Galapagos Islands information

Every island in the Galapagos is different one from the other and all this is due to how they were formed. If the 4,600 million years of Earth´s history will be simulated in 24 hours, the Galapagos Islands had been formed in the last two minutes of that day. The 19 islands and 219 islets were created by successive volcanic eruptions over a hot spot located on the seafloor of the Nazca Plate. The first of them emerged in the middle of the Pacific Ocean about 5 million years ago. The islands are settled on the Nazca Plate and move about 5 centimeters a year eastward. That is why the oldest islands of the archipelago are far about 200 kilometers east from the youngest islands that are still above the hot spot.

Explore the Enchanted Islands

1) Isabela Island. 2) North Seymour Island. 3) South Plaza Island. 4) Santa Fe Island. 5) Santa cruz Island. 6) Bartolome Island. 7) Mosquera Island. 8) Santiago Island. 9) Rabida Island. 10) Floreana Island. 11) Genovesa Island. 12) Española Island. 13) San Cristobal Island. 14) Fernandina Island.

Galapagos Cruise & Hopping 2025: 5-Day Wildlife & Adventure Journey

Experience the best of the Galapagos with 4 days aboard an expedition cruise of your choice—the Galapagos Legend or the boutique yachts Coral I & Coral II—followed by a unique 1-day island hopping adventure at Las Grietas. Sail through the islands with two guided excursions each day to meet iconic wildlife up close—sea lions, iguanas, seabirds, and giant tortoises—then cap your journey swimming in the crystal-clear waters framed by lava cliffs.
Two ways to explore Galapagos, one unforgettable trip.

TOUCH

4-Day Galapagos Cruise

Navigate the islands with eco-luxury comfort and daily guided excursions to spot blue-footed boobies, land iguanas, playful sea lions, and giant tortoises.

TOUCH

1-Day Hopping Experience

Discover Las Grietas, a natural fissure where salt and freshwater mix, creating a surreal spot for swimming and snorkeling.

GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: A red footed booby

TOUCH

Wildlife Encounters

Spot extraordinary bird species found only in the Galapagos Islands, a paradise for wildlife lovers.

Boutique Expedition Cruise

Galapagos Legend

This exquisite vessel, designed for 100 guests, offers an intimate glimpse into the Galapagos’ charm. Await a voyage filled with culinary delights and extraordinary adventures. Elevate your experience with the knowledge* of our expert Galapagos guides, ensuring an adventure rich in discovery and luxury.

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Go1 Package Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: Galapagos Legend

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Galapagos & Santa Cruz Island

AM
✈ The flight from Quito to Baltra Island is 2 1/2 hours. Upon arrival in the Galapagos, passengers are greeted at the airport by our knowledgeable guides, who will accompany them on a short 10 minutes bus ride to the pier, where they will board the Galapagos Legend.

GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: Day 3 Galapagos Legend

Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz Island). On the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, accessible only by sea, four species of mangrove crowd and form an internal lagoon, turtles visit the calm waters, peaking their heads above the surface while fish, rays circle below. White-tipped reef sharks can be seen beneath the boat, plus sea birds, including pelicans, herons and egrets. This cove has been declared as a “turtle sanctuary”.

Difficulty level: Low
Type of terrain: None
Duration: 1 hour dingy ride
Landing: None

itinerary-north-west-corals-yachts-black-turtle-cove

Day 2 - Genovesa Island

AM
El Barranco (Genovesa Island) Be marveled at the variety of sea life that uses the crevices of the lava cliffs for shelter. Red-billed Tropic birds fly overhead, and a small colony of fur seals may be found near the landing site. You will be dropped off at a steep stairway that begins on rocks at the foot of a path that leads through a seabird colony, entire of Nazca and Red-footed Boobies.

GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: Day 4 El Barranco (Genovesa Island), a blue footed booby in the picture

PM
Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island) From within the flooded caldera of Tower Island, we set foot onto a sandy beach to be greeted by swallow-tailed gulls, often said to be the most beautiful gull in the world. On the trail, we can see nesting red-footed boobies and great frigate birds.

Day 3 - South Plaza Island & Santa Fe Island

AM
South Plaza Island. Sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, and land iguanas are all at the landing site. The small island is covered with a carpet of a red succulent, studded with Opuntia cacti. At the cliff edge, we spend time watching birds like frigate birds, flocks of Galapagos shearwaters, and particular note, flights of displaying red-billed tropic birds.

GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: DAY 5 South Plaza Island, a tourist girl taking a picture with her camera

PM
Santa Fe Island. After a fabulous snorkel in the turquoise waters of the protected bay, we may have enjoyed time with sea lions, turtles, reef sharks, and spotted eagle rays. Landing on a sandy beach, we spend time watching the abundant sea lions there with us. We begin a walk past a forest of island-endemic giant Opuntia cacti, and we can watch the Santa Fe land Iguana.

