12-Day Galapagos Explorer: Santa Cruz, Isabela & San Cristobal Itinerary
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
12 days
Fitness Level
Good general fitness: able to do multi-hour walks, tolerate boat motion and several snorkeling swims.
Overview
A 12-day island loop that pairs active hikes, lava-tunnel boat trips and world-class snorkeling across Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristóbal. Expect volcano calderas, marine iguanas, and intimate conservation encounters—plus practical tips for island transfers and packing.
12-Day Galapagos Explorer: Santa Cruz, Isabela & San Cristobal Itinerary
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Dawn in Puerto Ayora feels like a shipyard waking up beneath a bright, indifferent sky: fishing pangas bob, frigatebirds carve lazy shadows overhead, and the air tastes faintly of iron and salt. On this 12-day loop through Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristóbal, each island stages a different chapter—charred volcanic ridges that still whisper heat, mangroves that clutch neon fish, and beaches where sea lions expect you to make room.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Carry a dry bag for sea days
Boat transfers and snorkeling excursions can splash or swap gear quickly—keep electronics and documents in a small dry bag.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
The equatorial sun is intense; use mineral-based sunscreen to protect reefs and reduce sunburn risk during boat and shore activities.
Pack light for ferry limits
Shared transfers generally allow two checked bags and one carry-on—avoid oversized luggage to prevent extra fees and handling delays.
Book park entry and TCT details early
You’ll need passport details and Galápagos Park/TCT documentation; operators often require these at booking to complete permits.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- marine iguana
- Galápagos sea lion
History
The islands rose from submarine volcanoes; scientific expeditions, including Darwin’s, cemented their place in natural history and modern conservation.
Conservation
Visits are tightly regulated by park authorities; follow guide instructions, use reef-safe products, and avoid feeding or touching wildlife to minimize impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Puerto Ayora
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Lightweight hiking shoes
Stable shoes handle rocky trails like Sierra Negra and uneven coastal lava fields.
Dry bag (10–20L)
Keeps camera, passport and layers dry during boat transfers and snorkeling sorties.
Reef-safe sunscreen & sunhat
Protects skin from strong equatorial sun and prevents damage to marine ecosystems.
summer specific
Travel wetsuit or shorty
Water can be cool; a 3mm wetsuit extends comfortable snorkeling time (rental available but limited).
winter specific