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Ultimate Wildlife Exploration

Galapagos Island-Based Wildlife Walking Tour

8 DaysStarting at $7,795
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Overview

Blue-footed boobies do their slap-happy dance for you. Galápagos penguins dart under your sea kayak. A pod of sea turtles performs their graceful ballet around you. Baby sea lions paddle up for a better look. The giant land tortoises? They’re close enough to touch. If you go wild for wildlife, you’ve found it. AFAR magazine named our Galápagos trips “Best Wildlife Encounter”… in the world. Join our Galápagos island tour and skip the cramped confines (and back and forth zodiac rides several times a day) of a cruise ship to get up close and personal with the creatures you came to see. Naturalist guides lead you to extraordinary wildlife experiences, minus the flocks of tourists. You have abundant chances to walk, kayak, snorkel – and sip the occasional poolside cocktail. Then we take you a few steps farther – to the rim of the world’s second largest volcanic caldera, and much more. Throughout, you stay in luxury waterfront boutique hotels. And you can feel great knowing that we follow 'Leave No Trace' environmental standards and our close ties to the islands means this Classic Journey supports more than 50 local residents and their families.

Watch the three-minute documentary: A Traveler’s Tale in the Galapagos Islands

Classic Journeys’ Galapagos trips are the best wildlife experience in the world.”
AFAR Magazine

Itinerary Highlights

Download Full Daily Itinerary
  • Join your naturalist guides for fascinating walks that introduce you to the lagoons, mangroves and countryside of the islands.
  • Come face-to-face with playful baby sea lions, as you snorkel with them as well as green sea turtles and marine iguanas.
  • Keep your eyes sharp for blue-footed boobies to see how they hover over the sea and dive for fish.
  • Walk through otherworldly volcanic terrain to the awesome caldera of Volcán Chico to experience new lava flows most people never see.
  • Take a small fishing boat to explore Tintoreras to snorkel with the world's only warm water penguins.
  • Start your days with a walk on the beach, a dip in the pool or a walk among flamingos and other wildlife easily reached from your perfectly-sited seafront boutique inns.
  • Walk among giant, 500-pound tortoises as your guides lead you along trails known to locals.
  • Paddle kayaks over turquoise waters where manta rays and reef sharks glide below.
Download Full Daily Itinerary

Map

  • Starting Point:

    Quito – Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel – hotel lobby

  • Ending Point:

    Baltra Island – Santa Cruz – 1:15 pm – Baltra Airport
Itinerary Map

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Walking Level

  • Daily Mileage Options: 2-8 miles

  • Route Notes:

    The terrain on this trip includes a mix of sandy beach paths, trails on volcanic rock and lava flows, compressed dirt, elevated boardwalks, and well-maintained countryside and coastal trails. Generally, the paths along the coast are mostly level, although in limited instances such as on the volcano and in the highlands, there will be some elevation gain and loss.
To See Mileage Daily, Download Full Itinerary

Dates & Prices

The earlier you book, the more options you’ll have and the lower your price. Secure your spot with a deposit of just $500 per person at the time of reservation. Plus, you can always change your mind — there’s no fee to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. Talk with one of our travel experts at 800-200-3887.

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Family Departure

Select our “Family Departure” to travel with other families.

Internal Air

$998: This trip includes flights between Quito and the Galápagos for a supplemental cost, including Galápagos entrance fee & Ingala card.

Hotels

We spend years cultivating personal relationships with our hoteliers to provide you thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region. Here is a sampling of our favorite hotels on this tour. 

Hotel Indigo Room

Hotel Indigo

Hotel Indigo is a luxurious boutique hotel on San Cristóbal Island, blending modern elegance with island charm. Enjoy stylish rooms with private balconies and ocean views, an infinity pool, spa, and vibrant dining—all just steps from adventure.

Galapagos Iguana Crossing hotel

Iguana Crossing

The ocean laps at this beautiful eco-friendly hotel, with beach access out front and a National Park nearby. Enjoy staying in their comfortable rooms with modern amenities and swimming in their outdoor pool or roof-deck jacuzzi.

Angermeyer Waterfront Inn

Built of native lava rock and driftwood, this first-class hotel is situated right on the waterfront. Guests enjoy peace and total privacy, plus a perfect chance to experience what the owners call the true ‘Galápagos spirit’.

Wyndham Quito Airport

Surrounded by mountains, this hotel is adjacent to Quito airport and is furnished with a minimalist contemporary style.

