Looking for the Best Galapagos Island Itinerary? Look no further.
While the Galapagos might feel foreign and difficult to travel on your own, the islands are actually quite easy to navigate without a multi-day tour. You can absolutely build your own Galapagos itinerary, and we are here to show you how.
We have traveled to the islands twice, once on an organized tour and once on our own.
After we went to the islands on a tour, we realized how easy the islands are to navigate. So the next time we did it all by ourselves.
We are going to give you all the island travel trips to create your own DIY Galapagos itinerary, which will be a big budget saver and also allow you to go at your own pace.
So join us as we unveil an insider’s guide to navigating the Galapagos on your own. We have built Galapagos itineraries for 10, 7, and 5 days to give you lots of options.
Let’s go!
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What Galapagos Islands Should I Visit?
Now that you have rightly decided that the Galapagos are absolutely worth it, let’s talk about the three main inhabited Galapagos Islands: San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela.
San Cristobal Island offers untamed landscapes and vibrant marine life.
It’s from this island that you can explore the famed Kicker Rock, where crystal-clear waters reveal diverse marine species. Snorkeling around the rock is the best opportunity to see Galapagos sharks.
The opportunities for adventure on San Cristobal make this the best island for teens. San Cristobal was definitely our teenage son’s favorite island.
The next island, Isabela, captivates with its vastness and raw beauty. Isabela is the least developed island.
Home to Sierra Negra, the second-largest volcanic crater in the world, Isabela invites trekkers to awe-inspiring vistas. Marine iguanas, giant tortoises, and unique flora make this island special, but it is the penguins that make it truly unique.
Santa Cruz island pulsates with life and exploration. The bustling town of Puerto Ayora, the most populous of all the islands, offers cultural immersion and access to the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Santa Cruz balances urban vitality with natural marvels. It has a bit more of the creature comforts than the other islands, but with beautiful beaches like Tortuga Bay, it still has so much nature to offer.
Route Through the Islands
After having an amazing time on mainland Ecuador, it is time to head for the islands.
Each of our Galapagos island hopping itineraries has you flying into San Cristobal and out of Balta Island. Balta Island is a small island right next to Santa Cruz that is accessible via a quick water taxi ride.
Starting at San Cristobal introduces you to the archipelago. The airport is steps away from San Cristobal’s port town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
The closeness of the airport and the accessibility of wildlife as soon as you land make San Cristobal a great start for your Galapagos vacation.
Between San Cristobal and Santa Cruz, is Isabella, the largest but the least populated island. Time of Isabella is all about nature, relaxation, and harmony.
From Isabella, you will travel to and then fly out of Santa Cruz. Leaving from Santa Cruz, or more specifically, Baltra streamlines logistics, enabling efficient exploration without backtracking.
The strategy of flying into San Cristobal and out of Santa Cruz maximizes time for discovery and minimizes the travel hassle of having to double back to your first island, ensuring a seamless experience during your Galapagos Islands travel.
Navigating the Waters: The Significance of Public Boats
The public boat system is your mode of transportation. Traveling by public boat is the budget option over more costly private charters.
The public boat system is in effect a bunch of private boats that ferry passengers between islands. But don’t worry, you don’t have to figure out what boats go where. You also do not have to figure out how to book with individual companies.
Instead, go to any tour agencies on the island and book your ferry. We recommend booking your ferry to the next island on the first day when you arrive on the island.
So on day 1 when you arrive in San Cristobal, go ahead and book your day 4 ferry boat to San Isabella.
Book a day or two in advance means you don’t need to worry that all the ferry boats will be full. Any tour agency that is booking Galapagos islands tours can book ferries.
The tour operators will book you on a specific boat and provide the name of that boat on your receipt.
When you arrive at the pier, you will see a sign to check in by boat name. Using this system is exactly how locals travel between islands, so it is the most inexpensive way to travel.
One of our favorite things about traveling by public bus is the people you will meet. We got great suggestions for tours, restaurants, and beaches from fellow travelers.
Galapagos Itinerary 10 Days
Now that we have provided details for how to travel, let’s dive into what to see and do during your time on the Galapagos Islands.
