Galápagos 5-day tour: North Seymour, Tortuga Bay, Darwin Station

Twin Craters, giant tortoises, white-sand beaches and two island boat days in five days

A 5-day tour of Santa Cruz and nearby islands in the Galápagos, based in Puerto Ayora, with a certified naturalist guide in English or Spanish. The itinerary covers the Twin Craters and Lava Tunnels on Day 1, Tortuga Bay and the Charles Darwin Research Station on Day 2, a full-day boat excursion to either North Seymour Island or Bartholomew Island on Day 3, and a bay tour visiting sites like Las Grietas and Canal del Amor on Day 4, with hotel accommodation, all meals, and airport transfers included. A moderate level of fitness is needed for hiking and snorkeling activities.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Santa Cruz Exploration

• Reception at Baltra airport
• Private transfer to Upper Santa Cruz
• Visit Twin Craters and Lava Tunnels
• Observe giant turtles at Rancho Primicias
• Lunch at Rancho Primicias
• Transfer to Puerto Ayora and hotel check-in
• Welcome cocktail toast
• Dinner at local restaurant

Day 2: Tortuga Bay and Darwin Station

• Breakfast at hotel
• Hike to Tortuga Bay beach
• Enjoy beach and wildlife observation
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit Charles Darwin Research Station
• Return to hotel
• Dinner at local restaurant

Day 3: Island Excursion and Relaxation

• Breakfast at hotel
• Transfer to pier and board boat
• Visit Bartholomew or North Seymour Island
• Snorkeling and wildlife observation
• Lunch on board
• Return to Puerto Ayora
• Enjoy complimentary massage
• Dinner at local restaurant

Day 4: Bay Tour and Leisure

• Breakfast at hotel
• Bay Tour visiting natural attractions
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Relax with cocktail and massage
• Dinner at local restaurant

Day 5: Departure from Galapagos

• Breakfast at hotel
• Free time until transfer
• Private transfer to Baltra airport
• Farewell assistance

The experience

The tour starts with airport pickup at Baltra and a private transfer to the highlands of Santa Cruz. Day 1 takes you to the Twin Craters, a pair of geological formations ringed by endemic plants, then through the Lava Tunnels: volcanic structures formed thousands of years ago. You'll stop at Rancho Primicias to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat before descending to Puerto Ayora for hotel check-in and a welcome cocktail. Dinner that evening is at a prominent restaurant in town.

Day 2 begins with a hike along an ecological trail to Tortuga Bay, one of the Galápagos' most celebrated beaches, where you can observe coastal birds, marine iguanas and sea lions resting on the sand. Lunch follows at a local restaurant, then the afternoon is spent at the Charles Darwin Research Station learning about the archipelago's conservation programs and giant turtle breeding efforts. Day 3 is a full-day boat excursion: you choose either North Seymour Island, known for colonies of frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies, or Bartholomew Island for its volcanic landscapes and the famous Pinnacle viewpoint. Snorkeling and marine wildlife observation happen depending on conditions, with lunch served on board. Day 4 is the Bahía Tour, a boat trip around Puerto Ayora visiting sites like Playa de los Perros, Canal del Amor and Las Grietas, with a complimentary massage and cocktail in the afternoon.

All four nights are spent in one of four hotels (Fernandina, Fiesta, Villa Laguna or Maidith) each offering the same standard of comfort. Meals are included throughout, and your guide speaks English or Spanish. The tour ends on Day 5 with breakfast, free time, and a private transfer back to Baltra airport.

What’s included

• Airport pickup and private transfers to and from Baltra.
• accommodation for four nights in one of four hotels.
• all meals from Day 1 lunch through Day 5 breakfast.
• a certified naturalist guide in English or Spanish.
• the Barge Canal de Itabaca crossing.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• a welcome cocktail on arrival.
• a complimentary massage and cocktail on Day 4.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

AgesAdult (12 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Paid on siteUS$ 353

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Galápagos Wildlife

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're arriving at Baltra without a rental car or staying outside Puerto Ayora. The pickup and all transport are arranged, and the five days let you cover the Twin Craters, two island boat days, and the bay tour without rushing.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What's the hike like to reach Tortuga Bay?

The walk to Tortuga Bay follows an ecological path through the arid vegetation of Santa Cruz, taking you to one of the archipelago's most celebrated white-sand beaches where you can observe coastal birds, marine iguanas and sea lions.

Can I choose which island to visit on Day 3?

Yes, you choose between North Seymour Island, where you'll see frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies in their colonies, or Bartholomew Island, known for its volcanic landscapes and the iconic Pinnacle viewpoint.

Are snorkeling activities included?

Snorkeling and marine wildlife observation are part of the Day 3 boat excursion, though they operate depending on the day's conditions.

What does the Charles Darwin Research Station visit involve?

At the station you'll learn about the Galápagos' research and conservation programs, observe giant turtle breeding programs, and gain insight into the archipelago's natural history.

How do I get from the airport to the hotel?

A private transfer picks you up at Baltra airport and takes you directly to your hotel in Puerto Ayora, with the same vehicle handling your departure on Day 5.