Galapagos

Galapagos Islands Land Tour - 4 DAYS

4 days | 3 nights
Shared tour
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Tour Description

4-Day Galapagos Island-Hopping Tour – A Land-Based Escape into Nature’s Living Laboratory

Perfect for travelers seeking a shorter yet immersive adventure, this 4-day Galapagos island-hopping tour delivers the best of the Central Galapagos in a compact, hotel-based itinerary. Whether you're looking for an alternative to a cruise, traveling on a budget, or simply prefer the flexibility of land-based travel, this Galapagos Islands hotel-stay based tour is the ideal way to explore the archipelago’s world-famous wildlife and volcanic landscapes — all while staying overnight in comfort on Santa Cruz Island.

Each day reveals a new side of the Galapagos. You’ll travel by yacht to different islands by day, then return to Puerto Ayora in the evening to relax at your chosen hotel, enjoy fresh local cuisine, and wander the quiet seaside streets of this charming town.

Your experience begins upon arrival at Baltra Island, where you’ll be greeted at Seymour Airport by your Certified Galapagos National Park guide. From there, cross the Itabaca Channel by ferry and travel to the northern highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where you'll embark on a scenic hike through the Highlands. Here, witness the dramatic formation of the Twin Craters and observe giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat — a signature Galapagos wildlife experience that sets the tone for what’s to come.

Over the next two days, your island visits will rotate depending on availability, but each promises unforgettable landscapes and iconic wildlife. On Bartolome Island, climb a viewpoint overlooking the spectacular Pinnacle Rock, then head to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to walk across its surreal lava fields and snorkel with tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles.

Perhaps visit North Seymour Island, where frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, and land iguanas fill the landscape with color and movement. Your excursion might include a trip to Mosquera Islet, home to sunbathing sea lions, or a peaceful walk along the coral white sands of Bachas Beach, where marine iguanas and seabirds are often spotted near the shoreline.

You may also journey to South Plaza Island, where a hike across red-tinged vegetation leads you to towering cliffs teeming with nesting seabirds and panoramic views of the crashing surf below. Or venture to Santa Fe Island, one of the oldest in the archipelago, to explore on foot with your guide in search of Galapagos hawks, fork-tailed gulls, and other native species. If sea conditions allow, you’ll end your visit with snorkeling in Barrington Bay, a crystalline cove filled with colorful marine life.

On your final day, visit the iconic Charles Darwin Research Station just outside Puerto Ayora, where conservation efforts to protect the Galapagos’ unique biodiversity come to life. Learn about the archipelago’s formation and see giant tortoises being cared for as part of a vital rewilding program. After your visit, you’ll transfer to Seymour Airport for your onward journey — enriched with memories of evolution in action.

This land-based Galapagos tour offers the perfect balance between sea and shore, wildlife and relaxation, exploration and comfort. It’s a smart, flexible way to experience the highlights of the Central Galapagos — ideal for travelers looking to make the most of their time without sacrificing authenticity or adventure.

Ready to immerse yourself in one of the world’s most fascinating ecosystems, even on a tight schedule? Your Galapagos story starts here.

Destinations

Galapagos

Trip at a glance

Visits

SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: Highlands, Charles Darwin Research Station

BARTOLOME ISLAND or SANTA FE ISLAND or NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND or SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND

Trip details

Itinerary

Day 1 BALTRA ISLAND & SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: HIGHLANDS

Morning

Arrive at Seymour Airport on Baltra Island this morning and meet and greet your Certified National Park guide and fellow passengers at the arrivals hall. Then, on a shared bus, reach Itabaca Channel where you will take a five minute ferry ride to the northern shores of Santa Cruz Island. Visit the Highlands where you'll trek with your guide to see the Twin Craters, crossing laval tunnels and visiting a private ranch to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat.

Afternoon

Transfer to your hotel.

Free afternoon.

Evening

Overnight at the hotel in Santa Cruz Island.

MEALS
  • Lunch included

Day 2 BARTOLOME ISLAND, NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND, SOUTH PLAZAS ISLAND OR SANTA FE ISLAND

Depending on navigation and availability conditions, you will spend the day on one of the four islands below:

Bartolome Island
Depart from your hotel early this morning, and by bus, reach the Itabaca Channel where you will board the yacht and begin your 20-minute journey to the Daphnes, a pair of twin volcanic islands. Bird lovers will swoon at the sight of masked boobies, tropical birds and frigates, before continuing on the yacht for 90 minutes to the tiny 1.2 sq. km island of Bartolome. After a dry landing, climb to the top of a small cone with your guide, gaining 114 meters in altitude, and observe a dramatic landscape of lava fields, volcanic cones, and lunar-like craters. Following your visit, sail to Sullivan Bay, a favorite destination on this island hopping tour because of its unique geological characteristics. Situated on the southeastern end of Santiago Island, you will land on a sparkling white sand beach by wet landing, where you will spend some leisurely time swimming and snorkeling among the tropical fish, sea turtles and rays. Witness Sullivan Bay's contrasting geological features on an easy walk across its wild terrain, and contemplate the relatively young landscape of black lava flow, collapsed craters and volcanic hornitos, feeling the ropy lava beneath your feet as you explore. Return to the Itabaca Channel and transfer to your hotel by bus for your 5 PM arrival.

