Galápagos Island Hop — Santa Cruz • Floreana • Isabela (7–9 Days)

📍 Ecuador | Guided | All Essentials

Snorkel, stroll, and volcano-rim hike across Santa Cruz, Floreana & Isabela
comfy stays, a Floreana community night, and your choice of 7-day land-only or 9-day with Quito return flights.

Quito → Santa Cruz → Quito

Quito → Santa Cruz → Quito

Easy | Ages 12+

Easy | Ages 12+

Hotel/Lodge

Hotel/Lodge

200% CO₂  Offset

200% CO₂  Offset

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Galápagos Island Hop: Santa Cruz • Floreana • Isabela (7–9 Days)
Tour Overview

Galápagos Island Hop — Santa Cruz • Floreana • Isabela (7–9 Days)

Trade cruise crowds for shore time on three classic isles. Snorkel lava-cut channels, wander Tortuga Bay’s sugar-white sand, and hike Sierra Negra’s vast caldera. Evenings are easy: simple, comfy stays near the action—including a community-run guesthouse on Floreana that keeps your spend local.

Pick 7 days (land-only) if you’re already in Ecuador, or extend to 9 days with a Quito gateway so domestic flights and a high-altitude city intro are handled. It’s social, land-based, and designed for travellers who like their wildlife close and their logistics sorted.

Quick Facts

Duration: 7–9 days
Style: Small-group, land-based island hopping (Classic vibe, friendly & social)
Difficulty: Moderate (walks, swims, one volcano rim hike, choppy boat hops possible)
Start/Finish:
7-day: Santa Cruz ↔ Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora)
9-day: Quito ↔ Galápagos (same island flow)
Transport: Inter-island speedboats, local transfers, walking
Stays: Simple hotels + community guesthouse on Floreana, twin-share, island centres
Group / Age: Max 16, typically 12; 12+

Trip Highlights

  • Snorkel Las Grietas and other lava-tunnel channels teeming with reef life

  • Hike the rim of Sierra Negra for other-worldly lava fields and big-sky views

  • Unhurried beach time at Tortuga Bay (bring that rash shirt)

  • Meet giant tortoises in the highlands and visit a breeding centre

  • Floreana community stay: family-run eateries, seaside sunsets, starry silence

  • Optional snorkel to Tintoreras islets—penguins, rays, and reef-sharks glide-bys

  • CEO/Naturalist Guide keeps the sightings flowing (boobies, iguanas, turtles)

  • Evenings free for island cafés, gelato stops, and golden-hour strolls

Good to Know

  • Inter-island speedboats can be bumpy—pack a dry bag and motion relief if needed

  • Snorkel gear provided for included outings; your own mask often fits best

  • Wildlife is, well, wild—close encounters aren’t guaranteed, but they’re common

  • Luggage limits apply on boats; a soft duffel + daypack is ideal

  • Our trips fund local partners and include a 200% CounterImpact (we offset double the estimated footprint)

Booking Terms & Conditions

7-Day | Live Dates & Availability
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9-Day | Live Dates & Availability
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Itinerary
Day 1 | Quito (9-Day Tour Start)

Arrive anytime; no scheduled activities until an evening welcome meeting with the G Representative (tour briefing, Q&A). Extra pre/post nights are recommended to explore more of the city.
Optional (pre-bookable/local):

  • Quito City Tour & Equator Line (full day, ~08:00–17:00): Old Town UNESCO walk (Basilica del Voto Nacional, La Compañía, San Francisco Sq., Plaza Grande) + Middle of the World latitude 0° stop.
  • Cotopaxi Volcano Day Trip: Museum, lagoon hike, vehicle ascent to ~4,500 m; optional hike toward the refuge/glacier (weather-dependent). Park fee not included; split across the group.
    Accommodation: Hotel Eugenia (or similar) — Quito
    Included meals: None
Day 2 | Quito → Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) & Darwin Station

Unaccompanied domestic flight UIO → Baltra (GPS) with teams assisting at both ends. Transfer across Baltra channel to Santa Cruz and continue to Puerto Ayora. Visit Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre & Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation programs and see giant tortoises up close (nursery, corrals). Evening welcome meeting in town for anyone joining in the islands.

