Galápagos Adventure: Snorkelling & Sea Lions
9 days, Quito to Quito
The Galápagos Islands aren't just all about cruising! This one-week trip keeps you close to the action — and trust us, there’s always plenty of action on the archipelago — while keeping costs lower than you’d expect for a sweet island adventure. Plus, there’ll be no lack of activities to keep you moving, with everything from snorkelling to a volcano hike of Sierra Negra.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings
Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.
Service Level: Basic
Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.
Physical Rating: 2 - Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12.
Age requirement: 18-39
Visa Requirements
Alternative Trips
9 days
Quito to Quito
Special Offers
Creating ripples that change lives
The Ripple Score is an honest evaluation of how often we use local businesses and services to create each tour. With this score you can see the percentage of our local expenses that stay in the communities you visit. Learn more
Ripple Score
100
More from Galápagos Adventure: Snorkelling & Sea Lions
Itinerary
Day 1Quito
Arrive at any time.
Day 2Quito/Santa Cruz Island
Wheels up! Fly to the Galápagos Islands. Transfer across Santa Cruz island to town and take a guided visit in the afternoon to the Charles Darwin Research Station for an opportunity to see the famous tortoises up close. Get to know the group in the evening over a few drinks. Cheers to new adventures with new friends!
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Santa Cruz Island/Isabela Island
Hop on a speedboat and head to Isabela Island. Soak up the views around you — you might even see dolphins or whales alongside the boat! After dropping your stuff at the hotel, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the town of Puerto Villamil or to laze on the beach.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Isabela Island
Get up close and personal with a volcano as you hike the Sierra Negra today. Explore the incredible landscape and admire spectacular views from above. The afternoon is yours to snorkel, visit the giant tortoise breeding centre, or check out the Flamingo Lagoon.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Isabela Island/Santa Cruz Island
Travel by speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island and enjoy a free afternoon exploring the town or walking to nearby Tortuga Bay for a swim. Later, head out to explore Puerto Ayora and sample the local specialties of the Santa Cruz Brewing Company. Enjoy a bite to eat, or continue on to another bar or to get your drink (and dance!) on.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Santa Cruz Island/San Cristóbal Island
Take another speedboat to San Cristóbal Island and visit the Galapagos National Park Interpretation Center near town to learn about the unique history of the ecosystems, flora, and fauna of the islands.. Later, go snorkelling at Tijeretas to look for wildlife like sea lions, rays and marine iguanas before wandering along the malecón to look for a place to grab a drink and watch the sunset.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7San Cristóbal Island
The day is yours to explore San Cristóbal Island. You can opt to snorkel at epic Kicker Rock or Isla Lobos, visit the white-sand beach of Playa Mann, or La Lobería to mingle with the resident sea lions.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8San Cristóbal Island/Quito
Say "Adios!" to the Galapagos Islands and board a morning flight back to Quito. Transfer to the hotel to kick back and relax before enjoying a night out in the city.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Quito
Depart at any time.
Meals included:
BreakfastWhat's Included
- Your Big Night Out Moment: - Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island
- Interpretation Centre Visit (San Cristóbal Island)
- Snorkelling equipment and activity at Tijeretas (San Cristóbal)
- Hike to Sierra Negra volcano (Isabela Island)
- Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
- Isabela Municipal Tax
- Opportunities for snorkelling, swimming, and incredible wildlife encounters
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
Simple hotels (8 nts).
Meals
8 breakfasts
Allow USD185-240 for meals not included.
Transportation
Plane, public speedboat, van, public bus
Staff & experts
CEO (Chief Experience Officer)/Naturalist Guide while in the Galápagos Islands (certified by the Galápagos National Park Authority), local G Adventures Representative in Quito.
Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)
Quito City Tour and Equator - From $389.00
Enjoy a city tour of Quito. Visit the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stops at the Basilica del Voto Nacional, La Compañia Church, San Francisco Square, Plaza Grande and the Panecillo, a towering statue of the virgin of Quito who looks out over a stunning view of the city. Drive 25km (16 mi) north of Quito to the Middle of the World, latitude 0º. Stand with one foot in each hemisphere.
Departures
Make it a private tour
Book this tour as a private departure - with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour - for any group, big or small (even just one traveller).