Step into the legendary Galapagos Islands with the Galapagos Affordable 8 Days Tour—an adventure designed for young adults and seasoned explorers alike keen to witness wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Starting and ending in Guayaquil, this tour takes you across islands such as San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela. Led by expert guides, you'll encounter iconic species like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and Darwin’s finches, and enjoy activities ranging from snorkeling and swimming to volcano hiking. Optional excursions add even more variety. The unique selling point: a wallet-friendly trip that grants up-close access to the biodiversity and evolutionary wonders that inspired Darwin, all within a flexible, activity-packed tour package.
SnorkelingMarine wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Age Range
8-79 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil, Sa
Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil, San Cristobal Island, Isla Santa Cruz, Isabela Island, Bartolome Island, Baltra Island, Quito
An excellent trip on a comfortable boat with a good crew and good food. We saw all of the expected wildlife, and snorkelling with sea lions and turtles amongst the fish was a particular highlight.
The boat is not operated by Explore, so on my trip there were other nationalities who had booked through other operators, but it was a good mix. On the afternoon of the first day at the hotel I received a WhatsApp from the cruise operator providing details of the airport transfer (handled by the hotel in my case) and of their representative who met me at the airport to provide my printed boarding pass and Transit Control Card. They also helped with the additional baggage check required before bag drop. The message also includes the flight details if you want to complete the bio-security form at https://declaracion.abgalapagos.gob.ec/ before arriving at the airport.
After snorkelling the crew will rinse all your gear and then hang wetsuits to dry (I think it was 80 USD to rent a wetsuit on board for the six days, but masks, snorkels and fins were free). There are lines with clothes pegs on the top deck to dry your swimwear.
Remember to take USD cash for tipping the crew and guide at the end of the trip. Two envelopes were left in my cabin for this, but the amount suggested at 15 USD per day for the guide and 25 USD per day for the crew of 11 was about double that in the trip notes.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Isla I
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Isla Isabela, Moreno Point, Isla Fernandina, Isla Santiago, Rábida Island
Step aboard the Archipel I and unlock the wonders of the Galapagos with the Galapagos - Central, West & East Islands tour, a 10-day adventure that starts and ends in Quito. Specially designed for experienced travelers, this easy-activity trip offers seven nights cruising between the archipelago’s central, west, and east islands, guided by an expert naturalist and attentive crew.
Snorkel with penguins at Vicente Roca, spot frigatebirds and all three species of booby, and witness giant tortoises roaming Santa Cruz’s lush highlands. Each day brings a new wildlife encounter, whether you’re gliding through volcanic waters or exploring on foot. The tour’s blend of underwater discovery and on-shore excursions ensures you’ll see the Galapagos from every angle.
A highlight of this tour package is the modern, spacious catamaran itself—offering comfort, panoramic views, and seamless island-hopping. What sets it apart is its focus on wildlife immersion, allowing you to experience the archipelago’s legendary biodiversity in both style and depth. For those looking to combine adventure, education, and relaxation, this Galapagos journey is truly unforgettable.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Santa
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Santa Fe Island, North Seymour Island, Puerto Ayora, Isabela Island, Isla Fernandina, Rábida Island
Searching for a compact yet immersive Galapagos adventure? The Galapagos Express - Central & West Islands aboard the Archipel I delivers a seven-day journey brimming with wildlife encounters and scenic cruising. Departing and concluding in Quito, this easy-paced adventure tour features four nights aboard a spacious, modern catamaran, led by a seasoned naturalist and crew.
Delve into the archipelago’s central and west islands, snorkeling at Vicente Roca amid colorful fish and seahorses, and exploring Santa Cruz’s highlands in search of giant tortoises. Along the way, spot blue-footed boobies, iguanas, sea lions, and perhaps even a Galapagos penguin. Each day combines guided walks and underwater excursions, offering a balanced mix of adventure and comfort.
What makes this trip package unique is its efficient yet thorough itinerary, delivering the Galapagos’ best highlights in less than a week—all while enjoying the amenities of a contemporary catamaran. For travelers with limited time but boundless curiosity, this tour is the perfect gateway to Darwin’s enchanted isles.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Isla I
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Isla Isabela, Isla Fernandina, Rábida Island
Experience the wonders of the Galapagos Islands on this "6-Day Galapagos Islands: Snorkel, Hike & Wildlife" trip. Swim with colorful marine life, encounter giant tortoises, and observe blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and penguins in their element. This adventure includes visits to Isabela, Santa Cruz, and an uninhabited island—making every day a new discovery.