7-DAY TOUR - Check in at hotel then meet guide and group in the evening

Transport: Plane (~2.5–3 h) + ferry/shuttle/local transfers

Accommodation: Hotel Dejavu (or similar) — Santa Cruz

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 3 | Santa Cruz → Floreana (Community Stay) & Las Grietas

Morning walk through a cactus forest to swim the lava-walled, turquoise channel at Las Grietas (look for Darwin’s finches and lava lizards en route). Afternoon speedboat (~2 h) to Floreana. Dinner is at one of the G for Good community restaurants—rotated among families so tourism spend is shared.

G for Good: Floreana Community Restaurants & Guesthouses — community-run dining and lodging developed to keep benefits local in an isolated island of ~150 residents.

Transport: Water taxi + walking + speedboat (~2 h; seas can be choppy Jul–Dec—bring motion relief)

Accommodation: G-Supported Floreana Community Guesthouse (or similar) — Floreana

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 | Floreana Highlands & Lobería Black-Sand Beach

Walk the black-sand Lobería beach for relaxed swim/snorkel time (shore entry; currents can be strong—strong swimmers only). Head to the seldom-visited highlands (2–3 h) for guided walks: birdlife, unique flora, and the island’s vivid human history—pirates, whalers, seal hunters, buccaneers—and early settler lore. Community-rotated meals continue to support local families.

Optional (pay locally):Lobería Snorkelling (1–2 h; ~US$5) — shore snorkel with frequent sea lion and reef-fish sightings (conditions permitting).

Accommodation: G-Supported Floreana Community Guesthouse (or similar) — Floreana

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 | Floreana → Isabela & Sierra Negra Hike

Speedboat to Isabela (2–2.5 h). Lace up for the Sierra Negra rim walk (1–2 h around the viewpoint area): one of the world’s largest basaltic calderas, moonscape lava fields, wide-angle views. Sunset on Puerto Villamil beach.

Transport: Speedboat (2–2.5 h) + local transfer

Accommodation: Hotel Iguana (or similar) — Isabela

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 6 | Isabela Wetlands, Giant Tortoise Centre & Optional Tintoreras

Stroll the wetlands boardwalks (watch for flamingos in the lagoons), then visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (restoration of threatened species). Free time later for beach hangs or add a classic boat/snorkel.
Popular optional add-ons (subject to availability; pay locally):

  • Islote Tintoreras Snorkelling (2–2.5 h; ~US$45–50): boat/snorkel with chances for white-tip reef sharks (the “tintoreras”), marine iguanas, rays, turtles, penguins.
  • Los Túneles Snorkelling (4–5 h; ~US$140–150): dramatic lava arches, rich reef life; 40-min boat ride each way.
  • Concha de Perla (self-guided; ~US$5): calm bay snorkel; frequent sea lion cameos.
  • Wall of Tears Bike (1–2 h; ~US$20): somber historic site from penal-colony era.
  • Surfing lesson (2–2.5 h; ~US$120) when conditions allow.
    Accommodation: Hotel Iguana (or similar) — Isabela
    Included meals: Breakfast
Day 7 | Isabela → Santa Cruz & Tortuga Bay

Morning speedboat (2–3 h) back to Santa Cruz. Walk the lava-stone path (~8 km return) to Tortuga Bay for white-sand beach time; optional kayak or surf lesson. Evening free—check the lively fish market where pelicans and sea lions loiter for offcuts.

Optional (pay locally):Tortuga Bay Kayak (2–3 h; ~US$15); surf lesson (~2–2.5 h; ~US$120).

Transport: Speedboat (2–3 h) + walking

Accommodation: Hotel Dejavu (or similar) — Santa Cruz

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 8 | Santa Cruz → Quito (7-DAY end)

For all 7-DAY Joiners; Depart any time

The rest return to Baltra for the flight back to Quito; transfer to the hotel and enjoy a final evening in the capital. (G strongly recommends booking onward international flights tomorrow, not today, due to common schedule shifts.)

Transport: Plane (~3 h) + local transfers

Accommodation: Hotel Eugenia (or similar) — Quito

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 9 | Quito Departure

Depart at any time.

