Galapagos island to island adventure
There are many ways to enjoy the Galapagos Islands. Be it through land or sea, or a combination of both, make sure you have all the information you need in order to choose the best way of experiencing the archipelago. Investigating the destination you will be visiting and anticipating the excitement that will come is as important as the trip itself. There are many options available when it comes to the Galapagos, but in the end, it all comes down to the option that gives you one of the most unique, intense and complete Galapagos experiences. When it comes to such a scenario, Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel has what you are looking for. Become a true explorer and get ready for the most unbelievable Galapagos island to island adventure!
Choose a Galapagos Island to Island Adventure
No matter what you decide as your Galapagos land-based experience, you will definitely want to be able to visit more than one island. You will also want to be able to see some of its most iconic species (check out the Galapagos Big15 list) and astonishing landscapes. Most island-to-island programmes usually visit the smaller islands surrounding the main island. However, more beauties are found beyond. If you’ve read a little about the enchanted islands, then you know that not only Santa Cruz but Isabela are the two most important islands that are worth visiting. Both islands are home to some of the archipelago’s most sought-after visitor sites. On top of that, you will want a programme that focuses on surprises, service and details that enhance the visitor’s experience. With Finch Bay’s Deluxe Galapagos Island Hopping Programme you’re in for a treat.
The Exploration Begins
Begin your adventure the minute you land at Baltra airport, from which point you will board a light aircraft that will transport you to the biggest and one of the most beautiful islands in the Galapagos – Isabela. Remember that due to weight limitations on the light aircraft you are only allowed to take with a 10 kg (22 lb) piece of luggage. Taking this into account, please make sure you pack appropriately and no more than what is allowed on international flights. Any excess luggage will be sent directly to the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel, where you will arrive on the 4th day of your itinerary. On Isabela you will check-in at the safari-style tent resort that is Scalesia Lodge, located on the slopes of the volcano just 20 minutes away from Puerto Villamil.
Isabela, the Young
Isabela is the second youngest island in the archipelago. Your stay here will combine some of its best natural wonders and historic sites. Visit the Sierra Negra volcano, a shield volcano that rises 1,124 metres above sea level. It’s one of the archipelago’s most active volcanoes, with its most recent explosion dating back to 2005. The floor of Sierra Negra, as well as its neighbouring volcanoes, is covered with lava flows that give it the appearance of a black sea when seen from afar. Besides this amazing spot (that takes you back in time to the time when the islands were born) you will also explore Tintoreras Islet aboard the bay cruiser. Here you will have the opportunity to hike on volcanic terrain and snorkel, so remember to bring your bathing suit! To complement the exploration of Isabela’s natural side, you will also visit the Wall of Tears – a strange construction not all that far from Puerto Villamil – that was a prisoner site where inmates were forced to build a wall out of volcanic rocks with no particular purpose. Throughout your visits, you will be surrounded by the most amazing fauna and flora, so have your camera at the ready!
Explore Santa Cruz
After flying back to Baltra, you will be transported to Puerto Ayora via a 45-minute car ride that will take you through the beautiful Scalesia forest that resides in the highlands of the island. Up above in this region, you will be able to explore the amazing Los Gemelos “craters”, impressive lava tunnels, and a Galapagos giant tortoise reserve before heading down to the only beach-front hotel in Santa Cruz – the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel. Get comfortable in your new home, relax with a Finch Bay signature cocktail by the pool, and charge your batteries before the next days’ exploration.
After a delicious breakfast, get your daypack ready. Don’t forget your bathing suit, hat and sunscreen as you will be enjoying Santa Cruz’s prettiest beaches and visiting its most beautiful surrounding islands and islets aboard Finch Bay’s private Yacht, the Sea Lion. Depending on the day of the week that you find yourself in Santa Cruz, you will be visiting two of these four equally-amazing sites: North Seymour, Bartolome Island, South Plaza and Santa Fe. Each of them home to spectacular wildlife (be it flamingos, Santa Fe land iguanas, frigates and boobies, just to name a few), landscapes, beaches and snorkelling sites. Returning to Finch Bay at the end of every exploration will be the perfect way to end a day filled with excitement and surprises. Enjoy its renowned cuisine and watch as the sun quietly paints the sky with orange, fuchsia and purple streaks.
