Galapagos Islands Small Group Tours
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10 best Galapagos Islands small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaGalapagos Islands travel expert at TourRadar
- Galapagos Ultimate 6 Days Tour
- Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne)
- Galapagos an enchanted Archipielago (8 days)
- Galapagos Encounter - Archipel I (Itinerary D)
- Galapagos Escape - Solaris (Itinerary B)
- Galapagos Essentials
- Magical Galapagos (5 Days)
- GALAPAGOS DISCOVERY TOUR 4 NIGHTS / 5 DAYS
- Galapagos Multisport
- Galápagos Island Hopping (6 destinations)
Galapagos Ultimate 6 Days Tour
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“He is available 24/7 via email or whatsapp! The tour was fantastic, always prompt to help and suggest for the best.”
Pietro, traveled in June
Groups of 8-12 travelers ensure prime viewing at San Cristóbal's Darwin's Bay and Kicker Rock. The limited numbers allow flexible scheduling at Santa Cruz's tortoise ranches and Charles Darwin Station, with personalized guidance from certified naturalists.
Duration 6 days Destinations Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Leon Dormido, Santa Cruz Island, Baltra Island Age Range 12 to 80 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
- NZ$2,335
Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne)
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Grand Daphne was a very comfortable boat to live on for a week. All the meals were superb.”
Karen, traveled in July
Sail the islands with just 16 fellow travelers aboard M/Y Le Grande Daphne, allowing uncrowded visits to sites like Punta Vicente Roca and Caleta Bucanero. The intimate setting enables flexible exploration and personal attention during wildlife encounters with Galapagos penguins and marine iguanas.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Rabida Island, Isabela Island, Fernandina Island, Santiago Island, Bartolomé Island, Sombrero Chino Island, Seymour Norte, Baltra Island Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $12,015
9% Off- NZ$10,902+$369 local paymentsYou save $1,113
Galapagos an enchanted Archipielago (8 days)
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A wildlife lover's dream come true!!! Snorkeling was the best - over 30 minutes swimming with two large sea turtles was a special highlight.”
Serena, traveled in February
Groups of 2-16 travelers, led by expert naturalist guides, tour the Galapagos archipelago. Watch Galapagos penguins at Las Tintoreras and giant tortoises at Arnaldo Tupiza breeding center. Small numbers mean flexible timing at popular snorkeling spots.
Duration 8 days Destinations Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Floreana Island, Isabela Island, Seymour Norte Age Range 6 to 65 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Cami Adventures From
9% Off- NZ$2,855
The 16-passenger Archipel I provides direct access to remote Galápagos sites. Intimate gatherings enable close wildlife viewing at Suarez Point and Cormorant Point. Nine crew members deliver personalized service during snorkeling and hiking excursions.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Las Tintoreras Islet, Isabela Island, Fernandina Island, Seymour Norte, Genovesa Island, Bartolomé Island, Santiago IslandSee all destinations Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
9% Off- NZ$12,320
Solaris yacht's 16-guest capacity ensures prime wildlife viewing. Small groups access narrow trails on Genovesa and South Plaza, where you'll spot endemic species like swallow-tailed gulls and land iguanas with expert naturalist guidance.
Duration 6 days Destinations Quito, Galapagos Islands, Santa Cruz Island, Seymour Norte, South Plaza Island, Santa Fé Island, Guayaquil Age Range up to 80 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
9% Off- NZ$8,580
Galapagos Essentials
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip to the Galapagos was eye-opening and exciting, being so close to the wild life animals on land and under the water.”
Kwan, traveled in September
Intimate groups (under 12 people) guarantee close wildlife encounters across Galapagos. While snorkeling at Academy Bay or hiking Santa Cruz highlands, certified naturalist guides provide personalized attention for both solo travelers and couples.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Santa Cruz Island, San Cristóbal Island, Lobos Island Age Range 8 to 89 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Adventure Journeys From
9% Off- NZ$3,185
Magical Galapagos (5 Days)
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent nature destination, with varied activities from kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, etc.”
Mario, traveled in December
Groups of 5-9 explorers make wildlife viewing perfect at Tintoreras Islet and Las Grietas. Small boat capacities of 10-16 ensure exclusive snorkeling experiences with sea lions and turtles. Personal guidance enhances visits to Santa Cruz's Giant Tortoise reserve.
Duration 5 days Destinations Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, Santa Fé Island Age Range 5 to 66 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Cami Adventures From
9% Off- NZ$1,754
GALAPAGOS DISCOVERY TOUR 4 NIGHTS / 5 DAYS
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“I liked the mix of activities, and mix of guides.”
Danny, traveled in March
Small groups visit Galapagos highlights with bilingual naturalist guides. Shared speedboat services connect main islands, while limited numbers ensure quality wildlife viewing at Las Tintoreras and Tortuga Bay. Four nights at Grand Hotel León Marino in Puerto Ayora serve as base for daily excursions.