North Seymour Island
Depart from your hotel early this morning, and by bus, reach the Itabaca Channel where you will board the yacht. A 45-minute journey will transport you to North Seymour, a small and flat 1.9 sq. km island formed by the uplifting of underwater volcanic lava. Following a dry landing on the island's rocky coast, learn about the 72 land iguanas that were introduced to North Seymour in 1932 to colonize the island on a two-hour tour with your guide. Captain Alan Hancock and his crew transported these undernourished iguanas from Baltra Island in the hopes that they will thrive in better conditions on North Seymour. And in 1934 just two years later, the species was identified to have adapted without issues. Walk the arid boulder-strewn landscape, and follow along an easy circular path that takes you past the most extensive colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds in the archipelago. If conditions are optimal, spend some time discovering the area's marine wildlife as you snorkel. Depending on availability, head to Mosquera Islet to observe its large colonies of sea lion sunbathe or splash in the water, or head to the white coral sands of Bachas Beach on the northern shores of Santa Cruz, a beach that earned its name after World War II when the American army abandoned their barges on the beach. If conditions permit, swim or snorkel among the marine wildlife here before reaching your hotel at 4:00 pm.

South Plazas Island
By bus this morning, depart from your hotel to the Itabaca Channel to board your boat and sail 20 minutes to Punta Carrión where you will have to opportunity to witness birds and sea turtles, and snorkel in a small cove. Then, sail for approximately 90 minutes towards South Plaza Island off the eastern shores of Santa Cruz. Despite its small size, South Plaza is recognized for its outstanding collection of wildlife species, and after a dry landing, you'll have the opportunity to embark on a 90-minute walk to witness one of the largest sea lion colonies in the Galapagos, land iguanas and masked boobies, as well as discover the island's rugged landscape. Return to the boat for lunch and reach Puerto Ayora for a 4 PM arrival at your hotel.

Santa Fe Island
From the dock of Puerto Ayora, the yacht will sail 90 minutes to Santa Fe Island - one of the oldest in the Galapagos archipelago at an estimated four million years. With a wet landing on the beach, embark on a 90-minute walking tour with your guide to explore the island's 24 sq. km, keeping your eyes peeled for sightings of Galápagos hawks, fork-tailed gulls and migratory birds. Situated between Santa Cruz and San Cristobal, Santa Fe also boasts a diversity of endemic species, like the Santa Fe land iguana, Galapagos Mockingbird, and rice rat. Its landscape is unique for its population of the large prickly pear cactus, Opuntia Echos, which feeds Santa Fe's land iguanas. If conditions permit, enjoy a relaxing swim or snorkel in the shimmering waters of Barrington Bay as hawks fly overhead, keeping your eyes peeled for rays, tropical fish and marine tortoises. Sail back to Santa Cruz for the evening and return to your hotel at 4 pm.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Lunch included

Day 3 BARTOLOME ISLAND, NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND, SOUTH PLAZAS ISLAND OR SANTA FE ISLAND

Depending on navigation and availability conditions, you will spend the day on one of the four islands below:

Bartolome Island
Depart from your hotel early this morning, and by bus, reach the Itabaca Channel where you will board the yacht and begin your 20-minute journey to the Daphnes, a pair of twin volcanic islands. Bird lovers will swoon at the sight of masked boobies, tropical birds and frigates, before continuing on the yacht for 90 minutes to the tiny 1.2 sq. km island of Bartolome. After a dry landing, climb to the top of a small cone with your guide, gaining 114 meters in altitude, and observe a dramatic landscape of lava fields, volcanic cones, and lunar-like craters. Following your visit, sail to Sullivan Bay, a favorite destination on this island hopping tour because of its unique geological characteristics. Situated on the southeastern end of Santiago Island, you will land on a sparkling white sand beach by wet landing, where you will spend some leisurely time swimming and snorkeling among the tropical fish, sea turtles and rays. Witness Sullivan Bay's contrasting geological features on an easy walk across its wild terrain, and contemplate the relatively young landscape of black lava flow, collapsed craters and volcanic hornitos, feeling the ropy lava beneath your feet as you explore. Return to the Itabaca Channel and transfer to your hotel by bus for your 5 PM arrival.

