Galapagos: San Cristobal + Santa Cruz Island 5 or 6-Day Tour

Embark on a journey to discover the highlights of the Galapagos with our San Cristobal and Santa Cruz Island tour. Depending on your travel plans, you can choose between a 5-day or 6-day itinerary.

Highlights of the Galapagos: Itinerary for 5 or 6 Days

Day 1: Arrival at San Cristobal - Tijeretas Hill - La Loberia

Kick off your 5-day adventure with an airport pickup. Your destination is a hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island, allowing you time to get settled before starting your excursions.

Your first stop is Cerro Tijeretas, a breathtaking lookout point where you can observe frigate birds. Here, we'll help you learn to identify these unique avian species. After enjoying a delightful lunch, we’ll move on to Lobería Beach, known for its stunning white sands. This locale is a haven for numerous sea lions and a diversity of birdlife, including the sea canary, finches, and marine iguanas.

To conclude your first day, we will return to your hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Day 2: San Cristóbal Interpretation Center - Mann Beach

After a refreshing breakfast, our next stop is the San Cristobal Interpretation Center. Here, we will explore the ecological importance and human history of the islands. Discover exhibits in the Natural History section that explain the volcanic origins of the archipelago, as well as the Human History display focused on the islands' colonization.

Following lunch, we visit Mann Beach, characterized by its unique lighthouse and inviting waters perfect for snorkeling. Enjoy a breathtaking sunset as the day winds down.

We'll then return to the hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno for the evening.

Day 3: Charles Darwin Research Station - Santa Cruz Island Bay

After breakfast, we’ll make our way to the dock for a ferry crossing to Santa Cruz Island. The first destination is the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you'll witness essential conservation efforts aimed at protecting the Galapagos National Park ecosystem. Observe the native giant tortoises, land iguanas, and finches in their natural habitats.

Next, we’ll visit the Van Straelen Interpretation Center, which provides insight into Galapagos shark species, mangroves, and ocean currents.

After lunch, set off on a boat tour around Santa Cruz Island bay. Our first stop is La Lobería, where you can swim alongside sea lions, manta rays, turtles, and an array of colorful fish. We’ll also visit the Shark Channel and Iguanas Beach, and then journey through the Love Channel, learning about its interesting nomenclature along the way.

Our exploration concludes at Punta Estrada to discover Las Grietas, a scenic marine inlet bordered by striking cliffs. Finally, we’ll return to your accommodation in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Day 4: Tortuga Bay - Highlands of Santa Cruz Island

The fourth day starts with a delightful breakfast before heading to Tortuga Bay, noted as one of the 25 most beautiful beaches worldwide. A scenic 45-minute walk takes you to this pristine beach where you can take a refreshing swim in a sanctuary for iguanas and sea turtles.

After enjoying lunch, we proceed to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, which is home to around 8000 giant land tortoises. Here you'll find impressive tunnels and magnificent geological structures formed by ancient lava flows.

Your hike will take you through two ancient twin craters and the renowned Escalecia forest, a native plant of the Galapagos favored by finches.

At the conclusion of the day, we will return to your hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Day 5: Departure from Seymour Airport

After breakfast, the morning is yours until we transport you to Seymour Airport for your return flight. Until next time!

6-Day Tour Extension

If you want to experience an additional day in the Galapagos, our 6-day tour is perfect for you!

The itinerary on days 1 through 4 mirrors that of the 5-day option.

On day 5, following breakfast, we’ll head to the dock for a ferry ride to Isabela Island. Upon arrival, a brief boat ride will take us to the lovely Tintoreras islet, where you can stroll and witness the famous marine iguanas of the Galapagos. Depending on the season, you may even catch sight of them nesting.

The journey will continue to a nearby ravine to observe blue sharks and white-tip sharks. After some time to relax and swim, we’ll sail back to Santa Cruz.

On your final day, you will be taken to Seymour airport, concluding your 6-day tour.

Accommodation Details

Your tour includes 5 or 6 nights of lodging in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. During the reservation process, select from the following categories of accommodation:

• Hostel accommodation: Hotel Cabañas Pimampiro or similar.
• Accommodation in a 2-star hotel: Blue Marlin Hotel or similar.
• Accommodation in a 3-star hotel: Casa Playa Mann or similar.

Flight Information

This tour runs for either 5 or 6 days. Consequently, if you book the 5-day tour starting on a Monday, your return flight should be scheduled for Friday of that same week. Conversely, for the 6-day tour beginning on a Monday, your return flight will be on Saturday of that week. It is important to note that the return flight leaves from Seymour Airport, located on Baltra Island, adjacent to Santa Cruz Island.