Duration 5 days Destinations Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, Pinzón Island Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Via Natura Ecuador From
9% Off- NZ$3,317
Galapagos Multisport
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The TourRadar website is very easy to navigate and there are many options for tours anywhere you might want to go.”
Darlene, traveled in March
Small parties of 8-12 fellow adventurers create ideal wildlife encounters. The intimate setting ensures premium snorkeling experiences at Kicker Rock and Los Túneles, plus exclusive access to Sierra Negra volcano and Wall of Tears on Isabela Island.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Leon Dormido, Lobos Island, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island, Baltra Island Age Range 8 to 89 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Adventure Journeys From
9% Off- NZ$4,581
Galápagos Island Hopping (6 destinations)
40 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“An amazing adventure, a trip of a lifetime and you always know that fellow G Adventurers are as friendly and welcoming.”
Debra, traveled in June
Groups of 12-14 travelers make for perfect wildlife encounters. The setting ensures quality time at the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, snorkeling at Loberia, and hiking Sierra Negra Volcano. Personalized attention from certified naturalist guides across 6 destinations.
Duration 9 days Destinations Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Floreana Island, Isabela Island Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $4,999
25% Off- NZ$3,749You save $1,249
Reviews of Small Group tours to Galapagos Islands
- Galapagos Essentials
An excellent trip with a very knowledgeable guide who spoke clearly and engagingly about the geography, history and the fauna if this beautiful landscape
Great tour! Highly recommend to anyone looking for a short trip to the Galapagos. Our activities included snorkeling multiples times with sea lions, sea turtles, sharks and many different exotic schools of fish. We also went to two different tortoise sanctuaries, a flamingo watering hole and even saw a few penguins! The food included in the tour was also great.
Magical Galapagos (5 Days)
- Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne)
This experience was awesome! The itinerary was mostly kept, we were kept informed if there were adjustments. The only real issue was a minor one when refueling required took longer than expected on Day 8, so we had a bit less time in the touristy city of Santa Cruz... which I didn't mind (saved a bit of money). We saw every animal we came to see and much more. We snorkeled with sharks, sea lions and stingrays! Our guide (Jacinto) was excellent, even helping my wife with snorkeling, as she was a bit reticent at first. My only suggestion is to bring a lot of cash. They don't take credit cards on board for expenses (drinks, wetsuits, etc.).
What our customers ask about Galapagos Islands Small Group Tours
What accommodation types are available on small group Galapagos tours?
Small group Galapagos tours provide accommodations ranging from upscale boutique hotels to well-equipped expedition vessels. The Casa Marita on Isabela Island and Blue Galapagos Hotel on Santa Cruz Island represent the higher end with ocean views and personalized service. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The hotels selected were high end hotels (4*) with buffet breakfast rooms and ambiance were perfect for our small group experience."
How far in advance should I book a small group Galapagos tour?
Planning ahead is essential for Galapagos small group tours particularly for sought-after vessels like the Galapagos Petrel or popular hotels such as Casa Marita. The typical booking window spans 6-12 months with data showing an average lead time of 575 days between initial inquiry and departure. A TourRadar traveler notes: "Book well ahead for small group tours to get your preferred dates and accommodation options."
What is the best time of year for small group tours in Galapagos?
The Galapagos welcomes visitors throughout the year. December through May brings warmer temperatures and calmer waters making it ideal for water activities at Kicker Rock and Los Tuneles. Wildlife viewing peaks from June to November especially around Sierra Negra Volcano and the Charles Darwin Station. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The warmer season was perfect for our small group as we could maximize our snorkeling time and enjoy clearer visibility."
What dining arrangements are typical for small group tours in Galapagos?
Most tours include breakfast at partner hotels like Deja Vú Hotel or Cormorant Beach House and lunch during day trips. Dinner arrangements are often flexible letting guests explore restaurants in Puerto Ayora and Puerto Villamil. One TourRadar traveler notes: "The food included in the tour was great especially the fresh seafood lunches during boat excursions."
How does transportation work between islands on small group tours?
Inter-island travel combines speedboat services and small aircraft. The journey from Santa Cruz to Isabela takes approximately 2.5 hours by boat while flights between Baltra and Isabela run about 40 minutes. A TourRadar traveler suggests: "Sit up top with the captain during boat transfers to avoid seasickness and enjoy better views of the marine life."
How does a small group experience enhance wildlife viewing in the Galapagos?
Small groups create better conditions for observing wildlife without disruption. This setup allows closer encounters with blue-footed boobies at Isla Lobos and marine iguanas at Punta Espinoza. A TourRadar traveler reports: "Having a smaller group meant we could quietly observe Galapagos penguins and snorkel with sea turtles without scaring them away - our naturalist guide could really take time explaining everything."