Skip to content
Semilla Verde Yoga Retreats, in Galapagos
Discover your inner peace amidst the extraordinary wildlife and pristine nature of the Galapagos Islands with our signature yoga retreat! Immerse yourself in daily yoga sessions, guided hikes with expert naturalists, and adventures like swimming with sea lions and exploring lava tunnels. Stay in a unique boutique hotel, enjoy exclusive access to private trails with giant tortoises, and experience a transformative journey combining wellness with the unparalleled wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Semilla Verde was the very first hotel to organise and promote yoga retreats in the Galápagos Islands. We have a dedicated, all season, fully equipped yoga studio with hot and cold climate control to ensure a comfortable and dry practice. Impressive views to the tortoise pond, and ample wall space for inversions complete the picture. Offering excellent facilities, value for money and overall guest experience, we remain the number one option for groups wanting to combine a comprehensive Galapagos experience with yoga. These are intimate retreats with either sixteen or twenty sellable spaces, accommodated in nine spacious ensuite bedrooms and an additional suite for teachers.
Endemic giant tortoises roam freely around the twelve acre estate and there are over a mile of nature trails. On your days out you’ll swim with sea lions, visit a tortoise rearing centre, and spot penguins, sharks, marine iguanas, and the dancing blue-footed boobies. With a focus on yoga, exploration and adventure, you will spend every day in amazement at the wild beauty and boundless natural energy of the Galápagos.
Boat excursions to the most spectacular outlying islands to Santa Cruz have a maximum 16 people onboard. And, the group will have the expertise of a Certified Galapagos Naturalist Guide to accompany them on all tours and excursions.
The island excursions are full day events and include a land and snorkel element. Mask and fins are provided and lunch is on the boat itself. There is the opportunity to swim with sea lions, rays, turtles on each excursion day. Naturally, we can’t guarantee what animal encounters will be like, but you are most likely to observe sharks, sea lions, penguins, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies and a whole plethora of other unique species.
Our 8-day/7-night package includes :
- Three full day boat trips to Bartolome, North Seymour & South Plazas or Santa Fe Islands, incl land and snorkel
- Guided visit to Charles Darwin Station and the Highlands of Santa Cruz
- Excursion to Tortuga Bay Beach with Kayaking
- Three meals a day
- Ensuite-air conditioned accommodations
- Private transfers to and from Baltra airport
- and, of course, the retreat program itinerary as set by you or your organizer
Most meals will be served at the hotel, and some meals in local restaurants. All the food is delicious and can be vegan, vegetarian or include meat and fish options. Any dietary preferences can be catered for.
International Yoga Retreats @ Semilla Verde
For more Galapagos Island yoga retreats not listed here please contact info@gps.ec
Our yoga studio looks out over the tortoise pond and to the forest. It’s not uncommon to see a Giant Tortoise strolling by during class or wallowing in the fresh rainwater pond, just outside the studio. The beautiful bamboo flooring and full windows placed for views of sunrise and sunset to greet you each time you unroll your mat. The studio is fully stocked with Manduka ProLite yoga mats, cork blocks and Yogitoes straps. It is also equipped with a sound system, iPod dock and a hot/cold ventilation system for maximum comfort.
Group rates include:
- Ensuite accommodation at Semilla Verde Boutique Hotel on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos
- Daily Yoga Classes
- Three meals a day
- Naturalist accompanied visit to the Charles Darwin Station
- Naturalist accompanied day trips to Bartolomé, North Seymour, and South Plazas or Santa Fe Islands
- Walking and snorkeling and swimming on all day excursions
- Naturalist accompanied Highland Tour (pit craters, lava tunnels and cloud forest and wild tortoises)
- Walking, swimming & kayaking at Tortuga Bay Beach
- 12 acres of private nature trails to explore (wild Giant Tortoises roam the hotel grounds)
- Private transfers to and from Baltra Airport, GPS
TOURS & PACKAGES
Semilla Verde contracts local tour operators that offer half-day or day-long tours in small launches to the islands and attractions around Santa Cruz.
