Notes

There is an entrance control card/fee when arriving in the Galápagos; bring cash. (Approx. $100 USD—confirm current amount with authorities).
Bring many small USD bills. Most shops, taxis, and some tours prefer cash; cards may have extra fees and are often not accepted.
Bring your own mask and snorkel to avoid renting and to snorkel independently.
Type A/B adapter needed. None needed for US travelers.

DAY 1: San Cristóbal

Interpretation Center & Snorkeling

Book the earliest flight possible to San Cristóbal (from Quito or Guayaquil). Upon arrival, take a taxi or arrange pickup with your accommodation - ask your host about local taxi fares and pickup options.
Check in and drop off your things at your accommodation (3 nights), then walk or taxi to the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center (Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center) to learn about local ecology and history.
Hike Cerro Tijeretas from the Interpretation Center. The paved trail is slightly uphill but easy and leads to ocean lookouts.
Continue on the white‑stake trail (~2 km) to Playa Baquerizo — wear sturdy shoes (jagged lava rock) and bring water. This secluded beach is great for snorkeling with marine iguanas and sea turtles.
We use a GoPro (ad) for all our underwater pictures. There are newer versions but this one works for us.
On the return, take the right-hand trail from the lookout to Darwin's Cove for snorkeling off the dock — expect fish, spotted eagle rays, and sea lions.
Visit Punta Carola for more snorkeling and beach time.
End the evening at Playa Mann (the public town beach) — grab a snack from pop-up stands or head into town for dinner.

DAY 2: Scuba Diving

Kicker Rock Dives, Afternoon Snorkel & Dinner

Schedule dives in advance with Aquaventures Dive Center (Aquaventures GPS) and complete gear check/waiver at their downtown office the day before.
On dive day you'll likely meet at the office and transfer to the boat. Expect shared boats with other operators and snorkelers; lunch is typically provided aboard.
Dives at Kicker Rock (León Dormido) can include hammerhead sharks, sea lions, blacktip reef sharks, Galápagos sharks, sea turtles, and large schools of fish.
After returning and dropping gear, taxi to Playa Los Lobería for more snorkeling — watch for sea lions, sea turtles, and small reef sharks. Taxis often wait at sunset.
Dinner suggestion: Midori (sushi / Nikkei) — great view from the second floor.

DAY 3: Highland Tour

El Junco, Giant Tortoise Center & Puerto Chino

Arrange a full-day taxi with a local driver (agree on the price and pickup/drop-off times beforehand).
El Junco Lagoon — the only natural freshwater lake on the island; expect fog and damp conditions at altitude.
Galapaguera of Cerro Colorado (Tortoise Breeding Center) — see giant tortoises in the breeding program and learn about conservation.
Puerto Chino — a southwest beach with a snack stand at the trailhead (cold drinks, empanadas). Short paved trail to the beach; great snorkeling and chances to spot blue-footed boobies from the lava cliffs.
Evening: dinner at La Regata (La Regeta / La Regata TexMex Grill Sushi Bar) — second-floor dining with views; then enjoy drinks and sea lion watching near the Post Office.

DAY 4: Isabela Island

Flight to Isabela, Sierra Negra Hike, Flamingo Lagoon & Wall of Tears

Book an early inter-island flight with ESAV/Ensave or another local charter to Isabela (book in advance).
On arrival, meet your private Sierra Negra tour with Aquaventures GPS (they can handle transfers and logistics, book in advance).
Hike into the Sierra Negra volcanic crater — the trail descends into the caldera and provides spectacular views. Expect a strenuous climb back up.
Visit Flamingo Lagoon boardwalk to observe American flamingos and coastal birdlife.
Rent bikes in town and cycle part of the Wall of Tears trail — watch for giant tortoises and roadside stops; trail access typically closes around early evening.
Return to your accommodation (2 nights) for the evening.

DAY 5: Isabela Island

Los Tuneles, Tintoreras & Snorkeling Adventures

Book in advance Los Tuneles & Cabo Rosa day tour (4–6 hours) with Aquaventures GPS; meet around 7:30 AM and bring snorkel gear or rent from the operator.
Expect rough seas at times — consider sea sickness meds and sitting toward the back of the boat for best view and stability.
Snorkel ancient lava tunnels and bays — you may see manta rays, golden eagle rays, penguins, white-tip and black-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and sea horses.
After lunch on the boat, return to office and then take the afternoon Tintoreras Islet tour (recommended ~2:00 PM, book in advance) to see penguins, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and to snorkel volcanic channels.
Walk to Concha de Perla for independent snorkeling and then dine at beachfront restaurants before returning to your hotel.

DAY 6: Santa Cruz

Ferry to Santa Cruz, Tortuga Bay & Darwin Research Station

Book (in advance) an early ferry (around 6:00 AM) to Santa Cruz and bring cash for water taxis between docks; have your accommodation arrange the taxi (it's cheaper than booking via ferry site).
On arrival, check in and drop luggage off at accommodation (2 nights); walk or taxi to Tortuga Bay trailhead and follow the brick trail (about 5 km round trip).
Playa Brava (surf beach) — do not swim here; observe marine iguanas and surfers.
Playa Mansa — swimming and snorkeling; warm water, possible sightings of turtles, rays, and baby sharks.
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station (exhibition hall and tortoise breeding areas).
Evening: downtown dinner; the hotel we recommend has a nice pool/hot tub for a relaxing night.

DAY 7: Bartolomé Island & Sullivan Bay

Full day tour: Snorkel Sullivan Bay, Hike Bartolomé & Return

Book (in advance) the full-day Bartolomé Island & Sullivan Bay tour with Aquaventures GPS (they'll provide meeting time and pickup details).
Expect a morning land transfer (~45 minutes by bus) followed by boat transfer to the larger tour vessel; snacks and water are typically provided on board.
Sullivan Bay snorkel — two-hour slow boat ride to the snorkel spot; watch for dolphins and other marine life on the transit.
Bartolomé Island hike — boardwalk and stairs to the viewpoint over Pinnacle Rock; hot and steep but short.
Lunch is provided onboard, then return by boat and bus to town for dinner and drinks.

DAY 8: Departure via Baltra

Transfers & Final Notes

Book flight from Baltra to Quito or Guayaquil; allow at least 3 hours from Santa Cruz to the Baltra transfer (arrange a taxi from the hotel to the water taxi across channel, then get on the airport bus).
The transfer includes a water taxi and an airport bus; expect the full journey to take around 1–1.5 hours depending on waits.
Keep an eye out for land iguanas on Baltra during transfers.
Depart Galápagos and check all luggage/flight requirements in advance.

Galápagos Islands

Passports and PTO