Ten days is the perfect amount of days for the Galapagos. The pace will allow you to see much of the islands and still have plenty of downtime.
San Cristobal-3 Nights
Day 1: After landing from your morning flight from Quito, immerse yourself in one of the island’s Highlands Tour. You can book a formal tour of the Highlands at one of the tourist shops to see giant tortoises roaming freely and learn about conservation efforts on the island.
If you don’t want an arranged tour but are eager to see those famous giant tortoises, you can grab a cab and ask to be taken to Topaguera, a tortoise research sanctuary.
For a different pace, opt to bike the island, weaving through coastal paths and picturesque trails, soaking in the serenity of San Cristobal’s untouched beauty. You can grab bikes and several shops in town.
If getting in the water to see wildlife is what you have been waiting for, San Cristobal won’t let you down either.
One of the best ways to get right into nature is to do a combination hike to Las Cerro Tijeretas, which has great views of the water and the town and snorkel at Playa Baquerizo beach.
The hike is about 6 km from town and will take you about 2 hours. The path starts at the Interpretation Center. The trail is paved to Las Cerros’ lookout. Once you get all the views, you can take the dirt path down to Playa Baquerizo and get some of the best snorkeling on the islands.
However you choose to spend your first day on the island, we know it will be magical.
Day 2: Begin with a 360° Tour that takes you the entire distance around the island to experience its charm. The tour also includes a stop to snorkel the iconic Kicker Rock, which is the must-do experience on San Cristobal.
The tour is a full-day activity. You will stop 3 different times to snorkel, including at Kicker Rock, and will get to see the entire San Cristobal shoreline.
The 360° tour is especially good for solo or couple travelers or those traveling with teens.
As experts in teen travel, we know that it is all about adventure. Your time at Kicker Rock is an adventure in spades.
The 360° tour is the most popular on the island so you should definitely book this tour in advance, especially if you are in high season. We made this mistake and had to reroute our itinerary to accommodate the tour’s availability.
If you have kids under 10, we do not recommend the 360° tour as the snorkeling at Kicker Rock is in open water and may be too much for little ones. Instead, opt for one of the many ideas suggested for Day 1.
Day 3: For your last day on San Cristobal, take a Lobos Island Tour to get close to some of the Galapago’s most famous wildlife. The tour is half a day in either the morning or afternoon.
Isla Lobos is a nursery for sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and frigate birds. Your naturalist will explain the unique mating rituals of the frigate bird as they dance with their bright red throat expanded.
After the island tour, you will snorkel alongside these sea lions and explore the abundant marine life beneath the waves.
The Isla Lobos tour was our first tour on the islands and definitely one of our favorites.
The tour is not as popular as the 360° Island tours, which means you do need to book it in advance. However, in our humble opinion, it has just as much to offer.
Once you land and settle in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno find the nearest tourist agency and book it.
Book Your Essential San Cristobal Tours
Isabela-3 Nights
Day 1: On the morning of day 4, you will take a public boat from San Cristobal to Isabela. Boats leave early in the morning, around 7 a.m., and you will want to be at the dock at least 45 minutes in advance.
There is no route directly from San Cristobal to Isabela, so you will need to stop in Santa Cruz.
The boat ride from San Cristobal to Santa Cruz takes about 2 hours. Once you arrive in Santa Cruz, you will need to wait until the afternoon boat to Isabela.
While you are waiting you can ask your boat service if they will store your bag (many do) so that you can explore the town or you can find a coffee shop, grab some breakfast, and just enjoy a few hours of people watching.
After taking the two boats, you will arrive in Isabella around 5 p.m.
If you packed snorkeling gear, seize the opportunity for incredible underwater vistas at the bay near the port.
Alternatively, embrace the quaint charm of Puerto Vilamil, the island’s main town, or unwind on Isabela’s pristine beaches.
Isabela is also a great island to explore on your own. We spent the late afternoon exploring the island on bikes. We rode out to the Wall of Tears, remnants of what was once a penal colony, and then spent a golden hour back on the beach.
