2025 Galapagos Island Hopping: A Real-Talk Review of a 7-Day Adventure

So, you’re thinking about the Galapagos Islands, and honestly, who isn’t? These islands are, like, a place a lot of people dream about visiting. Now, you’ve basically got two ways to see them: a liveaboard cruise or an island-hopping tour where you, you know, stay on land. We picked the island-hopping option for a seven-day trip, and frankly, it was the right move for us. To be honest, this way of seeing the islands lets you get a real feel for the small towns and the people who live there, which is something you just don’t get from a boat. In a way, it’s about more than just the animals; it’s about seeing how life works in this really unique spot on the globe. We wanted a trip that felt a bit more grounded, you know, with time to walk around on our own in the evenings, and this tour more or less gave us that.

Getting There and First Impressions: What to Really Expect

Okay, so your trip basically starts with a flight from mainland Ecuador, either Quito or Guayaquil, to Baltra Island. The flight itself is pretty straightforward, you know, but the second you step out of the airplane, it’s a completely different world. It’s almost like the air feels different; it’s very dry and the sun feels closer. You are then guided onto a bus for a short ride to a ferry, and frankly, everything feels very organized. That ferry takes you across the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island, which is a pretty quick ten-minute trip. It’s right here, as a matter of fact, that you get your first real peek at the water, which is this unbelievable shade of clear turquoise. Then it’s about a 45-minute cab or bus ride into the main town, Puerto Ayora. I mean, watching the landscape change from dry, cactus-filled land to lush, green highlands and then back again is actually quite a thing to see.

Arriving in Puerto Ayora is sort of a fun sensory overload. By the way, sea lions are just casually napping on benches by the water. You will probably also see pelicans trying to steal fish from the fishermen at the local market. The town has a really laid-back vibe, you know, with lots of little shops and restaurants along the main street. Our hotel was simple but clean, which is pretty much the standard for these island-hopping tours unless you book a high-end luxury package. Honestly, it was just a place to sleep and store our things because we were out exploring pretty much all day, every day. You’ll quickly notice that life here moves at a different speed, like, a much slower and more relaxed one. People are really friendly, and it’s a very safe place to wander around, even at night.

The Heart of the Adventure: Exploring Santa Cruz and Beyond

So, Santa Cruz Island is kind of the main hub for most island-hopping trips. Our first big outing, naturally, was to the highlands to see the giant tortoises. And seriously, nothing really prepares you for seeing these huge, ancient creatures just doing their thing in the wild. I mean, they are literally wandering around, chomping on grass, not bothered by you at all. We visited a private ranch, which is apparently one of the best ways to see them. You just walk along these muddy paths, and there they are, sometimes right in your way. It feels incredibly special, in a way, to be so close to animals that feel like they’ve been around since the time of the dinosaurs. Read our full review: [Santa Cruz Galapagos Tour Full Review and Details].

Another highlight on Santa Cruz is, of course, the Charles Darwin Research Station. It’s a bit of a walk from the center of town, but it’s really interesting stuff. You learn all about the conservation work being done to protect the islands’ special species. As a matter of fact, you get to see tortoises at different stages of life, from little hatchlings to big adults like Lonesome George, whose story is really quite moving. After that, you’ll probably want to head to Tortuga Bay, which is arguably one of the most stunning beaches you will ever see. You actually have to walk for about 30-40 minutes through a cactus forest to get there, but it is so worth it. The first beach has this powdery white sand and some really wild waves, and if you keep walking, you find a calmer bay where you can swim and might just spot some marine iguanas sunbathing.

Island Life on Isabela: Penguins, Volcanoes, and Marine Iguanas

Next up for us was Isabela Island, which is a two-hour speedboat ride away. To be honest, you should probably take motion sickness pills if you’re sensitive, as the ride can get a little rough. Isabela feels way more rustic and untouched than Santa Cruz; the roads are just sandy tracks, and it’s much quieter. Our first excursion here was a boat trip to Las Tintoreras, which is this little set of volcanic islets right near the bay. And this is where we, you know, saw Galapagos penguins for the first time! They are really small and just incredibly cute, and seeing them in a tropical place is sort of mind-bending. You might also see white-tip reef sharks resting in the lava channels, and blue-footed boobies are basically everywhere.

“Frankly, that’s the thing about the Galapagos—you’ll be looking at a sea lion, and then a penguin will swim by, and a marine iguana will sneeze saltwater right next to you. It’s just constant, you know, amazing stuff happening all at once.”

The next day on Isabela, we did a hike up to the Sierra Negra volcano, which apparently has one of the largest calderas in the world. It’s a pretty long hike, so you need good walking shoes, but the views from the top are just incredible. You’re literally walking on old lava fields, and the landscape looks like something from another planet. Afternoons on Isabela were usually spent at Concha de Perla, a little bay that’s perfect for snorkeling. You just walk there on a boardwalk through mangroves and can hop right in. We actually swam with sea lions and turtles there, which was probably one of the top moments of the whole trip. Honestly, Isabela was maybe our favorite island because it just felt so raw and wild.

San Cristobal: The Land of Sea Lions

Our final stop was San Cristobal, which is another speedboat ride from Santa Cruz. San Cristobal has its own airport, so some tours start or end here. I mean, the main thing you notice about this island right away is the sea lions. They are literally everywhere. You’ll find them sleeping on park benches, on the sidewalks, on boats—pretty much any flat surface is fair game. The sound of them barking is just the constant soundtrack of the main town, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. It’s really funny and charming, and you learn to just give them their space and walk around them. At the Interpretation Center, you can get a good history of the islands, and a nearby walk takes you to Tijeretas Hill, where you can see two species of frigatebirds nesting.

The big adventure on San Cristobal is often a day trip to snorkel at Kicker Rock, or “León Dormido” as the locals call it. It’s this massive volcanic rock formation that juts out of the ocean. Snorkeling or diving there is an incredible experience. You swim through a channel between the two huge rocks, and you’re likely to see sharks, rays, big schools of fish, and turtles. The water can be a bit cold and choppy, you know, but the guides provide wetsuits. To be honest, it was some of the best snorkeling we’ve ever done. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([7-Day Galapagos Island Hopping]).

Packing, Planning, and Practical Tips for Your Trip

Alright, so if you’re planning a trip like this, there are a few things to keep in mind. You definitely want to pack light but smart. Here are some things you absolutely need:

• Reef-safe sunscreen: The sun at the equator is really, really strong, so you’ll need high SPF.
• A good hat and sunglasses: Honestly, these are not optional items.
• Two pairs of shoes: You’ll want a pair of sturdy walking shoes for hikes, you know, and a pair of sandals or water shoes for everything else.
• Light layers: It’s usually warm, but it can get cool in the evenings or on the boat, so a light jacket or long-sleeve shirt is a good idea.
• A reusable water bottle: Most hotels have filtered water stations, which is really great for staying hydrated.
• Cash: The currency is the US dollar, and while some bigger places take cards, lots of smaller shops and cafes are cash only, so it’s good to have some smaller bills on hand.

Finally, a word on your mindset. Just come ready to be amazed and be flexible. Internet is spotty at best, boat rides can be rescheduled because of weather, and, well, wildlife does what it wants. This isn’t a resort vacation; it’s an adventure, in a way. You’re there to see a place that is, more or less, unlike anywhere else on Earth. You just have to let go and enjoy the really unique experience that is unfolding right in front of you. Seriously, it’s a trip that stays with you for a very, very long time.