Top Things to do in Galapagos Islands
Top 10 Day Trips from in Galapagos Islands, Galapagos Islands
Abundant wildlife above and below the waves draws eco-tourists to Ecuador's Galapagos. Get up close on a stroll or in a Zodiac boat. Snorkel and dive with denizens of the deep, from sea lions to sea turtles at Santiago's Cousin's Rock. Hike by finches, flamingos and iguanas along the Darwin Trail. Admire Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela. As visitor numbers are limited within the islands' National Park, book your boat tour through a tour operator. Visit January through April for the best snorkeling.
Restaurants in Galapagos Islands
1. Day Trip to Bartolome Island from Puerto Ayora
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
The Day Tour to Bartholomew Island departs from Itabaca Canal, the sailing is about two hours, this island is located North West of Santa Cruz Island. Bartholomew has the most beautiful and photographed landscapes of the archipelago with the iconic pinnacle rock.
Inclusions: Lunch, Snorkel Gear, Galapagos National Naturalist guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Coffee and/or Tea, Towel, Water Refill
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Tips, Wetsuit
Reviewed By italiabella9
We took the Santa Fe III to Bartolomeo on Sunday as our first tour in the Galapagos. The boat was spacious and clean - overall luxurious. I didn’t realize until we took another tour with a different company later in the week just how amazing this one had been. Because the boat was large, the rough seas weren’t too bad and although I had proactively taken motion sickness medicine before we started, I think it would have been fine without it. Our guide was Diego and he knows everything you could ever imagine! We hiked and snorkeled as well as enjoyed lunch on board. The entire experience was wonderful and our only regret was not being able to do another tour with this company during our stay!
2. Day Trip to South Plaza Island from Puerto Ayora
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
The Day Tour to South Plaza Island departs from Itabaca Canal, the sailing is about one hour and forty five minutes, this island is located to the East of Santa Cruz Island. In South Plaza Island, which is partner of North Plaza Island, both create a turquoise water canal that contrast with the red natural carpet (sesuvium) and cactus that the island have as breathtaking landscape; here you you will be greeted by sea lions, and expect to spot land iguanas, marine iguanas, sea lions, Galapagos lizard and finches, also variety of sea birds fishing and flying really close to the cliff of this island like swalloed tailed gulls, pelican and masked boobies.
Inclusions: Snorkel Gear, Lunch, Galapagos National Naturalist guide, Hotel pickup (selected hotels only), Drop-off in Puerto Ayora's Main Pier, Coffee and/or Tea, Towel, Water Refill
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Tips, Wetsuit
Reviewed By italiabella9
We took the Santa Fe III to Bartolomeo on Sunday as our first tour in the Galapagos. The boat was spacious and clean - overall luxurious. I didn’t realize until we took another tour with a different company later in the week just how amazing this one had been. Because the boat was large, the rough seas weren’t too bad and although I had proactively taken motion sickness medicine before we started, I think it would have been fine without it. Our guide was Diego and he knows everything you could ever imagine! We hiked and snorkeled as well as enjoyed lunch on board. The entire experience was wonderful and our only regret was not being able to do another tour with this company during our stay!
3. Day Trip to North Seymour Island from Puerto Ayora
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
The Day Tour to North Seymour Island departs from Itabaca Canal, the sailing is about one hour, this island is located to the North of Santa Cruz Island. In this wonderful island you will be welcomed by sea lions in the dock and rocks, the landscape of the island is contrasted by Palo Santo (incense stick) forest and red-colored soil.
Inclusions: Local taxes, Snorkel Gear, Lunch, Galapagos National Naturalist guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Coffee and/or Tea, Towel, Water Refill
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Tips, Wetsuit
Reviewed By italiabella9
We took the Santa Fe III to Bartolomeo on Sunday as our first tour in the Galapagos. The boat was spacious and clean - overall luxurious. I didn’t realize until we took another tour with a different company later in the week just how amazing this one had been. Because the boat was large, the rough seas weren’t too bad and although I had proactively taken motion sickness medicine before we started, I think it would have been fine without it. Our guide was Diego and he knows everything you could ever imagine! We hiked and snorkeled as well as enjoyed lunch on board. The entire experience was wonderful and our only regret was not being able to do another tour with this company during our stay!
