Adventurers will navigate through spectacular cliffs and into azure depths, exploring mesmerizing underwater landscapes.

• Marine Life: The cliffs are teeming with an abundance of Galapagos fish species and elusive marine creatures, including:

• Moray Eels and White Tip Sharks: Adding an element of excitement to the dive.

• Green Sea Turtles: Gracefully swimming through the waters.

• Ray Species: Including majestic eagle rays, fleeting mobula rays, elegant stingrays, and sleek black tip sharks.

• Schools of Jack Trevally Fish: Creating awe-inspiring spectacles with their synchronized movements as they encircle and envelop divers.

• Deep Water Encounters: In deeper realms, divers may encounter passing schools of hammerhead sharks, golden rays, and the ever-present black tip sharks.

Diving Experience - Seymour Point

• Average Depths: Seymour Point boasts average depths ranging from 12 to 15 meters, making it accessible to divers of all levels.

• Beginners and Introductory Dives: The manageable depths and diverse marine life make these sites ideal for beginners and those seeking introductory dives.

Mosquera Island

Mosquera Island is renowned for its thriving population of sea lions and abundant shorebirds, and offers two enchanting dive sites: Mosquera North and Mosquera South. (one of these sites will be included)

Diving at Mosquera Island in the Galapagos Islands is another fantastic experience for divers looking to explore unique marine life. Mosquera Island is known for its incredible biodiversity, offering divers a chance to see a variety of colorful fish, sharks, sea lions, eagle rays and turtles. The underwater terrain at Mosquera features beautiful reefs, rocky formations, and lava tubes that add to the overall diving experience.

Divers often have the opportunity to witness fascinating underwater interactions and encounter species endemic to the Galapagos Islands. Overall, diving at Mosquera Island is a memorable and rewarding experience for underwater enthusiasts.

Mosquera South:

• Underwater Panorama: Known for an awe-inspiring underwater landscape and topography that rivals renowned dive sites like Gordon Rocks, Wolf, and Darwin Island.

• Schooling Hammerheads: Divers can anticipate encountering vast schools of hammerhead sharks.

Diving Experience - Mosquera

• Initial Descent: The dive begins with a descent alongside a rugged rock wall leading to a serene white sandy bottom, approximately 15 meters below the surface.

• Diving Depths: With average diving depths ranging from 15 to 18 meters, Mosquera Island caters to divers of all levels, inviting enthusiasts to explore its mesmerizing underwater wonders.

INCLUDED

• (2) 12L Aluminum tank dive trip with a Quick Check Dive in order to make sure equipment is functioning and diver is properly weighted. Kindly note the same tank is used for the check dive & first dive. 

• 2-way ground transport from Puerto Ayora (meeting place TBD) across Santa Cruz Island to Itabaca Canal to meet scuba tour boat.

Also included:

• required GNP naturalist & scuba-certified guide(s) in the water with up to 6 guests each on highly-rated 12p scuba boat

• 2 dives/tour

• wetsuit (usually 5mm thick), booties, BCD, hood, mask, fins, and weights as needed for a comfortable and safe dive given seasonal ocean temps

• towels, WiFi

• hot lunch, basic beverages (advise any requests)

• check with guide on availability of digital photos/videos (suggest bring own camera to guarantee)

Gordon Rocks stands as an unparalleled dive site off Santa Cruz Island, perfect for those seeking an adrenaline-pumping experience amidst the captivating marine life of the Galapagos.

From the iconic hammerhead shark schools to the possibility of encountering mola mola, hammerheads, and whale sharks, divers are in for an unforgettable adventure. With its robust currents and remarkable biodiversity,

Gordon Rocks promises a dynamic and awe-inspiring underwater world, best suited for intermediate divers eager for thrill and discovery.

Marine Life and Notable Encounters:

• Hammerhead Sharks: Gordon Rocks is celebrated for its iconic schools of hammerhead sharks, offering divers some of the most immersive shark encounters globally.

Other Opportunistic Encounters:

• Mola Mola (Ocean Sunfish): The elusive mola mola adds an element of surprise and rarity.

• Orcas: Occasionally spotted, these formidable orcas elevate the diving experience.

