5-Day Galapagos Island Hopping Tour: Los Tuneles, Tintoreras and Isabela

Exploring the Galapagos Islands is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This 5-day island hopping tour takes travelers on an unforgettable adventure, showcasing the breathtaking natural wonders of Los Tuneles, Tintoreras, and Isabela. Snorkel amid dramatic lava tube formations and observe the captivating marine life, from playful sea lions to Galapagos penguins. Discover the hidden gems of Tintoreras, home to white-tipped reef sharks and marine iguanas, and visit the iconic Flamingo Lagoon. With knowledgeable guides to enrich your understanding of the islands’ unique biodiversity, this tour promises an immersive and transformative experience. Prepare to be captivated by the Galapagos’ extraordinary beauty and diversity.

Good To Know

• Explore the unique marine life and volcanic landscapes of the Galapagos Islands over a 5-day adventure, including visits to Los Tuneles, Tintoreras, and Isabela.

• Participate in activities like snorkeling, wildlife observation, and visits to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the islands’ biodiversity.

• Enjoy included accommodations, meals, transportation, and assistance throughout the tour, with additional costs for the national park entrance fee and wetsuit rental.

• Meet physical fitness requirements and bring recommended travel items, while being aware of the booking and cancellation policies.

• Benefit from knowledgeable guides, high-quality service, and positive customer feedback, with a commitment from the operator to continuously improve the tour experience.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The Galapagos Island Hopping Tour offers a comprehensive 5-day adventure, allowing travelers to explore the top attractions across the archipelago.

Visitors will experience the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of the islands, with activities including visits to the Flamingo Lagoon, searches for penguins, lobsters, and iguanas, and an exploration of the giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Throughout the tour, a knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the islands’ unique biodiversity.

With opportunities to snorkel, enjoy meals, and receive 24/7 assistance, this tour provides an immersive and well-rounded Galapagos experience.

Accommodation and Inclusions

Spanning 4 nights, the tour offers accommodation in single, double, or triple rooms, catering to travelers’ needs. Guests can expect airport pickup and drop-off at Baltra, as well as transportation between Baltra Airport and Itabaca Channel, and inter-island transportation. Snorkeling equipment, meals, and 24/7 assistance in English, Dutch, and Spanish are also included. Roundtrip flights from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands complete the package.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Accommodation	National Park entrance fee
Airport transfers	Wetsuit rental
Inter-island transportation	Personal insurance
Snorkeling gear	Tips for guides
Meals	Migratory Control Card

Exclusions and Additional Costs

Aside from the inclusions, travelers should account for several additional expenses on this Galapagos Island hopping tour.

These exclusions include food and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary, the Galapagos National Park entrance fee, and water taxi fees.

Visitors will also need to pay for a wetsuit rental if they wish to snorkel, as well as their personal travel and health insurance.

Plus, the Migratory Control Card/Ingala Transit Card ($20 per person) and the Isabela dock fee ($10 per person) are required.

While not included, these supplementary costs are essential for a complete Galapagos experience.

Travel Requirements and Recommendations

Moderate physical fitness is required for this Galapagagos Island hopping tour, as it’s not recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions. Bring small bags due to limited public transportation space, and avoid tap water – bottled or purified water is recommended. Travel insurance, including personal medical insurance, is essential. Inform the operator of any known medical conditions.

Recommendations	Details
Fitness Level	Moderate
Baggage Size	Small bags
Water	Bottled or purified
Insurance	Travel and medical

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Confirmation is received at the time of booking for this Galapagos Island hopping tour, which has a maximum group size of 15 travelers.

The tour operator offers free cancellation up to 6 days in advance. However, late arrivals or early departures may result in missed activities, so early flight bookings are recommended.

Single travelers can join the group tours with a private room, though a surcharge applies.

• Free cancellation up to 6 days in advance
• Late arrivals or early departures may result in missed activities
• Single travelers can join group tours with a private room (surcharge applies)
• Early flight bookings recommended to avoid missed activities

Customer Feedback and Operator Response

Reviewers have provided an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars for the Galapagos Island Hopping Tour, based on 7 reviews.

While the majority of feedback has been positive, a notable negative experience was reported regarding issues with organization and hotel standards.

The operator has responded by addressing these concerns and offering a refund for the poor service.

Moving forward, the operator has committed to improving the tour experience based on customer feedback, demonstrating their dedication to providing a high-quality adventure in the Galapagos Islands.

Exploring Los Tuneles

Snorkeling along the dramatic lava tube formations of Los Tuneles offers visitors a unique chance to enjoy the Galapagos’ underwater wonders.

Weaving through the submerged caves and arches, you’ll spot a vibrant array of marine life, including:

• Playful sea lions curiously investigating snorkelers
• Flightless cormorants and Galapagos penguins swimming gracefully
• Reef sharks and schools of colorful tropical fish
• Giant Pacific green sea turtles gliding effortlessly through the clear waters

This otherworldly landscape, carved by volcanic activity, provides a captivating window into the Galapagos’ dynamic ecosystem and the incredible adaptations of its unique wildlife.

Discovering Tintoreras and Isabela

After exploring the otherworldly landscapes of Los Tuneles, the Galapagos Island Hopping Tour takes visitors to the captivating destinations of Tintoreras and Isabela.

Tintoreras is home to a hidden archipelago of small islands, where travelers can spot white-tipped reef sharks, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins.

On Isabela, the largest island in the archipelago, the tour explores the Flamingo Lagoon, searching for these vibrant pink birds and other unique wildlife.

Guests also visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the islands’ remarkable biodiversity and conservation efforts.

With knowledgeable guides, travelers enjoy the natural wonders of these dynamic Galapagos locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

According to the tour details, the maximum group size for this Galapagos Island Hopping Tour is 15 travelers. The operator confirms this group size in their booking and cancellation policies.

Can Solo Travelers Book This Tour Without a Surcharge?

Yes, solo travelers can book this tour without a surcharge. The tour has a maximum group size of 15 travelers, and single travelers can join the group tours with a private room for an additional fee.

What Is the Process for Obtaining the Migratory Control Card?

The Migratory Control Card, also known as the Ingala Transit Card, can be obtained upon arrival at the Galapagos Islands airport for $20 per person. It’s required for all visitors to the Galapagos Islands and must be presented at immigration.

Can the Tour Itinerary Be Customized to Individual Preferences?

The tour itinerary can be customized to individual preferences, though some activities may be fixed. Travelers can discuss their interests with the operator to create a personalized experience within the tour’s overall structure.

What Is the Operator’s Policy on Rescheduling or Postponing the Tour?

The operator offers free cancellation up to 6 days in advance. However, late arrivals or early departures may result in missed activities, so early flight bookings are recommended. Rescheduling or postponing the tour is not explicitly mentioned in the information provided.

The Sum Up

This 5-day Galapagos Island hopping tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the archipelago’s natural wonders. Snorkeling through Los Tuneles’ lava formations, witnessing the diverse wildlife of Tintoreras, and visiting the iconic sites of Isabela provide a comprehensive and immersive experience. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable accommodations, and a focus on sustainability, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure amidst the Galapagos’ breathtaking landscapes and unique biodiversity.