Optional extras (own expense): Quito City & Equator day tour (08:00–17:00); Cotopaxi NP full-day (museum, lagoon walk, vehicle ascent to ~4,500 m; 1.5 h walk to refuge; weather-dependent glacier section). Cotopaxi park fee not included; typically shared among the group.

Included meals: Breakfast

Notes & Prep

  • Boats: Inter-island speedboats can be bumpy—pack motion-sickness remedies and a dry bag.
  • Snorkel gear: Typically provided for included outings; your own mask can fit better.
  • Luggage: Soft duffel + daypack works best due to boat space limits.
  • Wildlife: Close encounters are common but never guaranteed—that’s the magic.

Key Tour Info

Route Map
Food & Accommodation

Where you’ll be sleeping / what you’ll be eating

Stays (twin-share, simple/standard comfort; private ensuites where available)

  • Quito — 2 nights (Day 1 & Day 8): Hotel Eugenia (or similar). City base with Wi-Fi, hot water, 24/7 reception.
  • Santa Cruz — 2 nights (Day 2 & Day 7): Hotel Dejavu (or similar), Puerto Ayora. Walkable to waterfront, shops, and the fish market.
  • Floreana — 2 nights (Days 3–4): G-Supported Community Guesthouses (or similar). Clean, simple island rooms run by local families; your spend stays on the island.
  • Isabela — 2 nights (Days 5–6): Hotel Iguana (or similar), Puerto Villamil. Beach sunsets, easy access to wetlands and Concha de Perla.

Rooming & comfort

  • Default twin-share; single room may be available on request (supplement applies).
  • Expect fan or A/C, hot water, basic toiletries, and Wi-Fi in town hotels (signal can be spotty on the islands; Floreana is the most limited).
  • Soft duffel + daypack recommended due to boat space/handling.

Meals included (9-day gateway version)

  • Breakfasts (8): Days 2–9
  • Lunches (1): Day 4 (Floreana community)
  • Dinners (2): Days 3 & 4 (Floreana community)

How eating works on this trip

  • Community meals on Floreana: Dinner (Day 3) and all meals on Day 4 are served at rotating, family-run eateries—part of a community tourism initiative that spreads benefits locally. Expect fresh fish, rice/veg plates, soups, fruit juices, and simple desserts.
  • Elsewhere (Quito, Santa Cruz, Isabela): Breakfasts at your stay; lunches/dinners are mostly free-choice so you can explore cafés and cevicherías. Your CEO/Naturalist will suggest great local spots (seafood, Ecuadorian set menus, veggie-friendly options).
  • Dietaries: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other needs are usually accommodated—tell us in advance so island kitchens can plan.
  • Water & snacks: Treated/filtered water is available at accommodations or shops; bring a reusable bottle. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, electrolytes, and light snacks for boat days.

Notes

  • Community standard: Floreana rooms are simpler than mainland hotels—clean, welcoming, and the most direct way your stay supports locals.
  • Timing & availability: Specific hotels may change to similar standard based on departure date and island operations.
What's Included & What's Not

✅ What’s Included

  • Domestic flights: Quito ⇄ Baltra (as per itinerary flight segments)
  • On-trip transport: Inter-island speedboats, channel ferry/shuttle, local transfers, and walking access to included sites
  • Guiding & support: Evening welcome meetings (Quito and Puerto Ayora) with G Rep/CEO; assistance at airports on both ends of the Galápagos flight
  • Activities noted in the day-by-day:Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre & Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz)Las Grietas walk & swim (Santa Cruz)Lobería black-sand beach time (Floreana)Floreana Highlands guided excursionSierra Negra volcano crater viewpoint hike (Isabela)Wetlands walk & Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (Isabela)Tortuga Bay hike (Santa Cruz)
  • Accommodation (twin-share, or similar):Quito: Hotel EugeniaSanta Cruz: Hotel DejavuFloreana: G-Supported Community Guesthouse (community-run)Isabela: Hotel Iguana
  • Meals (as listed in your day-by-day): 8 breakfasts · 1 lunch · 2 dinnersCommunity-rotated meals on Floreana (Day 3 dinner; Day 4 breakfast/lunch/dinner)