• Whale Sharks: The gentle giants of the sea can be seen during their seasonal migrations.

Additional Marine Species:

• Black Tip and White Tip Reef Sharks: Frequent companions in these waters.

• Rays and Turtles: Mesmerizing rays and graceful turtles enhance the underwater spectacle.

• Moray Eels: Can be spotted nestling in between the impressive rock displays

• Schooling Fish: Various fish species create vibrant, lively scenes throughout the dive.

Diving Experience

• Depth and Conditions: Gordon Rocks boasts a maximum diving depth of 30 meters, characterized by strong currents.

• Diver Requirements: This site is ideal for intermediate divers with prior experience due to the challenging conditions and exhilarating underwater adventures.

Situated east of Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Gordon Rocks is renowned as a quintessential dive site, aptly nicknamed "the washing machine" for its robust currents. A 30-40 minute boat ride from the Itabaca Channel depending on ocean conditions. 

Dive Tour providing a 2-12L Aluminum tank dive trip with a Quick Check Dive in order to make sure equipment is functioning and diver is properly weighted. Kindly note the same tank is used for the check dive & first dive. 

Includes 2-way ground transport from Puerto Ayora (meeting place TBD) across Santa Cruz Island to Itabaca Canal to meet scuba tour boat.

Also included:

• required GNP naturalist & scuba-certified guide(s) in the water with up to 6 guests each on highly-rated 12p scuba boat

• 2 dives/tour

• (2) 12L tanks (first tank used also for quick test dive)

• usually 5mm thick wetsuit, booties, BCD, hood, mask, fins, and weights as needed for a comfortable and safe dive given seasonal ocean temps

• towels, WiFi

• hot lunch, basic beverages (advise any requests)

• check with guide on availability of digital photos/videos

Looking for ideas:

• See Self Tours PDF for Santa Cruz

• Great day to enjoy the pool at your hotel if feeling like some quiet time.

• Suggestion: Take water taxi to Angermeyer Point to do short walk on marked trail to Playa de los Alemanes & Las Grietes (unique pristine waters between lava cliffs)--both good swim spots & see the original settlements by the Germans in WWII along the short trail.

• There is a nice restaurant called Eloise there overlooking the water right where the water taxis drop you off at Angermeyer Point might make a nice lunch/afternoon cocktails spot combined with this excursion.

• Looking for a unique dinner spot--go see Chef Roger & his wife Micaela sho manages the front of house & interior design at Nazca Esencia Restaurant (ask the taxi to take you to Pelican Bay on the main waterfront Darwin Avenue if they don't recognize the restaurant name). Roger does Ecuador/Peru fusion combined with his Michelin restaurant training while using the best of local, fresh seafood & produce. The Tiradita is my favorite for you to try paired with their own Pisco Sour. Tell them that Amy & Walter sent you for an especially warm welcome!

• Be sure to walk up & down the entire Darwin Avenue along the water & a bit up the main perpendicular Baltra Avenue starting up from the front of the ferry pier for all the best shopping & supporting local vendors rather than the airport souvenir shops!

• Awesome daytime people watching stop----2nd floor open air cafe on top of Proinsular supermarket across from the ferry pier. Food nothing to write home about but can get a cold beverage.

• The downtown piers are wonderful marine life watching spot after dark--baby sharks, fish, never know what you'll see.

Photo credit & copyright: Marvi Córdova

Day Yacht Tour

Two Stunning Islands | Comfortable Local Yacht | Wildlife & Volcanic Landscapes

🚤 Travel aboard a locally owned, first-class day-tour yacht carrying up to 16 guests with a warm captain & crew and a Galápagos National Park–certified naturalist guide. Enjoy a stable ride, A/C indoor lounge, outdoor decks, and all the essentials for a perfect full-day adventure.

Today gives you a taste of the small-cruise experience required to reach some of the most remote National Park sites — without having to sleep on a boat.

🌋 Today’s Destinations

1. Bartolomé Island – home to the postcard-perfect Pinnacle Rock, lunar volcanic landscapes, and panoramic viewpoints.
   

2. Sombrero Chino– famous for its dramatic young lava flows and excellent snorkeling.

🗺️ Itinerary

(exact timing may vary with conditions)

6:50 AM — Hotel Pickup in Puerto Ayora
Drive to Itabaca Channel on N side of Santa Cruz Island to board the yacht.

