Galapágos Island Hopping: Isla Santa Cruz - 9 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Santa Cruz, Visit the Highlands & Charles Darwin Research Station

Welcome to the Galápagos Islands! After arriving at the airport on Isla Baltra, a local guide will pick you up and take you to Puerto Ayora on Isla Santa Cruz. On the way, stop at a local farm in the highlands, where dozens of giant tortoises exist. Wander around on your own to appreciate these majestic creatures. Then, enjoy lunch before continuing to your destination.

In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Witness firsthand the work of international scientists who come to the Galápagos to carry out environmental projects. Head to the nearby Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, where giant Galápagos tortoises breed and are cared for. This is the best place on the islands to see different tortoise species and learn about each one.

Day 2: Explore an Uninhabited Island

Santa Fé, Plaza Sur, Bartolomé, and Seymour Norte are among the uninhabited islands of the Galápagos that you might visit today, depending on the permits granted by the park authorities. After a boat ride, hike with your guide to see more wildlife and relax on the beach, with a break on deck for lunch. At the end of your tour, return to Puerto Ayora.   

Day 4: Day Trip to Isla Floreana

After breakfast, you'll be picked up at your hotel, joining a small group to visit Isla Floreana, filled with mysteries, romance, and history. Once you arrive, head to Asilo de la Paz, where you'll enter a pirate's cave with a freshwater spring in Floreana's highlands. Later, hear the history of the first families who arrived and settled in the Galápagos. The final visit will be to La Lobería's half-mile (1 km) long path, where you'll see sea lions and marine iguanas sunbathing. Later relax and enjoy beach time at Playa Negra. 

Day 5: Free Day on Isla Santa Cruz

With no planned activities today, you can enjoy the island's beauty at your own pace. Hike to Tortuga Bay, stroll in the peaceful town of Puerto Ayora and shop for souvenirs or explore hidden coves. Today is for enjoying the beauty of the Galápagos, which means taking many beautiful photos and slowing down the pace to truly appreciate island life.

Day 6: Another Day, Another Uninhabited Island

Another day, another boat trip to an uninhabited island—this time, to a different one than before. Once again, you'll get incredible opportunities to see endemic wildlife in its natural habitat and protected lands. The boat trip is also a joy, as you'll be able to take in magnificent ocean scenery. Afterward, enjoy your evening in the laid-back town of Puerto Ayora.

Day 7: Discover Isla Pinzón & La Fé

Today embark on a fantastic adventure to Isla Pinzón and La Fé. First, you'll arrive at Pinzón, the first snorkel stop of the day. Snorkel in Penguin Bay, with clear blue waters rich with marine life. This allows you to observe sea lions, turtles, reef sharks, rays, tropical fish, and penguins. There will also be time to go fishing before continuing another 30-minute boat ride to La Fé, a beautiful white sandy beach. Lunch will be served on board, and during that time, hop off and swim to the shore, relax in the sun, or take in more stunning views of aquatic life while snorkeling.

Day 8: Cerro Mesa Reserve, Garrapatero Beach & Farewell Dinner by the Sea

Today, you'll head into the highlands of Isla Santa Cruz. First, you'll stop at Cerro Mesa Reserve, where you can see a huge crater, a remnant of the time when Santa Cruz was still a volcanically active island. Afterward, you'll continue to Garrapatero Beach, where you'll have the chance to relax, observe animals, and swim. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.

It's the final night of your adventure, and soon it will be time to head back home. Before you begin the return journey, partake in a special farewell dinner by the sea, and be sure to take plenty of photos to commemorate your Galápagos experience. Say goodbye as you relax in good company with one last delicious meal on the Enchanted Islands.

Day 9: Transfer to Isla Baltra, Depart

Today you'll bid the Galápagos Islands farewell. If there is enough free time before your transfer to the airport, you could do some last-minute shopping in Puerto Ayora. Pop into Chocolapagos, an artisan chocolate shop that uses 100% Ecuadorian Arriba Cacao. At the Galeria Exotico Ecuador, you can shop for fair trade crafts handmade by local artisans and communities across Ecuador.

At the designated time, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the Itabaca Channel, where you'll cross on a ferry. For the last part of your trip to the airport, take the public shuttle bus to the airport terminal to catch your return flight to the mainland and onward connection. Safe travels!

More Great 10-Day Galápagos Islands Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Galápagos Islands? Check out these 10-day Galápagos itineraries, with island-hopping cruises, land-based trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.