Perfect for young adults and nature lovers, this tour package offers comprehensive assistance from a naturalist guide, plus accommodation, transportation, and select meals. The highlight? A seamless blend of snorkeling, hiking, and close-up wildlife encounters in one of the world’s most extraordinary archipelagos.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
5-80 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Galapagos Islands, Isla Santa Cr
Galapagos Islands, Isla Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, Tintoreras, Isabela Island, Baltra Island
Experience the Galapagos in style on the Galapagos - Central & West Islands aboard the Treasure, a nine-day adventure that starts and ends in Quito. This easy-paced group tour takes you through Isabela Island, Moreno Point, and more, blending land explorations with water-based adventures.
Travel aboard the upgraded Treasure of the Galapagos catamaran, where each private cabin features its own balcony, and the sundeck boasts a Jacuzzi with panoramic views. Guided by a naturalist expert, enjoy daily snorkeling excursions—swimming with sea lions and schooling fish—as well as onshore walks to spot penguins, blue-footed boobies, and giant tortoises.
The USP of this tour package is its elevated level of onboard luxury, combining up-close wildlife encounters with premium amenities. For travelers seeking a comfortable, all-encompassing Galapagos adventure, this trip is a perfect blend of relaxation and discovery.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Isla I
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Isla Isabela, Moreno Point, Isla Fernandina, Rábida Island
South America’s marvels unfold as you journey through Peru, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands on this immersive 23-day tour. Begin in Lima, exploring bustling markets and colonial treasures, then venture to Lake Titicaca’s ancient islands and the iconic Machu Picchu. Experience the Amazon’s rich biodiversity from a jungle lodge, guided by locals who reveal its secrets. In Ecuador, wander Quito’s historic streets and indulge in its renowned chocolate, before heading to the Galapagos for encounters with giant tortoises, playful sea lions, and volcanic landscapes. The adventure culminates in coastal Guayaquil. The tour’s unique feature? Its extraordinary blend of cultural immersion and rare wildlife experiences, making this trip an unparalleled exploration for experienced travelers.
Food tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Age Range
1-79 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Quito, Lima
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Quito, Lima, Puerto Maldonado, Puno, Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil, Amazon Peru, Sandoval Lake, Puerto Quito, Puerto Ayora, Isabela Island, Taquile Island, Sacred Valley
Imagine tracing the footsteps of ancient civilizations while spotting wildlife found nowhere else—this 14-day "Galapagos & Machu Picchu" trip delivers just that. Blending Ecuador’s natural marvels with Peru’s storied past, this guided tour immerses you in the highlights of both countries. Begin in Quito’s historic heart, then venture through Cotopaxi National Park before setting sail for the Galapagos Islands, where you’ll walk among giant tortoises, visit the Charles Darwin Station, and snorkel through vibrant marine reserves. Next, soar to Peru to uncover Cusco’s colonial charm, the Sacred Valley’s markets and ruins, and the dazzling hues of Rainbow Mountain. The adventure culminates at Machu Picchu, where Inca ingenuity comes alive. This tour is especially appealing for experienced travelers and young adults eager to experience diverse ecosystems and world-famous archaeological sites in one seamless package. The USP: an expertly guided blend of wildlife encounters and cultural immersion, with all transport, accommodation, and select meals provided—making for a hassle-free, once-in-a-lifetime exploration.
Trekking and HikingWildlife
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
5-80 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Quito, Lima
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Quito, Lima, Galapagos Islands, Santa Cruz, Sacred Valley, Cotopaxi National Park, Mitad Del Mundo, Isla Isabela, Los Túneles
Galapagos land tours don’t get more immersive than the 'South Galapagos Island Hopping' trip. Perfect for active travelers and wildlife enthusiasts, this guided tour explores the lesser-visited corners of the archipelago at your own pace.
Journey to Santa Cruz, North Seymour, Española, and San Cristobal, where you’ll walk alongside giant tortoises, swim with hammerhead sharks and sea turtles at Kicker’s Rock, and spot rare waved albatrosses at their exclusive nesting grounds. Each day reveals a new perspective on the islands’ unique biodiversity.
The USP? Unmatched access to the Galapagos’ hidden gems—offering a more intimate, flexible alternative to traditional boat-based tours.
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
6-99 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Santa
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Santa Cruz, San Cristobal Island, North Seymour Island, Isla Santa Cruz, Kicker Rock, Espanola Island
Follow in the footsteps of Darwin with the "5-Day Galapagos Land-based Tour: Santa Cruz & Isabela." Dive into crystal-clear waters to swim alongside vibrant fish, sea urchins, and possibly even sharks. Witness giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas in their natural habitats, all guided by an expert naturalist who ensures you don’t miss a thing.
This trip is tailored for adventurous young adults and wildlife enthusiasts seeking an immersive island-hopping experience. The unique selling point? The chance to explore the Galapagos’s diverse ecosystems and rare species up close, with all logistics, accommodation, and guidance taken care of for you.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
5-80 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Galapagos Islands, Santa Cruz, I
Galapagos Islands, Santa Cruz, Isla Santa Cruz, Tintoreras, Baltra Island