4. Tour of the city to Isabela + Tintoreras from Santa Cruz
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
One day visit to the best of the city of Isabela plus a private tour to Tintoreras islet, ideal for short people without the opportunity to stay a couple of nights in Isabela and who want to know Isabela Island and see Galapagos penguins. Guaranteed way.
Inclusions: Ferry back and forth, In local restaurant, Naturalist Guide, Snacks, Snorkeling equipment
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Sylvie L
Our guide was determined to show us everything, and we did! Blue footed Boobies mating, sea horses, tons of white fin reef sharks, black fin reef sharks, turtles, colourful fish. At the beginning we went for a land mini tour on top of the tunnels so good shoes or beach shoes are a must. The boat ride there included a quick stop a rock with wildlife. Very small bag lunch is included so bring snacks and water just in case. Afterwards the guide downloaded incredible pictures he took and we could get a copy on our USB for free! What a souvenir!!!
5. Visit to Spanish island * (San Cristobal) *
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Walk and snorkel around the island to discover the flora and fauna. See animals in their natural habitats such as sea lions and Galapagos sharks Sit down to enjoy a delicious lunch and enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages
Inclusions: Use of Snorkelling equipment, Lunch, Snacks, Restroom on board
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Sylvie L
Our guide was determined to show us everything, and we did! Blue footed Boobies mating, sea horses, tons of white fin reef sharks, black fin reef sharks, turtles, colourful fish. At the beginning we went for a land mini tour on top of the tunnels so good shoes or beach shoes are a must. The boat ride there included a quick stop a rock with wildlife. Very small bag lunch is included so bring snacks and water just in case. Afterwards the guide downloaded incredible pictures he took and we could get a copy on our USB for free! What a souvenir!!!
6. Tour to North Seymour & Las Bachas beach * (Santa Cruz) *
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
If you are a nature lover and bird watching, this is the right place, taking into account that it is one of the 10 places you have to visit if you come to Galapagos.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Use of Snorkelling equipment, Lunch, towel
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Sylvie L
Our guide was determined to show us everything, and we did! Blue footed Boobies mating, sea horses, tons of white fin reef sharks, black fin reef sharks, turtles, colourful fish. At the beginning we went for a land mini tour on top of the tunnels so good shoes or beach shoes are a must. The boat ride there included a quick stop a rock with wildlife. Very small bag lunch is included so bring snacks and water just in case. Afterwards the guide downloaded incredible pictures he took and we could get a copy on our USB for free! What a souvenir!!!
7. Full Day San Cristobal (from Santa Cruz)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
We have years of experience and our service is more personalized, and thus meet all customer expectations.
Inclusions: Restroom on board, Use of Snorkelling equipment, Lunch
Exclusions: Gratuities, Water taxis 0.50 cents
Reviewed By cajigasmf
Wilter and Vicente were wonderful. They pick us up at the airport in Baltra and made sure we were on time to take our bus, water taxi and boat that took us to Isla Isabela. They were on time and very attentive. We felt very comforting to be able to rely on someone that new all the steps to make it to your destination island. Because it could be very overwhelming. We will use them again on our future trip to Galapagos. We highly recommend them.
8. Seymour North Island & Las Bachas Full-Day Tour
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 1 reviews
This full-day tour to Seymour North Island is perfect if you want to see wildlife and enjoy the nature. Fauna Highlights: Land & marine iguanas, frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, sea lions; snorkeling: rays, reef sharks, fish, garden eels
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Lunch, Hotel pickup, Professional bilingual guide, Transportation, Snorkel activities
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Hotel drop-off
Reviewed By marcosz840
Hi Travellers! This is Joel. I am finally at home! I am from New York and I spent last week in the Galápagos Islands for the holidays and I am so happy to start this year after this incredible trip. Ecuador is amazing, the nature, community, the landscapes are out of mind! I was there with my family and we enjoyed so many activities with a smart, funny and friendly tour guide! I recommend BM Tours to everyone who wants to enjoy this beautiful country. They provided to me all the information about what I should bring and do. Thank you BM TOURS
9. Isabela Island Wetlands Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
2.3 based on 3 reviews
Explore Los Humedales, a complex of trails and lava formations,see native animals such as land turtles, flamingos. and zarapitos, along with much flora and fauna.