Day 2: Join the Los Tuneles Day Tour to explore lava tunnels, and spot marine life while snorkeling in clear waters, all under iconic arches.
So many of the fellow travelers that we spoke with said this was their favorite tour on the islands.
The Los Tuneles Tour is definitely one of the most popular tours on the islands so you will absolutely want to book this tour in advance.
On our second time to the islands, we did not book it in advance and missed experiencing the opportunity again. We made up for it by kayaking to Tintoreras, but if we had already experienced the Los Tuneles Tour, we would have really missed out on a unique experience.
Day 3: On your last day on the island, you will need to pick a final Isabella Tour.
Option #1 is to kayak to Tintoreras Islet to see penguins…yes, penguins. While you can take a boat or walking tour to Tintoreras, kayaking is the best way to go to the islet.
Kayaks not only get a little bit closer to the shore where penguins, blue-footed bobbies, and marine iguanas all live and play, you can also stay a bit longer to observe on a kayak.
Option #2: Hiking Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela Island is a must for nature enthusiasts. On this tour you will enjoy a moderate hike to the world’s second-largest volcanic crater, rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of unique landscapes and caldera.
Giant tortoises live in the caldera of Sierra Negra, the largest volcano on Isabela Island in the Galapagos. The caldera’s lush and relatively isolated environment provides an ideal habitat for these giant tortoises.
We have done both of these experiences and they are truly great. It truly is a matter of what you prefer to do, paddle or hike.
Santa Cruz: 3 Nights
Day 1: You will take an early boat from Isabella to Santa Cruz. The boat leaves at 6 a.m. and the journey is about 2 hours. You will arrive in Santa Cruz early enough to have a full day of exploring.
Once you settle in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz’ bustling town, spend the afternoon at the Charles Darwin Research Center.
At the center, you can witness Lonesome George, the last of his species, and learn all about the National Park’s conservation efforts to prevent more Galapagos species from dying out.
You’ll need a guide to go through the Charles Darwin Center, but no need to sign up in advance. You’ll be added to a tour once you check in at the entrance to the center. There is a small fee for the naturalist guide.
If you want to gain more turtle insights, visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. The center is just a short walk from the Charles Darwin Center.
Day 2: Spend the day at Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz’ best beach.
Tortuga Bay is a 45-minute walk or you can take a water taxi. Renowned for its white sandy beaches, this is Galapagos beach time at its best. The beach is wide and long and there are so many sea lions waiting to swim with you.
We recommend renting a kayak to explore its serene waters at your own pace, enjoying a day of nature’s splendor.
In the evening, check out one of Puerto Ayora’s many restaurants.
If you are a fan of craft breweries, we love Santa Cruz Brewery. We recommend the Chulla Passion, a fruit beer made with local produce.
Day 3:
Spend your last morning at Las Grietas, a natural pool formed by volcanic rock. To get to Las Grietas, take a short water taxi from the port and a 15-minute walk to reach this spot for invigorating swimming and snorkeling.
If you are feeling brave once you reach Las Grietas, you can do some cliff jumping into the water. If not, no worries, you are really here for the excellent snorkeling, some of the island’s best.
In the afternoon, explore Puerto Ayora, the island’s commercial hub to get any souvenirs or gifts for those back home. Take time to roam the town’s bustling streets, immerse in local culture, and discover the town’s offerings.
As the sun sets, relish the golden hour at Playa de La Estacion, just across from the entrance to the Charles Darwin Research Center.
Galapagos Itinerary: 7 days
Our Galapagos 1 week itinerary gets you all three of the major Galapagos Islands but at a faster pace than our 10-day itinerary.
For our 1 week Galapagos itinerary, we choose our favorite experiences on each island to give you the best of the best on each island.
For fuller descriptions of our recommended activities, read the 10-day Galapagos itinerary.
San Cristobal-2 Nights
Day 1: Arriving in the morning, either take a leisurely walk or a quick taxi ride into town.
After settling in, equip yourself with snorkel gear from a nearby shop. Then spend your afternoon embracing nature’s wonders with a hike to Las Cerro Tijeretas for stunning views of the water and town. After the hike, indulge in snorkeling at Playa Baquerizo Beach.
