Short answer: Santa Cruz → Isabela and back: 4 nights Santa Cruz, 2 nights Isabela. About $1,845 per person on a budget or $2,268 mid-range, from mainland Ecuador, for two people sharing.
A week is enough for two islands. Four nights on Santa Cruz for the boat day trips, two on Isabela for Los Túneles, penguins and the volcano, and you are back on Santa Cruz the night before your flight.
Day by day
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Arrive at Baltra, transfer to Puerto Ayora Santa Cruz
Bus, channel ferry and bus or taxi to town (about an hour). Afternoon: giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station, a short walk from town.
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North Seymour boat trip Santa Cruz
Blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and land iguanas along the trail, then a snorkel stop.
Book: North Seymour: Day Tour with Wildlife Walk & Snorkeling · 4.4 ★ (14) · from about $484 on GetYourGuide
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Bartolomé and Pinnacle Rock Santa Cruz
The classic view from the summit and a snorkel with a chance of penguins.
Book: Bartolome Day Tour for Penguin Snorkeling · 4.6 ★ (18) · from about $496 on GetYourGuide
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Ferry to Isabela Isabela
Morning speedboat (06:00, 14:00), about 2 hours. Afternoon in Puerto Villamil.
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Los Túneles Isabela
Lava arches, blue-footed boobies nesting, and a snorkel with turtles and sharks.
Book: Los Túneles: Snorkel with Sharks, Seahorses & Sea Turtles · 4.9 ★ (15) · from about $221 on GetYourGuide
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Ferry to Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
Morning speedboat (05:00, 14:00), about 2 hours. Afternoon in Puerto Ayora.
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Fly home from Baltra Santa Cruz
Allow about an hour from Puerto Ayora to Baltra, plus the check-in time.
What it costs
| Per person (2 sharing) | Budget | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Total from mainland Ecuador | $1,845 | $2,268 |
| Per day | $264 | $324 |
Includes park fee, transit card, return flight from Quito, a hotel night near the airport, hotels, ferries, the 3 tours and food. Open this budget in the calculator to change anything.
Book the tours in this plan
- North Seymour: Day Tour with Wildlife Walk & Snorkeling: 1 day, 4.4 ★ (14 reviews), from about $484 on GetYourGuide
- Bartolome Day Tour for Penguin Snorkeling: 1 day, 4.6 ★ (18 reviews), from about $496 on GetYourGuide
- Los Túneles: Snorkel with Sharks, Seahorses & Sea Turtles: 6 hours, 4.9 ★ (15 reviews), from about $221 on GetYourGuide
Boat day trips sell out in high season, so book them before you fly. Partner links: disclosure.
Rather have it all organised?
The same islands as a guided package of about 7 days, with hotels, boats and guides booked for you:
7-Day Unforgettable Galápagos Island Hopping
6-Day Island Hopping: Santa Cruz & Isabela
Galápagos Adventure: Snorkelling & Sea Lions (ages 18–39)
Compare 400+ Galápagos tours on TourRadar →
Prices and ratings as listed in November 2026; the price at checkout is what counts. Many multi-day packages start in Quito, so check what is included. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosure
Make it yours
- Prefer snorkelling? Swap North Seymour for Pinzón or Santa Fe. Snorkel version.
- On a budget? Replace a boat day with Tortuga Bay and the free walk-in sites. Budget version.
- Get seasick? Check the seasickness meter for your month, or stay on one island.
- Which month? Month-by-month guide.
Sources: Galápagos National Park and Governing Council. Every figure with its document: facts and figures.
Updated 2026-11-06. Fees, boat times and prices change, so confirm with the operator before you travel.