OURS ROOMS
Each room has it’s own charm and quirks. All rooms are ensuite and all have their own adjoining terrace and hammock.
YOGA RETREATS
We invite you to step into another world, the original Galapagos, the true and enchanting islands. And, to experience the wonders of a rural, forest lodge and life amongst the unique wildlife you came so far to see.
As their name says, this is a Boutique Hotel - just 9 rooms. Don't expect 24 hour room service or suchlike, but expect to be welcomed as a treasured guest and looked after superbly by General Manager Cattya or Owner Robert Grimstone, and their team.
WyoBus
Deserves the High Rating!
Robert and Cattya were exceptional in answering any questions and making sure each guests needs were met. All the friendly staff were extremely helpful and the food....the food was AMAZING!!!
Stephanie C.
A week of WOW!!!
Una de las mejores experiencias en nuestro viaje. Un hotel con sus tortugas gigantes y su propio café, la habitación gigante, walk in closet, maderas nobles, comedor y sala donde compartir con los demás pasajeros, jardines y senderos para perderse... maravilloso.
Carlos D.
Naturaleza y lujo, y una atención excelente
Semilla Verde - 2 night / 3 day Package
Two nights ensuite accommodation and the following itinerary inclusions
DAY 1
| TBC hrs |
Arrive Baltra Airport (GPS) / Private transfer to Semilla Verde Hotel |
| 13.00hrs |
Welcome drink / Lunch at Semilla Verde |
| 14.30hrs |
Highland Tour (cloud forest, pit craters, lava tunnels, wild tortoises) |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 2
| TBC hrs |
Arrive Baltra Airport (GPS) / Private transfer to Semilla Verde Hotel |
| 13.00hrs |
Welcome drink / Lunch at Semilla Verde |
| 14.30hrs |
Highland Tour (cloud forest, pit craters, lava tunnels, wild tortoises) |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 3
| TBC hrs |
Arrive Baltra Airport (GPS) / Private transfer to Semilla Verde Hotel |
| 13.00hrs |
Welcome drink / Lunch at Semilla Verde |
| 14.30hrs |
Highland Tour (cloud forest, pit craters, lava tunnels, wild tortoises) |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
Please note: Arrival & departure times may change according to your personal schedule. The exact order of the itinerary and times may change according to actual boat availability and the operator in question. Basic snorkel equipment is provided on the boat, but we recommend that you bring your own.
Semilla Verde - 3 night / 4 day Package
Three nights ensuite accommodation and the following itinerary inclusions
DAY 1
| TBC hrs |
Arrive Baltra Airport (GPS) / Private transfer to Semilla Verde Hotel
|
| 13.00hrs |
Welcome drink / Lunch at Semilla Verde
|
| 14.30hrs |
Highland Tour (cloud forest, pit craters, lava tunnels, wild tortoises)
|
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra)
|
DAY 2
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to North Seymour or South Plazas Island (land visit and snorkel activities)
|
| 16.00hrs |
|
| 18.30hrs |
|
DAY 3
| 06.45hrs |
Breakfast |
| 07.20hrs |
Day trip to Bartolome Island (land visit and snorkel activities)
|
| 17.00hrs |
|
| 18.30hrs |
|
DAY 4
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| TBC hrs |
Private transfer to airport (GPS)
|
Please note: Arrival & departure times may change according to your personal schedule. The exact order of the itinerary and times may change according to actual boat availability and the operator in question. Basic snorkel equipment is provided on the boat, but we recommend that you bring your own.