Day 2: On your second day, a choice unfolds of which organized tour: the 360° Island Tour or Lobos Island. We loved both tours.
If Kicker Rock tops your list, as it did ours, opt for Island 360°. This comprehensive tour, a full-day venture, encompasses essential stops across the island, culminating in Kicker Rock snorkeling.
It is never too early to start traveling with your kids. But for those traveling with little ones under 10 or looking for a more leisurely pace, consider the Lobos Island Tour instead of the 360° Tour.
Lobos Island is a haven for sea lion pups and blue-footed boobies, and the experience left us awestruck by its wildlife encounters. A memorable snorkeling experience is also part of the package.
Isabela-2 Nights
Note: If you are actually on an 8-day itinerary, we definitely recommend spending your extra day on Isabela. The quietest of the 3 major islands, Isabela is where you will feel most connected to the Galapagos nature and way of life. On your 3rd day, add a hike to Sierra Negro, one of the island’s volcanos.
Day 1: Day 1 is mostly a travel day, and reaching Isabela Island from San Cristobal requires dedication, but Isabela is absolutely worth it.
You will catch a morning ferry to Santa Cruz, then an afternoon ferry to Isabela, arriving around 5 p.m. If you packed snorkeling gear, seize the opportunity for incredible underwater vistas at the bay near the port.
Alternatively, embrace the quaint charm of Puerto Vilamil, the island’s main town, or unwind on Isabela’s pristine beaches.
Day 2: Start your day with the Los Tuneles Tour, a must-do Isabela experience.
The tour will take you through intriguing lava tunnels, discovering their formation process and the island’s geological history.
The Tuneles tour is one of the best of the islands to see marine life in crystal-clear waters, an adventure that seamlessly combines geological wonders and aquatic exploration. Be sure to book this tour in advance as it sells out, especially during the high season of June-November.
Santa Cruz: 2 Nights
Day 1: Begin by ferrying from Isabela back to Santa Cruz. Choose between an early 6 a.m. departure or a leisurely 3 p.m. option.
Upon arriving in Santa Cruz, check out the Charles Darwin Center, a hub of conservation efforts. At the center, you will meet Lonesome George, a poignant reminder of the island’s unique ecosystem and the reason why breeding efforts are such an essential part of the National Park’s mission.
Day 2: On your last day on the islands, rise early for a memorable day at Tortuga Bay.
Opt for an active start by renting a kayak, and embarking on a leisurely paddle to one of the Galapagos’ most exquisite beaches.
Tortuga Bay is one of the island’s best beaches where you can bask on the pristine shores, explore the natural beauty, and create lasting memories at this stunning destination.
Galapagos Itinerary 5 Days
If you only have 5 days to spend in the Galapagos, you will have to skip Isabela.
Isabela is totally worth the trip, but given that there are no direct ferries between San Cristobal and Santa Cruz, any time in Isabela just does make sense.
We still recommend you fly into San Cristobal and out of Santa Cruz. Spend 3 nights in San Cristobal using our recommendations in our 10-day Galapagos itinerary.
The morning of your 4th day, take the early morning ferry to Santa Cruz and enjoy 2 days in the hub of Puerto Ayora, with lots of beach time at Tortuga Bay and snorkeling at Las Grietas.
Where to Stay on the Islands
San Cristobal
If you are looking for a super central family apartment, look no further than the Blue Horizon. This 2-bedroom apartment is where we stayed on the island.
There are no frills here, but if you are looking for a centrally located, clean place with air-conditioning and a kitchen and two bedrooms, then this is our top recommendation.
If you are looking for the perfect couple’s getaway, choose Hotel Cann’s House. The hotel is minutes from the beach and offers free airport transfer.
All rooms have air-conditioning and there is wi-fi through. Your reservation comes with breakfast for two for the perfect start to your day.
Isabella
We stayed at Casa Soleil in Puerto Villamil and found it to be a great fit for our small family.
The hotel has both 1 and 2 bedrooms, and all units have a small kitchen and private bath.
