Galapagos Islands Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Galapagos Islands tour packages
- What people love about Galapagos Islands Tours
- Travel Galapagos Islands your way
- Top operators in Galapagos Islands
- Best places to start your Galapagos Islands tour
- Discover Galapagos Islands tours for every budget
- Galapagos Islands tours for every group
- Top Galapagos Islands travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Galapagos Islands
- Contact our Galapagos Islands travel experts
The best Galapagos Islands tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaGalapagos Islands travel expert at TourRadar
The finest Galapagos awaits with visits to Charles Darwin Station, Tortuga Bay's pristine beaches, and La Lobería's sea lion colony. Close wildlife encounters unfold at Fausto Llerena Breeding Center and Santa Cruz Highlands, with luxury accommodations and expert LGBT+ guides.
Duration 8 days Destinations Quito, Puerto Ayora Age Range 18 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Ecuador Galapagos Travels From
- US$2,730
Galapagos Essentials
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Wonderful time seeing giant turtles in Isla de Santa Cruz. Spectacular hike and views at Playa de Tortuga!”
David, traveled in January 2024
Sea lions and marine life abound from Santa Cruz's giant tortoise sanctuaries to Academy Bay. Visitors snorkel with playful pinnipeds, trek through lava tubes, and observe blue-footed boobies at Isla Lobos while staying in comfortable 4-star hotels.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Santa Cruz Island, San Cristóbal Island, Lobos Island Age Range 8 to 89 year olds Operated in English Operator Adventure Journeys From
- US$1,896
Galapagos Revealed
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“I might have considered upgrading the hotels if I'd had more information about the options and costs.”
Rebecca, traveled in February 2023
Nine Galapagos islands unfold with visits to Charles Darwin Station, Los Túneles marine site, and Sierra Negra volcano. Tourist-class hotels, specialist guides, and wildlife encounters cost approx. $290 daily.
Duration 10 days Destinations Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Bartolomé Island, Isabela Island, Puerto Villamil, Las Tintoreras Islet, Floreana Island, San Cristóbal Island, Española Island Age Range up to 80 year olds Operated in English Operator True Ecuador Travel From
- US$2,862
Affordable Galapagos 8 Days Tour
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This is the BEST vacation we've ever had! Esteban did an outstanding job of listening to our wishes.”
SeanDoyle, traveled in June 2019
The Galápagos reveals its secrets over 8 days from Guayaquil. Sharks glide past at Kicker Rock, frigate birds soar in Darwin Bay, and Sierra Negra Volcano beckons hikers. Arena Blanca Hotel and Deja Vú Hotel serve as bases for archipelago adventures.
Duration 8 days Destinations Guayaquil, San Cristóbal Island, Leon Dormido, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, Bartolomé Island, Baltra Island Age Range 18 to 75 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
- US$2,290
Galapagos Multisport
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The TourRadar website is very easy to navigate and there are many options for tours anywhere you might want to go.”
Darlene, traveled in March 2023
Three islands showcase Galápagos at its best. Marine life thrives at Kicker Rock and Los Túneles, Sierra Negra volcano challenges trekkers, and the Wall of Tears tells its story. Premium hotels complement this unique archipelago tour costing around $4,000.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Leon Dormido, Lobos Island, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island, Baltra Island Age Range 8 to 89 year olds Operated in English Operator Adventure Journeys From
- US$3,987
What people love about Galapagos Islands Tours
- Galapagos Essentials
Maritza was an absolutely fantastic guide. Do yourself a favour and ask for her! The tour is a good mix of activities and your own time on the islands. The boat trip between the two islands wasn’t great but if you can get through the 2 hour experience then it’s a much cheaper tour than the cruise options.
- Galapagos Essentials
Very well organized tour, well-balanced itinerary with lots of free time to explore. It is definitely an express tour of Galapagos, if time allows a few more days are recommended
- Galapagos Essentials
We absolutely enjoyed our time on Galapagos. Our guide Marista was friendly and very knowledgeable. It was good to experience her passion for the islands past present and future.
