Galapagos Turtles & Tortoises
Join us for for this unique trip to the legendary Galapagos Islands. We will visit three different islands, each day will including different activities such as snorkeling with sea turtles, seeing tortoises in captivity and in the wild, and checking out the diverse wildlife including birds like blue footed boobies, marine animals like sea lions and iguanas. We will also visit the islands’ exotic landscapes including reefs, volcanoes, and more. On this trip, you will help with a turtle photo ID project, volunteer with a tortoise project, and do a beach cleanup, as well as hikes, snorkeling, & more. This trip will be led by SEE Turtles President Brad Nahill.
Date: May 2 - 11, 2025 (4 spots left)
Price: $5,795 pp (requires a $500 deposit to register)
Includes: Roundtrip airfare from Quito to Galapagos ($600 value), Galapagos flight, meals as listed, Galapagos accommodations, activities, and service tips (activities and hotels).
Excludes: Airfare to Quito, hotel in Quito, tip for guide, travel insurance, drinks other than water, and approximately $240 in national park and tourist fees.
Notes:
Minimum recommended age is 16 years old.
Group size is limited to 11 people maximum and a minimum of 8 people are needed to confirm the trip.
* Please note: We give 100% refunds on any trips that we need to cancel and our cancellation fees (when travelers need to cancel) can be used on a future trip, except for cancellations made within 60 days of travel when payments to local providers has already been completed. See our full terms and conditions here.
Travelers will be required to purchase travel insurance to cover any medical expenses for this trip.
Pricing is for double occupancy. Single supplement is $800.
$100 discount for paying by check.
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WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
All profits support conservation efforts
Work directly with local researchers
Unique experiences
Personalized service
Itinerary
MAY 2: Arrive to Quito
Fly from your home to Quito, Ecuador. We will provide hotel recommendations and those who arrive early enough will meet for dinner in the city. No meals or hotel included today.
MAY 3: Fly to San Cristobal, Interpretation Center and Tijeretas
This morning, we will meet as a group at the airport to take a short flight to one of the oldest islands in the Galapagos archipelago, San Cristobal. We’ll land in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, a coastal town and the administrative capital of the islands. After a quick check in to our hotel we will enjoy a buffet style lunch, allowing us to try some local dishes and snacks.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Interpretation Center, one of the most interesting places to learn about the history and mystery of the archipelago from its discovery and what makes it so special. Just behind the Interpretation Center is a walk called Tijeretas or Frigatebird Hill. It’s named after the frigate birds that populate the area (known as Tijeretas) by locals because of their forked tails that resembles scissors. At the top is a beautiful lookout over Charles Darwin Bay. You can also snorkel in the bay or take a sidetrack to Playa Carola for some beach time. We will then head back to town late afternoon with some time to freshen up before we head to a local restaurant for our welcome dinner. Overnight at Seaside Hotel (4 nights). Meals: LD
MAY 4: Highlands Exploration
Following lunch, we will head to the highlands with our first stop at El Junco, the islands only freshwater lake which sits in a dormant crater. On a clear day it offers spectacular views to the ocean.
Our next stop will be La Galapaguera, a center that has been working to increase the population of San Cristobal’s endemic giant tortoises. Our final visit of the day will be to Puerto Chino, a serene and picturesque beach located on the southeastern coast of San Cristobal. Known for its pristine white sand and turquoise waters, it offers visitors a tranquil and relatively secluded spot to enjoy the natural beauty of the Galápagos. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery and volcanic rock formations, providing a stunning backdrop for relaxation and exploration. Meals: BLD
MAY 5: Turtle Photo ID Workshop & Loberia Beach Snorkel, Hike, & Beach Clean
This morning, we will head over to the Science Center at San Francisco University to receive a seminar talk and workshop on Photo ID of sea turtles lead by a Galapagos Science Center Researcher. After lunch, we’ll head to Loberia Beach which is the perfect sandy spot to observe sea lions in their natural habitat. They play, nap and sometimes, they pose for pictures! Along the way, keep a lookout for marine iguanas that can usually be found lounging in the shade of the salt brush and other coastal flora.
There’s a hidden-away hike beyond the Loberia that leads to a cliff teaming with birds. Marine iguanas are often found on the track as it winds along the coast and eventually finishes at a high overlook across a small, turbulent bay. This fantastic spot is the perfect perch to watch gulls, tropicbirds, and blue footed boobies coming and going from their cliffside nests. After the hike we will have a chance to refresh in the sea and enjoy a snorkel. We also will take part in a beach cleanup on this day with the local scouts group where we split into teams and compete for collecting the most plastic. Meals: BLD
MAY 6: Kicker Rock Snorkel Tour
The highlight of San Cristobal and one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago. After breakfast, we will head to Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido as it’s known by the locals) to explore the remains of a tuff cone rising over 143 meters out of the ocean. You’ll hop in here for a deep-water snorkel along the edge and through a channel of this drastic compact ash formation. You’ll be on the hunt for sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, chocolate chip starfish, and with any luck, a Galapagos shark or two. Don’t worry, they won’t be as interested in you as you are in them.
