Chaski 03.25 Puerto Villamil Isabela Island
Chaski 03.25 Sunset LB Generic Jpg

Explore the Galápagos by Land

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For those looking to explore the Galapagos Islands at a more relaxed pace, or you want to see what it means to live on the islands then land-based travel might be for you.

Stay in locally owned lodges and boutique hotels on islands like Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal and Isabela. Enjoy the freedom to explore a different side of the Galapagos: wandering white-sand beaches at sunset, sampling fresh seafood in island towns, and heading out each day on guided excursions by boat, kayak, bike or foot.

We've selected a range of land-based and island hopping experiences to suit your preferences.

Our most popular trips

A Guide to Galapagos land-based trips

Choose one Island or try Island Hopping...

Island Hopping

  • Stay on Land – Instead of sleeping on a cruise ship, you stay in hotels on the inhabited islands like Santa Cruz, Isabela, or San Cristóbal.

  • Travel Between Islands – You move from one island to another using public ferries or small inter-island flights, allowing you to experience the contrasts between islands.

  • Explore by Day – Each day you head out on guided excursions — by boat, kayak, bike, or on foot — to visit nearby wildlife sites, beaches, or snorkelling spots.

  • Mix Adventure and Relaxation – With time built in for both activities and downtime, you can explore at your own pace and enjoy evenings in island towns.

Family Friendly

Travelling to the Galapagos as a family is a wonderful experience. Often it is more comfortable for families to stay on one Island, instead of travelling around. The comfortable hotels on islands like Santa Cruz or Isabela means more space, flexibility, and downtime — ideal for younger children or teens who need room to recharge.

Family Tours

Comfort

Staying in a hotel means more space to relax, consistent amenities, and the ability to unpack and settle in. It’s ideal for travellers who prefer a fixed base and more traditional comforts between excursions. You will also have more privacy from other guests. 

Luxury Tours

Local Community

By staying in island towns like Puerto Ayora or Puerto Villamil, you’ll have the chance to meet the galapagueños and experience the local culture — from dining in family-run restaurants to browsing artisan shops and chatting with residents.

Cultural Tours

Value

Land-based trips can often be more affordable than cruises, especially for families or groups. You can choose accommodation and excursions that match your budget, making the Galapagos more accessible without compromising on experience.

 

Budget Tours

Excursions

Land-based travel gives you access to a diverse mix of day trips and activities. One day you might snorkel with sea turtles and marine iguanas, the next you could hike across lava fields, visit a giant tortoise reserve, or kayak through mangrove lagoons. With options by boat, foot, bike, or paddle, each day brings a new way to experience the landscapes and wildlife that make the Galapagos so extraordinary.

All Tours

What Islands can I visit?

Even if you only stay on one Island you can explore so much of what this remote archipelago has to offer. We can help you hand pick where you want to go based on your interests. 

Chaski 03.25 Playa De Los Alemanes Puerto Ayora Santa Cruz

From Santa Cruz

  • Santa Fé
  • North Seymour
  • Bartolomé
  • South Plaza
  • Floreana
San Cristobal Harbour Shutterstock 04.25

From San Cristobal

  • Kicker Rock
  • Española
  • Isla Lobos
02 Sierra Negra Volcano

From Isabela

Day trips are more limited compared to Santa Cruz or San Cristóbal because Isabela is more remote and has a smaller port but there are plenty of exciting excursions and activities

  • Las Tintoreras
  • Los Túneles
  • Sierra Negra Volcano

How long does it take to travel between Islands?

Chaski 03.25 Speedboat Generic

Travelling by Speed Boat

  • San Cristobal to Santa Cruz  - 2 hours
  • Santa Cruz to Isabela - 2 hours

These depart daily once in the morning and once in the afternoon

  • Santa Cruz to Floreana* - 2 hours

*The local speedboat option to Floreana does not run every day of the week so be sure to speak to us about booking in advance

You can not travel directly from San Cristobal to Isabela 

01 Day San Cristobal Airport

Travelling by plane

Three of the Islands have airports that Interisland flights: 

  • Baltra, Santa Cruz
  • San Cristobal
  • Isabela

There is one departure per day and they take around 30-40 minutes:

  • Isabela to San Cristobal  - San Cristobal to Isabela 
  • Isabela to Baltra - Baltra to Isabela
  • San Cristobal to Baltra - Baltra to San Cristobal

Hotels we recommend

Santa Cruz Galapagos Magic Treehouse Night Small (1)
Galapagos Magic on Santa Cruz...a million miles from the world’s hustle and bustle
Beach View
IsaMar Hotel on Isabela...idyllically located on Isabela’s beautiful white sand beachfront
Santa Cruz Ikala
Ikala Hotel on Santa Cruz...an oasis in the center of the island of Santa Cruz
Floreana Lava Lodge Accomodation
Be indulged in the remoteness of Lava Lodge Hotel on the Island of Floreana
Chaski 03.25 Finch Bay Santa Cruz
You can expect complete Luxury when staying at Finch Bay Hotel on Santa Cruz
San Cristobal Golden Bay Lodge
Golden Bay Hotel...A timeless classic of San Cristobal

Get in touch and
start your journey
 

REQUEST A QUOTE

The reality though is that every single expectation was met or exceeded by Bluefoot. Transfers were always on time and overseen by Bluefoot representatives on the ground.


We normally travel in a more self directed manner, however for this trip we felt that local travel expertise would be helpful. We made a great choice with Bluefootz, and we happily would recommend them to anyone traveling to the archipelago from overseas.


Kudos to the entire Bluefoot team.

Greg and Shelly