Basix
Wildlife
Galapagos Discovery
9 days • 4.7
4.5
Excellent
circle54 reviews
location_on 9 days
location_on
Start
Quito, Ecuador
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Finish
Quito, Ecuador
tour
Trip Code
GGRR
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Min Age
15
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Trip Size
1 - 16
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Physical Rating
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Meals
5 breakfasts
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Transport
Plane, Speed boat, Private Vehicle, Public bus
bed
Accommodation
Hotel (8 nights)
From £1,791(9 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
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Get your blood pumping as you scale Sierra Negra Volcano during an epic hike, then cool off with a swim in the perfect waters of Isla Isabela’s beaches.
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Many come to Isla Santa Cruz just for the giant tortoises. Get up close and personal with these enormous animals as they drag themselves through the sand.
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Learn about the unique habits of the marine iguana. This dinosaur-like little creature has an iridescent sheen and is only found on the Galapagos Islands.
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Birdwatching at the Galapagos is quite an experience. Watch the aerobatic routines of blue-footed boobies and the death defying stunts of the frigate birds as they whizz through the air.
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This trip combines plenty of must-try activities and islands with generous mounts of free time, so you can explore the Galapagos at your own pace.
Is this trip right for you?
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This trip begins in Quito, where elevation can cause altitude sickness regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Medical and health information’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
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This trip includes a 17 km hike (approximately 6 to 7 hours) on rocky terrain. We recommend bringing sturdy, comfortable hiking or trail shoes with good support.
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This trip involves a lot of travel by speedboat between the various Galapagos Islands. The rides can be quite bumpy at times, but the good news is that seasickness can often be managed with medication. Please consult a health professional to assess your suitability for such medication.
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From June to August the water in the Galapagos can be rougher than usual. Consequently, travel times will be longer than usual. If you suffer from seasickness you may want to reconsider travelling during this period.
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Proximity to the equator means the sun in the Galapagos is incredibly strong. Ensure you are prepared with sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. We also recommend a rash guard.
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This trip includes snorkelling on multiple days. Confident swimming skills are required to take part. Alternative activities will not be available.
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Many travellers express interest in diving in the Galapagos. We are now able to assist with booking this activity, but only through a provider that meets our internal safety policy. Speak to your agent at the time of booking for more information.
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The Galapagos is a great place to switch off and take a break from your phone, as internet access can be patchy and wi-fi is not always available or reliable.
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Hot water can be sporadic in some parts of the Galapagos, so there may be a few cold showers on the trip.
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If you would like a trip that starts and ends in the Galapagos, please search the website for our trip Galapagos Experience (GGRX).
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As accommodation in Quito is twin and multi-share, solo travellers will share a room with other travellers of the same gender, an excellent opportunity to get to know other like-minded people. Triple-share and quad-share may be used depending on the make-up of the group.
Itinerary
Meet sea lions and bunk on the best islands
Take in the highlights of the unique flora- and fauna-rich islands of the Galapagos on this eight-day adventure. From rubbing shoulders with giant tortoises to gazing up in wonder at the spectacular blue-footed boobies’ synchronised fishing technique, the Galapagos offers the chance to see an abundance of rare creatures at close range. We’ll show you the best islands, coves and natural wonders, and give you plenty of time to explore (with local advice!) so you can spend your time the way you want. Snorkel with sea lions, swim with sea turtles and relax in paradise.
- DAY 1Day 1 • Quito
- DAY 2Day 2 • Isla San Cristobal
- DAY 3Day 3 • Isla San Cristobal
- DAY 4Day 4 • Isla Santa Cruz
- DAY 5Day 5 • Isla Isabela
- DAY 6Day 6 • Isla Isabela
- DAY 7Day 7 • Isla Santa Cruz
- DAY 8Day 8 • Quito
- DAY 9Day 9 • Quito
Inclusions
restaurant_menu Meals
5 breakfasts
airport_shuttle Transport
Plane, Speed boat, Private Vehicle, Public bus
bed Accommodation
Hotel (8 nights)
festival Included activities
circleIsla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center (45 minutes)
circleIsla San Cristobal - Snorkelling in Tijeretas Hill
circleIsla Santa Cruz - Highlands Visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
circleIsla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre (45 Minutes)
circleIsla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (1 Hour)
circleIsla Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours)
circleSanta Cruz Marine Reserves - Half Day Boat Tour
circleIsla Santa Cruz - The Galapagos Conservancy (The Tuuur Foundation partner) visit
museum Optional activities
circleCotopaxi - National Park Hiking Tour - USD95
circleQuito - La Ronda Walk - Free
circleQuito - Papallacta Hot Springs (Full day) - USD70
circleQuito - Bellavista Cloud forest (Full day) - USD110
circleQuito - Otavalo Indigenous Market (Full day) - USD70
circleQuilotoa - Quilotoa Lagoon (Full day) - minimum 2 people - USD150
circleQuito - Mindo Cloud and Tropical Forest - USD160
circleQuito - Compania de Jesus - USD4
circleQuito - Ballet Folklorico Ecuatoriano de Jacchigua - USD40
circleKicker Rock excursion - USD120
circleFrigate Bird Hill - Free
circleMann Beach - Free
circleSnorkelling gear rental - USD5
circleIsla Lobos. - USD80
circleIsla Tintoreras - USD47
circleIsla Isabela - wetsuite rental - USD15
circleKayak rental - USD50
circleIsla Isabela - Snorkeling in Concha y Perla - Free
circleIsabela Island - Snorkelling gear rental - USD5
circleTunneles Snorkelling - USD120
circleIsla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk - Free
circleCotopaxi - National Park Hiking Tour - AUD95
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
Prices From
Thursday May 29, 2025
Friday Jun 06, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
Friday Jun 20, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 13 spaces left
£2,268£2,060
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Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Friday Jul 04, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 14 spaces left
