PUERTO AYORA BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Island-Hopping from Puerto Ayora: Five Days of Wind-Yacht Voyages, Tortoises and Tintoreras
A 5-day, 4-night Galápagos island-hopping program based in Puerto Ayora that pairs wildlife encounters, snorkeling and volcanic hikes aboard the Galapagos Elements Wind Yacht.
Island-Hopping from Puerto Ayora: Five Days of Wind-Yacht Voyages, Tortoises and Tintoreras.
This five-day island-hopping program out of Puerto Ayora moves between Santa Cruz and Isabela aboard a first-class wind yacht, combining shore hikes, snorkeling and close wildlife encounters—from giant tortoises in the Santa Cruz highlands to penguins and white‑tip reef sharks around Tintoreras.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
First-class voyage on the Galapagos Elements Wind Yacht
Curated excursions are conducted from the Galapagos Elements Wind Yacht, providing sea transit between islands and access to key snorkeling and landing sites around Santa Cruz and Isabela.
Giant tortoises in the Santa Cruz highlands
On arrival you'll transfer from Baltra to the highlands of Santa Cruz for a ranch lunch and direct encounters with giant tortoises in their wild habitats, a signature moment of the itinerary.
Tintoreras, penguins and rich snorkeling
Visits to Las Tintoreras islets on Isabela offer close looks at Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas and white‑tip reef sharks in lava channels, and the program includes snorkeling at top marine biodiversity spots.
What the day feels like
What the five-day island loop feels like
The program unfolds as a compact loop: arrival at Baltra and a transfer into Santa Cruz highlands, shoreline time in Puerto Ayora and Tortuga Bay, a sea crossing to Isabela for volcanic hikes (including Sierra Negra) and Tintoreras, then back to Santa Cruz for interpretation and local visits before transfer to Baltra. Days alternate guided hikes, shore landings and marine time aboard the wind yacht, with expert interpretation of geology and wildlife throughout.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this program — and who should plan around its rules.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Program length is 5 days / 4 nights.
The program operates from Galapagos Elements; initial arrival begins at Baltra with a transfer to Santa Cruz highlands.
Shoes are not allowed on board the yacht. Excessive alcohol consumption and use of illegal substances are prohibited; running on deck and entering restricted areas without authorization are not permitted.
The program is run by Ecoandes Travel and uses the Galapagos Elements Wind Yacht for island navigation and excursions.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the island‑hopping program?
The itinerary runs for 5 days and 4 nights.
Where does the trip begin and where do we meet?
The program begins upon arrival at Baltra Airport; the meeting/operating point is Galapagos Elements.
Which islands and key sites are visited?
Stops include Santa Cruz (highlands, Tortuga Bay, Interpretation Center, Twin Craters) and Isabela (Sierra Negra volcano and Las Tintoreras islets).
Will I see giant tortoises and marine life?
Yes. The itinerary includes wild giant tortoise encounters in the Santa Cruz highlands and marine encounters such as penguins, marine iguanas and white‑tip reef sharks around Tintoreras, plus snorkeling at biodiverse sites.
Are there any restrictions on the yacht?
Yes. Shoes are not allowed on board the yacht. Excessive alcohol and illegal substances are prohibited, and running on deck or entering restricted areas without authorization is not permitted.
Who operates the program and what vessel is used?
The program is operated by Ecoandes Travel and excursions are conducted aboard the Galapagos Elements Wind Yacht.