Classic
Safari
Classic Safari Experience
At Galapagos Safari Camp, we bring the timeless charm of traditional African safari camps to the unique landscapes of the Galapagos Islands. Nestled on Santa Cruz Island, our camp offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, comfort, and natural wonder.
Galapagos Safari Camp
Our luxurious safari-style lodgings provide a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of the Galapagos wilderness. Choose from our spacious Safari Tents and Family Safari Tents, each offering private decks, en-suite bathrooms, panoramic views, and a perfect balance of elegance and comfort. For larger groups or families, our Family Suite provides a welcoming retreat for up to six guests.
Experience the Galapagos in Style
Over five days and four nights, explore the islands’ extraordinary biodiversity through guided excursions, hiking trails, and immersive wildlife encounters. From volcanic landscapes to pristine beaches, every moment at Galapagos Safari Camp is crafted to inspire awe and appreciation for nature.
Discover the magic of the Galapagos — where classic safari charm meets island adventure.
Itinerary
DAY 1. SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS AND THE GIANT TORTOISE
Welcome to the Galapagos! After leaving the VIP airport lounge you will meet your bilingual naturalist guide who will be with you for the duration of your stay with us (according to the level of privacy chosen).
To maximize your first day in the Galapagos Islands, you will be taken to a number of visiting sites on the way to Galapagos Safari Camp.
The first stop is Los Gemelos (The Twin Craters); two colossal, volcanic sinkholes. On a gentle hike around the rim, your guide will point out the birds of the endemic Scalesia forest such as Galapagos doves and Darwin’s finches.
From Los Gemelos you continue to a reserve for giant tortoises. Your tour of the reserve will follow a gentle circuit trail where you get within meters of these iconic Galapagos creatures. Keep a look out too for short-eared owls, as they are occasionally spotted in the trees. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
The tortoise reserve also contains a network of underground lava tubes, formed centuries ago when lava flows cooled at the edges but kept flowing in the middle, leaving cave-like tunnels in their wake. To fully appreciate the uniqueness of the Galapagos Islands, and its wildlife, it’s important to first understand the archipelago’s geology and volcanic history.
End the day at Galapagos Safari Camp, enjoying uninterrupted views of the National Park and the shimmering blues of the Pacific Ocean, without another human in sight.
DAY 2&3- AT SEA: EXPLORE UNINHABITED ISLANDS
On DAY 2 and DAY 3 you will enjoy day cruises by motor boat to one of the neighbouring, uninhabited islands close to our island of Santa Cruz:
North Seymour, Bartolomé, Plazas or Santa Fe.
Each of the islands’ tours include a guided walk and a guided snorkel in the Galapagos Marine Reserve.
Lunch is served onboard the boat (food is not permitted in the National Park).
These boat navigations are often a good opportunity to chat with your guide and to learn more about these extraordinary islands and the creatures that inhabit them. Alternatively, guests often use this time to quietly reflect on their Safari by jotting down their thoughts or elaborating on sketches. As author John C. Maxwell wrote, “It’s not necessarily experience that is valuable; it’s the insight people gain because of their experience.”
Note that these boat tours can either be fully private (chartered boat and private guide) or semi-private (with shared boat and shared guide, or shared boat and private guide).
At the end of each day, you return to Galapagos Safari Camp in time for an evening stroll or a dip in the pool, followed by a sunset cocktail and dinner.
DAY 4. SANTA CRUZ: THE EAST
Your Safari will begin at Cerro Mesa, a private reserve on the eastern side of Santa Cruz Island that is rich in endemic flora and bird life, including the elusive vermillion flycatcher and seven unique subspecies of finch. Explore the various trails with your guide, ending the circuit at a viewpoint where, on a clear day, you can survey the lush landscape of Santa Cruz as well as nearby islands.
Afterwards, you will make your way to Garrapatero Beach, either by car or by bicycle. In contrast to the thick, green vegetation of the highlands, the coastal terrain is made up of black lava, white sands, turquoise waters and dense mangroves.
The picturesque, white-sanded beach of Garrapatero is an ideal spot for a picnic and secluded swimming, set far away from the cruise ship crowds and visiting sites. Kayaking can also be arranged here and is a fun way to explore the coastline and its wildlife.
Set behind the beach is a small lagoon where flamingoes are occasionally spotted.
On your way back to the Camp you will visit a working farm in the highlands that produces sugar cane liqueur and Galapagos coffee. Learn about the different methods used to refine sugar cane, including the use of a mule-driven press (note: the mule may be off-duty during your visit). There is also a demonstration of how artisan coffee is produced, from picking the berries to roasting the bean.
DAY 5. RELAX BEFORE MORNING DEPARTURE
Enjoy the serene nature and peace of the Camp this morning. Relax, walk, swim or enjoy the sunrise from our viewpoint before departure to the airport and your next destination. (Here’s where you’ll wish you had extended your journey!).
✔ Accommodation
✔ Private land excursions and transfers on Santa Cruz, with private english-speaking naturalist guide
✔ Shared* boat excursions and tours of uninhabited islands (private boats also possible), with shared English-speaking naturalist guide. Also includes a snorkeling tour.
✔ All meals and welcome drink
✔ Airport VIP services
✔ Wetsuits and snorkeling equipment
✔ Activities and visits detailed in your itinerary
✘ Flights (all flights from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands can be arranged upon request)
✘ Galapagos National Park entrance fee (detailed in documentation)
✘ Visitor transit card (detailed in documentation)
✘ Beverages
✘ Laundry service
✘ Insurance (please check your travel insurance is valid in your country of origin prior to your journey)
✘ Gratuities
Prices are Per Person
Our Classic Safari include:
- Accommodation
- Private land excursions and transfers on Santa Cruz, with private english-speaking naturalist guide
- Shared* boat excursions and tours of uninhabited islands (private boats also possible), with shared English-speaking naturalist guide. Also includes a snorkeling tour.
- All meals and welcome drink
- Airport VIP services
- Wetsuits and snorkeling equipment
- Activities and visits detailed in your itinerary
Drawing inspiration from classic African safari camps, our spacious Safari Tents and Family Safari Tents (available from June 2025) feature private decks and en-suite bathrooms, offering stunning panoramic views, elegant simplicity, and a high level of comfort.
Our Family Suite is a cozy retreat that accommodates up to 6 guests, perfect for large or multigenerational families.
Galapagos Tours - Galapagos Safari Camp
Classic Safaris
Our signature Safari maximizes your time in this unique archipelago, combining explorations of nearby uninhabited islands with land adventures on Santa Cruz Island.
Family Safaris
Having raised our own children in the Galapagos, we understand the needs and rhythms of families traveling together. Our Family Safari is designed to keep everyone happy and carefree at all times!
Dive Safaris
The Galapagos Islands are among the world's premier scuba-diving destinations. Extend your Safari to include a day or two of diving, or opt for our dedicated Dive Safari, combining thrilling dives to nearby sites with explorations on land.