Inclusions: Local guide, Hotel pick-up
Exclusions: Hotel drop-off, Snacks
Reviewed By citymouseNyc1
I paid twice what you would pay if you booked locally. first this company didn't pick us up on time. on the boat- mid trip they asked for more money! having booked day trips locally at other islands, it was clear booking w trip advisor is double the cost. we were ready to snorkel- in cold/ cool waters and we saw everyone else had wet suits- we did not. everyone else stopped off first to get fitted for flippers and wet suits- we didn't. again, we paid double what everyone else paid. well in advance of arriving on the island. even though the company made the mistake of forgetting our wet suits- they asked us FOR MORE MONEY TO RENT wet suits! another women also did not have a wet suit. I refused and said we paid, for the full service- everyone else got. the helper on the boat mumbled he didn't understand English all of a sudden and said we needed to pay more. the guide maybe felt guilty and lent me his suit. my husband refused to pay extra money rent what should have been included- and they didn't give him a wet suit!! the other woman was also out of luck too! horrible! it was not a full day trip. they took bunch of pictures- got everyones cell phone via WhatsApp and never did they send pics. def not worth booking in advance and you can find many other companies that provide similar tours- hopefully they will remember to get you all the gear you paid for and not request more money.
10. Galapagos Basic 4D-3N
The Basic Galápagos Tourist Package consists of excursions on Santa Cruz Island knowing the beaches, giant tortoises and swimming with sea lions.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Breakfast, Hotel, Lunch, Dinner, Visits, Use of Snorkelling equipment, Naturalist Guide
Exclusions: Galapagos National Park fee (USD 100), Fly ticket, Transt Control Card. (USD 20), Isabela Island fee (5 USD), Meals not specific in the itinerary, Extras, Health insurance, Tips, Rate for single room
Reviewed By stephnea2013
The Cormorant is a beautifully equipped catamaran that sails around the various Galapagos Islands. It has 8 double cabins which includes 2 spacious suites on the middle deck. The cabins are well appointed with A/C’s, a shower, toilet and handbasin. Hairdryer and enviro friendly shampoos, conditioners, soaps and hand washes. The cupboards are spacious and in our case, the add on suite have us ample room. The views from the private verandah and bathroom windows are spectacular. Laundry is done by the cabin boy as part of the service. Three delicious meals are served every day with snacks and cool drinks available at intervals. Coffee and tea available 24 hours. I would prefer more local food but it seems that most tourists are uncomfortable with different food. The tap water on board is of good quality but again some tourists prefer to stick to bottled water (or in this case reverse osmosis desalinated water). Cool drinks (as long as they were not in plastic bottles eg sparkling water/soda water) were free but soda water was charged at over US$ 4,00! A guide is assigned to you from the airport and accompany you throughout your trip and final return to the airport. There is a downside here as only one guide is allocated to a group of 16 guests so quality time is out of the question. Another thing to be considered is you landing time as the boat is only available from around 17hoo. Also arrange that you have an early flight out as waiting at an inadequate airport for 5 hours is extremely tiresome. Activities include beautiful walks around various Galápagos Islands and snorkelling. This might be an expensive holiday but seeing the incredible care that is taken of the islands and the trusting animals that inhabit those islands, it is worth every cent. Not a piece of plastic or any litter to be seen on the Islands is wonderful. Consider getting a prescription from your doctor if you suffer from motion sickness as that could destroy your trip although the Catamaran is very stable.
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