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Wildlife in the Galapagos

Amazing Isabela at Scalesia Lodge

Hotel-Based Tour - Example 5 Day Tour
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There are travelers that prefer nothing more than a large beach blanket and a deck chair...and then there are the travelers that prefer an active tour of the Galapagos! Perfect for anyone with a sense of adventure, this itinerary allows you to explore the island of Isabela in a unique way. Staying at Scalesia Lodge provides an intimate home base for your experience in the Enchanted Islands.
Flamingo wading in the waterPlayful sea lionsScalesia Lodge on Isabela IslandScalesia Lodge on Isabela IslandScalesia Lodge on Isabela IslandWildlife in the Galapagos
Highlights
  • Encounter sea lions, frigates, marine iguanas, and so many other species
  • Kayak, surf, snorkel, and bike your way through Isabela Island
  • Walk along the rim of the largest caldera in the Galapagos
Activity Level: Easy Active
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Isabela Island

Arrive to Isabela Island today. You will be transfered from Puerto Villamil to Scalesia Lodge to begin your adventures in the Galapagos!

There are two options for travelers to get from Baltra to Isabela: 1) One hour vehicle transfer then a 2.5 hour boat trip, or 2) A 30 minute flight.  Neither of these transfers from Baltra to Isabela Island are included in your tour cost.  Please see approximate costs under Dates & Prices.

*If guests take the flight from Baltra to Isabela, arrive to Scalesia in the early afternoon with time for an excursion. If guests take the boat from Puerto Ayora, arrival will be in the evening with no time for an excursion this first day.

Day 2-4: Scalesia Lodge Adventures

Your stay at Scalesia Lodge is sure to be filled with discovery.  Each day of the week, the lodge offers different excursions.  Guests can arrive any day, so your activities will depend on your arrival/departures days.  Here is the daily menu of activities at Scalesia Lodge:

Monday & Thursday:  Tintoreras, AM.  Los Humedales & Tortoise Breeding Station, PM.
Tintoreras is a group of islets reachable only by boat. Walk alongside a maze of narrow lava crevices, broken lava flows, sandy beaches, and stunning coves. This provides the perfect spot to practice your snorkeling skills.

After lunch at Scalesia Lodge, you will visit the trails and mangroves of Humedales.  This area is characterized by solitary beaches, lava tunnels, natural pools, and estuaries where you can see flamingos and other birds.  You will also visit the turtle breeding center where the National Park is breeding this species which is in danger of extinction.  Some of these gian turtles have been released by the park and can actually be found on nearby trails.

Tuesday & Friday:  Los Tuneles, AM.  Beach activities, PM.
A 40 minute ride on a speed boat will take us to a unique place where lava flow and the ocean waves have interacted over time. This has formed the interesting tubes and bridges of Los Tuneles. This site is also a haven for marine life - white tipped reef sharks, green sea turtles, sea lions, manta rays, parrot fish, among many others. The clear, shallow, calm waters are the perfect place to snorkel.  You may also find a number of animal species that have taken up residence in the magnificent lava formations! 

Return to Scalesia Lodge for lunch and an afternoon free to enjoy the beach.  Surfing, hiking, and kayaking excursions are available in the afternoon for an additional cost.

Wednesday & Saturday:  Volcan Chico & Sierra Negra, AM.  Cueva de Sucre & Mirador, PM.
Today you will experience two of Isabela's best attractions. Sierra Negra is one of the most active volcanoes of the archipelago, and Volcan Chico is the youngest flack of Sierra Negra. 

Return to Scalesia Lodge for lunch before setting out for Sucre's cave located in the agricultural area of the island. Enjoy a short walk before continuing to Mirador de Mango for panoramic views of southern Isabela.  This is also a great location to spot finch birds.  Return to Scalesia for dinner.

Sunday: Wall of Tears, AM.  Concha de Perla snorkeling & beach activities, PM.
Enjoy a visit this morning to the Wall of Tears. This interesting historical site, which towers 65 feet hight and 300 feet long, was constructed between 1945 and 1959 by prisoners in the penal colony on the island. Return to Scalesia Lodge for lunch.

This afternoon, you will enjoy snorkeling among wildlife in Concha Perla. The bay's calm waters are ideal for finding and observing the incredible array of local marine life. You may see tropical fish, penguins, turtle, and up to 20 different bird species.  Biking, surfing, or kayaking excursions are available this afternoon for an additional cost.

Day 5: Depart Isabela Island

  • 1 Breakfast
Today, you will be taken to Puerto Villamil for your departure.

Accommodations

Scalesia Lodge

Scalesia Lodge on Isabela Island
Scalesia Lodge on Isabela Island
Scalesia Lodge on Isabela Island

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$2,690 2-3 travelers

Notes

Select a Date
Included
  • 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners
  • 4 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Gear Rental
  • Wetsuit rentals are included in your tour cost.  Please note that wetsuits are given out on a first-come, first-serve basis, so we cannot guarantee that your size will available each day.  You are more than welcome to bring your own wetsuit if you'd prefer.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Galapagos Park Entrance Fee: $200 per adult, $100 per child under 12. Payable upon arrival to the Galapagos, only in cash dollars. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
  • Arrival Transfer
  • Departure Transfer
  • Puerto Villamil Municipal Fee
  • Roundtrip boat ride to Isabela (includes transportation to the ports) - Alternative option to Baltra-Isabela roundtrip flights
  • Baltra - Isabela Roundtrip Transportation

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.

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