Wildlife Tours & Trips in Galapagos Islands
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10 best wildlife Galapagos Islands tours
Compiled by

MelissaGalapagos Islands travel expert at TourRadar
- Galapagos Wildlife Cruise (Archipel I)
- Galápagos Express Adventure: Wilderness & Wildlife
- Geluxe: The Galápagos: Wildlife of Santa Cruz & Isabela Islands
- 10 Days Galapagos Highlights Small Group Tour
- Galapagos Ultimate 6 Days Tour
- Galapagos Essentials
- Galapagos Express - Central & West Islands aboard the Archipel I
- Santa Cruz Island Diving Adventure 7D/6N
- Magical Galapagos (5 Days)
- Galapagos Discovery
Galapagos Wildlife Cruise (Archipel I)
40 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The whole trip was inspirational and I find it difficult to say what was the most inspirational moment.”
Barbara, traveled in January
Duration 17 days Destinations Quito, Genovesa Island, Santa Cruz Island, Floreana Island, Española Island, San Cristóbal Island, Isabela Island, Rabida Island, Guayaquil Age Range 12 to 80 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
- NZ$23,100
Galápagos Express Adventure: Wilderness & Wildlife
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“An amazing way to experience Galapagos in a week, without needing to do a cruise.”
Felix, traveled in May
Wildlife viewing spans giant tortoises at Charles Darwin Research Station, sea lions at Tijeretas, and marine iguanas at Concha de Perla. Naturalists guide visitors across Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristóbal islands.
Duration 7 days Destinations Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, San Cristóbal Island Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator G Adventures From $2,299
30% Off- NZ$1,609You save $690
Stunning marine life thrives at Los Túneles, reef sharks swim near Las Tintoreras, and giant tortoises roam Santa Cruz highlands. Naturalist guides share insights at Charles Darwin Research Station and coastal paths.
Duration 8 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Puerto Ayora, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island Age Range 18 to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $7,119
25% Off- NZ$5,339You save $1,780
10 Days Galapagos Highlights Small Group Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The canoe rides and sightseeing were unforgettable. The food and restaurant service was great.”
Andrew, traveled in August
Wildlife thrives throughout Galápagos at Charles Darwin Station and Santa Cruz highlands' tortoise territory. Marine life fills Las Grietas canyon and Tortuga Bay, while expert guides reveal San Cristóbal's and Isabela's natural treasures.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, Santa Cruz Island, San Cristóbal Island, Isabela Island Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
25% Off- NZ$4,605
Galapagos Ultimate 6 Days Tour
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We were very pleased with the 9 day trip that this tour company planned for us, which included the Galapagos & Ecuador mainland.”
RobSnyder, traveled in November
Wildlife flourishes at San Cristóbal's Darwin's Bay and Kicker Rock, home to sharks and rays. Giant tortoises roam Santa Cruz highlands while marine creatures thrive at Charles Darwin Station.
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 Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
25% Off- NZ$2,296
Galapagos Essentials
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very well organized tour, well-balanced itinerary with lots of free time to explore.”
Oddbjoern, traveled in April
Rich wildlife fills Galapagos - from giant tortoises in Santa Cruz highlands to sea lions at Academy Bay. Naturalists facilitate close wildlife encounters at Isla Lobos and San Cristóbal's marine sanctuaries.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Santa Cruz Island, San Cristóbal Island, Lobos Island Age Range 8 to 89 year olds Operator Adventure Journeys From
25% Off- NZ$3,132
Unique species abound: giant tortoises at Fausto Llerena Centre, marine iguanas at Punta Espinoza, and sea lions at Rabida's beaches. Yellow land iguanas inhabit Urbina Bay while flightless cormorants nest at Fernandina Island's volcanic shores.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Guayaquil, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora, Isabela Island, Fernandina Island, Santiago Island, Rabida Island Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Operator Explore! From
25% Off- NZ$8,360
Wildlife thrives at Charles Darwin Station's research facilities. Giant tortoises roam Rancho El Chato, rare finches flit through Cerro Mesa Reserve, and flamingos wade in Garrapatero Beach's lagoon.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Bamba Travel From
25% Off- NZ$3,510
Magical Galapagos (5 Days)
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent nature destination, with varied activities from kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, etc.”
Mario, traveled in December
Santa Cruz's Giant Tortoise reserve and Isabela's flamingo habitat showcase island diversity. Sea turtles glide through Las Grietas, marine iguanas bask at Tintoreras Islet, and pristine bays grace Santa Fe.