8:15 AM — Board the yacht
Meet the crew, settle into the lounge, and receive your safety briefing.

8:40 AM — Navigate to Bartolomé Island
Relax on deck as we cross to one of the most iconic islands in the archipelago.

~10:00 AM — Bartolomé Island Hike
Climb the boardwalk stairs trail to the crater summit for world-class views of the volcanic cones and Pinnacle Rock. Learn about the island’s fascinating geological history from your naturalist guide.

Post-Hike — Snack & Snorkeling
After descending, enjoy a snack on board followed by snorkeling — depending on sea conditions. Look for reef fish, rays, sea turtles, and the occasional penguin.

~1:00 PM — Hot Lunch Onboard
Freshly prepared fish, salads, rice, and dessert. Dietary needs accommodated with advance notice.

Afternoon — Explore Sombrero Chino
Walk on an otherworldly, relatively young lava field with rope-like pahoehoe formations. Depending on conditions, additional snorkeling may be included.

~6 PM — Return to Puerto Ayora
Sail back toward Itabaca Channel and yacht's bus will transfer you across island back to Puerto Ayora.

(Schedule approximate & subject to change around GNP requirements & Captain's discretion given ocean conditions)

📍 Island Highlights

Bartolomé Island

• Summit boardwalk (approx. 375 steps) with 360° views

• Pinnacle Rock — one of the most photographed spots in Galápagos

• Chance to spot marine birds, penguins, and unique geological formations

• Optional coastal dinghy ride as time and conditions allow

Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat) Island

• After your walk in Bartolome, the yacht will lift its anchor and sail to Sombrero Chino.

• The yacht will anchor at a pristine channel between Santiago Island and Sombrero Chino, with turquoise water that contrasts with pioneer vegetation growing in rugged dark lava and a beautiful small coralline beach.

• This is a wonderful setting for snorkeling with tropical fish, star fish and with good possibilities of swimming with Galapagos penguins, white tip sharks, sea lions and turtles.

• Snorkeling / Wet landing

🌊 Onboard Experience — What’s Included

✔️ Round-trip transport to Itabaca Channel & yacht
✔️ Galápagos National Park–certified naturalist guide
✔️ Hot lunch, snacks, filtered water, coffee & tea
✔️ Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
✔️ Towels
✔️ Indoor A/C lounge + outdoor viewing decks

Optional Add-Ons
• Wetsuit rental (request in advance)
• Beer, wine, and soft drinks (availability varies, advise any requested beverages)

What to Bring

• swimsuit under clothes

• sunscreen

• hat w/ chin strap ideally

• sunglasses

• refillable water bottle

• camera

• comfortable walking shoes

• a light rain jacket

Photo credit & copyright: Marvi Córdova

Day Yacht Tour

On wait list--to be confirmed 4/11

Alternative destination being held is Plazas Island/Punta Carrión on 8/20 to switch with that free day.

Two Stunning Island Stops | Comfortable Local Yacht | Large Bird Nesting & Remote Beach Landscapes

🚤 Travel aboard a locally owned, first-class day-tour yacht carrying up to 16 guests with a warm captain & crew and a Galápagos National Park–certified naturalist guide. Enjoy a stable ride, A/C indoor lounge, outdoor decks, and all the essentials for a perfect full-day adventure.

Today gives you a taste of the small-cruise experience required to reach some of the most remote National Park sites — without having to sleep on a boat or bump along on a small speedboat.

🌋 Today’s Destinations

1. North Seymour Island – known for having one of the largest nesting colonies of Magnificent Frigatebirds and Blue-footed Boobies. This popular day-trip destination offers flat, easy hiking trails to see sea lions, marine iguanas, and land iguanas in close proximity to sharks, rays, near the coast.
   

2. Bachas Beach – stunning 1-km white coral sand beach on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. Famous as a major nesting site for Pacific green turtles, it features turquoise waters, coastal lagoons with flamingos, and remnants of WWII US barges (hence the name), offering excellent swimming, snorkeling, and wildlife spotting.

