Galapagos Islands Tours for Solo Travelers
10 best Galapagos Islands solo travel packages
Compiled by
NadineGalapagos Islands travel expert at TourRadar
- 6 Days: Exploring Santa Cruz (Budget-Friendly Solo Adventure)
- Solo-ish Galápagos
- The Wonders of Santa Cruz Island
- Galápagos Explorer - Guayaquil & Santa Cruz - 8 Days
- Galapagos Islands a Dream for Naturalists & Local Encounters
- Galapagos Cruise - Discover Central, East & South Islands in 8 Days aboard the Monserrat
- Galapagos Discovered - 6 days
- 5 Days Galapagos Expedition Tour
- 10 Days Galapagos Highlights Small Group Tour
- Galapagos Island Hopping
Snorkel Pinzón Island's Penguin Bay encountering Galapagos penguins, sea lions, and rays in clear waters, then relax at La Fe's white sand beach between wildlife encounters. Solo travelers aged 18+ join small groups for fully guided tours to La Lobería islet, Las Grietas cliffs, and Charles Darwin Station's giant tortoise breeding center. This budget-friendly adventure includes standard Puerto Ayora accommodations, kayaking at Tortuga Bay, and flexible free time to check out Santa Cruz Island's peaceful town and coastal trails.
Duration 6 days Destinations Baltra Island, Puerto Ayora Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 1 Group Type GroupPersonalized Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- US$1,610
Solo travelers connect through hands-on activities like making cocktails at Black Beach on Floreana Island and sharing a locally sourced lunch at the G Adventures-supported community restaurant. Snorkel at Tintoreras (Shark Alley) to see whitetip reef sharks, check out the San Cristóbal Interpretation Centre, and tour an organic coffee plantation in Santa Cruz. Eight nights of hotel accommodation on twin-share basis with group sizes of 10-16 people, plus free days to independently visit Los Tuneles or hike Sierra Negra volcano if you want.
Duration 9 days Destinations Quito, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, Floreana Island, San Cristóbal Island Age Range Ages 14+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator G Adventures From $3,499
25% Off- US$2,624You save $875
Duration 6 days Destinations Baltra Island, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Bartolomé Island, Pinzón Island Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 6 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Authentic Ecuador From $2,850
4% Off- US$2,750You save $100
Galápagos Explorer - Guayaquil & Santa Cruz - 8 Days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Galapagos was amazing, so many memories.”
Roberto, traveled in June
Small groups of 4-8 share adventures from German Beach snorkeling to lava tunnel hiking. Wildlife viewing at Charles Darwin Station and Rancho Primicias, with single room options on Santa Cruz Island.
Duration 8 days Destinations Guayaquil, Santa Cruz Island, San Cristóbal Island Age Range Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator BM Tours From
4% Off- US$1,276
Galapagos Islands a Dream for Naturalists & Local Encounters
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing trip! I love the Galapagos.”
SARO, traveled in January
Wildlife encounters at Punta Suarez and snorkeling at Gardner Isle unite nature enthusiasts. Hidden waterfalls and local farms round out guided adventures through Floreana's historic sites.
Duration 9 days Destinations Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Santa Cruz Island, Floreana Island, Baltra Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Signature DMC From
4% Off- US$4,990
Galapagos Cruise - Discover Central, East & South Islands in 8 Days aboard the Monserrat
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Crew was amazing and we had a wonderful time!”
Jacqueline, traveled in June
The Monserrat's 10-cabin setting welcomes solo travelers, average age 49. Share wildlife encounters at Gardner Bay, group snorkeling at Champion Islet, and hikes through Santa Fé's prickly pear forests. Perfect balance of private space and social interaction awaits.
Duration 8 days Destinations Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Santiago Island, Seymour Norte, Santa Fé Island, San Cristóbal Island, Lobos Island, Española Island, Punta Suarez, Floreana Island Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 20 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Via Natura Ecuador From
4% Off- US$5,695+$550 upfront costs
The intimate M/C Anahi catamaran welcomes solo travelers, where 50% of guests travel independently. Bond with like-minded explorers over wildlife viewing at San Cristobal Interpretation Centre and snorkeling at Devil's Crown. Private cabins and small group excursions ensure personal comfort.
Duration 6 days Destinations Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Española Island, Floreana Island, Santa Cruz Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 24 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator On The Go Tours From $3,915
10% Off- US$3,524You save $392
5 Days Galapagos Expedition Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Galapagos is just magical. Isabela was our favorite island due to its smaller town size, beautiful beaches and friendly vibe.”
Jill, traveled in December
The islands' highlights await nature enthusiasts snorkeling Las Tintoreras' channels. Activities include hiking Sierra Negra's massive crater and visiting Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. Standard accommodations span both main islands.
Duration 5 days Destinations Baltra Island, Puerto Ayora, Isabela Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type GroupPersonalized Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Responsible Travel South America From
10% Off- US$1,431
10 Days Galapagos Highlights Small Group Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The canoe rides and sightseeing were unforgettable. The food and restaurant service was great.”
