Short answer: Santa Cruz: 4 nights Santa Cruz. About $1,665 per person on a budget or $2,004 mid-range, from mainland Ecuador, for two people sharing.
With five days, moving islands would cost you a whole day on boats. Stay in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz and let the boats come to you: three different islands by day trip, plus the giant tortoises in the highlands.
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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Santa Fe island Santa Cruz
Sea lions and the Santa Fe land iguana, snorkel in the bay.
Book: Santa Fe Island Snorkeling Day Tour · 4.6 ★ (89) · from about $220 on GetYourGuide
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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 | $1,665 | $2,004 |
| Per day | $333 | $401 |
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
- Santa Fe Island Snorkeling Day Tour: 7 hours, 4.6 ★ (89 reviews), from about $220 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 5 days, with hotels, boats and guides booked for you:
Galápagos Turtles & Penguins
6-Day Island Hopping: Santa Cruz & Isabela
7-Day Unforgettable Galápagos Island Hopping
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.