What’s Included

  • Meals: All breakfasts, five lunches, and three dinners.
  • Hotels: Award-winning boutique properties, thoughtfully selected for their exceptional location, design, history, and regional character.
  • Tour Leader(s): Expert guides who are your well-connected local friends and provide you access to people and places you wouldn’t find on your own.
  • Supplemental Experts: Additional regional guides and specialists on select tours.
  • Transportation: All land transportation as listed in the daily itinerary, including fares for trains, ferries, and other modes of travel.
  • Equipment: Premium gear and expert guides for kayaking, rafting, glacial hiking, and snorkeling as outlined in the daily itinerary on select tours.
  • Privileged Access Events: One-of-a-kind access to remarkable people, places, and experiences arranged just for you, as noted in the daily itinerary.
  • Admissions & Entry Fees: Entry to tastings, historic sites, and other scheduled activities listed in the daily itinerary.
  • Baggage Transfers: Upon arrival, we whisk you and your bags directly to your room—no waiting, no tipping.
  • Gratuities: All gratuities at hotels, restaurants, and for baggage handling.
  • Dedicated Guest Services Coordinator: Your pre-trip concierge and tour expert, available to answer questions and ensure you’re fully ready to get the most out of your tour.
Not Included: Tour Leader gratuities, travel to and from your trip’s start and end points, and any meals or activities taken independently.

Why Choose Classic Journeys

Why the Galápagos with Classic Journeys is Afar Magazine’s Best Wildlife Encounter Immerse yourself in the islands’ natural wonders through walking, paddling, and snorkeling with remarkable wildlife. You get exceptional access to diverse birds, animals, and marine life beyond the coastline. Meticulously designed explorations ensure your comfort and safety while maximizing authentic wildlife encounters inland and offshore.
  1. The Best Guides: Naturalists, Botanists, and Local Experts Classic Journeys guides are true Galápagos ambassadors – naturalists, botanists, former fishermen, and descendants of earliest settlers. Some even trace their lineage to the visionary enacting the first 1800s species preservation laws. Their profound connection transcends facts to connect you to the islands’ essence. Our naturalists intimately grasp ecosystems, flora, fauna, and geological forces, sharing evolutionary insights and highlighting vital conservation.
  2. The Smallest Groups = The Most Authentic Wildlife Encounters With an average of just 10 guests per tour (never more than 18) and an exceptional 1:5 guest-to-guide ratio (maximum 1:8), our curated walks, kayaking excursions, and snorkeling sessions ensure you experience the Galápagos’ wildlife undisturbed. Enjoy unforgettable personal encounters – snorkeling alongside playful sea lions, observing blue-footed boobies’ mating rituals, and walking with giant tortoises – free from the disruptions of large crowds.
  3. Our Boutique Hotels are the Ideal Luxury Base Camp Our waterfront boutique hotels offer full amenities and ensuite luxury, providing you access to remote trails, secluded watering holes, and pristine coves that are just not reachable by the crowds. Witness wildlife undisturbed, like hiking to giant tortoise watering holes and along ancient lava flows. Unlike cruises, enjoy 24/7 access to explore islands’ flora and fauna at your own pace – linger at beaches with sea lions for sunset or rise early with the iguanas and penguins. Then recharge at your boutique retreat before the next day’s adventures.
  4. Eat Like (and With) the Locals Our Galápagos adventures bring you closer to the islands’ residents, allowing you to learn from them, dine with them, and experience their warm hospitality firsthand. Imagine savoring an authentic lunch at a private hacienda, where a local family welcomes you into their home and shares stories of their culinary heritage passed down through generations. On another day, join a local chef to learn their favorite ceviche recipe. 
  5. Locals Only Footpaths to Wildlife  With our local naturalist guides, you’ll traverse hidden trails to secluded coves and pristine beaches, witnessing undisturbed wildlife. Guides share generational stories and traditions, offering a glimpse into the Galápagos’ rich cultural tapestry. Daily, they’ll lead you on cinematic walking paths – tracing volcanic rims to lava fields, through wooded glens to tortoise watering holes, and along coastal trails to swim with Galapagos penguins – designed for you to enjoy incredible species encounters in their natural habitats. 
  6. Top Quality Gear for Top Quality Experiences At Classic Journeys, our decades of kayaking and snorkeling experience has taught us the importance of top-notch equipment for immersive, comfortable adventures. We provide the best kayaks, paddles, and life jackets designed for stable, maneuverable gliding across turquoise waters. Our high-quality snorkeling gear – masks, snorkels, flippers, wetsuits – ensures effortless up-close encounters with iconic marine life. And our gear valet service ensures your properly fitted equipment awaits you on arrival, maximizing your adventure time. 
  7. Kayaking Expertise and Support = More Access to Wildlife With Classic Journeys, you’ll never paddle alone. Our kayaking adventures, led by experienced naturalist and kayaking guides with dedicated boat support, allow you to tailor your exertion level – paddle as much or as little as you like. Our guides help you move seamlessly between kayaks and support boat, conserving your energy. And, as you paddle alongside seabirds and turtles, our naturalist guides enrich your experience with invaluable insights into the Galápagos’ ecosystems, remarkable wildlife behaviors, and habitats. 
  8. Regenerative Travel: Sustaining Local Communities  At Classic Journeys, true sustainability means supporting local communities through our regenerative travel philosophy. Our person-to-person approach puts currency directly into the pockets of Galápagos residents – partnering with families sharing culinary traditions, artisans, guides, and small businesses relying on responsible tourism. We’ve even helped fishermen to re-career to become snorkeling and kayaking guides. This sustains livelihoods while protecting the environment and providing you authentic experiences. 
  9. Protecting the Habitat  Through our membership in the International Galápagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA), Classic Journeys actively supports initiatives that protect the islands’ delicate ecosystems and incredible biodiversity. Our commitment to responsible tourism is woven into our approach – from itinerary design to local community partnerships. We meticulously plan adventures minimizing environmental impact, adhering to “Leave No Trace” principles, and ensuring our presence doesn’t disrupt the remarkable flora and fauna’s natural habitats. 
  10. Island Hopping = Wildlife Spotting  A hallmark of our Galápagos adventures is our privately chartered boats, allowing us to follow wildlife movements and adapt itineraries for optimal encounters, even when we’re moving between islands. Imagine adjusting course to follow whale migrations, sea lion feeding grounds, or booby nesting sites – ensuring you witness nature’s greatest spectacles. And when flying between islands, your guides transform transits into aerial flightseeing adventures, pointing out unfolding landscapes and spotting birds, animals, and marine life from above. 

