Galapagos - Additional Nights & Transfers

The information below is for guests who are planning to spend longer in the Galapagos Islands. Please refer to the trip schedule before adding days to the planned itinerary as our trip begins and ends at Baltra Airport.

How to get from Baltra/Seymour Airport (GPS) to Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island

Takes about 2 hours, from flight arrival time, to get to the town of Puerto Ayora.

  1. Once you land at Baltra/Seymour Airport (GPS), you will be directed to walk across the tarmac to the airport. You will wait in the line for non-residents/foreigners. They will ask you for your Tourist Transit Card (TCT) that you purchased at the Quito or Guayaquil airport before check-in.
  2. At the Baltra/Seymour Airport, you will be required to pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100 per person cash only).
  3. Then you will be directed to the baggage claim where you pick up your luggage.
  4. From there, you will be directed to the outside area of the airport where you will need to purchase a $5 ticket for the bus that transports you across Baltra Island (about 10 minutes) to the Canal Itabaca. From landing to leaving the airport takes about 1 hour.
  5. Then you will take a ferry boat to cross the Canal Itabaca (about 10 minutes). You will be charged $1 per person onboard. Your luggage will be moved from the bus to the ferry by the Lobitos bus company staff.
  6. When you disembark on the Santa Cruz Island side of the Canal Itabaca, you will need to take the bus ($5 per person) to the main pier of Puerto Ayora or a private taxi/truck ($25 total) directly to your hotel. Both options take about 45 minutes to cross Santa Cruz Island.

How to get from Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island to Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island

Takes about 3-4 hours from the arrival at the Puerto Ayora pier to get to the town of Puerto Villamil.

  1. You will need to purchase a boat ticket ($30) from one of the agencies near the main pier. Best to reserve several days before if possible.
  2. The boats leave at 7 am and 3 pm, and you must be at the pier 45 minutes before departure.
  3. You have to find the person with the list for your boat, and they will give you a pass to hang around your neck so you can board the boat. Once you have the pass, you can go through the baggage check (no fresh fruits or veggies or sand or rocks or shells allowed to transport between islands). If you have hiking boots, make sure the soles are clean.
  4. There is a $1 pier charge upon departure from Santa Cruz and a $10 entrance charge upon arrival in Isabela. The water taxis that take you to and from the ferries charge $1 per person. Be sure to have exact change or small bills for these charges.
  5. The boat ride between islands generally takes between 2-3 hours depending on sea conditions.

How to get from Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island to the Seymour/Baltra Airport (GPS)

Takes about 1.5 hours to get from the hotel to the airport.

  1. The cost of the taxi is $25 from Puerto Ayora to Canal Itabaca (approx. 45 min.).
  2. You will be charged $1 per person for the 10-minute ferry to cross the canal, plus $5 for the 10-minute bus ride across Baltra Island to the Seymour/Baltra Airport (GPS).

If you are interested in staying longer than a night or two (before or after your SwimTrek holiday) and would like Galapagos Alternative to help organize tours, transfers and accommodation please contact Galapagos Alternative directly via info@galapagosalternative.com.

If you are interested in booking extra nights or activities in the Galapagos Islands, we advise you to contact our partners two weeks prior to your travel date.

Should you require more information on the above please contact our Customer team via info@swimtrek.com