Travel Galapagos Islands your way
The Galapagos active tours mix up land and sea exploration with real variety - you'll bike, kayak, snorkel and get out hiking. Tours typically run 5-10 days from Santa Cruz or San Cristóbal, combining mountain biking in Santa Cruz highlands with snorkeling at Los Túneles, where you'll swim alongside sea turtles and penguins through underwater lava formations. Our guests particularly enjoy paddling around Tortuga Bay, often spotting marine iguanas basking on rocks and blue-footed boobies diving for their lunch. You'll walk to Sierra Negra Volcano's massive crater and snorkel at Tintoreras Islet, where white-tipped reef sharks rest in natural lava channels. What works well is how flexible these tours are - you pick your activity level each day while still getting those close-up wildlife encounters that make the Galapagos special.
See all Active toursOur sailing tours through the Galapagos connect you directly with the islands' remarkable wildlife from the deck of well-equipped vessels. The Grand Daphne stands out among our fleet, running 7-10 day voyages where you'll snorkel with curious sea lions at Devil's Crown and watch rare red-footed boobies nesting on Genovesa Island. Our customers regularly tell us how much they appreciate the expert crews and naturalist guides who explain the islands' evolutionary significance in clear, engaging ways. You'll find comfortable cabins and fresh local food aboard, with routes planned to maximize wildlife viewing and cut down transfer times. Many of our travelers mention loving the early morning and sunset activities when the wildlife is most active. Since we use smaller vessels, we can reach quiet coves and anchorages that bigger ships have to skip, giving you closer encounters with the local wildlife.
See all Sailing toursExplorer tours in the Galapagos really let you dig into the wildlife experience, running 10-12 days which gives you proper time to explore. Our groups visit multiple islands including Santa Cruz, Isabela, San Cristóbal and also other key spots. What our customers talk about most is watching giant tortoises roam freely in the highlands and getting in the water with playful sea lions. At Los Túneles, you'll swim through underwater lava formations while sea turtles and rays glide past. The tours take you to the Charles Darwin Research Station where you'll learn about ongoing conservation work, plus you'll get to walk through volcanic landscapes at Sierra Negra where the geology tells an amazing story.
See all Explorer toursSelect from our extensive range of 230 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Galapagos Islands with our expert guides leading the way.
See all Fully Guided tours
More travel styles:
Top operators in Galapagos Islands
- 4.5 (67 reviews)
"It was an amazing experience! Diego was such an expert organizer. He booked me with the best possible tour guides and expeditions. I will always ask him for guidance when booking future trips. He worked extremely hard to make this an unforgettable experience.
- Tours
- 23 tours
- Age range
- 5 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 17h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $379
- 5.0 (416 reviews)
"We enjoyed very much my Galapagos trip. Thanks to our guide Andrés.
- Tours
- 2 tours
- Age range
- 1 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- Active
- Response time
- 9h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $831
- 4.5 (78 reviews)
"We had a number of different guides but it was very well organized and everyone was on time. It seemed like the schedule changed several times and there was at times a number of activities in one day. We walked uphill in the morning and then snorkeling and more walking in the afternoon. Would have liked to have had things stretched out a bit more. You can of course opt out of activities. Navigating to the hotels is no problem from anywhere in town. The first hotel was a very nice facility but the street light was at the height of the room and could keep you awake. The staff all spoke English and were very helpful. The second hotel was a bit worn. The staff did not speak English,
- Tours
- 3 tours
- Age range
- 8 to 89 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 90h
- Response rate
- 92%
- Average price
- $470
Best places to start your Galapagos Islands tour
Most of our tours kick off from Quito, with 56 different options starting in Ecuador's capital. Baltra Island comes in second with 29 tour choices, while San Cristóbal Island rounds things out with 10 departure options. Looking at our booking patterns, you'll want to lock in your spot about 4.5 months ahead - that's 129 days to be exact. The islands have strict visitor caps, so spaces tend to fill up fast, particularly in peak season. The feedback we get from returning guests often highlights our naturalist guides, who really bring the islands to life with their deep knowledge of local conservation work and animal behavior. Want to get more value? Think about traveling in the shoulder season - May-June or September-November typically offers better deals, and you'll still see plenty of wildlife doing their thing.
