Galápagos Islands Group Tour
Galápagos Islands Group Tour: 9 Days with 18 Italians Exploring Ecuador’s Enchanted Isles
On May 21st, 2025, our Ecuador Eco Adventure team had the joy of guiding 18 spirited Italian travelers through an unforgettable 9-day Galápagos Islands tour. With a perfect mix of exploration and relaxation, we visited six incredible sites—Santa Cruz, Santa Fe Island, Isabela Island, Los Túneles, Sierra Negra Volcano, and Pinzón Island—while also enjoying three well-earned leisure days. Here’s how the adventure unfolded.
Discovering Santa Cruz: Highlands and Lava Tunnels
Our journey began on Santa Cruz Island, the heart of Galápagos activity. We ventured into the highlands where the air was cool and the landscapes green. There, we walked among giant Galápagos tortoises, watching them in their natural habitat, peacefully munching on grass and wallowing in mud pools. Few experiences compare to standing next to these ancient creatures—some over a century old—who embody the timeless magic of the islands.
We also explored underground lava tunnels, created by centuries of volcanic activity. These natural caverns offer a unique glimpse into the geological forces that shaped the archipelago. Santa Cruz proved to be the perfect introduction to the biodiversity and geology of our Galápagos group tour.
Snorkeling in Santa Fe Island: A Marine Paradise
Next, we set sail for Santa Fe Island—an absolute highlight of any Galápagos eco tour. The bay here is protected, calm, and perfect for snorkeling. As we entered the water, we were instantly surrounded by playful sea lions, colorful reef fish, and the occasional green sea turtle gliding through the turquoise shallows.
On land, Santa Fe’s iconic Opuntia cactus forest was home to land iguanas, offering some fantastic photo ops and wildlife encounters. The combination of underwater and terrestrial wildlife made this one of the most exciting days of the entire trip.
Relaxation Is Key: Free Days on the Islands
We believe every good Galápagos Islands itinerary needs time to breathe. That’s why we designed this trip with three free days for rest and leisure. Our travelers explored beaches, visited local cafés in Puerto Ayora, and even enjoyed casual wildlife spotting along the boardwalk. Whether it’s lounging in hammocks or tasting fresh ceviche by the sea, these downtime moments are essential to truly absorb the island life.
Isabela Island: Beaches, Flamingos, and Lava Landscapes
From Santa Cruz, we took a scenic speedboat to Isabela Island, the largest and most volcanically active of the Galápagos Islands. Our base, Puerto Villamil, is a peaceful beach town where marine iguanas wander the sand and flamingos feed in nearby lagoons.
This portion of our Galápagos adventure tour gave travelers a true sense of untouched wilderness. One day was dedicated to exploring Los Túneles, a maze of lava arches and crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling. We swam with reef sharks, spotted sea horses, and even watched a manta ray glide silently by. For marine lovers, this was paradise.
Trekking Sierra Negra Volcano: Views from the Edge of the Caldera
For those craving a physical challenge, our trek to Sierra Negra Volcano was unforgettable. After a moderate hike through lush highlands, we arrived at the massive caldera—the second largest in the world. The views were unreal: endless stretches of hardened black lava, signs of the volcano’s most recent eruption, and sweeping panoramas of Isabela’s dramatic landscapes.
Our guides explained how volcanic activity gave birth to the islands, and how life gradually colonized these once-barren rocks. It was a humbling reminder of the power of nature and the resilience of life in the Galápagos.
Pinzón Island: Off the Beaten Path Snorkeling
To cap off our marine explorations, we cruised to Pinzón Island, one of the more remote and less-visited spots in the Galápagos. This was the wildest snorkeling of the tour. Stronger currents here meant richer biodiversity: large schools of fish, eagle rays, and reef sharks swam past us in every direction.
We even spotted a group of penguins diving and hunting near the rocks—an unexpected treat that had everyone cheering into their snorkels. Snorkeling in Pinzón was a fitting finale for our island-hopping journey.
Why Choose Ecuador Eco Adventure for Your Galápagos Tour
Our team managed logistics from start to finish: permits, speedboat transfers, gear, local guides, meals, and accommodations. Every traveler felt supported and safe, while also having the freedom to explore and connect with nature.
This 9-day experience is perfect for those who want a balance between adventure and relaxation. We highly recommend adding rest days when planning your Galápagos group travel—they give your body time to recover and your mind space to reflect.
Whether you’re a solo adventurer, couple, or private group, we invite you to book your Galápagos tour with Ecuador Eco Adventure. With over a decade of experience in eco-tourism, our mission is to offer immersive, responsible travel that protects these extraordinary islands for generations to come.
Let the Galápagos transform you, as it has transformed every traveler who’s walked its shores.