🗺️ Itinerary

• 07h50: Meeting point in Puerto Ayora

• 10h00: North Seymour Island visit

• 13h00: Lunch

• 14h00: “Las Bachas” visit

• 16h00: (approx) Back in Puerto Ayora

(Schedule approximate & subject to change around GNP requirements & Captain's discretion given ocean conditions)

📍 Island Highlights

Morning

North Seymour Island was lifted from the ocean floor by a seismic event, reason why its low, flat profile. 

Swallow-tailed gulls sit perched in ledges of the cliffs only a few meters high form the shoreline. A forest of Palo Santo trees stands just above the landing site, usually without leaves, waiting for the rain to bring them into bloom. Amongst the emblematic fauna of the island, you will be able to see sea lions, land iguanas and blue footed boobies.  The trail turns inland where you will find active and dynamic colonies of both species of “magnificent” and “great” frigate birds.

Dry landing.

Afternoon

Las Bachas, a beautiful coralline beach located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, is the perfect place for practicing snorkeling, swimming or to simply enjoy the white soft sand & crystal clear ocean with few fellow humans. Several brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea are the feeding grounds of various large wading birds, from stilts to flamingos while taking care to watch out for sea turtle nests.

Wet landing.

🌊 Onboard Experience — What’s Included

✔️ Round-trip transport to Itabaca Channel & yacht
✔️ Galápagos National Park–certified naturalist guide
✔️ Hot lunch, snacks, filtered water, coffee & tea
✔️ Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
✔️ Towels
✔️ Indoor A/C lounge + outdoor viewing decks

Optional Add-Ons
• Wetsuit rental (request in advance)
• Beer, wine, and soft drinks (availability varies, advise any requested beverages)

What to Bring

• swimsuit under clothes

• sunscreen

• hat w/ chin strap ideally

• sunglasses

• refillable water bottle

• camera

• comfortable walking shoes

• a light rain jacket

Our trusted driver will be reserved to pick you up on time and get you and your luggage safely & on time across Santa Cruz Island to catch the water taxi ($1pp cash) to travel back on self-guided basis to Baltra Island where GPS airport is located. You'll recognize the airport bus on the other side to catch on your own ($5pp cash).

Anticipate these extra steps during your departing Galapagos flight check-in (you're a pro by now!)

1. Galapagos National Park bio-security inspection of your luggage (no natural souvenirs allowed!) Usually happens behind the scenes after you check your luggage.

2. Review 2nd 1/2 of your Galapagos TCT (Transit Control Card) you've been saving in your passport or as photo on your phone from entry.

This is flight you mentioned by text departing from same GPS airport as your arrival--in process of adjusting itinerary without San Cristobal Island.

NOTE: this is a direct flight, no stops.

You can choose to get live status of your flight's on-time status here.

WELCOME BACK TO QUITO AIRPORT

International Flight Check-in

After you collect your luggage from your Galapagos flight you will find it easy to follow the signs to make your way from the domestic to the international terminal.

Plan on starting your check in process ~3 hours before your USA flight departure to check any bags with your airline, go through passport control and regular airport security as there can be delays due to internet/electricity outages, airline kiosk breakdowns/shortages.

Quito Airport Services Both Before/After Security

Both before & after security, good opportunity to do your last souvenir / duty free shopping and get a nice hot meal plus snacks/beverages to take with you.

Extended Wait Options

If you have a much longer than 3 hour wait at the Quito Airport, check out the Airport Services Center an easy walk out the front door of the airport with:

• a variety of quick service and sit down restaurants

• shops including pharmacy

• banks/currency exchange

• a layover lounge if you need a nap or shower

• and secure luggage storage

We can add your flight here for your easy reference.

Have a good trip back and we'd love to see your favorite pictures & hear what you thought about your Galapagos adventure after you return!! (Hey good thing to do on your journey back if too excited to sleep!)

As our sea lion friend is saying, don't be a stranger!! Email us at amy@GalapagosLocalTours.com or give Amy a call after your return: +1 402-429-1950.

Diving Blue-Footed Booby

Photo Credit/Copyright: Marvi Córdova