Day 4 - Santa Cruz Island & transfer to Ikala Hotel

Highlands (Santa Cruz Island).

In the central highlands of Santa Cruz Island, we have our best opportunity to interact at close quarters with totally wild, Galapagos giant tortoises. A short walk among these huge, 600lb, reptiles will also offer the chance for more highland species, especially several species of the famed finches.

Difficulty level: Low
Type of terrain: Flat & Muddy
Duration: 1 hour walk / 45 minutes drive
Landing: Dry

santa-cruz-highlands-itinerary-north-legend

PM
Transfer to Ikala Hotel (Buffet breakfast included)

Day 5 – Las Grietas Hopping Experience & Transfer to Airport

Heading from Puerto Ayora, a short water-taxi ride takes us across the bay to the opposite shore, where a scenic 20 minute walk begins. The trail winds through volcanic landscapes, salt flats, and endemic cacti, offering striking views of Santa Cruz’s unique terrain.

Our destination is Las Grietas, a hidden natural wonder formed by towering lava walls rising on both sides of a deep fissure filled with crystal-clear waters. Here, saltwater from the ocean mixes with freshwater, creating a surreal, shimmering effect beneath the surface.

Visitors can swim or snorkel among the dramatic cliffs, spotting small fish, shrimp, and other marine life, while soaking in one of the most refreshing and unforgettable experiences the Galapagos has to offer. Private experience, per guest Based on 2 travelers.

✈ Transfer to Baltra Airport for return flights to Guayaquil or Quito.

Expedition Yachts

Coral I & Coral II

Coral I & Coral II are gorgeous and comfortable sister yachts. They offer charming social areas on three decks with outdoor and interior spaces that allow you to enjoy an intimate expedition experience on your way. They can accommodate 36 and 20 guests, respectively.

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GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: Coral Yachts

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Galapagos & Santa Cruz Island

AM
✈ Welcome to Galapagos. Departure from Quito to Baltra Island is a 2 1⁄2 hour flight. Upon arrival in the Galapagos, passengers are greeted at the airport by our knowledgeable guides who will accompany them on a short ten-minute bus ride to the pier where they will board the Coral I or Coral II.

GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: DAY 3 AM Welcome to Coral Yachts at the Galapagos Island

PM
Punta Carrion (Santa Cruz Island). Dinghy ride at the entry of the Itabaca Channel in a lagoon with turquoise water, where we can observe sharks, blue- footed boobies, and different kinds of fish.

Day 2 - Genovesa Island

Day 3 - Rabida Island & Bartolome Island

AM
Rabida Island. Lying at the archipelago’s heart, this dramatic island with a distinctive red-sand beach is home to sea lions, mockingbirds, finches, endemic Galapagos doves, and vermilion flycatchers. A walk takes us through a forest of palo santo and cacti to a beautiful overview of the bay.

GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: DAY 5 AM Rabida Island, a girl running around the beach

PM
Bartolome Island. Considered the most iconic landscape of the entire archipelago the view from the top of Bartolome Island, overlooking the famous Pinnacle Rock and the austere Santiago Island, Our subsequent snorkel here might put us face to face with Galapagos penguins, white- tipped reef sharks, and playful sea lions.

Day 4 - Santa Cruz Island & transfer to Ikala Hotel

AM
Highlands (Santa Cruz Island). In the central highlands of Santa Cruz Island, we have our best opportunity to interact at close quarters with totally wild, Galapagos giant tortoises. A short walk among these huge, 600lb, reptiles will also offer the chance for more highland species, especially several species of the famed finches.

Difficulty level: Low
Type of terrain: Flat & Muddy
Duration: 1 hour walk / 45 minutes driv
Landing: Dry

GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: DAY 6 am Highlands (Santa Cruz Island), a tourist taking a picture to a Giant Tortoise

PM
Transfer to Ikala Hotel (Buffet breakfast included)

Day 5 – Las Grietas Hopping Experience & Transfer to Airport

AM
Heading from Puerto Ayora, a short water-taxi ride takes us across the bay to the opposite shore, where a scenic 20 minute walk begins. The trail winds through volcanic landscapes, salt flats, and endemic cacti, offering striking views of Santa Cruz’s unique terrain.

✈ Transfer to Baltra Airport for return flights to Guayaquil or Quito.