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 Operator Cami Adventures From
25% Off- NZ$1,724
Galapagos Discovery
19 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great experience, I would recommend this tour.”
Markus, traveled in November
Rare wildlife awaits at Galápagos - snorkel with sea turtles at Tijeretas, watch giant tortoises at the Breeding Centre, and spot unique birds at Sierra Negra Volcano. See blue-footed boobies at Punta Estrada and marine iguanas at La Loberia.
Duration 9 days Destinations Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,815
20% Off- NZ$3,052+$381 local paymentsYou save $763
What people love about Wildlife Tours in Galapagos Islands
- 10 Days Galapagos Highlights Small Group Tour
Really enjoyed it. Our guide was Pedro, and he really knew his stuff. The canoe rides and sightseeing were unforgettable. The food and restaurant service was great. The only suggestion I have is to give warning when the power and water are to go off, so we could plan around it.
- Galapagos Essentials
Maritza was an absolutely fantastic guide. Do yourself a favour and ask for her! The tour is a good mix of activities and your own time on the islands. The boat trip between the two islands wasn’t great but if you can get through the 2 hour experience then it’s a much cheaper tour than the cruise options.
- Magical Galapagos (5 Days)
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.
What our customers ask about Wildlife Tours & Trips in Galapagos Islands
When is the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands for wildlife viewing?
The peak wildlife viewing season runs from December to May when the waters are clearest for snorkeling. During these months the water temperature averages 75°F (24°C) making it ideal for marine life encounters. Green sea turtles gather at Elizabeth Bay on Isabela Island and the waved albatross returns to Española Island between April and May for breeding season. A TourRadar traveler noted "The wildlife was incredible and the weather was awesome making every snorkeling session unforgettable." Water visibility can reach up to 30-40 feet during these months according to the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Which Galapagos islands offer the best wildlife encounters?
Each major island presents distinct wildlife viewing opportunities. Isabela Island stands out for its penguin and marine iguana populations while Fernandina Island is known for its flightless cormorants. San Cristobal Island particularly at Isla Lobos provides reliable sea lion encounters. Santa Cruz Island's El Chato Reserve offers close-up giant tortoise viewing. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Isabela Island was a highlight - we saw countless marine iguanas penguins and even got to snorkel with sea turtles at Los Tuneles." Quality accommodations like Casa Marita Hotel on Isabela and Galapagos Sunset Hotel on San Cristobal place visitors near prime wildlife spots.
What marine wildlife can I expect to see while snorkeling in the Galapagos?
The waters around Devil's Crown and Kicker Rock are rich with marine life including sea turtles white-tipped reef sharks and sea lions. Los Tuneles near Isabela Island is known for its seahorses marine iguanas and diverse tropical fish. Properties like Casa Opuntia on San Cristobal provide convenient access to these premier snorkeling sites. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The snorkeling was spectacular - we saw manta rays sea turtles sharks and incredibly colorful tropical fish everywhere we went."
What types of endemic birds can I spot in the Galapagos?
The archipelago's unique bird species include Darwin's finches flightless cormorants on Fernandina Island and waved albatrosses on Española Island. North Seymour Island accessible from hotels like Ikala on Santa Cruz is a prime spot for viewing magnificent frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies in their natural habitat. A TourRadar traveler commented: "Our guide's knowledge of the birds was incredible - we saw everything from tiny finches to huge frigatebirds with their red pouches inflated."
How physically demanding are wildlife viewing activities in the Galapagos?
Activities range from leisurely walks at the Charles Darwin Research Station to more challenging hikes like the Sierra Negra Volcano trail which takes 5-6 hours on Isabela Island. Snorkeling spots such as Los Tuneles need basic swimming skills. According to a TourRadar traveler: "While some hikes were challenging like the one to Sierra Negra's rim our guide at Hotel Casa Marita was great at adjusting the pace for different fitness levels and the wildlife viewing made every effort worthwhile."
What's the accommodation like on wildlife tours in the Galapagos?
The islands offer diverse lodging options from mid-range properties like Galapagos Sunset Hotel on San Cristobal to upscale choices such as Casa Marita on Isabela Island. Many rooms provide ocean views and easy access to wildlife areas. A TourRadar traveler reported: "The Blue Galapagos Hotel in Santa Cruz was wonderful - we could watch marine iguanas and sally lightfoot crabs right from our balcony and it was just a short walk to the Charles Darwin Research Station."