After our exhilarating snorkeling adventure, we'll visit one of the pristine beaches accessible only by boat along San Cristobal's coastline. Here, you can enjoy some leisurely swimming in the turquoise waters or capture photos of the diverse birdlife, crabs, and other fascinating creatures that call this beach home. Following lunch onboard, we'll return to town. Meals: BLD
MAY 7: Flight to Isabela & Tuneles Snorkel
We begin our tour with an early transfer to the airport for a scenic flight to Isabela Island. During the 45 minute flight, passengers can enjoy stunning views of the Galapagos archipelago, including volcanic landscapes and beautiful coastlines. After checking in to our hotel, we will head to Tuneles (also known as Cabo Rosa), a stunning area located an hour boat ride from town.
Los Tuneles is formed by lava flows meeting the ocean, creating tunnels, arches, and sheltered bays. It's renowned for its rich marine diversity, serving as feeding grounds for sea turtles, resting spots for Galapagos sharks, occasional visits from charming Galapagos penguins, as well as hosting nesting blue-footed boobies. Access can be challenging due to rough rides and tides, but it's worth it for the chance to encounter sea lions, eagle rays, octopus, and a plethora of tropical fish, sea stars, and sea urchins in the crystal-clear waters. Tonight, we'll savor the flavors of the Galapagos as we enjoy a delicious dinner featuring local cuisine at a local restaurant. Overnight at Albemarle Hotel (3 nights) Meals: BLD
MAY 8: Sierra Negra Volcano Hike & Tortoise Reintroduction Program
Lace up your hiking boots – we’re hiking up a volcano! Sierra Negra is one of the most active volcanoes in Galapagos; its last eruption was in June 2018. As we hike to the perimeter of the caldera, we’ll be on the lookout for bird species found only in the highlands like the bright red Vermillion Flycatcher and the elusive short-eared owl. Once we reach the rim, we’ll be met with a 9km view that stretches across one of the most active calderas in the world. The hike is around 3 - 4 mile round trip taking around 3 hours with regular stops.
Following our morning adventures, we'll make our way to Campo Duro for a delicious local lunch in the highlands. After lunch, we will visit the Campo Duro Giant Tortoise Project, dedicated to the preservation of Galapagos tortoise populations. We will immerse ourselves in a fulfilling volunteering opportunity at their tortoise reintroduction program, participating in essential activities like monitoring, feeding, and habitat maintenance. Afterwards, we return to town and enjoy another local restaurant and their delicious local cuisine. Meals: BLD
MAY 9: Campo Duro Tortoise Activity & Bay Kayak
This morning, we'll head back to the highlands to continue our efforts in supporting the giant tortoises as they prepare for their release into the wild.
After lunch at Campo Duro, we will return to enjoy a relaxed kayak ride around the calm waters of Puerto Villamil's sheltered bay area. Keep an eye out for Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, and rays, which are commonly spotted in these shallow waters. Along the shore and in the nearby mangrove trees, you may also see blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and pelicans taking a break, adding to the natural beauty of the scenery. Enjoy a memorable dining experience at a waterfront establishment, indulging in a mix of grilled delights and island-inspired dishes while soaking in the scenic views. Meals: BLD
MAY 10: Tintoreras & Boat Transfer to Santa Cruz
This morning, we'll embark on an excursion to Tintoreras, also known as Shark Alley, a secluded islet renowned as a prime nesting site for marine iguanas. Here, amidst the stunning volcanic landscapes, we'll observe the bustling iguana colonies. Afterwards, we'll have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the tranquil waters of a serene inlet, perfect for snorkeling. Explore the vibrant underwater world teeming with colorful fish and graceful green sea turtles, gracefully gliding above the sandy seabed.
After lunch, it's time to bid farewell to Isabela as we board a boat bound for Santa Cruz Island, the bustling heart of the Galapagos Archipelago. After we have a chance to check into our hotel, our guide will lead us on a discovery walk of the town, allowing us to soak up the local charm and enjoy a farewell dinner. Overnight at Hotel Silberstein (1 night) Meals: BLD
MAY 11: Darwin Research Station, Transfer to Baltra, Fly to Quito
If time allows, we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station before transferring to Baltra for your flight back to Quito. Meals: B
Is This Trip Right For Me?
This will be an active trip that requires good physical fitness including hiking and snorkeling. The Galalpagos is a safe destination, receiving more than 200,000 visitors per year. We will be staying at mid-level hotels on the island. Be prepared for a lot of time in and on the water, snorkeling with wild animals including white tipped reef sharks, a docile shark that is not aggressive.
