Relaxing Galápagos Adventure - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive on Isla San Cristóbal, Explore 

Welcome to the Galápagos! This beautiful archipelago off the coast of Ecuador offers 19 main islands. From the moment you approach Isla San Cristóbal—your first point of entry—you'll go through the customs and immigration process and pay $100 per person in cash to the Galápagos National Park. Your guide will greet you at the exit carrying a sign with your name, and then he or she will then transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Then, the rest of the day is free for you to spend at leisure on this gorgeous island. You can stroll through the island's main town, or head to a beach like Playa Mann to admire the ocean and wildlife. Make sure to save time to watch an incredible sunset spectacle against the turquoise sea, accompanied by jolly sea lions. 

Day 2: Snorkeling at Kicker Rock

Normally you'll start the day with breakfast at your hotel, but today is a full-day snorkeling trip, which offers an excellent way to explore the beautiful and vibrant underwater life of the Galápagos Islands. You won't have to prepare anything in advance as this guided tour includes breakfast and lunch, plus all the necessary snorkeling equipment. 

Breakfast is served on dry land before you boat out to Kicker Rock, a dramatic volcanic rock formation off the coast of Isla Isla San Cristóbal that provides the perfect habitat for a variety of marine life. Once you arrive, you'll get to snorkel in crystal clear waters and observe sea turtles, sea lions, colorful tropical fish, rays, and other marine life. After a few hours of snorkeling, you and your group will enjoy a delicious lunch before heading back to shore. From here, you'll have the rest of the day on Isla San Cristóbal to enjoy however you wish!

Day 3: Volunteer Activities with a Local Community

Today you'll spend a beautiful day joining community members of Isla San Cristóbal at a local hacienda, a multi-functional 124-acre (50 ha) farm located in the small parish of La Soledad in the highlands of Isla San Cristóbal. Upon arrival, you'll work alongside locals in a place that is recognized across the Galápagos for its balanced approach to conservation and human development.

This rewarding day allows you to learn about hard work and leave a positive footprint! Learn how to make fresh fruit juice from hacienda trees, cheese from the local milk, and garlic bread baked in a traditional stone oven (with tastings, of course). You'll also plant an endemic species into the ground as your final task—a great way to leave your mark. Return to your hotel after the excursion for a well-earned dinner and restful evening. 

Day 4: Discovering Wildlife at Darwin Bay

After an early breakfast, you'll begin a full-day adventure that includes snorkeling and kayaking in Darwin Bay, a popular visitor site on Isla Genovesa. Starting with a boat landing on a beautiful white coral beach, follow an easy half-mile walking trail that takes you through interesting tide pools and bird-filled mangroves. Species that can be seen on this part of the trail include Nazca boobies, Galápagos red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and swallow-tailed gulls—said to be the most beautiful gull in the world.

 

Keep your eyes peeled for these unique specimens as you take in the views, especially at the cliff at the end of the trail. You'll also have free time to enjoy lunch, snorkeling, and kayaking before boating back to Isla San Cristóbal in the late afternoon. 

Day 5: Fly to Isla Santa Cruz, Kayaking on Tortuga Bay

It's time to head to your second island destination! At the appointed time, you'll be picked up and transferred to the airport for the short flight to Isla Santa Cruz. This is the second-largest island in the archipelago and, due to its central location, one of the most popular destinations in the Galápagos.

 

Once you're settled at your hotel, start your island exploration with a 45-minute hike from the town of Puerto Ayora to Tortuga Bay. There, grab a kayak to see the coastline from the sea and explore mangroves, cacti forests, and marine bird habitats, which include flamingoes, pelicans, and finches. Take a kayaking break to relax on the beach, and then put on your snorkeling gear to take a dip underwater. When you're ready, hike back to town and return to your hotel in time for dinner.

Day 6: Free Day on Isla Santa Cruz

Today you're free to enjoy the island's beauty at your own pace. Perhaps you want to rent a bike and discover the paths of the island's dormant volcano that last erupted over 1.5 million years ago. Evidence of this explosive past remains, with black and rusty colored volcanic rocks across the Isla Santa Cruz, as well as lava tunnels that you can cycle to and explore.

In the same area as the tunnels, pay a visit to an organic coffee farm called Lava Java, where you can enjoy refreshments with a view of the Pacific Ocean. Then turn west toward a secluded beach (which you'll see tomorrow) or continue into the highlands. Back in Puerto Ayora, pedal to the Fishing Pier, where sea lions watch the fishermen reel in their catches. Whatever route you choose, there's very light traffic across Isla Santa Cruz, so you'll often have the roads to yourself.

You can also take a peaceful stroll or explore hidden coves for swimming and snorkeling. However you choose to spend the day, you'll be able to enjoy the beauty of the Galápagos, take lots of beautiful photos, and slow down the pace to truly appreciate island life.

Day 7: Explore El Garrapatero Beach, Farewell Dinner by the Sea

Today is a relaxed day trip to a secluded beach on the island called El Garrapatero, located 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Puerto Ayora. This unique and magical place is a great way to enjoy the soft sand, clear water, and peaceful rhythm of the sea. For all visitors, it's an amazing experience away from any populated settlement, where you might find endemic animals like flamingoes, black-necked patillas, Galápagos finches, and even migratory birds.  

Return to your hotel in the afternoon and get ready for the final night of your adventure. This is your chance to partake in a special farewell dinner by the sea, where you can relax with good company and take photos of your last sunset on the islands.

Day 8: Meet Giant Tortoises, Transfer to Isla Baltra & Depart

It's time to say goodbye to the Galápagos! But first, you'll take one more excursion to the highlands of Isla Santa Cruz, where you'll be able to enjoy some coffee while you are surrounded by nature. Then, stop at a local farm in the highlands, where there are dozens of giant tortoises in their natural habitat. If there is enough free time before your transfer to the airport, do some last-minute souvenir shopping or take a last stroll through Puerto Ayora.

At the designated time, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the Itabaca Channel for a ferry crossing to Isla Baltra. For the last part of your trip to the airport, take the public shuttle bus to the terminal, where your program ends with your return flight to the mainland and onward connection. Safe travels!

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