Classic Safaris

Luxury Galapagos Islands Land-Based Tours

5 Days / 4 Nights

Our top-selling Classic Safaris are the result of our extensive experience living, traveling, and entertaining visitors in the Galapagos Islands. These land-based safaris include both private excursions and wildlife tours on Santa Cruz Island, as well as boat tours to stunning uninhabited neighboring islands.

While the itinerary provided is a sample, we are flexible and can adjust the order of activities and the length of your trip to suit your availability and preferences. Our knowledgeable Safari Designers can offer suggestions tailored to your specific needs and interests.

Please keep in mind that availability may be limited. Don’t hesitate to contact us!

from $4,575 per person

Itinerary

Sample Classic Safari: Full Itinerary

Galapagos Safari Camp doesn’t expect its guests to follow our schedules. We strive to create tailor-made itineraries that are life-changing and meet all of your interests, needs, and dates. Here is an example itinerary. For more information about the safari tours, activities, and experiences that we offer, or to create your custom Galapagos adventure, please contact one of our Safari Designers.

Day 1: Santa Cruz Highlands and The Giant Tortorise

Greetings and welcome to the Galapagos! Once you exit the VIP airport lounge, your bilingual naturalist guide will greet you and accompany you throughout your stay with us (depending on your chosen level of privacy).

You will visit a variety of sites along the way to Galapagos Safari Camp in order to maximize your first day on the Galapagos Islands.

Our initial destination is Los Gemelos, also known as The Twin Craters, which are two enormous volcanic sinkholes. During a leisurely walk along the edge, your guide will identify the native bird species that inhabit the Scalesia forest, including Galapagos doves and Darwin’s finches.

Continue on to Los Gemelos, where you will find a reserve for giant tortoises. The reserve’s tour will take you within meters of these magnificent Galapagos animals. You should also keep an eye out for short-eared Owls as they can sometimes be found in the trees. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

Within the tortoise reserve, there exists a complex system of subterranean lava tubes, which were created many years ago when lava flows cooled on the edges but continued flowing in the middle, producing cave-like passages. Prior to exploring the archipelago’s wildlife, it’s essential to comprehend the geology and volcanic history of the Galapagos Islands in order to appreciate their one-of-a-kind character.

Galapagos Safari Camp is the perfect place to end the day. Enjoy uninterrupted views of the National Park, the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding blues, with no other people in sight.

Day 2&3: At Sea: Explore Uninhabited Isalnds

During DAY 2 and DAY 3 of your itinerary, you will embark on day excursions by motor boat to explore one of the nearby, unpopulated islands adjacent to Santa Cruz, such as North Seymour, Bartolomé, Plazas, or Santa Fe.

The island tours include a guided walk as well as a guided snorkeling experience in the Galapagos Marine Reserve.

Lunch is served aboard the boat. Food is not allowed in the National Park.

While on these boat rides, there will be plenty of opportunities to converse with your guide and expand your knowledge about these extraordinary islands and their wildlife. Alternatively, guests may choose to use this time for introspection and express their thoughts or artistic ideas. As noted by author John C. Maxwell, “It is not the experience itself that is precious, but the understanding that individuals acquire as a result of their experiences.”

These boat tours are available in semi-private or fully private modes (chartered boat with private guide), or with shared boat, shared guide, or private boat and private tour guide.

Galapagos Safari Camp welcomes you back at the end of your day for a relaxing evening walk or a swim in the pool. Then, enjoy a sunset cocktail and dinner.

Day 4: Santa Cruz: The East

Cerro Mesa is a private reserve located on the eastern side Santa Cruz Island. It is home to seven distinct finch subspecies and the rare vermillion flycatcher. Begin the tour with your guide and end at a viewpoint from which you can view Santa Cruz’ lush landscape.

Next, you will travel to Garrapatero Beach, using either a vehicle or a bicycle. The coastal landscape contrasts with the lush greenery of the highlands, as it features black lava, white sand, turquoise waters, and abundant mangroves.

Garrapatero’s white-sanded beach is a great spot to have a picnic or to swim in solitude, far from the crowds of cruise ships and other tourists. Kayaking is also possible here, which can be an enjoyable way to see the coastline and its wildlife.

A small lagoon is located behind the beach where you may occasionally see flamingoes.

While returning to Camp, you may have the opportunity to stop by a functional farm in the highlands, which specializes in crafting sugar cane liqueur and Galapagos coffee. The owner of the farm is an interesting individual, who will educate you on the various techniques employed to purify sugar cane, including the utilization of a mule-operated press.

Day 5: Relax Before Morning Departure

This morning, enjoy the tranquility and peace of Camp. Before you leave for your next destination, relax, walk, or swim from our viewpoint. Here’s where you will wish you could have extended your trip! ).

Day 5+: ...Or Extend Your Trip

Our Safari Designers can suggest itinerary extensions to accommodate your dates and interests. Options include:

Highlights

Fall in love with the forested highlands of Santa Cruz, home to our Camp and giant tortoises
Explore ancient, underground lava tunnels.
Cruise to uninhabited islands to experience bewitching landscapes and encounters with dozens of species.
Explore the coast of Santa Cruz Island, whether driving, hiking, biking, swimming, surfing or kayaking

Included

Private English-speaking naturalist guide during land excursions and transfers.
Accommodation
All meals and welcome drink
Airport VIP services
VIP Transfers & ground transportation
Boat excursions with snorkeling on a shared basis (get in touch to organize a private guide or to charter the boat for a fully-private experience)
Wetsuits and snorkeling equipment
Activities and visits detailed in the itinerary

Not Included

Flights (all flights from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands can be arranged upon request)
Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US $100 per adult/$50 per child under 12; subject to change)
Visitor transit card (US $20 per person; subject to change)
Beverages
Laundry service
Insurance (please check your travel insurance is valid in your country of origin prior to your journey)
Gratuities