Semilla Verde - 4 night / 5 day Package
Four nights ensuite accommodation and the following itinerary inclusions;
DAY 1
| TBC hrs |
Arrive Baltra Airport (GPS) / Private transfer to Semilla Verde Hotel
|
| 13.00hrs |
Welcome drink / Lunch at Semilla Verde
|
| 14.30hrs |
Free afternoon; suggest Charles Darwin Station and town visit
|
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra)
|
DAY 2
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to North Seymour or South Plazas Island (land visit and snorkel activities)
|
| 16.00hrs |
|
| 18.30hrs |
|
DAY 3
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Highland Tour (cloud forest, pit craters, lava tunnels, wild tortoises)
|
| 13.30hrs |
|
| 14.30hrs |
Free afternoon, suggest Tortuga Bay Beach (kayaking/swimming)
|
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in town (not included)
|
DAY 4
| 06.45hrs |
Breakfast |
| 07.20hrs |
Day trip to Bartolome Island (land visit and snorkel activities)
|
| 17.00hrs |
|
| 18.30hrs |
|
DAY 5
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| TBC hrs |
Private transfer to airport (GPS)
|
Please note: Arrival & departure times may change according to your personal schedule. The exact order of the itinerary and times may change according to actual boat availability and the operator in question. Basic snorkel equipment is provided on the boat, but we recommend that you bring your own.
Semilla Verde - 5 night / 6 day Package
Five nights ensuite accommodation and the following itinerary inclusions;
DAY 1
| TBC hrs |
Arrive Baltra Airport (GPS) / Private transfer to Semilla Verde Hotel
|
| 13.00hrs |
Welcome drink / Lunch at Semilla Verde
|
| 14.30hrs |
Free afternoon; suggest Charles Darwin Station and town visit
|
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra)
|
DAY 2
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to North Seymour Island (land visit and snorkel activities)
|
| 16.00hrs |
|
| 18.30hrs |
|
DAY 3
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Highland Tour (cloud forest, pit craters, lava tunnels, wild tortoises)
|
| 13.30hrs |
|
| 14.30hrs |
Free afternoon, suggest Tortuga Bay Beach (kayaking/swimming)
|
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra)
|
DAY 4
| 06.45hrs |
Breakfast |
| 07.20hrs |
Day trip to Bartolome Island (land visit and snorkel activities)
|
| 17.00hrs |
|
| 18.30hrs |
|
DAY 5
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to South Plazas or Santa Fe Island (land visit and snorkel activities)
|
| 16:00hrs |
|
| 19.00hrs |
|
DAY 6
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| TBC hrs |
Private transfer to airport (GPS)
|
Please note: Arrival & departure times may change according to your personal schedule. The exact order of the itinerary and times may change according to actual boat availability and the operator in question. Basic snorkel equipment is provided on the boat, but we recommend that you bring your own.
Semilla Verde - 6 night / 7 day Package
Six nights ensuite accommodation and the following itinerary inclusions;
DAY 1
| TBC hrs |
Arrive Baltra Airport (GPS) / Private transfer to Semilla Verde Hotel
|
| 13.00hrs |
Welcome drink / Lunch at Semilla Verde
|
| 14.30hrs |
Free afternoon; suggest Charles Darwin Station and town visit
|
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra)
|
DAY 2
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to North Seymour Island (land visit and snorkel activities)
|
| 16.00hrs |
|
| 18.30hrs |
|
DAY 3
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Highland Tour (cloud forest, pit craters, lava tunnels, wild tortoises)
|
| 13.30hrs |
|
| 14.30hrs |
|
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra)
|
DAY 4
| 06.45hrs |
Breakfast |
| 07.20hrs |
Day trip to Bartolome Island (land visit and snorkel activities)
|
| 17.00hrs |
|
| 18.30hrs |
|
DAY 5
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.00hrs |
Free day, suggest Tortuga Bay Visit (kayaking / swimming opps)
|
| 13.00hrs |
Lunch in town (not included)
|
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra)
|
DAY 6
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to South Plazas or Santa Fe Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16:00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 19.00hrs |
Dinner Semilla Verde |
DAY 7
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| TBC hrs |
Private transfer to airport (GPS) |
Please note: Arrival & departure times may change according to your personal schedule. The exact order of the itinerary and times may change according to actual boat availability and the operator in question. Basic snorkel equipment is provided on the boat, but we recommend that you bring your own.
