Wildlife Tours & Trips in Galapagos Islands
Explore a wide diversity of wildlife tours through Galapagos Islands. We have 152 adventures that vary from 4 days to 24 days. With the greatest number of departures in August, this is also the most popular time of the year.
10 best wildlife Galapagos Islands tours
Compiled by
MelissaGalapagos Islands travel expert at TourRadar
- Galápagos Express Adventure: Wilderness & Wildlife
- Geluxe: The Galápagos: Wildlife of Santa Cruz & Isabela Islands
- Galapagos Essentials
- Galapagos Insight
- 6-Day Galapagos Islands plus Bike, Kayak, Hike, Snorkel
- Concise Galapagos
- 7 Days Galapagos Express Adventure
- 7 Days on a Budget Galapagos Islands Tour in San Cristobal
- Galapagos Outdoor 9 Days Tour
- 5 Days Galapagos Expedition Tour
Galápagos Express Adventure: Wilderness & Wildlife
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“My first G Adventures tour and it definitely won?t be my last! Absolutely incredible.”
Andrea, traveled in August
Wildlife viewing spans giant tortoises at Charles Darwin Research Station, sea lions at Tijeretas, and marine iguanas at Concha de Perla. Naturalists guide visitors across Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristóbal islands.
Duration 7 days Destinations Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, San Cristóbal Island Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $1,699
25% Off- US$1,274You save $425
Stunning marine life thrives at Los Túneles, reef sharks swim near Las Tintoreras, and giant tortoises roam Santa Cruz highlands. Naturalist guides share insights at Charles Darwin Research Station and coastal paths.
Duration 8 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Puerto Ayora, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island Age Range Ages 18+ Operator G Adventures From $4,599
15% Off- US$3,909You save $690
Galapagos Essentials
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We absolutely enjoyed our time on Galapagos. It was good to experience her passion for the islands past present and future.”
Janine, traveled in June
Rich wildlife fills Galapagos - from giant tortoises in Santa Cruz highlands to sea lions at Academy Bay. Naturalists facilitate close wildlife encounters at Isla Lobos and San Cristóbal's marine sanctuaries.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Santa Cruz Island, San Cristóbal Island, Lobos Island Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Adventure Journeys From
15% Off- US$1,570
Galapagos Insight
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It is a Wonderful trip in Galapagos.”
Siu, traveled in January
The Galapagos wildlife comes alive at Charles Darwin Station, with blue-footed boobies at Cerro Tijeretas and giant tortoises roaming their natural habitat. Marine life awaits snorkelers at Los Túneles and Kicker Rock.
Duration 10 days Destinations Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora, Bartolomé Island, Isla Plaza Sur, Seymour Norte, Isabela Island, Puerto Villamil, Las Tintoreras Islet, San Cristóbal IslandSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator True Ecuador Travel From
15% Off- US$2,522
Wildlife encounters unfold while kayaking with Penguins at Tintoreras Islet and hiking among Giant Tortoises at Campo Duro. Blue-footed Boobies appear during snorkeling adventures while endemic species captivate at the Charles Darwin Station.
Duration 6 days Destinations Baltra Island, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, Puerto Villamil, Las Tintoreras Islet Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Nature Galapagos & Ecuador From
15% Off- US$1,618
Concise Galapagos
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our Galapagos adventure with Tour Radar was thoroughly enjoyable. Our drivers & guides were friendly & informative.”
Nancy, traveled in December
Wildlife thrives across 6 Galapagos islands, from Charles Darwin Station to Las Tintoreras and Los Gemelos craters. Naturalist guides introduce visitors to giant tortoises, marine life, and endemic species. The tour includes comfortable hotels and daily breakfast.
Duration 6 days Destinations Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora, Bartolomé Island, South Plaza Island, Seymour Norte, Isabela Island, Las Tintoreras Islet, Floreana Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator True Ecuador Travel From
15% Off- US$1,647
7 Days Galapagos Express Adventure
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The boat ride to the uninhabitable island was A++. Great crew, food, above & beyond treatment for the vacationers.”
Joyce, traveled in February
Sea lions bask at La Lobería while marine iguanas claim Las Grietas and blue-footed boobies parade on North Seymour Island. Expert naturalists guide daily excursions from Puerto Ayora through diverse island ecosystems.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From $1,290
4% Off- US$1,240You save $50
7 Days on a Budget Galapagos Islands Tour in San Cristobal
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“I had a great time in San Cristobal! I saw sea turtles, pelicans, reef sharks, rays, and hammerheads.”
Kyleigh, traveled in January
Stellar wildlife viewing awaits at Kicker Rock's marine hotspot and Española Island's bird colonies. Frigate birds nest at Tijeretas Hill, Nazca boobies soar near Suarez Point, and tropical fish dart through pristine waters.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, San Cristóbal Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From $1,560
3% Off- US$1,510You save $50
Galapagos Outdoor 9 Days Tour
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I was blown away by the professionalism of the staff at every location. The hotels were perfect!”
Sabrina, traveled in December
Galápagos penguins welcome visitors at Bartolomé Island, while marine iguanas swim at La Calera, and white-tip reef sharks glide at Tintoreras Islet. Giant tortoises roam Santa Cruz Highland ranches alongside rare species at Charles Darwin Station.
