Galapagos Island Hopper
Galapagos Island Hopper
$2996
Galapagos Island Hopper
6 Days Starting and ending in Quito, Ecuador
Visiting: Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island, San Cristobal Island
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GAIH19
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Galapagos Island Hopper tour, exploring the breathtaking natural wonders of Ecuador's Galapagos Islands. Begin your journey in Quito before heading to the enchanting Isabela Island, where you'll encounter unique wildlife like sea turtles, penguins, and sea lions. Experience the thrill of snorkeling in one of the world's best spots and kayaking amidst vibrant marine life. On Santa Cruz Island, marvel at the solidified lava tunnels and relax on secluded beaches. Discover the vibrant marine ecosystem around San Cristobal Island's iconic Kicker Rock and enjoy bird-watching and hiking through diverse landscapes. With comfortable accommodations and the guidance of a local expert, this tour offers an immersive experience into the rich biodiversity and stunning beauty of the Galapagos. All transportation within the islands is included, ensuring a seamless and enriching adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Quito To Isabela Island
Location: Isabela Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel La Gran Tortuga (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Ecuador! Today we're taking to the skies, bound for the glorious Galapagos Islands. Excited much? You should be. On arrival we’ll appease our rumbling stomachs with some munch. Giant tortoises roaming their natural surroundings and incredible old lava tunnels will welcome us onto the island of Santa Cruz. After lunch, we’ll take to the ocean and make tracks to our home for the night – the impossibly glorious Isabela Island, where we’ll sleep amidst the spellbinding beauty of the Galapagos National Park. The inspiration behind Charles Darwin’s ‘Origin of Species’, Isabela Island is home to wildlife you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Picture the scene – sandy streets, palm trees, crystal waters and seal pups playing – can it really get any more perfect? Soak it all in, as it’s home for the next little while.
Day 2: Isabela Island
Location: Isabela Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Isamar Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Well good morning paradise. The ocean is calling, and who are we to resist her? Our wildlife kayaking adventure will see us taking to the seas with beady eyes on the lookout for green sea turtles.
Day 3: Isabela Island To Santa Cruz Island
Location: Santa Cruz Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Silberstein (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We’ll wake up hungry for the day this morning (that’s what island life does to you), and for good reason – Santa Cruz is on the horizon. After settling in to the Santa Cruz way of life, we’ll stroll down to the beach and the cosy Tortuga Bay. Wildlife fanatics will be in their element – the island is known for sharks, rays, turtles, great blue herons, and even blue footed boobies. Spend your time sunbaking next to a marine iguana, or roam the streets stopping off in cute cafes for fresh juice pit stops.
Day 4: Santa Cruz Island To San Cristobal Island
Location: San Cristobal Island
Accommodation Name: Galapagos Planet (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Back on our boat we’ll set sail for San Cristobal, keeping our eyes peeled for cute bathing sea lions (we won’t have to look too hard – they’re literally everywhere). Four extinct volcanoes sit across the island creating scenic highlands that are best experienced by bike – mainly cruising downhill, you'll be happy to know. The tiny town of El Progreso will add a splash of colour to our journey, and we’ll also cross five different vegetation zones before arriving at our seaside destination – La Loberia beach.
Day 5: San Cristobal Island
Location: San Cristobal Island
Accommodation Name: Galapagos Planet (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It’s our last day soaking up the natural beauty of the Galapagos, and what a day we’ve got planned. Bird-watching will kick us off, followed by a cruise to the 143-metre Kicker Rock – a natural phenomenon that protrudes from the ocean and is one of the greatest icons of the area. Our Local Guide will give us the low-down on the wildlife – both above and below the water – that surrounds the rock, then we’ll jump in and explore for ourselves. Keep a look out for chocolate chip starfish and a Galapagos Shark or two, but remember the golden rule – keep those toes off the coral, as you can do serious damage to the delicate eco-system. Back on board, we’ll make tracks for Puerto Grande beach. Here, we’ll eat lunch on board and enjoy a final afternoon of Galapagos fun, before rounding off the day with a feat to end all feasts. WHAT A DAY.
Day 6: San Cristobal Island To Quito
Location: San Cristobal Island
Meals Included: Breakfast
There’s time to relax this morning & take in the beauty of the island before heading back to the mainland where your trip ends on arrival. Not done yet? Why not fly to Peru and join our Peru Uncovered trip?
What's Included
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Meals
Enjoy included meals such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner as specified in the itinerary.
