Giant Tortoise Encounters
Island Hopping / 5 Day "Bela Isabela Galapagos" Tour - IDEAL
IDEAL
5 Day "Bela Isabela Galapagos" Tour - IDEAL
5 days · Island Hopping · Adventure, Couple
Tour Overview
Discover the Wild Beauty of Isabela Island
Our 5-Day Bela Isabela Galapagos Tour - Ideal combines the essential highlights of Santa Cruz with unforgettable experiences on Isabela, the archipelago’s largest and most pristine island.
Meet giant tortoises, explore ancient lava tunnels, visit Tortuga Bay, snorkel through Cabo Rosa, and choose a kayaking or walking adventure at Tintoreras.
Perfect for couples and active nature lovers, it balances relaxation, wildlife, snorkeling, volcanic landscapes, carefully selected hotels, and outstanding value.
Route Map
Activities
Highlights & Activities
Lava Tunnels & Cabo Rosa
Tintoreras Adventure
Galapagos Penguin Search
Tortuga Bay Beach
World-Class Snorkeling
Itinerary
Day by Day
Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, our team will welcome you and transfer you to Santa Cruz Island. Along the way, you will visit the impressive Los Gemelos, two volcanic sinkholes surrounded by lush highland forest.
Continue to a private ranch where you will encounter the iconic Galapagos Giant Tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat. You will also explore a fascinating petrified lava tunnel, discovering the volcanic origins that shaped the Galapagos Islands.
If your flight arrives early, enjoy a free afternoon to visit the world-famous Tortuga Bay, a spectacular white-sand beach perfect for relaxing or swimming at Playa Mansa.
In the evening, celebrate the beginning of your adventure with a premium welcome dinner before returning to your hotel.
Accommodation: Selected HotelMeals: Box Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy a free morning to visit the beautiful Tortuga Bay Beach. The walk to the beach takes approximately 55 minutes. Please return to your hotel by 1:00 PM to change and get ready for your transfer.
We'll pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the pier for a fast boat to Isabela Island, approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Upon arrival in Isabela, we'll pick you up from the pier and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.
In the evening, enjoy a special dinner in front of the sea at a beautiful selected restaurant.
Accommodation: Selected HotelMeals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, we'll pick you up from your hotel to begin a navigable excursion to the incredible Lava Tunnels and Cabo Rosas.
Snorkel in crystal-clear waters with white-tip reef sharks, rays, sea turtles, Galapagos penguins, seahorses, and other marine life. This is one of the Galapagos' best off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Enjoy a box lunch onboard before returning to the port and transferring back to your hotel for a relaxed afternoon at the beach.
In the evening, enjoy a special dinner at a beautiful restaurant in front of the sea.
Accommodation: Selected HotelMeals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we'll pick you up from your hotel to begin a walking or kayaking excursion to Tintoreras Islet. Get ready to search for Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions, and other wildlife.
The walking tour offers a better snorkeling spot than the kayaking option. Please let us know in advance which option you prefer.
After the excursion, return to your hotel before transferring to the pier for the fast boat to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island.
Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon to explore Puerto Ayora.
In the evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner in front of the sea.
Accommodation: Selected HotelMeals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to Baltra Airport. Visit Los Gemelos on the way when it was not possible on arrival day.
Thank you for traveling with Smart Galapagos. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure!
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions
What's Included
Travel Smart: A tree is planted on your behalf to help offset the carbon footprint of your journey.
Included
Smart Travel Support
Personalized assistance before and during your trip, plus our complete pre-departure travel guide.
Handpicked Accommodations
Comfort hotels with private rooms, air conditioning, private bathrooms, hot water, and excellent locations.
Meals as Indicated
Breakfasts, box lunch, and dinners as specified in the itinerary.
Guided Excursions
Professional bilingual guides on all included tours and activities.
Airport & Island Transfers
All airport, hotel, and pier transfers specified in the itinerary.
Inter-Island Speedboats
Round-trip speedboat transfers between Santa Cruz and Isabela.
Bike Rental on Isabela
Self-guided bicycle rental for the wetlands, Wall of Tears, and nearby visitor sites.
Giant Tortoise Reserve Visit
Entrance to a private ranch to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat.
Baltra Airport Transfers
Lobito Bus, Itabaca Channel ferry, and transportation between Baltra Airport and Santa Cruz.
CO2 Carbon Offset
A tree will be planted on your behalf as part of our Smart Travel commitment.
Not Included
International & Domestic Flights
Flights to and from the Galapagos are not included.
Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee
Currently USD $200 per person, payable in cash upon arrival.
Galapagos Transit Control Card (TCT)
USD $20 per person.
Travel Insurance
Medical and travel insurance are not included but are strongly recommended.
Alcoholic Beverages
Available for purchase separately.
Water Taxis
Local water taxi fees, approximately USD $1 per ride, are payable locally.
Personal Expenses & Gratuities
Tips and personal purchases are at your discretion.
Credit Card Processing Fee
A 2.9% processing fee applies to credit card payments. US bank transfers are free.
Optional Tours & Upgrades
Tintoreras, Cabo Rosa Lava Tunnels, and other upgrades have an additional cost.
Book Your Tour
Calendar & Price
Verified Reviews
What Travelers Are Saying
“The agency name says it all!”
AlainrlgMelbourne
Traveled as a couple · April 2026
“All my tours were on time”
LourdesB
Traveled solo · January 2026
“very professional and especially patient with the children”
Fernando P
Traveled with family · February 2026
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