The hotel is centrally located and a block from Isabella’s only brewery, Zaroa Brewery. Zaroa’s a family-run brewery, and for anyone who meets the drinking age in Ecuador, it is a must stop.
You won’t get a beach view here, but you will get a really clean and well-laid-out apartment for a super reasonable price.
If you want beachfront, look no further than The Drake Inn. We cycled by this hotel so many times, and each time marveled at how close it was to the water.
Each room has air conditioning, wifi, a private bathroom, a terrace, and most importantly, sea views.
If you want to hear the waves crash on the shore as you sleep then this is the one for you.
Santa Cruz
The Galapagos Cottages are perfect for a couple or a small family.
Each cottage comes with a private bath, a small kitchen, wifi, and best of all a view of the pool.
After a long day of exploring, you can jump right into the pool. The cottages have both 1 and 2-bedroom accommodations.
Essential Insights When Booking a Galapagos Adventure
Creating your own Galapagos cruise itinerary promises an unforgettable experience of unique wildlife and pristine landscapes.
However, navigating the intricacies of travel logistics is crucial to ensure a smooth and enriching adventure. Here are vital aspects to consider when booking your Galapagos trip:
INGALA Tourist Control Card: Your Gateway to Exploration
In order to enter the Galapagos, each person must have an INGALA Tourist Control Card. This card is essential for entering and exploring the Galapagos and is issued by Ecuador’s Council for the Galapagos.
You will get your INGALA Tourist Control Card at your departing mainland Ecuador airport. The government office to get your Control Card is inside the airport terminal.
There is a fee for the card and the office only accepts cash.
It’s advisable to allocate extra time, as during peak seasons, the processing lines can extend up to an hour. Advance planning can alleviate potential delays and ensure a hassle-free start to your journey.
Entrance Fee: A Contribution to Conservation
In addition to the INGALA tourist card, be prepared to pay the $100 entrance fee per person upon landing on the island.
This fee directly supports the conservation efforts that maintain the Galapagos’ pristine ecosystem.
It’s important to note that this fee must be paid in cash, so ensure you have sufficient funds on hand to cover this expense upon arrival.
Cash is King: Navigating Financial Transactions
Cash is king in the Galapagos. While some tour companies accept cards, it’s advisable to carry cash for various transactions.
Many establishments prefer cash payments, and even those accepting cards often apply a surcharge of 12-20%.
There are ATMs available, but they come with a daily withdrawal limit of $500. We also could never get more than $200 cash at a time, which meant more trips to the ATMs, more fees, and more stress.
When we asked locals about why we couldn’t get our daily limit at once, they just shrugged, smiled, and explained it was all part of life on the islands. So be prepared.
We have traveled all of South America and only Chile was more expensive than the Galapagos. So plan to spend a little more to experience these unique islands, and come with enough cash to book your many experiences.
Advanced Tour Booking: A Stress-Reducing Strategy
During the high season, booking tours in advance is paramount. Although you might pay more to book tours in advance, the peace of mind and accessibility to sought-after activities will enhance your vacation.
Trust us. We waited to book our 360° island tour on San Cristobal and the tours were sold out for days. We ended up rearranging our trip by a day so we could experience snorkeling Kicker Rock, but not without some serious stress.
Timely Ferry Reservations: Seamlessly Island-Hop
Ferrying between islands is a fundamental aspect of Galapagos travel.
To avoid last-minute complications, it’s recommended to book your ferry reservations at least a day ahead. Secure your spot on the desired ferry route, assuring smooth transitions between captivating islands.
Ferry reservations can be booked at the same tourism companies where you book on-island tours.
Financial Considerations for Boat Trips
Boat trips are a quintessential part of the Galapagos island-hopping itinerary. Like tours, you need to be prepared to pay for these boat trips in cash.
While cash machines are accessible, their limitations in withdrawal amounts could necessitate multiple visits, increasing potential fees. Ensuring you have sufficient cash for these transactions streamlines your journey.
You also need a few small bills for the water taxi that will transport you from the dock to the ferry boat.
Planning A Trip to the Galapagos Still Got You Stressed?
Planning a trip to the Galapagos on your own without a Galapagos island cruise is totally possible.