Discover Galapagos Islands tours for every budget
Budget-conscious travelers have solid Galapagos choices worth checking out. The 6-day Ultimate tour covers the essentials - you'll hike Tijeretas Hill and snorkel at Kicker Rock, where our customers regularly spot sharks, turtles and rays swimming past. A practical 5-day option focuses on Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal, mixing quiet beach time with active wildlife watching. The highlight for most guests is meeting giant tortoises in their natural habitat, then cooling off with playful sea lions at spots like Playa Mann. There's also a 3-week program that combines volunteering with exploration - you'll help out at breeding centers while still getting to fantastic spots like Sierra Negra Volcano and Los Túneles.
The Grand Queen Beatriz offers excellent luxury sailing trips that access more remote corners of the islands. The Northern Islands route visits less-traveled spots like Genovesa Island, where red-footed boobies nest right beside walking paths. Our travelers love the intimate feel of these cruises - you'll explore places like Punta Espinoza with naturalist guides who know the perfect times and locations for spotting unique species. When sailing the Southern Islands, you'll focus on prime wildlife areas around Española, San Cristóbal and also other key sites, timing visits to see nesting albatross and blue-footed boobies. The comfortable cabins and spacious decks are perfect for watching dolphins play in the wake.
Galapagos Islands budget tours- Galapagos Islands luxury tours
Galapagos Islands tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
273 tours in Galapagos IslandsExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Galapagos Islands. We have 273 adventures that vary from 1 days to 25 days. With the greatest number of departures in April, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
124 tours in Galapagos IslandsVisit Galapagos Islands with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities.
Private / Personalized
41 tours in Galapagos IslandsPrivate tours let you set the pace with dedicated guides throughout your journey. The 10-day Galapagos Insight program adapts to your interests - choose between hiking Sierra Negra's crater rim or spending more time snorkeling at Los Túneles. Our guests particularly value having their guide's full attention at places like the Charles Darwin Station, getting deeper insights into local conservation work. Another solid choice runs 9 days across Santa Cruz, Isabela and other key islands, balancing guided wildlife encounters with free time to explore beaches and towns on your own. You'll have private transfers between islands plus evening chats with your guide to plan the next day's activities.
Top Galapagos Islands travel itineraries to fit your plans
Our 7-day Galapagos trips really hit the sweet spot for wildlife and active exploration. The routes cover Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal and also Isabela Islands, where you'll get properly close to giant tortoises in the highlands. One of our best options kicks off with early morning hikes to Sierra Negra Volcano's crater, followed by snorkeling at Concha Perla - our travelers regularly spot sea turtles, rays and also penguins there. The local guides make these trips come alive; they're fantastic at explaining how volcanic activity shaped these islands while pointing out blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds nesting on the cliffs.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Santa Fé Island, South Plaza Island, Genovesa Island, Santiago Island, Santa Cruz Island
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The 10-day tours give you more time to really get to know the islands. You'll spend quality time at spots like Los Túneles, where lava has created natural bridges over clear waters packed with marine life. Our guests love how the schedule mixes guided activities with free time - you might spend one morning hiking through Flamingo Lagoon, then switch to kayaking at Tortuga Bay the next day. The itinerary takes you through both the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center and Charles Darwin Research Station, plus full-day trips to places like Tintoreras Islet where white-tipped reef sharks rest in lava channels and marine iguanas sun themselves on black rocks.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Quito, Baltra Island, Seymour Norte, Genovesa Island, Bartolomé Island, Santiago Island, Santa Cruz Island, Floreana Island, Española Island, San Cristóbal Island, Guayaquil
See all tours
For a deeper connection to the islands, our two-week programs blend exploration with hands-on conservation work. You'll split your time between biological stations - helping with reforestation and environmental education in local communities - and classic Galapagos activities. The schedule includes snorkeling at Santa Fe's excellent sites, hiking Sierra Negra volcano and visiting giant tortoises at breeding centers. Our volunteers tell us that working on organic farms and trail maintenance gives them real insight into how tourism and conservation need to balance in the Galapagos.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Quito, Otavalo, San Cristóbal Island, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island, Baltra Island
Demographics
For solo travelers, the 8-10 day island-hopping tours hit just the right notes by combining guided activities with social time. The hostels on San Cristóbal are perfect meeting spots - our travelers often gather at local places in the evening and make new friends naturally. Active components like hiking Sierra Negra Volcano and snorkeling Kicker Rock tend to attract people with similar interests. The small groups create a really nice dynamic, especially during shared activities like kayaking Darwin Bay or spotting blue-footed boobies together. It's also practical - these tours take care of all the logistics that can be tricky when traveling alone.
