7-day Galapagos snorkeling: Isabela and Santa Cruz islands

Snorkel remote islands and hike active volcanoes in one week

A 7-day Galapagos expedition based on Isabela and Santa Cruz islands combines snorkeling in crystal-clear waters with hiking, biking and kayaking on land, led by expert local naturalist guides. You stay in small locally owned hotels, travel by speedboat between islands, and visit named sites like Los Túneles, Sierra Negra volcano, the Charles Darwin Research Station and Pinzón Island. Airport pickup, all guided activities, accommodation for six nights, and snorkeling gear are included. The National Park entry fee is a separate choice at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and boat to Isabela Island

• Pick up at Baltra airport
• Travel to Puerto Ayora
• Afternoon boat to Isabela Island
• Meet local coordinator

Day 2: Snorkeling at Los Tuneles and Cabo Rosa

• Navigate to Los Tuneles
• Explore lava tunnels and birdwatch
• Snorkel at Cabo Rosa

Day 3: Hiking Sierra Negra and Chico Volcano

• Hike to Sierra Negra volcano
• Learn about island geography

Day 4: Biking and snorkeling at Tintoreras Islet

• Bike to Wetlands and Wall of Tears
• Boat to Tintoreras Islet
• Walk to spot marine iguanas and birds
• Snorkel in bay waters

Day 5: Santa Cruz: Darwin Station and Highlands

• Boat to Santa Cruz Island
• Visit Charles Darwin Station
• Visit Giant Tortoise farm
• Walk through lava tunnels and visit the Twins

Day 6: Snorkeling at Pinzon Island and La Fe Bay

• Boat to Pinzon Island
• Snorkel with sea turtles and reef sharks
• Explore volcanic coastline

Day 7: Departure from Galapagos

• Stroll in Puerto Ayora
• Transfer to Baltra airport

The experience

Isabela Island anchors the first half of the trip. You arrive by afternoon boat from Baltra airport and spend three nights based in Puerto Villamil, where each day branches into water or land. Los Túneles (collapsed lava tunnels that form natural channels) holds the snorkeling centerpiece: you navigate through the formations, spot blue-footed boobies and brown pelicans from the boat, then enter the water to find Pacific green sea turtles, golden rays, white-tip reef sharks and Galapagos penguins. The next morning, a 12-kilometer hike climbs to Sierra Negra, the archipelago's largest active caldera, where the guide explains the volcanic geology that shaped the islands. A third day splits between biking to the Wetlands and Wall of Tears (a controversial historical site where you may see giant tortoises), and a boat ride to Las Tintoreras islet for a 45-minute walk and snorkel in the bay.

Santa Cruz Island takes the final three nights. An early boat carries you across, and after settling into your hotel, you visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the adjacent Breeding Center to learn how conservation efforts protect the ecosystem. The highlands visit sends you to a giant tortoise farm in their natural habitat, then through lava tunnels to the Twins: the largest sinkholes on the islands, formed when underground magma chambers collapsed. On the penultimate day, a small-boat journey to Pinzón Island, one of the remotest and least visited sites, lets you snorkel in waters where sea lions often join the sea turtles, reef sharks and rays, then walk the volcanic coastline looking for marine iguanas and Darwin finches. A final morning in Puerto Ayora precedes your airport pickup timed to your flight.

The group stays small, and every guide speaks both English and Spanish. You travel by speedboat between islands and use private transport for land activities. Snorkeling masks and fins are supplied. Six nights split between Hotel Cally on Isabela and Lava House Hotel on Santa Cruz, both locally owned. The itinerary supports small businesses and local families throughout.

What’s included

• Snorkeling mask and fins for all water activities.
• six nights' accommodation in double or triple rooms at locally owned hotels (Hotel Cally on Isabela, Lava House Hotel on Santa Cruz).
• airport transfers and private transport for all land activities.
• speedboat transfers between islands.
• entry to the Giant Tortoises Private Farm and Tortoises Breeding Center.
• Isabela Pier usage fee.
• all guided day tours led by bilingual English and Spanish naturalist guides from the National Park.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 6 days before the start.Between 2 and 6 days before the start, 50% refund.After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 224

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Takiri Travel

Is this one for you?The itinerary packs hiking, snorkeling, biking and kayaking into seven days, so you'll move between activities and islands daily. This suits travelers who want variety and don't mind an active pace, not those seeking a slower, single-location stay.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

28 verified traveler reviews

5 ★28

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

What is Los Túneles and why is it the main snorkeling stop?

Los Túneles consists of collapsed lava tunnels that form natural channels and arches in the water off Isabela Island's north coast. You snorkel through and around these formations to find Pacific green sea turtles, golden rays, white-tip reef sharks and Galapagos penguins. The boat ride also passes blue-footed boobies and brown pelicans perched on the rocks.

How much hiking is involved, and what is the Sierra Negra volcano hike like?

The main hike climbs to Sierra Negra volcano and covers 12 kilometers. It takes place on day three while based on Isabela Island, and the guide explains the volcanic geology and the caldera (the largest active one in the archipelago) as you walk. A second day includes biking to the Wetlands and Wall of Tears, and a third involves a 45-minute walk on Las Tintoreras islet. Overall, the trip asks for at least moderate physical fitness.

Do I need to arrange my own flights to the Galapagos, or are they included?

Flights to and from the Galapagos are not included in this package. The trip begins with pickup at Baltra airport and ends with a timed transfer to Baltra for your departure flight, but you book your own airfare separately.

What meals are provided during the seven days?

Accommodation and guided activities are included, but dinners and most meals outside the itinerary are not covered. You'll arrange and pay for those meals in Puerto Villamil and Puerto Ayora.

Which islands do you visit, and how much time do you spend on each?

Isabela Island holds the first three nights and days, with snorkeling at Los Túneles and Cabo Rosa, the Sierra Negra hike, biking to the Wall of Tears, and snorkeling at Las Tintoreras. Santa Cruz Island takes the final three nights, with visits to the Charles Darwin Research Station, giant tortoise farm, the Twins sinkholes, and a boat day-trip to Pinzón Island for snorkeling and coastal walks.

Is the Galapagos National Park entry fee included in the price?

The National Park entry fee is optional and selected at checkout, not included in the base package price. Your guide will help arrange it when you book.