🚫 What’s Not Included

  • Optional activities & their local fees (examples from your notes):Lobería snorkelling (Floreana) ~US$5Islote Tintoreras snorkelling (Isabela) ~US$45–50Los Túneles snorkelling (Isabela) ~US$140–150Concha de Perla snorkelling (Isabela) ~US$5Wall of Tears bike visit (Isabela) ~US$20Surfing lessons (Isabela/Santa Cruz) ~US$120Tortuga Bay kayaking (Santa Cruz) ~US$15Quito add-ons: City Tour & Equator Line (full day), Teleférico (~US$9), Cotopaxi day trip (park entrance fee not included; split among travellers)
  • Meals not listed above (most lunches & dinners outside Floreana)
Weather Expectations

Seasonal Weather Expectations

Galápagos (Santa Cruz • Isabela • San Cristóbal)

  • Seasons: Two clear patterns. Warm/Wet (Dec–May): sunnier, short tropical showers; air ~26–31 °C, sea ~23–26 °C; typically calmer seas and great snorkelling without heavy neoprene. Cool/Dry “garúa” (Jun–Nov): overcast mornings with mist, air ~21–27 °C, sea ~18–23 °C; choppier crossings and cooler water—most travellers prefer a shorty or 3–5 mm wetsuit.
  • Currents & visibility: The Humboldt & Cromwell currents drive cooler water and nutrient blooms mid-year (great wildlife, cooler snorkels). Water can dip lower at western sites and rise toward the north/east; visibility varies with plankton.
  • Wind & sea state: Inter-island speedboats can be bumpy Jul–Dec—bring motion meds and pack a dry bag.
  • Sun & UV: Equatorial UV is intense year-round; wear a rash shirt, hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and sunglasses.
  • Rain: Short, heavy showers are most common Jan–Mar; they usually clear quickly.

Quito (9-day version only)

  • High altitude (2,850 m): Mild days, cool nights year-round—typical 7–20 °C swing; pack warm layers for evenings.
  • Showers: More frequent Oct–May (often pm); drier Jun–Sep.
  • UV & acclimatisation: UV is very high; hydrate, go easy on day one, and consider sun protection even on overcast days.
⭐ Reviews
What To Pack

What to Pack

Documents & money

  • Passport, e-tickets, travel insurance, park/ISSC receipts (if applicable).
  • Credit/debit card + small cash for boats, snacks, tips.

Bags

  • Soft duffel/backpack (island transfers); daypack with dry bag or liners.
  • Packing cubes; zip-locks for wet gear/sand.

Clothing (quick-dry, sun-smart)

  • Rash shirt (long-sleeve) and light long pants for sun.
  • T-shirts/tanks, shorts, casual evening wear.
  • Light fleece/warm layer (cooler “garúa” season Jun–Nov).
  • Rain shell or compact poncho (summer showers Dec–May).
  • Sleepwear and underwear (quick-dry).

Footwear

  • Walking shoes/trainers with grip (volcanic trails).
  • Reef-safe sandals/thongs for boats and beaches.
  • Optional water shoes for rocky entries.

Snorkel & swim

  • Swimsuits (bring two), microfibre towel.
  • Personal mask/snorkel for best fit (gear often provided).
  • Shorty wetsuit (3–5 mm) Jun–Nov or if you feel the cold.

Sun & sea protection

  • Reef-safe sunscreen (high SPF), zinc for nose/lips.
  • Wide-brim hat/cap, polarised sunglasses with strap.
  • After-sun or aloe; lip balm SPF.

Health & motion

  • Seasickness remedies (choppy crossings Jul–Dec).
  • Basic meds: analgesic, antihistamine, electrolytes, anti-diarrhoeal.
  • First aid: plasters, blister care, antiseptic wipes.
  • Insect repellent (light use on some islands).

Hydration & small items

  • Reusable water bottle (750 ml–1 L) or collapsible flask.
  • Head torch/small torch, power bank, universal adapter.
  • Camera/GoPro with spare batteries; dry sleeve for phone.
  • Light gloves (lava rocks can be rough) and bandanna/buff for sun.

Quito (9-day version)

  • Warm layer for cool evenings (2,850 m altitude).
  • Comfortable city shoes; consider hand sanitiser and mask for urban travel.