£2,207
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Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Friday Jul 11, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 15 spaces left
£2,207
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Thursday Jul 17, 2025
Friday Jul 25, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 1 space left
£2,307£2,095
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Thursday Jul 24, 2025
Friday Aug 01, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 12 spaces left
£2,191£1,991
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Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Friday Aug 08, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 15 spaces left
£2,207
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Thursday Aug 14, 2025
Friday Aug 22, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 8 spaces left
£2,191£1,791
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Thursday Aug 21, 2025
Friday Aug 29, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 11 spaces left
£2,191£1,791
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Thursday Sep 04, 2025
Friday Sep 12, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 9 spaces left
£2,235£2,031
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Thursday Sep 18, 2025
Friday Sep 26, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 12 spaces left
£2,191£1,991
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Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Friday Oct 10, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 6 spaces left
£2,274£2,170
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Thursday Oct 16, 2025
Friday Oct 24, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 14 spaces left
£2,191£2,091
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Thursday Nov 06, 2025
Friday Nov 14, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 12 spaces left
£2,268£2,164
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Thursday Nov 13, 2025
Friday Nov 21, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 10 spaces left
£2,268£2,164
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Important notes
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1. Due to limited hotel availability, a single supplement is not available on this trip.
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2. Full passport details are required at the time of booking. The passport you travel with must match the booking details provided to us. This information is necessary to purchase entry permits to certain sites. Delays in providing this information could result in additional booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
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3. All visitors to the Galapagos must have a Transit Control Card. We will use your passport details to complete the application process on your behalf. At the Welcome Meeting in Quito, you will be required to pay your leader US$20 in cash to cover the fee.
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4. The Galapagos National Park fee (US$200) and Isabela Port fee (US$10) are payable upon arrival to the islands (cash only). These amounts are in addition to your trip payment.
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4.Strict rules apply in the Galapagos Islands to protect and preserve its unique biodiversity. Tuuur supports these rules, which range from times of the day that a destination can be visited to the distance kept between people and wildlife. In particular, not removing anything from the environment (shells and corals, for example). All rules will be explained in more detail by your leader when you join the trip. Not adhering to these rules can lead to hefty fines for travellers and Tuuur losing the license to operate in the Galapagos Islands. Failure to adhere to the rules can result in your removal from the trip without a refund.
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For more information:
Reviews (52)
5 stars
40
4 stars
8
3 stars
2
2 stars
1
1 star
1
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Wayne
May 05, 2025
The professionalism of all Staff involved (especially the Tour Leader -- Genesis Coronel), the excellent organization of the Tour, Genesis' tremendous knowledge and effective implementation of all aspects of the Tour, and the exemplary ethical commitment of Genesis to the Guests’ overall enjoyment and well-being made my experience truly transformative.
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Linda
May 04, 2025
This was our families for tour and we were very happy and impressed with Intrepid. Loved their philosophy, values on the sustainability, environment and especially working partnerships with local families. Our tour guide was awesome, very knowledgeable and passion for the Galapagos Island was demonstrated in her daily interaction with our group. Especially Loved the small group environment as it would have been a different experience in a large group. The excursions were diverse and felt very safe on the snorkeling excursions especially for none swimmers. The trip did not disappoint. Looking forward to another adventure with Intrepid.
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Meghan
Apr 17, 2025
This was my first time using Intrepid and it won't be my last. Everyone involved was helpful and super knowledgeable. I felt like I learned a lot about the wildlife and the culture of the Galapagos. I'm excited to see what other places Intrepid works with. I also love that Intrepid works with non profits and is mindful about sustainability!
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Kane
Apr 15, 2025
The Galapagos Discovery tour with Genesis and crew was a once in a lifetime experience that I would recommend to anybody who enjoys nature and wildlife and particularly for incredible snorkelling experiences. Everything was taken care of for us by the Intrepid team.
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Clare
Jan 16, 2025
I cannot recommend this trip enough. Joel is the perfect guide to show you the wonders of the Galapagos - I had high expectations but they were well and truly exceeded
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Rylee
Jan 09, 2025
This trip was absolutely amazing. I would highly recommend taking this trip, especially if you can get Joel as your tour guide. So much wildlife and snorkeling with sea life. Absolutely beautiful and everyone was so great and helpful!
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Nils
Nov 07, 2024
Traveling to the Galápagos Islands is an amazing experience! If you do it with a local intrepid guide (Genesis was our amazing guide) you will even get more out of it! Can highly recommend the trip and Genesis in particular
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Nathaniel
Oct 30, 2024
Intrepid are fantastic. Local guides, great itineraries
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Meghan
Sep 03, 2024
The entire trip was amazing!! I had high expectations for the Galapagos which were exceeded at every turn! In particular, our guide Lorenzo was absolutely excellent, he had so much knowledge of the islands!
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Kimberly
Aug 20, 2024
Absolutely delighted with the itinerary and our very knowledgeable and attentive local guide, Carlos.
Excellent balance of activities: snorkelling and hiking, with wildlife observation and education.
Amazing mother & daughter vacation.