Duration 9 days Destinations Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Puerto Ayora, Isabela Island, Las Tintoreras Islet, Puerto Villamil, Santa Cruz Island, Bartolomé Island, Baltra Island Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
3% Off- US$3,300+$690 local payments
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
Penguins and sharks share Las Tintoreras' waters while giant tortoises roam at Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. Seahorses hide among Los Tuneles' underwater formations. Expert naturalists ensure optimal wildlife viewing across both islands.
Duration 5 days Destinations Baltra Island, Puerto Ayora, Isabela Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
3% Off- US$1,431
What people love about Wildlife Tours in Galapagos Islands
- Galápagos Express Adventure: Wilderness & Wildlife
Jonathan knows so much about wildlife of the region, and he was good at getting us organised. The activities were cool, and it was balanced with enough free time. Our team was great and loved hanging out with each other. We loved seeing sea turtles and sea lions, and all kinds of things. I was a little disappointed when we went to Kicker's Rock on San Cristobal island as we got stung by jellyfish and didn't see anything else but jellyfish. That day tour had been highly recommended, and was very expensive. We had an awesome boat to ride to and from though. Also I am disappointed that TourRadar did not communicate about my husband's dietary needs for when meals were included or to our tour leader, or help us with booking accommodation as we were getting there a day early, or giving us any help with transportation as we arrived into a different island. We would have liked to be connected with a local to help us not be so stressed about this part of the trip.
- Galapagos Insight
Jonathan and team were amazing in organising a smooth and seamless trip. Nothing was too much trouble and they took great pride in ensuring we were safe and happy - without being intrusive. The guides were excellent - we had an amazing trip that we will never forget
- Concise Galapagos
Beautiful and very special place. Lots of wildlife. Well organized caring and considerate staff.Boat to and from Isabella was quite rough. Would have been nice to fly instead.
What our customers ask about Wildlife Tours & Trips in Galapagos Islands
When is the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands for wildlife viewing?
The peak wildlife viewing season runs from December to May when the waters are clearest for snorkeling. During these months the water temperature averages 75°F (24°C) making it ideal for marine life encounters. Green sea turtles gather at Elizabeth Bay on Isabela Island and the waved albatross returns to Española Island between April and May for breeding season. A TourRadar traveler noted "The wildlife was incredible and the weather was awesome making every snorkeling session unforgettable." Water visibility can reach up to 30-40 feet during these months according to the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Which Galapagos islands offer the best wildlife encounters?
Each major island presents distinct wildlife viewing opportunities. Isabela Island stands out for its penguin and marine iguana populations while Fernandina Island is known for its flightless cormorants. San Cristobal Island particularly at Isla Lobos provides reliable sea lion encounters. Santa Cruz Island's El Chato Reserve offers close-up giant tortoise viewing. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Isabela Island was a highlight - we saw countless marine iguanas penguins and even got to snorkel with sea turtles at Los Tuneles." Quality accommodations like Casa Marita Hotel on Isabela and Galapagos Sunset Hotel on San Cristobal place visitors near prime wildlife spots.
What marine wildlife can I expect to see while snorkeling in the Galapagos?
The waters around Devil's Crown and Kicker Rock are rich with marine life including sea turtles white-tipped reef sharks and sea lions. Los Tuneles near Isabela Island is known for its seahorses marine iguanas and diverse tropical fish. Properties like Casa Opuntia on San Cristobal provide convenient access to these premier snorkeling sites. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The snorkeling was spectacular - we saw manta rays sea turtles sharks and incredibly colorful tropical fish everywhere we went."
What types of endemic birds can I spot in the Galapagos?
The archipelago's unique bird species include Darwin's finches flightless cormorants on Fernandina Island and waved albatrosses on Española Island. North Seymour Island accessible from hotels like Ikala on Santa Cruz is a prime spot for viewing magnificent frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies in their natural habitat. A TourRadar traveler commented: "Our guide's knowledge of the birds was incredible - we saw everything from tiny finches to huge frigatebirds with their red pouches inflated."
How physically demanding are wildlife viewing activities in the Galapagos?
Activities range from leisurely walks at the Charles Darwin Research Station to more challenging hikes like the Sierra Negra Volcano trail which takes 5-6 hours on Isabela Island. Snorkeling spots such as Los Tuneles need basic swimming skills. According to a TourRadar traveler: "While some hikes were challenging like the one to Sierra Negra's rim our guide at Hotel Casa Marita was great at adjusting the pace for different fitness levels and the wildlife viewing made every effort worthwhile."
What's the accommodation like on wildlife tours in the Galapagos?
The islands offer diverse lodging options from mid-range properties like Galapagos Sunset Hotel on San Cristobal to upscale choices such as Casa Marita on Isabela Island. Many rooms provide ocean views and easy access to wildlife areas. A TourRadar traveler reported: "The Blue Galapagos Hotel in Santa Cruz was wonderful - we could watch marine iguanas and sally lightfoot crabs right from our balcony and it was just a short walk to the Charles Darwin Research Station."