10-Day Galapagos Islands Tour Packages
The Galapagos Islands are a place like nowhere else, and they beg to be truly explored. The biodiversity is incredible and unique. Head to Santa Cruz, Isabela, San Cristobal, and Floreana. Try Island hopping, snorkeling, and spotting wildlife everywhere, before enjoying the Charles Darwin Station for some extra knowledge. The wildlife density is unbelievable, and conservation efforts are impressive. You won’t forget this one.
Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Galapagos Islands tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaGalapagos Islands travel expert at TourRadar
10 Days in Galapagos Islands, incl. Santa Cruz and Isabela
Santa Cruz and Isabela islands anchor this 10-day adventure. The itinerary combines Charles Darwin Station visits, Tortuga Bay kayaking, Las Tintoreras snorkeling, and Sierra Negra Volcano crater hikes, balanced with independent exploration time.
- Day 1
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador.
A driver will take you on the 30-minute trip to the Tumbaco neighborhood. Get some rest for your upcoming adventure.
- Days 2-4
Santa Cruz Island Base
Land at Baltra Airport and head to Santa Cruz's highlands to watch giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Visit the Charles Darwin Station that afternoon. The next morning starts early with a day trip to one of the uninhabited islands like South Plazas, Bartolomé or North Seymour based on park permits. Day 4 takes you kayaking at Tortuga Bay after a 45-minute walk. Wear good shoes since the path has uneven cobblestones.
- Days 5-7
Isabela Island Adventures
Take a 2-hour speedboat to Isabela Island. Explore Las Tintoreras Islet where you can spot penguins and marine iguanas. Day 6 features the Sierra Negra Volcano hike, a challenging 6-hour round trip to see the world's second-largest volcanic crater. One hiker shared: "The Sierra Negra hike was demanding but worth every step for those incredible crater views."
- Day 8
Back to Santa Cruz for bay exploration.
Visit La Lobería to see sea lions, Shark Channel for white-tip sharks and Las Grietas for a unique swim in mixed fresh and saltwater.
- Days 9-10
Return Journey
Take the Itabaca Channel crossing and airport transfer. Spend your final day in Quito before heading home. A helpful tip from a traveler: "Bring more sunscreen than you think you'll need. You can buy it there but it's much more expensive."
10 Day Galapagos Islands Itinerary, incl. Santa Cruz and Isabela
Five distinct Galapagos destinations reveal their charms through multisport activities. Charles Darwin Station tours, Tortuga Bay kayaking, Black Beach snorkeling, and Sierra Negra Volcano hikes complement stays at local hotels and guesthouses.
- Day 1
Quito
Land in Ecuador's capital at 9,350 feet. Take an afternoon city tour to adjust to the altitude. Stay near Plaza Foch where you'll find plenty of restaurants and easy access to the historic center.
- Day 2
Quito to Santa Cruz Island
Take an early morning flight (2.5 hours) to Baltra Airport. Visit the Santa Cruz highlands to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat before noon when they're most active. Head to Puerto Ayora where you'll spend two nights.
- Day 3
Santa Cruz Island
Start early with a 2.5km walk to Tortuga Bay for kayaking and snorkeling at the white sand beach. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in the afternoon to learn about local conservation work. Remember water shoes the volcanic rocks are quite sharp.
- Days 4-5
Floreana Island
Take a two-hour speedboat to Floreana. The waters can be rough from July to December so bring motion sickness pills. You'll stay in simple but welcoming community guesthouses. Snorkel at Black Beach and Loberia in the morning when visibility is best. The highland hikes offer spectacular views.
- Days 6-7
Isabela Island
Travel by speedboat to the largest Galapagos island. Take on the Sierra Negra Volcano hike. It's a challenging 6-mile round trip but rewards you with views of the world's second-largest volcanic crater. Go kayaking and snorkeling at Las Tintoreras to spot penguins and white-tipped reef sharks.
- Day 8
Isabela to Santa Cruz
Start with the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center before taking the speedboat back to Santa Cruz. Spend your free afternoon exploring Puerto Ayora's waterfront restaurants and shops. If conditions are good try a surfing lesson.
- Days 9-10
Return to Quito
Take a morning transfer to Baltra for your mainland flight. Spend your final night in Quito. Many visitors suggest adding extra days to see more of Ecuador.
Upgraded Land Galapagos
Six remarkable Galápagos destinations await your discovery. Kicker Rock snorkeling, Las Tintoreras wildlife viewing, and Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre visits culminate with relaxation at Papallacta's thermal springs.
Galapagos Islands 10 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
10 Days Galapagos Island Hopping in Santa Cruz and Isabela
Galápagos Multisport
Upgraded Land Galapagos
10 Day Galapagos Family Expedition: San Cristobal, Isabela and Santa Cruz Island
Galapagos Insight
Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne)
Best of Galapagos
Galapagos Islands – Family Volunteer Vacation
The Complete Galapagos Experience
Galapagos - Central, South & East Islands aboard the Archipel I
What people love about 10-day Galapagos Islands tours
- 10 Days Galapagos Island Hopping in Santa Cruz and Isabela
Our experience with Jacquie and Responsible Travel South America was amazing! From the very beginning, Jacquie was so kind, attentive, and genuinely caring. She kept in touch with us the whole time, making sure Mark had everything he needed and that all the details- flights, transfers, and tours- went smoothly. It was such a relief knowing she was always checking in and ready to help whenever needed. She even took the time to meet Mark in Quito, which was such a lovely and personal touch. We’re really grateful for all her support and for how effortless she made the whole trip. Couldn’t recommend Jacquie and the team at Responsible Travel South America highly enough!
- Galápagos Multisport
Experience of a lifetime ❤️
- Upgraded Land Galapagos
Excellent tour with great people!