Andrew, traveled in August
Small groups gather at Charles Darwin Station and Las Grietas canyon. Giant tortoise encounters in Santa Cruz highlands and visits to San Cristóbal's interpretation center bring like-minded adventurers together.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, Santa Cruz Island, San Cristóbal Island, Isabela Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 36 Group Type GroupPersonalized Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Responsible Travel South America From
10% Off- US$2,788
Galapagos Island Hopping
33 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We saw sooo many animals and fish! Our trip was outstanding and we got lucky seeing a few rare sites.”
Vanessa, traveled in July
Natural wonders at La Loberia, Sierra Negra Volcano, and Las Tintoreras bring solo travelers together. Expert naturalists guide group activities from comfortable hotels on San Cristóbal, Floreana, Isabela and Santa Cruz.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Cristóbal Island, Floreana Island, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,895
10% Off- US$2,606+$230 local paymentsYou save $290
What people love about touring Galapagos Islands solo
- 5 Days Galapagos Expedition Tour
We had a great time on this tour. Stephan greeted us and brought us on tour of tortoise reserve and Chsrles Darwin Centre. He was excellent, informative and looked after us well. Second day on Tintoreas was our first experience of snorkeling. Carlos could have been more patient. But on day 3 In Tunneles Darwin was superb. He looked after us well, was so enthusiastic and also took great photos which he shared with us. Julio took us to the crater on a good hike on day four. Again he was so knowledgeable and we got to see it after hiking through the mist. Accommodation in Postale de Mar an La Jungla was excellent with nothing too much trouble for the great hosts
- Galapagos Island Hopping
The tour with Intrepid was very good. We visited lots of places and the guides were great as well.
In first a couple of days, there are some issues. I was fallen down at Lava Tunnel and my arm was hurting due to the local tour guide didn’t pay enough attention on safety in this activity. Later Diego in Santa Cruz Island and Julio in Isabela Island worked hard to keep things smoothly. I enjoyed my time in this beautiful island very much, I appreciate both Diego and Julio’s help. I also think the itinerary could be improved as there are two free days in this tour, I have to purchase other day trips to fill up these two free days.
10 Days Galapagos Island Hopping in Santa Cruz and Isabela
What our customers ask about Galapagos Islands Tours for Solo Travelers
What percentage of travelers join Galapagos tours as solo participants?
According to current booking data 57% of travelers choose to explore the Galapagos Islands on their own. The Best of Galapagos tour often sees more than half its participants traveling solo which creates a natural community of independent explorers. Many travelers connect with others during daily activities such as snorkeling sessions at Kicker Rock or while hiking Sierra Negra Volcano making it easy to form friendships along the way.
Which Galapagos Islands are most recommended for solo travelers?
Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands stand out as excellent choices for independent travelers. Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz offers a bustling atmosphere with local eateries and community spaces while Isabela provides a more relaxed setting. Both islands give plenty of chances to meet fellow travelers whether it's during a morning snorkel at Concha Perla or along the trails of Sierra Negra Volcano. As one TourRadar reviewer noted: "Puerto Ayora was my favorite base as a solo traveler - there were always other travelers to connect with at the local cafes and on day tours."
What level of fitness is required for solo travelers on Galapagos tours?
Most Galapagos activities need a moderate level of fitness. You'll find everything from gentle nature walks to more demanding hikes. The Sierra Negra Volcano trail on Isabela Island stretches 17km round trip making it one of the more challenging options while spots like Tortuga Bay welcome swimmers of all abilities. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "As a solo traveler in my 50s with average fitness I could handle most activities comfortably - there were always options if something felt too challenging."
How safe is the Galapagos for solo travelers?
The Galapagos Islands maintain a strong safety record with minimal crime and well-established tourist services. Most activities come with professional guides including snorkeling at Las Tintoreras and walks through the Charles Darwin Station. Places like Hotel Fiesta on Santa Cruz provide round-the-clock security. A TourRadar reviewer shared: "As a solo female traveler I felt completely safe throughout my entire Galapagos experience - the locals were friendly and the guided format provided extra security."
What's the best time of year for solo travelers to visit the Galapagos?
The warm season from December through May offers the best conditions for solo travel with gentle seas and more outdoor gatherings. The Blue Spirit Hotel in Puerto Ayora sees a notable increase in single travelers during these months. Booking records show March and April as peak times for solo visitors with one traveler sharing: "The weather was perfect for outdoor activities and meeting other travelers by the pool or on excursions."
What kind of accommodations can solo travelers expect?
Tourist-class hotels form the backbone of solo accommodation options. Places like Hotel San Vicente on Isabela Island and Hotel Fernandina on Santa Cruz provide comfortable basics. One TourRadar traveler shared: "The accommodations were clean and well-located with common areas perfect for meeting other travelers. The Hotel Deja Vu in Santa Cruz had especially nice social spaces."