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FAQs

What makes Classic Journeys’ Galápagos tour different from a cruise?

Classic Journeys’ island-based Galápagos tour immerses you in island life each day as you discover hidden trails, share meals with locals, and stay in boutique hotels and eco-lodges each night. Away from a large ship, you’ll be able to enjoy the islands’ rhythms, wildlife, and communities at your pace, with small groups and the region’s most knowledgeable guides. Unlike cruises, every day offers flexibility, deeper wildlife encounters, and authentic moments that simply don’t happen onboard.

Which islands and wildlife encounters are typically included on a Galápagos tour itinerary?

You visit iconic islands like Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristóbal, with walks to secluded coves, tortoise watering holes, mangrove forests, and volcanic beaches. Your wildlife encounters include giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, penguins, marine iguanas, and playful sea lions—guided by local experts who know the islands intimately. They’ll help you spot wildlife and marinelife, as well as teaching you all about the flora and fauna each step of the way.

How many days do you really need in the Galápagos?

For an unforgettable experience, plan to spend at least a week in the Galápagos. This gives you time to explore multiple islands, enjoy kayaking and snorkeling, and take relaxed walks with plenty of chances for bucket-list wildlife encounters—plus time to unwind after your adventerous days.

When is the best time of year to visit the Galápagos for calmer seas and peak wildlife activity?

Year-round! With each seson bringing new wildlife spotting and breeding opportunities, you can visit anytime. Join us in the Galapagos where despite it’s location on the Equator, the weather is always temperate

Is it better to explore by land or by cruise?

If you want flexibility, immersive local experiences, and authentic island rhythms, a land-based tour is ideal—no need to rush or stick to a rigid cruise itinerary. Classic Journeys’ land program ensures deep, personal wildlife encounters and the freedom to choose how you spend each day for an unforgettable experience.

Do visitors need a licensed naturalist guide to access Galápagos National Park sites?

Yes—Galápagos National Park regulations require visitors to be accompanied by licensed naturalist guides at designated sites. Your Classic Journeys guides are true Galápagos ambassadors, sharing rich insights and ensuring every visit is meaningful and respectful.

What fitness level and swimming ability are recommended for a Galápagos tour with snorkeling and kayaking?

You’ll enjoy the Galápagos most with moderate walking ability and basic swimming confidence for kayaking and snorkeling. Classic Journeys’ guides tailor activities to all fitness levels, ensuring everyone—kids, grandparents, and beginners—can join in safely and comfortably.

Is snorkeling/kayak gear (and wetsuits) provided?

Quality snorkel, kayak, and wetsuit gear is always provided and expertly fitted. Your guides help you gear up comfortably for every adventure in the Galapagos.

Is the Classic Journeys Galápagos tour family-friendly and suitable for multigenerational travel?

Absolutely! Classic Journeys’ Galápagos tours are designed for families and multigenerational groups. Flexible activities, caring guides, and wildlife experiences ensure every member of your group can safely explore, connect, and savor the islands together.