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Local Guide
Benefit from the expertise of a local guide who will provide insights into the wildlife and natural phenomena of the Galapagos Islands.
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Activities
Participate in various activities including wildlife kayaking, snorkeling, bird-watching, and hiking.
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Transportation
All transportation within the Galapagos Islands, including boat transfers between islands, is included.
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Accommodation
Stay at Hotel La Gran Tortuga (or similar) on Isabela Island, Hotel Red Booby (or similar) on Santa Cruz Island, and Casa de Nelly (or similar) on San Cristobal Island.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
Flights to and from Ecuador are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is highly recommended.
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Personal Expenses
Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional food and drinks, and optional activities are not included.
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Tips and Gratuities
Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park is not included and must be paid upon arrival.
Dining Summary
2 Dinner (D)5 Breakfast (B)
Active
Santa Cruz Island: Take a walk inside these incredible tunnels, made from solidified lava.Isabela Island: Get set for the adventure of a lifetime. Float around the turquoise waters surrounded by penguins, turtles and sea lions.
Culture
Quito: Swoop into the phenomenal Galápagos Islands and start your expedition of these natural wonders. #exploreSanta Cruz Island: Marvel at the beauty. Then hike to a secluded beach with only the iguanas for company (and your Contiki crew, obvs).Santa Cruz Island: Support the crucial conservation, restoration and sustainable development work of the Galapagos scientists.Quito:
Included Experience
Quito: Swoop into the phenomenal Galápagos Islands and start your expedition of these natural wonders. #exploreIsabela Island: Look out for sea turtles, penguins, sea lions and more as you glide over to the largest island in the Galapagos.Santa Cruz Island: You can’t visit the Galapagos without popping by to say hello to its most famous residents.Santa Cruz Island: Take a walk inside these incredible tunnels, made from solidified lava.Isabela Island: Your chance to get up close with turtles, angelfish, parrotfish and more at one of the world’s best snorkeling spots.Isabela Island: Get set for the adventure of a lifetime. Float around the turquoise waters surrounded by penguins, turtles and sea lions.Isabela Island: A once-in-a-lifetime chance to get up close with endangered Galápagos Giant Tortoises – and see the work that’s being done to save them.Santa Cruz Island: Marvel at the beauty. Then hike to a secluded beach with only the iguanas for company (and your Contiki crew, obvs).Santa Cruz Island: Support the crucial conservation, restoration and sustainable development work of the Galapagos scientists.San Cristobal Island: Grab your camera and get some pics with these charming locals.San Cristobal Island: On the surface, this may look like a giant red rock shaped like a shoe. But under the water, it’s a rainbow utopia of marine life.San Cristobal Island: Stretch out on the pristine sands with your Contiki crew and take in the peace and tranquility.Quito:
Nature
Isabela Island: Look out for sea turtles, penguins, sea lions and more as you glide over to the largest island in the Galapagos.Santa Cruz Island: You can’t visit the Galapagos without popping by to say hello to its most famous residents.San Cristobal Island: Grab your camera and get some pics with these charming locals.San Cristobal Island: On the surface, this may look like a giant red rock shaped like a shoe. But under the water, it’s a rainbow utopia of marine life.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the Galapagos Island Hopper tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including sea turtles, penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, sharks, rays, great blue herons, blue-footed boobies, and the famous Galapagos Giant Tortoises. The tour also offers opportunities for bird-watching and snorkeling with diverse marine life.
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Are meals included in the Galapagos Island Hopper tour?
Yes, meals such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included as specified in the itinerary.
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What types of activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as wildlife kayaking, snorkeling, bird-watching, and hiking. These activities allow you to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.
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Is transportation between the islands included in the tour?
Yes, all transportation within the Galapagos Islands, including boat transfers between islands, is included in the tour.
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Will there be a local guide during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes the expertise of a local guide who will provide insights into the wildlife and natural phenomena of the Galapagos Islands.
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
Accommodation is provided at Hotel La Gran Tortuga (or similar) on Isabela Island, Hotel Red Booby (or similar) on Santa Cruz Island, and Casa de Nelly (or similar) on San Cristobal Island.
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Are international flights included in the tour package?
No, international flights to and from Ecuador are not included in the tour package.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and is highly recommended for the tour.
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Do I need to pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee separately?
Yes, the entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park is not included in the tour and must be paid upon arrival.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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