If, after reading all of our recommendations, you are feeling stressed then book a Galapagos island tour.
Creating your DIY tours is one of the best budget travel tips. We have diy’ed our way to so many places, like Machu Picchu and the Isle of Skye in Scotland where a tour seems necessary. But if you’ve made it to the end of this post and still feel uncertain, just book a tour.
The 7-Days on A Budget Galapagos Tour is 5-star rated and includes all your transportation, accommodations, and several meals during your stay.
The tour does not take you to San Cristobal, but you will get blissful days at Isabela, Santa Cruz, and a day trip to the small, uninhabited island of Santa Fe for snorkeling.
The 7-Day Tour even includes the Tintorres tour on Isabela so it includes one of the best Galapagos experiences.
The 8-Days Galagos Hopping Tour is perfect if San Cristobal and the Kicker Rock snorkeling experience are musts on your travel agenda.
The 8-day tour most closely emulates our 10-day itinerary and personal Galapagos voyage.
On this tour, you will explore all three inhabited islands and embark on top-notch tours at each destination. It’s the ideal choice to fulfill your Galapagos dreams and make the most of your adventure.
FAQ: Galapagos Island Vacation Itinerary
How many days do you need in the Galapagos Islands?
While you can build a Galapagos itinerary 5 days, seven days is really the recommended minimum number of days. A trip to the Galapagos is a once-in-a-lifetime experience so if you are planning a trip, give it at least seven days so you can spend 2-3 nights on the major islands of San Cristobal, Santa Cruz and Isabela.
What is the best time of year to see the Galapagos Islands?
The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is during the dry season, from June to November. This period offers cooler temperatures, clearer waters for snorkeling, and abundant wildlife activity, including the famed blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises.
Be aware that this is also the busiest time on the islands so book tours in advance.
Which island in the Galapagos is the best to visit?
The Galapagos Islands each offer their unique charm, but Santa Cruz stands out.
With diverse ecosystems, the Charles Darwin Research Center, and vibrant Puerto Ayora, it’s a prime hub for exploration.
Santa Cruz’s accessibility, variety of activities, and iconic wildlife encounters make it a top choice for an unforgettable Galapagos experience.
Are the Galapagos expensive?
Yes, the Galapagos Islands can be expensive due to their remote location and efforts to preserve the delicate ecosystem, especially if you are comparing it with mainland Ecuador.
While there are options for different budgets, visitors should anticipate higher expenses than what is typical in much of South America due to the islands’ unique conservation and tourism regulations.
Do all inhabited Galapagos islands have a tortoise breeding center?
Yes, all inhabited Galapagos islands feature a tortoise breeding center.
These centers play a vital role in conserving and rehabilitating the iconic giant tortoise populations, contributing to the islands’ unique ecological preservation efforts.
Can I go wherever I want in Galapagos National Park?
A certified naturalist guide is required for certain activities within the Galapagos National Park.
These include visiting visitor sites on the inhabited islands and exploring areas within the park’s protected zones.
Their expertise ensures responsible tourism, minimal impact on the environment, and insightful experiences while safeguarding the Galapagos’ delicate ecosystem.
Conclusion: Best Galapagos Island Itinerary
If you’re seeking the ultimate Galapagos Island-based itinerary, your search ends here.
Despite the initial perception of the Galapagos as challenging to explore independently, the reality is quite the opposite. Like Patagonia, which is also a bucket-list itinerary, with information like ours, you can do a trip on your own.
With our firsthand experience of visiting these remarkable islands both with and without organized Galapagos Islands land tours, we’ve come to understand that it is possible to DIY a Galapagos island tour.
Our journey, undertaken twice – once with a guided tour and later independently – has solidified our belief in the islands’ budget travel potential.
Armed with island travel insights, we’re here to empower you to curate your personalized DIY Galapagos itinerary.
Beyond being a budget-friendly choice, this approach affords you the freedom to immerse yourself in the archipelago’s wonders at your own pace.
The Galapagos awaits. We hope our guide to the best Galapagos Island itinerary allows you to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery unlike any other.