Nice-to-haves

  • Earplugs/eye mask (early boats, lively malecóns).
  • Small laundry soap; travel clothesline.
  • Notebook/pen for wildlife sightings.
Local Insights

Local Insights

  • Wildlife etiquette: The animals are fearlessly curious—you shouldn’t be. Keep 2 m distance, no touching/feeding, and let sea lions pick the encounter (not you). Marine iguanas have right of way.
  • Snorkel smarts: Entry/exit can be slippery lava; step slowly and avoid standing on coral. If currents pick up, stay tight to your guide and use calm bays like Concha de Perla for an easy session.
  • Seas & motion: Inter-island boats can be choppy Jul–Dec. Take motion tablets 30–60 min before boarding; pack a dry bag and sit near the stern for a smoother ride.
  • Sun like a laser: Equatorial UV is no joke. A long-sleeve rashie, hat and reef-safe sunscreen beat reapplying every 10 minutes.
  • Cash is king-ish: ATMs exist but can be fickle. Carry small USD notes for snacks, taxis and park kiosks; cards are more common in Santa Cruz than smaller spots.
  • Meals & water: Tap water isn’t potable. Stick to purified/ bottled water and avoid ice of unknown origin. Seafood is excellent—ceviche, grilled fish, plantain sides—ask what’s fresh today.
  • Local pace: Island evenings are laid-back—malecón stroll, sunset, early boats next morning. Noise can carry; earplugs help if your room faces the waterfront.
  • Respect closures: Sites may rotate for conservation or weather. If a favourite (e.g., a tunnel or beach) is closed, expect a like-for-like alternative—the archipelago protects wildlife first.
  • Quito altitude (9-day): At 2,850 m, go easy on day one—hydrate, avoid big boozy nights, and take hills slowly. Old Town is safe by day; at night, use registered taxis/rideshare.
  • Tipping & thanks: Small tips for boat crews/guides are appreciated (carry ones and fives). Learn a friendly “Buenos días” and “Gracias”—it goes far.
  • Eco-common sense: Take all rubbish out, skip single-use plastics, and choose reef-safe products. You’re in a national park—treat it like one.
  • Gear check: Test your mask fit before the first boat day; a leaky seal can turn “wow” into “meh.” If you run cold, hire a shorty wetsuit even in warm season.
CO₂ Footprint Report
Your Tour Offsets drive far more than Tree Planting — We Go Climate Positive By Design | Click Here to View the Method

CO₂ Footprint — Lima (LIM) feeder

Results Summary (Topline)
Per guest (7 days, LIM feeder): ~1.45 tCO₂e
Per guest (9 days, LIM feeder): ~1.95 tCO₂e
Per tour (assumed 16 guests): 7-day ≈ 23 tCO₂e · 9-day ≈ 31 tCO₂e
Counter-impact target (200%): 7-day ≈ 2.9 tCO₂e per guest · 9-day ≈ 3.9 tCO₂e per guest
Method note: DEFRA-aligned with WTT and RF = 1.9 for aviation; conservative factors; +10% uncertainty baked into rounded figures.

Scope & Boundaries
Guest travel to/from tour (feeder fixed at LIM):

  • 7-day: LIM → Baltra (GPS); San Cristóbal (SCY) → LIM (open-jaw).
  • 9-day: LIM → Quito (UIO) → GPS; SCY → UIO → LIM.
    On-tour transport: Two inter-island public speedboats (~2 h each), short local transfers, walking activities.
    Accommodation: Simple hotels/guesthouses, twin-share (6 nights for 7-day; 8 nights for 9-day).
    Meals: All meals for trip duration (included + own-expense) using a conservative per-meal factor.
    Activities: Modest allowance for guided operations (e.g., snorkel support).
    Excluded: Optional add-ons (e.g., Kicker Rock, Los Túneles), long-haul beyond LIM, shopping, atypical extras.

Emission Factors (overview)
Aviation (economy): base ~0.158 kgCO₂e/km, × RF 1.9, + WTT → effective ~0.29–0.30 kg/km used.
Boats (inter-island launches): conservative fuel-share per passenger applied.
Ground/local: ~0.09 kg/km (WTT incl.).
Accommodation proxy: ~12 kg/night (budget stays; conservative).
Meals: ~2.5 kg/meal.

