Upon arrival at the Baltra Airport you will need to pay for the Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee ($100 USD cash per person adult/$50 USD children under 12, subject to change without notice). Upon meeting your guide (he/she will be waiting holding a sign with your names on it) they will assist you in entering a special VIP lounge where you will have a chance to change clothes, put on some sunscreen and get a cool drink before your transfer to the Itabaca Channel. (This service is on a group basis.)

Itabaca Channel Kayaking & Giant Tortoise Reserve

There’s no better introduction to the Galapagos than to immediately get on the water upon your arrival! You will have a chance to kayak, snorkel and stand up paddleboard (SUP) through the turquoise waters of the Itabaca Channel, gliding through beautiful red mangrove forests and along lava rock cliffs. Along the way you will see some of the famous Galapagos wildlife such as blue-footed boobies, sea lions, brown pelicans, a variety of herons and white-tipped reef sharks. The provided ocean (sit on top) kayaks come in doubles or singles, and life jackets are provided. A support boat will escort you throughout the water activities to ensure safety and to provide water, snacks and towels between activities.

From Itabaca Channel you'll head up to the Santa Cruz highlands to one of the private reserves that borders the National Park where the famous Giant Tortoises inhabit in the wild. Lunch will be served at the reserve.

Perched high on a hillside overlooking the ocean, Magic Galapagos Tented Camp will be your home for the next two nights. Watching the colorful sunset from Magic’s western perch is the perfect segue into evening. Dinners are sumptuous three course affairs, prepared by expert chefs in an open-air kitchen in the main lodge. A favorite post-dinner activity is a short walk to the natural lava tubes on the reserve for a night cap in the one-of-a-kind ‘Lava Lounge!’ It’s the perfect spot to relax around the fire and share stories from the day’s adventures. (This service is on a group basis.)

Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz Island is located in the center of the Archipelago of the Galapagos and is the second largest island after Isabela. Santa Cruz is the main port of entry for most itineraries in the Galapagos as it is located adjacent to the Baltra Airport.

Santa Cruz's main town, Puerto Ayora, is located on the southern shores of the island and are a great basis to explore the surrounding area. Highlights include visiting the Charles Darwin Station, Tortuga Bay or Los Gemelos.

Yacht Cruise to a Neighboring Island

Today you will have multiple activity options to choose from! We have selected the following suggested program to give you an idea of what is possible to do with this day (Please Note: This activity can be replaced with one of the other optional activities noted in the drop down below. Please let your travel specialist know your activity preference during the planning process).

Today you will embark on a motor yacht cruise to enjoy a half day excursion to one of the neighboring islands. On board you will have the support of welcoming crew members and knowledgeable naturalist guide, to allow you to experience the wonders of these remote islands in both comfort and style.

Check the boat's weekly itinerary: Mondays and Thursdays visit to North Seymour and Bachas. Tuesdays and Fridays visit to South Plazas. Wednesday visit to Santa Fe Island. Saturdays visit to Bartolome and Sullivan Bay. Sundays visit to Bartolome. (This service is on a group basis.)

** These excursions are subject to availability and change without prior notification.

Today you will take an early morning 2.5 hour speed boat transfer to Isabela Island. On arrival at the dock in Puerto Villamil you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. (This service is on a group basis.)

Wetlands Trail Biking

After checking into your hotel, you will meet your guide and bike through the Wetlands Trail. While biking, you might be able to see marina iguana colonies, different types of mangrove trees, beaches, historic sites, and a network of trails. At the end of the trail, you will come across the Wall of Teas. It was built in the late 19410's by Second World War prisoners held at the U.S base in the island. Your guide will explain the importance of the Wall of Tears, giving us a look into the lives od early inhabitants. On this network of trails, you will catch some beautiful views of the village below, and wild animals. (This service is on a group basis.)

Tintoreras

In the afternoon you will visit the Tintoreras Island, a group of small islands close to the town of Puerto Villamil. The islands are named after the white tipped ‘Tintoreras’ reef sharks that swim in these calm waters. On the Tintoreras, we will see archipelago’s iconic wildlife: white-tipped reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, rays, penguins, and of course pelicans and blue-footed boobies. After walking on the island, you will have a chance to snorkel in the bay. Don’t be surprised if some of the penguins or sea lions jump in to play alongside you in the water! (This service is on a group basis.)

Isabela Island

Isabela is the largest of the islands that make up the Galapagos archipelago, about four times bigger than the next largest, Santa Cruz. Of a total Galapagos population of 20,000, only 2,200 people live here on this enchanted island, which contains over 60% of the flora and fauna of the archipelago and is the only one straddled by the equatorial line.

Among Isabela’s attractions you will find five active volcanoes, the most extensive wetlands on the archipelago, and a three kilometer beach. You will also enjoy the option of trekking with giant tortoises, swimming with white tip sharks, snorkeling with marine turtles, kayaking among flamingos… all this while staying in a relaxed port town that personifies island culture.

Sierra Negra & Volcan Chico Hiking

You will have the whole day to explore the Isabela highlands! The day begins with a hike up to the crater of the massive Sierra Negra volcano, and then onward to the rim of the Volcan Chico. This fascinating walk usually begins with some morning fog and drizzle which sometimes persists in the shadow of the volcano, adding to its mysterious character. Despite the drizzle, you might see Galapagos hawks, finches, flycatchers and short-eared owls en route.

Once you reach the rim of the Sierra Negra crater, the second largest in the world after the Ngorongoro in Tanzania, you will see the real reward for your efforts. The crater is so large, and the views so expansive, photos can’t do it justice, but bring your binoculars and camera anyway!

Later, as you head towards Volcan Chico, you may get the feeling that you are walking on Mars due to the alien landscape. While it appears to be utterly desolate, a closer look reveals small lizards scurrying among the rocks. From its rim, we will enjoy more amazing views along with lava tubes and fumaroles.

After Volcan Chico and its extreme landscape, you will relax under the shade of a lovely “jaboncillo” tree to enjoy your box lunch while taking in the spectacular and expansive views over the central and northern parts of Isabela Island. In the distance, you will be able to see Fernandina, Pinzon and Santa Cruz Islands. You will then head back down to complete your day of hiking (16 km - 9.94 miles in total) and relax on the beaches of Puerto Villamil. (This service is on a group basis.)

This morning you will take an early morning 2.5 hour speed boat ride back to Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival at the dock you'll be transferred to Baltra Airport for your ongoing flight to the mainland. (This service is on a group basis.)