6-Day Galapagos Island Hopping: Santa Cruz & Isabela Snorkel, Hike, and Wildlife
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6 days
Fitness Level
Good general fitness for repeated short hikes and a 5-hour volcanic crater walk; comfortable swimming ability for snorkeling.
Overview
Swap postcard expectations for salt-stung mornings and face-to-face encounters with sea lions, giant tortoises, and blue-footed boobies. This six-day island-hopping tour between Santa Cruz and Isabela blends snorkeling, crater hikes, and wetlands visits with local guides and small-group transport.
6-Day Galapagos Island Hopping: Santa Cruz & Isabela Snorkel, Hike, and Wildlife
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The first morning starts with salt on your lips and a guide holding a poster with your name at Baltra airport — the archipelago announces itself in light and motion. By the time the ferry slips away from Puerto Ayora the ocean has its own agenda: currents that nudge the hull, frigatebirds sketching above, and a shoreline that alternates between black volcanic rock and broad white sand. Over six days this program trades map pins for footsteps, carrying visitors between Santa Cruz and Isabela to snorkel with sea lions, hike a living crater, and stand where Darwin once stared at strange, uncompromising life.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
The Galapagos ecosystem is fragile—use reef-safe sunscreen and reapply frequently during snorkeling and beach days.
Pack a light daypack
Carry at least 1–2 liters of water, snacks, a wind layer, and a camera for boat transfers and the Sierra Negra walk.
Rent a wetsuit if you get cold
Wetsuits are not included; renting on Isabela or Santa Cruz keeps snorkeling comfortable in cooler currents.
Download park info before arrival
National Park entrance and transit cards are paid locally—have cash or card ready and keep your receipts for transfers.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Galápagos sea lion
- Blue-footed booby
History
The islands' modern story centers on scientific study and conservation, led by the Charles Darwin Research Station and local communities navigating tourism and protection.
Conservation
Visitors are required to follow national park rules—stay on marked paths, avoid touching wildlife, and support local operators who reinvest in conservation.
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Adventure Hotspots in Puerto Ayora
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy trail shoes
Ventilated shoes with grip for volcanic gravel on Sierra Negra and rocky shorelines.
Reef-safe sunscreen & sunhat
Protects skin during long boat rides and beach stops while minimizing reef impact.
Light wetsuit or rashguard
Helps with chilly snorkels and sun protection; rentable on-site if preferred.
Waterproof camera or case
Capture underwater life and island landscapes without risking your gear.