Jewels of the Galápagos: Isla Santa Cruz & Isla Isabela - 8 Days

Day 2: Yacht Trip to an Uninhabited Island

Of the many islands in the Galápagos, only four have permanent settlements. The others are wild, untouched, and prime habitats for their many endemic species, so visits are highly regulated by park authorities and limited to small groups. Santa Fé and Plaza Sur are home to endemic land iguanas, while Bartolomé is known for its beautiful lava flows. On Seymour Norte, distinctive frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies flourish. Each island is unique, offering spectacular scenery and opportunities to see rare wildlife.
 
Today's adventure takes you on a fantastic day trip to one of these uninhabited islands, traveling by yacht around the archipelago. When you reach the island, you'll drop anchor and follow trails on foot to discover its beauty and wildlife up close. After lunch on board the yacht, you'll have the opportunity to go snorkeling and explore the area further before sailing back to Santa Cruz.

Day 3: Kayak at Garrapatero Beach, Visit an Organic Coffee Farm

You'll have the morning free to enjoy some downtime on Isla Santa Cruz's beautiful Garrapatero Beach. Take a walk along this secluded, 2-mile (3 km) stretch of shore, then explore the shallow waters and coves by kayak. Stretch out on the pristine white sands, and observe the many resident sea lions, iguanas, marine birds, and colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs in their natural habitat, unbothered by the presence of humans.

In the afternoon, take a trip to a coffee farm near Puerto Ayora to sample some of the island's famed coffee. Not your average coffee plantation, this farm is part of a social responsibility program that grows coffee beans while contributing to the conservation of plants and soil. Meet the local growers and learn the process of gathering, drying, and peeling coffee, then pick up a bag as a taste of the Galápagos to take home with you.

Day 5: Hike the Sierra Negra Volcano

Another adventurous day awaits today, with a hiking excursion to the famous Sierra Negra volcano. As you explore the second-largest volcanic crater on the planet, you'll walk through a striking geological landscape. The area is dotted with lava paths, and its unique terrain creates a remarkable ecosystem for endemic flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for some of the many rare and colorful bird species that frequent the area as you make your way toward the rim, and spot cooled lava flows and other evidence of the crater's most recent eruption in 2005.

Enjoy spectacular views from the top of Sierra Negra, then continue for another hour's hike up to Chico volcano, a secondary crater, where your exertions will be rewarded with more panoramic views and a boxed lunch. While the walk is long in terms of distance at 10 miles (16 km), the terrain is straightforward and easy to navigate, making this a must on your Galápagos bucket list. After descending, return to Puerto Villamil, where you can enjoy the rest of the afternoon however you please in the laid-back town or on the surrounding beaches.

Day 6: Explore Isla Isabela by Bike

Today you can explore more of the island by bike as you cruise along Isabela's coastal roads. Along the way, stop at various viewpoints and beaches, such as Playa del Amor (Love Beach), home to a huge population of marine iguanas. Continue pedaling to reach the famous Muro de las Lagrimas (Wall of Tears), a historic landmark built by the prisoners of this former penal colony. Coast back to Puerto Villamil and make a last stop to explore the diverse environment and colorful residents of Flamingo Lagoon.

The afternoon is free to explore, so take a stroll along the boardwalk through mangroves out to La Concha Perla. Bring snorkeling gear, as this small beach with brilliant turquoise waters is full of marine life. Or, visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center for a closer look at one of the Galápagos' most iconic species. Later, watch the sunset over snacks and drinks at the Iguana Point Bar, with a terrace overlooking the beach. 

Day 7: Kayak & Snorkel at Las Tintoreras, Return to Isla Santa Cruz

Pack your sun hat and your sense of adventure for today's excursion to Las Tintoreras. Located just offshore from Isla Isabela, this chain of small volcanic islets teems with diverse wildlife, and you'll get the chance to spot its many species as you paddle around the black lava outcroppings by kayak. Be on the lookout for penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies, as well as the harmless whitetip sharks or tintoreras that bask in the shallow waters and give the area its name. You can also opt to snorkel in the turquoise waters, gliding alongside colorful fish, sea turtles, rays, and penguins.

Later in the day, you'll meet at Puerto Villamil Pier and say your goodbyes to Isla Isabela as you catch a two-hour speedboat ride back to Isla Santa Cruz and Puerto Ayora for the night.

Day 8: Visit Tortuga Bay, Transfer to Isla Baltra & Depart

You still have plenty of time to savor your final day in the Galápagos. Spend this morning experiencing more unspoiled nature with a 45-minute walk through an opuntia (prickly pear) cactus forest to reach the stunning Tortuga Bay. This paradise of fine coral sand and turquoise waters vies for the "best beach in the Galápagos" title, and it makes the perfect spot to spend your final hours sunbathing, swimming, or snorkeling. Sit back and watch for marine iguanas and Darwin's finches, or rent a kayak and explore farther afield.

Later in the day, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the Itabaca Channel, where you'll cross by ferry to the airport on Isla Baltra and catch a flight to your final destination. Safe travels!

More Great Galápagos Islands Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Galápagos Islands? Check out these other Galápagos itineraries, explore different ways to spend eight days in the Galápagos, or discover the best time to visit the Galápagos.