Two daily excursions

Onboard activities

Aquatic activities

All meals onboard

Included in the rates

Onboard

- High-quality Galapagos Islands cruise sharing double occupancy.
- 2 daily excursions to the islands with multilingual naturalist guides.
- Snorkeling opportunities (equipment included: fins, mask, snorkel).
- Glass bottom boat (Available in Galapagos Legend).
- Lectures and briefings.
- All meals included onboard, welcome and farewell cocktails.
- Luxury Cabins with sea views, air conditioning, and private facilities (one thermos and excursion bag per person included).
- All cabins are equipped with shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. Body lotion is also available in balcony suites.
- Towels available for personal use: cabin, pool, and during excursions.

Mainland:

- Three nights’ accommodation at the 5-star Hotel: GO Quito Hotel.
- Meals: Three breakfasts in Quito.

- Assistance with check-in and baggage handling at the airport (one piece of luggage, max. 20kls per person).
- Roundtrip transfers.
- Transfers to/from the airport and dinghy rides to/from ports in connection with scheduled flights

Not included and to be invoiced onboard

Not included and to be invoiced onboard (net in US$ per person subject to change):

⊗ Air ticket from Quito / Guayaquil to Galapagos.
– $ 495 per adult.
– $ 375 per child under 12 years old.

Issued by GO in connection with the cruise itinerary, arranging and securing logistics, luggage, and passenger transfers from airports to port – ship and back, documentation.

⊗ Galapagos Entrance Fee.

– $ 200 per adult
– $ 100 for children under 12 years old.

⊗Galapagos TCT (Transit Control Card): $20 per person.

Supplements & Discounts

⊗ Single supplement: 50%, except in holiday seasons. (15 Dec – 5 Jan).

⊗ Triple occupancy: 25% discount for a third person sharing a cabin with two full-paying guests. (Only available on Galapagos Legend).

⊗ 50% discount for children under 12 years old sharing a cabin with two full-fare paying guests. 25% discount during the holiday season.

Optional onboard plus taxes

Optional onboard plus taxes (net per person in US$ subject to change):

- Internet: Single cruise: $45.00 | Double cruise: $65.00

- Wetsuit rental: $25 per person.

- Kayak rental: $25 per person.

- Alcoholic and soft drinks: (packages available).

- Scuba diving during GO’s cruises: $355 half-day tour with 1-2 dives and equipment included (pre-booking required).

- Doctor: Medical assistance and medication are additional costs.

- Tips: Suggested per person per day $20 for crew / $10 for guide.

Essentials:

Passport and Travel Documents.
Cash in US Dollars and bring credit or debit cards.
Your medications for the journey.
Ocean-Friendly Sunblock.
Insect repellent.
Waterproof small backpack.
Photo and video cameras.
Journal

Go 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: A family at the beach with a baby sea lion

What to Wear?

Water-resistant, closed-toe sport sandals.
Lightweight hiking shoes.
Lightweight hiking pants or shorts.
Long-sleeve shirts.
Bathing suits.
Warm sweater or fleece.
Wide-brimmed hat or cap.
Sunglasses

GO QUITO HOTEL

A unique hotel that offers 151 elegant rooms and lofts with a view of the city, inspired by the Andes. They have a modern home automation system that integrates lighting and heating. It also has a wellness area with a heated pool, sauna, spa, yoga room and a beautiful orchid garden.
GO Quito Hotel, committed to social and environmental responsibility, seeks to reduce its impact through responsible practices to conserve resources, manage energy efficiency and support the well-being of guests and staff.

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GO 7: GALAPAGOS CRUISE & HOPPING

GO Quito Hotel

GO Quito Hotel

Galapagos

Galapagos

Trip Highlights

4-Day Galapagos Cruise

4-Day Galapagos Cruise

1-Day Hopping Experience

1-Day Hopping Experience

Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife Encounters

Go 1: Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise

Choose your ship

Galapagos Legend

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Galapagos & Santa Cruz Island

Day 2 - Genovesa Island

Day 3 - South Plaza Island & Santa Fe Island

Day 4 - Santa Cruz Island & transfer to Ikala Hotel

Day 5 – Las Grietas Hopping Experience & Transfer to Airport

Coral I & Coral II

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Galapagos & Santa Cruz Island

Day 2 - Genovesa Island

Day 3 - Rabida Island & Bartolome Island

Day 4 - Santa Cruz Island & transfer to Ikala Hotel

Day 5 – Las Grietas Hopping Experience & Transfer to Airport

Discover Ecuador!

Wildlife by expedition

What's Included

What to take on the trip?

Essentials:

What to Wear?

GO QUITO HOTEL

Enjoy optional full-day tours

Discover the Magic of Karanki Magdalena

Cotopaxi National Park & Quilotoa Lagoon

Otavalo: One of the most famous handcraft markets in Latin America

Mindo Orchids & Birdwatching within Cloud Forest - Alambi

Extend your stay in Ecuador with other land tours we offer

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