Couples tend to love our 7-10 day tours that mix active exploration with quiet moments together. The combination of close-up wildlife encounters and nice accommodations in Puerto Ayora and Puerto Villamil works really well. After busy days snorkeling with sea turtles at Los Túneles or exploring volcanic trails, many couples enjoy taking sunset walks along Isabela's beaches. The boutique hotels with private rooms are popular choices, and the small group wildlife excursions add a social element. Having structured activities plus free evenings lets couples create their own special experiences while we handle all the planning details.
Families really connect with our 7-8 day multi-activity programs that mix wildlife viewing with relaxed pacing. Kids get super excited about swimming with sea lions at La Lobería and love paddling through mangrove waters at Tortuga Bay. The tour guides do an excellent job making giant tortoise visits both fun and educational - they know exactly how to keep children engaged. Many families appreciate the stops at the Charles Darwin Research Station where kids can get hands-on with conservation activities. The tours work particularly well because they blend guided sessions with free afternoons, so parents can adjust the pace when needed.
- Solo Travelers249 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples59 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)7 tours All tours for Young Adults
- Seniors (50+)144 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit Galapagos Islands
- Spring 2025
Spring is the start of the warmer season and also the beginning of the breeding season for birds and sea lions. It's an ideal time for snorkeling and observing vibrant wildlife on land and sea.
- 248 tours
- popular 257 tours
- 251 tours
- Summer 2025
The summer Galapagos tours really shine when wildlife is most active and the seas stay calm. Our popular 8-day trips take you kayaking in Darwin Bay where you'll spot frigate birds and blue-footed boobies nesting above, while sea turtles swim right under your boat. At Kicker Rock, the snorkeling is exceptional - our travelers often tell us about their close-up encounters with hammerhead sharks, rays and also sea lions in the clear waters. The Sierra Negra Volcano hikes let you walk along the world's second-largest volcanic crater rim, though it's smart to head out early before it gets too hot. Los Túneles is a highlight with its underwater lava formations creating natural snorkel routes - our guides know just where to find seahorses, white-tipped reef sharks and also Galapagos penguins.
- popular 255 tours
- 249 tours
- 237 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Fall visitors get great wildlife viewing with noticeably smaller crowds. The multi-day island hopping combines active mornings and laid-back afternoons - starting perhaps with a guided walk through scalesia forests to find giant tortoises, then afternoon snorkeling at La Lobería where sea lions often swim right up to our guests. The 7-day tours covering Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal are particularly popular; our travelers praise the naturalist guides who explain how species evolved differently on each island. For a fuller experience, the 10-day option adds Isabela Island where you'll see flamingos in the lagoons, cycle to the Wall of Tears and snorkel with marine iguanas, penguins and also sea turtles at Tintoreras Islet. TourRadar comes up frequently in traveler feedback for Galapagos trips, with Jefferson getting special mention for how well he handles the details and keeps everyone in the loop. His quick responses and clear planning seem to make a real difference for people booking these tours. When it comes to the actual experience, Adventure Journeys guides like Maritza really stand out. Customers tell us she knows the islands inside and out - from wildlife spots to local history and also trail conditions. She's known for adjusting routes based on what interests each group, which adds a nice personal touch. One thing to note about Intrepid's tours: while their guides and itineraries get good marks, some travelers have mentioned cabin quality can be hit or miss on their boats. It's worth asking specific questions about which vessel you'll be on and the cabin setup before you commit. Our customers who did this homework ahead of time generally had smoother experiences. The feedback we get shows these companies each have their strengths - TourRadar for planning and booking, Adventure Journeys for expert guiding and Intrepid for overall experiences. Just make sure to clarify those accommodation details if you're leaning toward Intrepid.
- 241 tours
- popular 245 tours
- 245 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter brings cooler waters, ideal for spotting marine life. Dive with hammerhead sharks and rays at Wolf and Darwin Islands. Experience fewer crowds, enhancing your visit.
- 218 tours
- popular 244 tours
- 239 tours
Contact our Galapagos Islands travel experts
Kaitlyn
Expert in Galapagos Islands at TourRadar
Kaitlyn is one of our seasoned Galapagos Islands Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Galapagos Islands tours answered!
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