Semilla Verde - 7 night / 8 day Package
Seven nights ensuite accommodation and the following itinerary inclusions;
DAY 1
| TBC hrs |
Arrive Baltra Airport (GPS) / Private transfer to Semilla Verde Hotel |
| 13.00hrs |
Welcome drink / Lunch at Semilla Verde |
| 14.30hrs |
Free afternoon; suggest Charles Darwin Station and town visit |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 2
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to North Seymour Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16.00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner at Semilla Verde |
DAY 3
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Highland Tour (cloud forest, pit craters, lava tunnels, wild tortoises) |
| 13.30hrs |
Lunch at Semilla Verde |
| 14.30hrs |
Free afternoon |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 4
| 06.45hrs |
Breakfast |
| 07.20hrs |
Day trip to Bartolome Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 17.00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner Semilla Verde |
DAY 5
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.00hrs |
Free day, suggest Tortuga Bay Visit (kayaking / swimming opps) |
| 13.00hrs |
Lunch in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 6
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to South Plazas Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16.00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner at Semilla Verde |
DAY 7
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.00hrs |
Free days, suggest Garrapatero Beach Visit (kayaking / swimming opps) or Isabela day trip or Bay Tour or Spa treatments
|
| 13.00hrs |
Lunch in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 8
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| TBC hrs |
Private transfer to airport (GPS) |
Please note: Arrival & departure times may change according to your personal schedule. The exact order of the itinerary and times may change according to actual boat availability and the operator in question. Basic snorkel equipment is provided on the boat, but we recommend that you bring your own.
Semilla Verde - 8 night / 9 day Package
Eight nights ensuite accommodation and the following itinerary inclusions;
DAY 1
| 11.00-12.30hrs |
Arrive Baltra Airport / Private transfer to Semilla Verde |
| 13.30hrs |
Welcome drink / Lunch at Semilla Verde |
| 15.00hrs |
Free afternoon; suggest Charles Darwin Station and town visit |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 2
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to North Seymour Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16.00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner at Semilla Verde |
DAY 3
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Highland Tour (cloud forest, pit craters, lava tunnels, wild tortoises) |
| 13.30hrs |
Lunch at Semilla Verde |
| 14.30hrs |
Free afternoon |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 4
| 06.45hrs |
Breakfast |
| 07.20hrs |
Day trip to Bartolome Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 17.00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner Semilla Verde |
DAY 5
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.00hrs |
Free day, suggest Tortuga Bay Visit (kayaking / swimming opps) |
| 13.00hrs |
Lunch in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 6
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to South Plazas Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16:00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 19.00hrs |
Dinner Semilla Verde |
DAY 7
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.00hrs |
Free days, suggest Garrapatero Beach Visit (kayaking / swimming opps) or Isabela day trip or Bay Tour or Spa treatments
|
| 13.30hrs |
Lunch in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 8
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to Santa Fe Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16:00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 19.00hrs |
Dinner Semilla Verde |
DAY 9
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| TBC hrs |
Private transfer to airport (GPS) |
Please note: Arrival & departure times may change according to your personal schedule. The exact order of the itinerary and times may change according to actual boat availability and the operator in question. Basic snorkel equipment is provided on the boat, but we recommend that you bring your own.
Semilla Verde - 9 night / 10 day Package
Nine nights ensuite accommodation and the following itinerary inclusions;
DAY 1
| TBC hrs |
Arrive Baltra Airport (GPS) / Private transfer to Semilla Verde Hotel |
| 13.00hrs |
Welcome drink / Lunch at Semilla Verde |
| 14.30hrs |
Free afternoon; suggest Charles Darwin Station and town visit |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 2
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to North Seymour Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16.00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner at Semilla Verde |
DAY 3
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Highland Tour (cloud forest, pit craters, lava tunnels, wild tortoises) |
| 13.30hrs |
Lunch at Semilla Verde |
| 14.30hrs |
Free afternoon |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 4
| 06.45hrs |
Breakfast |
| 07.20hrs |
Day trip to Bartolome Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 17.00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner at Semilla Verde |
DAY 5
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to Santa Fe Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16:00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 19.00hrs |
Dinner at Semilla Verde |
DAY 6
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to South Plazas Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16:00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 19.00hrs |
Dinner at Semilla Verde |
DAY 7
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.00hrs |
Free days, suggest Garrapatero Beach Visit (kayaking / swimming opps) or Isabela day trip or Bay Tour or Spa treatments
|
| 13.00hrs |
Lunch in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 8
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to Santa Fe Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16:00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 19.00hrs |
Dinner Semilla Verde |
DAY 9
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.00hrs |
Free day, suggest Tortuga Bay Visit (kayaking / swimming opps) |
| 13.00hrs |
Lunch in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 10
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| TBC hrs |
Private transfer to airport (GPS) |
Please note: Arrival & departure times may change according to your personal schedule. The exact order of the itinerary and times may change according to actual boat availability and the operator in question. Basic snorkel equipment is provided on the boat, but we recommend that you bring your own.