Activity Data (applied)
Aviation distances (great-circle):

  • 7-day total: ~3,784 km (LIM→GPS ~1,936 km; SCY→LIM ~1,848 km).
  • 9-day total: ~5,226 km (LIM→UIO ~1,322 km; UIO→GPS ~1,326 km; SCY→UIO ~1,256 km; UIO→LIM ~1,322 km).
    Boats: ~4 h total (Santa Cruz ↔ Isabela; Santa Cruz ↔ San Cristóbal).
    Local transfers: ~100–120 km combined (ports/airports/town hops).
    Accommodation: 6 nights (7-day) · 8 nights (9-day).
    Meals: 21 (7-day) · 27 (9-day).

Results — Per Guest (rounded)
7-day (LIM feeder)

  • Aviation (3,784 km; RF+WTT): ~1.14 tCO₂e
  • Boats (4 h): ~0.03 tCO₂e
  • Local transfers: ~0.01 tCO₂e
  • Accommodation (6 nights): ~0.07 tCO₂e
  • Meals (21): ~0.05 tCO₂e
  • Total (incl. +10% uncertainty): ~1.45 tCO₂e**

9-day (LIM feeder)

  • Aviation (5,226 km; RF+WTT): ~1.57 tCO₂e
  • Boats (4 h): ~0.03 tCO₂e
  • Local transfers: ~0.01 tCO₂e
  • Accommodation (8 nights): ~0.10 tCO₂e
  • Meals (27): ~0.07 tCO₂e
  • Total (incl. +10% uncertainty): ~1.95 tCO₂e**

Results — Per Tour (16 guests)
7-day: ~23 tCO₂e · 9-day: ~31 tCO₂e

Assumptions (key)
Fixed LIM hub; great-circle distances; DEFRA 2024 factors with WTT and RF 1.9; conservative small-boat and ground estimates; accommodation/meal proxies applied to ensure cross-trip comparability; +10% uncertainty uplift.

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Tour FAQ's
Who is this trip best for?

Travellers who want maximum wildlife in a short window with a social, land-based vibe. Days are active but not extreme: snorkels, beach walks, and a half-day volcano rim hike.

How fit do I need to be?

Easy–Moderate. You should be comfortable snorkelling in open water, walking a few hours (volcanic terrain), and climbing in/out of small boats.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

You should be comfortable in the water with a mask and snorkel. Life vests are available; deeper sites (e.g., Kicker Rock) are optional.

Are snorkelling gear and wetsuits provided?

Mask, snorkel (and often fins) are typically provided. Shorty wetsuits are usually available to hire—recommended Jun–Nov when water is cooler.

More FAQ's

How rough are the boat rides?

Inter-island speedboats (~2 h) can be choppy Jul–Dec. If you’re motion-sensitive, take tablets 30–60 min before boarding and bring a dry bag.

What’s the accommodation like?

Simple hotels/guesthouses in island towns (twin-share). On some departures one night in San Cristóbal is multi-share. A My Own Room upgrade can often be pre-booked (limited).

How many meals are included?

Breakfast daily on touring days (7-day: 6 breakfasts; 9-day: 8 breakfasts). Other meals are at your own expense so you can try local places.

What’s included vs not?

See ✅ What’s Included and 🚫 What’s Not Included above for the full breakdown (activities, flights on the 9-day version, etc.).

Park/entry fees—what should I expect?

Local park/ISSC fees may apply depending on your departure. Amounts and payment points can change—your final documents confirm what’s due on the spot in USD cash.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes—comprehensive travel insurance is required for this style of trip (medical, evacuation, activities listed).

How big is the group?

Small group. Exact maximum varies by departure; your voucher has the specifics.

What about luggage and weights on the Galápagos flights (9-day)?

Allowance varies by airline/ticket. Keep bags light/soft for island logistics and check your e-ticket for current limits.

Are airport transfers included?

Internal flights (Quito ↔ Galápagos) are included on the 9-day. Transfers depend on flight timing and will be detailed on your voucher.

Can I book my international flight the day we return from the islands?

Not recommended. Galápagos flight schedules can change—plan onward flights the day after the group returns to Quito.

What optional activities are popular and how much are they?