North Seymour Island
Depart from your hotel early this morning, and by bus, reach the Itabaca Channel where you will board the yacht. A 45-minute journey will transport you to North Seymour, a small and flat 1.9 sq. km island formed by the uplifting of underwater volcanic lava. Following a dry landing on the island's rocky coast, learn about the 72 land iguanas that were introduced to North Seymour in 1932 to colonize the island on a two-hour tour with your guide. Captain Alan Hancock and his crew transported these undernourished iguanas from Baltra Island in the hopes that they will thrive in better conditions on North Seymour. And in 1934 just two years later, the species was identified to have adapted without issues. Walk the arid boulder-strewn landscape, and follow along an easy circular path that takes you past the most extensive colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds in the archipelago. If conditions are optimal, spend some time discovering the area's marine wildlife as you snorkel. Depending on availability, head to Mosquera Islet to observe its large colonies of sea lion sunbathe or splash in the water, or head to the white coral sands of Bachas Beach on the northern shores of Santa Cruz, a beach that earned its name after World War II when the American army abandoned their barges on the beach. If conditions permit, swim or snorkel among the marine wildlife here before reaching your hotel at 4:00 pm.

South Plazas Island
By bus this morning, depart from your hotel to the Itabaca Channel to board your boat and sail 20 minutes to Punta Carrión where you will have to opportunity to witness birds and sea turtles, and snorkel in a small cove. Then, sail for approximately 90 minutes towards South Plaza Island off the eastern shores of Santa Cruz. Despite its small size, South Plaza is recognized for its outstanding collection of wildlife species, and after a dry landing, you'll have the opportunity to embark on a 90-minute walk to witness one of the largest sea lion colonies in the Galapagos, land iguanas and masked boobies, as well as discover the island's rugged landscape. Return to the boat for lunch and reach Puerto Ayora for a 4 PM arrival at your hotel.

Santa Fe Island
From the dock of Puerto Ayora, the yacht will sail 90 minutes to Santa Fe Island - one of the oldest in the Galapagos archipelago at an estimated four million years. With a wet landing on the beach, embark on a 90-minute walking tour with your guide to explore the island's 24 sq. km, keeping your eyes peeled for sightings of Galápagos hawks, fork-tailed gulls and migratory birds. Situated between Santa Cruz and San Cristobal, Santa Fe also boasts a diversity of endemic species, like the Santa Fe land iguana, Galapagos Mockingbird, and rice rat. Its landscape is unique for its population of the large prickly pear cactus, Opuntia Echos, which feeds Santa Fe's land iguanas. If conditions permit, enjoy a relaxing swim or snorkel in the shimmering waters of Barrington Bay as hawks fly overhead, keeping your eyes peeled for rays, tropical fish and marine tortoises. Sail back to Santa Cruz for the evening and return to your hotel at 4 pm.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Lunch included

Day 4 CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, DEPARTURE

Morning

This morning, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. As the main breeding site of the Galapagos Islands, this facility is dedicated to marine life conservation and maintaining biodiversity in the region. Learn the story of Lonesome George, the fabled final survivor of the giant tortoise species who lived at the Charles Darwin Research Station for four decades. Tour the information center, the Van Staelens Exhibition Hall and the Breeding and Rearing Center to witness tortoises live in captivity and learn the formation of the islands and evolution of its species.

Transfer to Seymour Airport on Baltra Island for your onward journey.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Video

Services

What's included

Accommodation

Nights
3 hotel nights

Meals

Bed & Breakfast plan
3 breakfasts + 3 lunches

Transportation

Boat
Shared boat excursions
Bus
Shared transfers from/to hotel/boat

Orientation

Guide
Shared English-speaking naturalist guide

What's not included

  • Entrance Fee to Galapagos National Park (100 USD/Person)
  • TCT Ingala Migration Card (20 USD/Person)
  • Domestic Flights
  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Wetsuit Rental
  • Extra Meals
  • Drinks
  • Tips

Prices


Important notes

Each guest must strictly follow the Galapagos National Park Rules: 

  • Remain on marked trails at visitor sites and respect signs at all times for the protection of wildlife
  • Maintain a distance of at least six feet (two meters) from wildlife to avoid disturbing them, even if they approach you
  • Never feed wildlife, as this can cause health problems
  • Flash photography is not permitted when taking photos of wildlife
  • Professional photography and videos recorded for commercial purposes must be authorized by the Galapagos National Park Department
  • It is your responsibility not to introduce food, animals, or plants into the Archipelago. Cooperate fully with all environmental inspection and quarantine officials during your visit.
  • Do not take or buy any products or souvenirs made from banned substances, including black coral, shells, lava rock, animal parts, or any native wood or vegetation prior to leaving Galapagos. This is illegal and must be reported
  • Practice “leave-no-trace” principles in order to maintain the beauty of the environment
  • Pack out all trash and dispose of or recycle it in the populated areas or on your tour boat
  • Smoking and/or campfires are strictly prohibited within the Galapagos National Park
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