Active Adventure in the Galápagos Islands - 11 Days

Day 1: Arrive on Isla Santa Cruz, Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station

Welcome to the Galápagos Islands! This volcanic archipelago off the coast of Ecuador has 19 main islands, each with its own distinctive scenery and wildlife. You'll first arrive at Isla Baltra's ecological airport, where you'll need to go through customs and register with the Galápagos National Park. Then grab a bus to get to Itabaca Canal, where a small ferry will take you to Isla Santa Cruz. Your guide and driver will be waiting on the other side to take you to your hotel.

First, though, you'll head into the highlands to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Witness firsthand the work of international scientists who come to the Galápagos to carry out environmental projects. Next, head to the nearby Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, where giant Galápagos tortoises are bred and cared for. This is the best place on the islands to see different tortoise species and learn about each one—a nice way to begin the trip!

Day 2: Day Trip to an Uninhabited Island

After breakfast at your hotel, get ready for a boat ride to one of the Galápagos' uninhabited islands like Santa Fé, Plaza Sur, Bartolomé, or Seymour Norte. It's a bit up to chance since the island you'll see depends on the permit granted by the Galápagos National Park authorities. Either way, you'll get to experience the archipelago's untouched natural habitats. After arriving by boat, hike with your guide to see the island's wildlife and then spend some time relaxing and swimming on the beach, with a break for lunch. At the end of your tour, return to your hotel on Isla Santa Cruz.

Day 3: Kayaking in Tortuga Bay, Boat Tour of Isla Santa Cruz

Today's adventure takes place on Isla Santa Cruz—and it starts with a 45-minute hike to get to Tortuga Bay, famed for its soft coral sand and spectacular scenery. Here you can kayak out onto the water to see marine life and admire the coastline from a different perspective with mangroves, cacti forests, and fascinating flora. Pelicans and finches are local to the area, and near the salt lagoon that backs onto the mangroves, you even may spot flamingoes. Kayak and explore the area as much as you want and then kick back on the white sand and look for marine iguanas.

In the afternoon, you'll take a small boat tour to visit places along the bay of Santa Cruz. First, stop at the small islet of La Lobería, where you can snorkel around sea lions and tropical fish. Afterward, head to the Shark Channel, where you may spot harmless whitetip sharks and blue-footed boobies. This is also where you'll come upon the Canal del Amor, home to sea turtles and many tropical fish varieties.  

Day 6: Snorkeling at Los Túneles

This morning, you'll head to one of Isla Isabela's best snorkeling spots called Los Túneles, a geological formation of distinct rock arches and tunnels that are fun to explore both below and above the ocean. When you're geared up, get in the shallow water and look out for tropical fish, rays, sea turtles, seahorses, and whitetip reef sharks. When you emerge above ground, look for penguins and other birdlife. Walk around the islet's interior and then return to Isla Isabela, where you can explore at your own pace. 

Day 8: Fly to Isla San Cristóbal, Free Day

Enjoy some relaxing free time on Isla Isabela this morning before you pack up for your next destination. At the appointed time, you'll be picked up and transferred to the airport for an afternoon flight to Isla San Cristóbal, the easternmost of the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and explore on your own. Start your evening, perhaps, by watching the sunset at Playa Mann. This soft white-sand beach is not far from the island's main town, where you'll also find restaurants and shops.

Day 9: Snorkeling at Kicker Rock

Today is an exciting full-day snorkeling trip to Kicker Rock, a stunning rock formation off the coast of Isla San Cristóbal that provides the perfect habitat for a variety of marine life. The guided tour includes breakfast and lunch, as well as all necessary snorkeling equipment. Once you arrive, you'll get to snorkel in the crystal clear waters and observe sea turtles, sea lions, colorful tropical fish, rays, and other marine life. After a few hours in the water, enjoy a delicious lunch before heading back to shore. 

Day 10: Day Trip to Punta Pitt

Today, you'll take another fun boat tour—this time to Punta Pitt, located in the extreme east of Isla San Cristóbal. Walk along the 295-foot (90 m) trail leading to an olivine (green sand) beach, and then join another trail ascending a hill made of volcanic tuff, passing through various natural viewpoints and lookouts along the way. This is the only spot in the Galápagos where you can observe all three species of boobies, as well as the two species of frigates making their nests in the same area.

The reason you can find all three species of boobies in Punta Pitt is down to the geographical location. There is enough food here to be shared, meaning there is no competition between the species. Blue-footed boobies make their nests in the interior, red-footed boobies make theirs in the bushes, and Nazca boobies nest in the cliffs. An additional attraction here is the presence of jolly sea lions. After the hike, return to the boat for a snorkeling excursion, where you'll be able to see a variety of fish, blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles, and rays.

Day 11: Depart Isla San Cristóbal

The day has come to say goodbye to your new friends—human and otherwise—in the Galápagos! Enjoy your last few hours with a beach walk and perhaps one last dip in the Pacific Ocean before departure. At the appointed hour, your driver will take you to the airport on Isla San Cristóbal, where you'll take your return flight to mainland Ecuador. Safe travels!

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Galápagos? Check out these other Galápagos itineraries, explore different ways to spend 11 days in the Galápagos, or discover the best time to visit the Galápagos.