Typical favourites and recent price guides (subject to change):


  • Los Túneles snorkelling (Isabela): 4–5 h, ~USD 140–150

  • Islote Tintoreras snorkelling (Isabela): 2–2.5 h, ~USD 45–50

  • Kicker Rock snorkelling (San Cristóbal): 2–3 h, ~USD 140–160

  • Isla Lobos snorkelling (San Cristóbal): ~USD 90–110

  • Wall of Tears bike (Isabela): 1–2 h, ~USD 20

  • Surf lessons: 2–2.5 h, ~USD 120

    Availability can be tight in peak season—pre-book locally on arrival.

Money & ATMs?

Currency is USD. ATMs exist on main islands but can be patchy—carry small notes for boats, snacks and tips.

Dietary needs?

Most places can handle vegetarian/pescatarian diets; gluten-free/vegan options are improving. Advise early and choose venues accordingly.

Water safety?

Tap water isn’t potable. Use purified/bottled water; many hotels/cafés can refill for a small fee.

Electricity & plugs?

120V / 60Hz, Type A/B (US-style). Bring a universal adapter and a power bank.

Wildlife rules I should know?

Keep 2 m distance, no touching/feeding, and let animals approach or pass. Don’t stand on coral or block nesting paths.

Will the itinerary ever change?

Yes—sites may rotate due to conservation or weather. If something closes, you’ll get a like-for-like alternative of similar quality.

Can I extend or add Quito later?

Yes—choose 7 days islands-only or 9 days with Quito. You can often add pre/post nights to explore the city further.

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  5. Final balance invoice. After confirmation, you’ll be invoiced the remainder in line with the trips booking terms & conditions (each trip/partner has its own timeline but full payment is generally required at least 30 days prior to departure).
  6. If we are unable to confirm your spot: you’ll receive a full refund of your deposit. Zero stress.

B) Instant confirmation route (selected trips)

  • Some departures use live operator booking calendars. These can deliver instant confirmation inside the operator’s system.
  • If you book this way, the operator’s terms & conditions apply immediately (including payment schedules and change/cancellation rules).

Good to know

  • Each trip may have slightly different deadlines and deposit rules—You can find the terms and conditions for your chosen booking on the listing page.
  • You can still flag special requests after deposit—earlier is better for availability.
What’s your cancellation & refund policy?

Before your booking is confirmed

  • If we can’t confirm your spots after you’ve paid a deposit, we’ll issue a full refund of that deposit.

After your booking is confirmed

  • Cancellations follow the operator’s cancellation schedule (varies by trip and how close you are to departure).
  • Expect possible fees or non-refundable items (e.g., internal flights, permits, certain accommodations).
  • If a refund or credit is due, we’ll process it once the operator releases the funds and pass it back to your original payment method.

Instant-confirmation bookings (live operator calendars)

  • The operator’s T&Cs apply immediately on these. Some departures are non-refundable or have stricter windows.

How to cancel

  • Email us your booking reference, names on the booking, and a one-line request (“Please cancel”).
  • We’ll reply with the exact penalties/refund or credit per your operator before proceeding.

If the operator cancels or significantly changes your trip

  • You’ll be offered an alternative date, a travel credit, or a refund according to that operator’s policy. We’ll advocate for the best outcome for you.

Good to know

  • Refunds are returned to the original payment method; bank/FX fees aren’t usually recoverable.
  • Travel insurance is your friend for recovering non-refundable costs.
  • The earlier you contact us, the better your options typically are.
Can I change dates or transfer my booking?

Short answer: Usually yes, but it depends on the operator’s rules and how close you are to departure.

Date changes

  • We’ll check new-date availability with the operator.
  • If a change is possible, you’ll pay any applicable operator change fee plus any price difference for the new date.
  • The closer to departure, the tighter (and costlier) changes become; some trips treat late changes as a cancel + rebook under the operator’s policy.

Transfer to another person (name change)

  • Many operators allow a name change/transfer up to a certain cut-off.
  • Fees and deadlines vary by operator and services booked (e.g., flights may be non-transferable).

Instant-confirmation bookings

  • If you booked via a live operator calendar, the operator’s T&Cs apply immediately. Some departures are non-changeable or have stricter windows.

