11-Day Galapagos Full Experience: Santa Cruz, Isabela & San Cristobal
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
11 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in regular physical condition who can handle multiple 3–6 hour active days including hikes and snorkel sessions.
Overview
Explore the Galapagos across three islands in eleven days: volcanic hikes, snorkeling in lava tunnels, and close encounters with giant tortoises and seabirds. This itinerary balances active land treks with boat-based marine wildlife viewing and local conservation insights.
11-Day Galapagos Full Experience: Santa Cruz, Isabela & San Cristobal
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A salt-stiff breeze meets the ferry as it slips away from Puerto Ayora; pelicans wheel over the wake and a guide calls out the first sighting of a sea lion hauled out on black lava. Over the next eleven days the archipelago unfolds like a field guide come alive: volcanic calderas ringed with scarlet sesuvium, tidal channels where blue-footed boobies plunge for fish, and the steady, slow gait of giant tortoises in the highlands.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring cash for park fees
Galapagos National Park entrance fees and some local taxes are paid on arrival; carry small-denomination USD and confirm current amounts before departure.
Timing for snorkeling
Snorkel sessions are best mid-morning when waters are calmest and visibility is highest; follow guide briefings for entry points and currents.
Footwear for varied terrain
Use sturdy hiking shoes with good grip for volcanic trails and lightweight water shoes for lava-tunnel shorelines and boat landings.
Respect wildlife distance
Keep at least 2–3 meters from animals, never feed wildlife, and avoid sudden movements—guides will enforce park rules to protect you and the animals.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Giant tortoise
- Marine iguana
History
The islands shaped Charles Darwin’s observations on evolution and later served as a whaling and seafaring outpost; today conservation and research guide local economies.
Conservation
Strict Galapagos National Park rules control access, visitor behavior and biosecurity; minimize plastic, use reef-safe sunscreen, and avoid transporting live plants or animals.
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Adventure Hotspots in Puerto Ayora
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provide traction on loose volcanic rock and comfort for multi-hour hikes like Sierra Negra.
Personal snorkel mask
A familiar mask improves comfort and fit during frequent snorkeling sessions even if basic gear is provided.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin while minimizing harm to fragile marine ecosystems during snorkel and beach days.
summer specific
Light rain shell
Useful for sudden showers in the highlands and for wind protection on boat decks.
summer specific