Semilla Verde - 10 night / 11 day Package
Ten nights ensuite accommodation and the following itinerary inclusions;
DAY 1
| TBC hrs |
Arrive Baltra Airport (GPS) / Private transfer to Semilla Verde Hotel |
| 13.00hrs |
Welcome drink / Lunch at Semilla Verde |
| 14.30hrs |
Free afternoon; suggest Charles Darwin Station and town visit |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 2
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to North Seymour Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16.00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner at Semilla Verde |
DAY 3
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Highland Tour (cloud forest, pit craters, lava tunnels, wild tortoises) |
| 13.30hrs |
Lunch at Semilla Verde |
| 14.30hrs |
Free afternoon |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 4
| 06.45hrs |
Breakfast |
| 07.20hrs |
Day trip to Bartolome Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 17.00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner Semilla Verde |
DAY 5
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to Santa Fe Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16:00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 19.00hrs |
Dinner Semilla Verde |
DAY 6
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to South Plazas Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16:00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 19.00hrs |
Dinner Semilla Verde |
DAY 7
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.00hrs |
Free days, suggest Garrapatero Beach Visit (kayaking / swimming opps) or Isabela day trip or Bay Tour or Spa treatments
|
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 8
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.30hrs |
Day trip to Santa Fe Island (land visit and snorkel activities) |
| 16:00hrs |
Return to Semilla Verde |
| 19.00hrs |
Dinner Semilla Verde |
DAY 9
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.00hrs |
Free day, suggest Tortuga Bay Visit (kayaking / swimming opps) |
| 13.00hrs |
Lunch in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 9
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| 08.00hrs |
Free day, suggest you decide once you arrive |
| 13.00hrs |
Lunch in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
| 18.30hrs |
Dinner in Puerto Ayora or at Semilla Verde (optional extra) |
DAY 11
| 07.30hrs |
Breakfast |
| TBC hrs |
Private transfer to airport (GPS) |
Please note: Arrival & departure times may change according to your personal schedule. The exact order of the itinerary and times may change according to actual boat availability and the operator in question. Basic snorkel equipment is provided on the boat, but we recommend that you bring your own.
Bartolome Island (approx. 6.30am to 5.30pm)
A spectacular volcanic landscape and great snorkeling! Climb up a long staircase to the view point on the summit offers breathtaking views over the surrounding islands. Bartolome is famous for its Pinnacle Rock – probably the most famous volcanic landscape in Galapagos. This beach is great for swimming and snorkeling with the opportunity of seeing many different reef fish, penguins, rays and white-tipped reef sharks.
North Seymour Island (approx. 8.30am to 4pm)
Located slightly to the north of Baltra, North Seymour is a low, flat island, formed as a result of the uplift of a submarine lava formation. It is covered with low, bushy vegetation and contains the largest colony of Magnificent frigate birds in the Galapagos. Land iguanas are common here too. There is also a population of blue-footed boobies that perform an amusing courtship dance when nesting conditions are right. This goofy stride, picking-up high their blue feet in a slow motion, wing spreading, whistling and honking is one of the highlights of a visit to this island. Snorkeling and swimming from the beautiful and sandy Bachas beach follows the walk.
South Plazas Island (approx. 8am to 5pm)
One of a pair of small uplifted islands a short distance from the east coast of Santa Cruz, South Plaza has a unique landscape of colourful Sesuvium plants and Opuntia cacti and provides some of the most interesting wildlife observation spots in Galapagos. Land iguanas are easily seen from the trail. Swallow-tailed gulls, Pelicans and Shearwaters, along with other sea birds use the rising air to glide effortlessly over the escarpment. The protected rocky seashore is prime habitat for a large colony of playful sea lions.
Santa Fe Island (approx. 8am to 5pm)
Located south of Santa Cruz Island, this rugged island offers the chance of spotting the Santa Fe Land Iguana, that only exists here. Arriving on the sandy beach of a protected bay you will be greeted by tens of sea lions and lava lizards. A short circular trail takes you along the cliff edge where you can most likely spot the iguanas. Snorkeling in the beautiful bay here offers playful sea lions, colorful reef fish and occasionally sea turtles and rays.
Scuba Diving
The Galapagos Islands offers some of the best pelagic scuba diving in the world. In fact, Galapagos is rated as one of the seven underwater water wonders of the world. You can swim with harmless hammerhead sharks, playful sea lions, manta rays amongst others.
The diving is for advanced divers but there are courses run in town for beginners that we give you the necessary skills to enjoy the less testing sites. Many great dive sites are accessible via day tours from Santa Cruz Island.
Tortuga Bay
Tortuga Bay Beach is a hot 40-minute walk from Puerto Ayora town along a paved path that passes through arid zone vegetation (2.5km). Tortuga Bay is the longest and most famous white coral-sand beach on Santa Cruz Island. This is a must do, on Santa Cruz!
If you walk to the end of the beach, you will come to a beautiful, naturally protected pool where you can swim and snorkel safely (the main beach has strong rip tides and is only suitable for surfers). Another 5-minutes walking brings you to a protected inner bay, called Playa Manza with sun-warmed waters and shady trees. Here you can hire sea kayaks to see harmless white tip sharks and green sea turtles. There is also a short rocky trail along the coastline and around a forest of huge Prickly Pear Cacti where you can see many marine iguanas piled on top of each other and blue footed boobies.
Garrapatero Beach
Garrapatero Beach is another beautiful beach and a good place to swim. It is a 40-minutetaxi ride and then a 10-minute walk. Fixed grills are available if you would like to make yourown BBQ there.
Station Beach
Station Beach is just off the narrow road leading to the Charles Darwin Station. It is small but pretty and conveniently close to town.
Playa de los Alemanes
Playa de los Alemanes is next to the Finch Bay Hotel, via water taxi on the ‘other side’ of the harbor. From here you can take a rocky 20-minute walk to ‘Los Grietas’ where you canswim in crystal clear seawater. You can use the hotel pool for just $10 per person.
Highland Tour
Highland Tour including bird watching and nature trails through scalesia cloud forest, visit two giant pit craters ‘Los Gemelos’, walk through underground lava tunnels and search for tortoises in the wild. This is a must do, on Santa Cruz!
Bay Tour
Bay Tour a half day trip from Puerto Ayora offers snorkeling with sea lions at the ‘La Loberia’ (sea lion island) and the chance of seeing harmless white tip reef sharks at the ‘Canal del Amor’ and a visit to las Grietas and Playa de los alemanes beach.
Sports
Local operators offer excellent Scuba diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, surfing and mountain biking excursions. Hiking can also be done in the highlands although it is recommended that a National Park guide accompany any expedition.
Charles Darwin Research Station
Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora has a wealth of information about current conservation efforts and the captive rearing program for giant tortoises and land iguanas. See the tiny new born tortoises and join the huge adults in their corrals. Lonesome George, the last remaining individual of Pinta Island and conservation icon of Galapagos sadly died in 2012 but you can still meet Super Diego ‘the latin lover’ who has fathered the vast majority of over one thousand tortoises repatriated onto Espanola island. There is no entrance fee and so you can do a self-guided tour. However, it is well worth paying a guide to take you round, for added insight and perspective. This is a must do, on Santa Cruz!
Renewable Energy Centre
Renewable Energy Centre a very new exhibition found on the road to Tortuga Bay Beach. Focusing on renewable energy projects in Galapagos, it is fun and very educational. Can be combined with a visit to the beach.