How to request a change

  • Email us with your booking reference, preferred new date/person’s details, and any flexibility.
  • We’ll confirm options, fees, and any price differences before making changes.

Pro tips

  • Ask early—more seats = more options, lower fees.
  • Consider travel insurance that covers change/cancellation costs.
  • Always check booking terms and conditions, links displayed on each tour page under the overview.
Are you accredited / is my money protected?

Yes. Your money is protected by our own accreditation and safeguards, plus the protections of our tour partners and the payment methods we use.

Our business safeguards

  • Legally registered business with documented booking & refund policies.
  • Commercial insurance appropriate to our operations.
  • VTIC Quality Tourism Accreditation (Quality Tourism Accredited Business) confirming we meet industry standards for customer service, safety, and risk management.

Operator-level protection

  • We partner only with established operators who maintain their own financial protections and clear refund/credit policies.
  • When you book via a live operator calendar, payment is processed directly by the operator and their protections/terms apply immediately.

How your payment is handled

  • All card payments run through a secure, PCI-compliant gateway; we don’t store your full card details.
  • If you book through a live operator calendar, payment is processed directly into the operator’s system, and their terms & protections apply immediately.

Your legal rights

  • Your purchase is also covered by consumer laws in your country/state (fair trading/refund rights). We reference the applicable jurisdiction on your paperwork.

Extra peace of mind

  • Paying by credit card may add chargeback protection from your card issuer.
  • We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover situations outside operator/consumer protections (your own cancellation, medical, delays).
Do you offer price matching?

Absolutely. Our prices update live from the operator, but if you spot the same tour on the same dates with the same inclusions and terms advertised for less — even in a public sale or promo — we’ll match it.

Already booked? We’ll refund the difference to your original payment method (eligibility applies, based on the final checkout price including taxes/fees from an authorised seller). And yes, the matched price still includes our 200% carbon offset — no dilution of benefits.

Do I need travel insurance?

Not for every trip—but for most travellers, we strongly recommend it

Some itineraries and partner operators do require insurance (especially remote treks, glacier walks, or bookings made via live operator calendars with mandatory cover).

When it’s required

  • Certain partners/departures make insurance compulsory and may ask for proof before departure. If you book one of these, their T&Cs apply immediately.

What good cover includes

  • Medical treatment & emergency evacuation/repatriation (high limits).
  • Trip cancellation/interruption (protects your deposit and balance if plans change).
  • Baggage & travel delay, and supplier default where available.
  • Coverage for all activities on your itinerary (e.g., trekking, glacier hikes, kayaking) and any relevant altitudes/conditions.
  • 24/7 assistance hotline and a clear claims process.

When to buy

  • At booking. That way, cancellation benefits start immediately and you’re covered if something crops up before you travel.

How to share proof

  • Email us your policy certificate (names, policy number, assistance phone).
  • If you booked via an instant-confirmation operator calendar, follow their proof instructions and deadlines exactly.

Are departures guaranteed?

Most departures run as planned, but guarantees depend on the operator and minimum numbers. If there’s a wobble, we’ll tell you fast and give you options.

How it works

  • Minimum group size: Most partners need a minimum number of travellers to confirm a trip.
  • When we confirm: Each operator has a confirmation window (often 30–60 days before departure). We monitor load and update you as status changes.
  • Any listing from "G-Adventures" will be guaranteed to run with a booking

If a trip is under-subscribed

  • We’ll contact you with clear options:

Move to another date (same tour)

Switch to a comparable trip

Full refund of monies paid (per the operator’s terms)

  • Any price differences for new dates/trips will be discussed before you decide.

If a trip is suspended (weather, park closures, strikes, force majeure)

  • First, we’ll look to re-route or adjust (e.g., alternative park, similar activities).
  • If that’s not viable, you can move dates, choose a different trip, or receive a refund/credit according to the operator’s policy.

Our promise

  • Proactive comms: We’ll keep you posted as soon as we know more—no last-minute surprises if we can help it.
  • No pressure choices: You pick the outcome; we handle the admin.
  • Flight advice: Until your tour is confirmed, book flexible/refundable flights or add insurance that covers schedule changes.

TRAVEL

TRAVEL

RESTORE

RESTORE

REPEAT

REPEAT

- RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW -