Galapagos Islands Small Group Tours
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10 best Galapagos Islands small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaGalapagos Islands travel expert at TourRadar
- Ultimate Galapagos 6 Days Tour
- 7 Days on a Budget Galapagos Islands Tour in San Cristobal
- Galapagos Multisport
- Magical Galapagos (5 Days)
- Galapagos Experience Volunteering & Travel 3 Weeks
- Galapagos Experience: 5 days
- Galapagos Harmony (7 Days)
- 8 Days Reloaded Package: Santa Cruz, Isabela Island and San Cristóbal
- Galápagos Island Hopping Land-Only
- Galápagos — South & East Islands aboard the Yolita
Ultimate Galapagos 6 Days Tour
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Tours were a lot of fun. Had a great time.”
Edward, traveled in December
Groups of 8-12 travelers ensure prime viewing at San Cristóbal's Darwin's Bay and Kicker Rock. The limited numbers allow flexible scheduling at Santa Cruz's tortoise ranches and Charles Darwin Station, with personalized guidance from certified naturalists.
Duration 6 days Destinations Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Leon Dormido, Santa Cruz Island, Baltra Island Age Range 12 to 80 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
- US$1,390
The archipelago adventure blends private moments at the Interpretation Center with small group excursions at Kicker Rock. Dedicated guide service for Tijeretas Hill frigate bird viewing, followed by Española Island wildlife spotting. Ideal for meaningful Galápagos connections.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, San Cristóbal Island Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Ecuador Galapagos Travels From
- US$1,560
Galapagos Multisport
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The TourRadar website is very easy to navigate and there are many options for tours anywhere you might want to go.”
Darlene, traveled in March
Small parties of 8-12 fellow adventurers create ideal wildlife encounters. The intimate setting ensures premium snorkeling experiences at Kicker Rock and Los Túneles, plus exclusive access to Sierra Negra volcano and Wall of Tears on Isabela Island.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Leon Dormido, Lobos Island, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island, Baltra Island Age Range 8 to 89 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Adventure Journeys From
- US$3,987
Magical Galapagos (5 Days)
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Galapagos is so beautiful and I got to see so many animals, from giant tortoise to sea lion and colourful fish in the ocean.”
Miguel, traveled in December
Groups of 5-9 explorers make wildlife viewing perfect at Tintoreras Islet and Las Grietas. Small boat capacities of 10-16 ensure exclusive snorkeling experiences with sea lions and turtles. Personal guidance enhances visits to Santa Cruz's Giant Tortoise reserve.
Duration 5 days Destinations Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, Santa Fé Island Age Range 5 to 66 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Cami Adventures From
- US$1,044
Travel with 8-12 fellow conservationists for intimate wildlife encounters across the archipelago. Smaller groups guarantee quality time observing blue-footed boobies at Las Tintoreras and valuable contribution to reforestation projects at San Cristóbal's Biological Station.
Duration 22 days Destinations Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Santa Fé Island, San Cristóbal Island, Isabela Island Age Range 18 to 59 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Lead Adventures From
- US$3,960
Intimate dynamics enhance Galapagos exploration, with dedicated snorkeling sessions at Santa Fé's coast and Kicker Rock. Maximum group size ensures personal attention during wildlife encounters at Isla Lobos and Playa Ochoa. Bilingual guides facilitate close-up experiences with sea lions and reef sharks.
Duration 5 days Destinations Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, San Cristóbal Island Age Range 18 to 62 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Lead Adventures From
- US$1,299
Galapagos Harmony (7 Days)
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everybody was so helpful and so nice. We loved it and would recommend it.”
alison, traveled in September
Small groups of 8-12 adventurers access wildlife hotspots throughout the Galapagos Islands. The intimate setting ensures quiet observation of flamingos at Poza Flamingos and personal guidance while snorkeling at Las Tintoreras.
Duration 7 days Destinations Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora, Santa Fé Island, Isabela Island Age Range 5 to 85 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Cami Adventures From
- US$1,556
Wildlife encounters thrive in small group settings throughout the Galapagos Islands. Limited numbers ensure prime viewing of flamingos at Puerto Villamil and giant tortoises in Santa Cruz Highlands. Personalized attention enhances snorkeling at Kicker Rock and Concha Perla.
Duration 7 days Destinations Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, Las Tintoreras Islet, San Cristóbal Island Age Range 2 to 65 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator BM Tours From
- US$1,612
Galápagos Island Hopping Land-Only
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“we had a really good experience with an awesome guide.”
Anthony, traveled in September
Small parties of 12-16 enhance island-hopping experiences from Puerto Ayora to Floreana and Isabela. Limited numbers ensure quality time observing blue-footed boobies and flamingos, with personalized guidance during snorkeling at Loberia and hiking Sierra Negra Volcano.
Duration 7 days Destinations Puerto Ayora, Floreana Island, Isabela Island Age Range up to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $2,879
25% Off- US$2,159You save $719
Galápagos — South & East Islands aboard the Yolita
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great way to see the world.”
Angeliki, traveled in August
The Yolita, carrying just 16 passengers, offers an intimate exploration of the Galapagos. Smaller groups enable easier landings at Santa Fe Island's iguana colonies and extended time for snorkeling at Gardner Bay with sea lions. Expert naturalists provide personal attention at each island stop.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Seymour Norte, San Cristóbal Island, Española Island, Santa Fé Island, South Plaza Island, Santa Cruz Island Age Range up to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $4,749
20% Off- US$3,799You save $949
Reviews of Small Group tours to Galapagos Islands
- Ultimate Galapagos 6 Days Tour
The trip was perfect. Thank you so much. Saw everything, did everything and even though I was traveling solo, enjoyed everything. The ONLY negative was that the first hotel had NO hot water, so taking a shower and washing my hair was another adventure. Neither hotel provided hair dryers, so perhaps you should let future travelers to pack a personal hair dryer. Otherwise, the trip couldn't have been any better. Guides were absolutely wonderful and informative.
- Galapagos Multisport
While there were a few small glitches and communication issues, the guides handled it well and kept the itinerary on track. The guides were solid and the activities were exciting and matched what was described and expected.
- Magical Galapagos (5 Days)
The Cami Adventures team provided an incredible experience of the Galapagos Islands for me and my two traveling companions. They made it repeatedly clear that they were happy to help whenever it was requested and went above and beyond to organise a birthday cake for us. The day-tours were hosted by especially knowledgeable and friendly guides in small groups which enabled us to ask lots of questions and get more out of each trip. The hotel we stayed at was clean, provided a large assortment of breakfast foods and provided a filter with clean drinking water. I highly recommend this tour for anyone traveling to the Galapagos Islands on a budget who wants the hassle of organising activities/tours taken away.
What our customers ask about Galapagos Islands Small Group Tours
What accommodation types are available on small group Galapagos tours?
Small group Galapagos tours provide accommodations ranging from upscale boutique hotels to well-equipped expedition vessels. The Casa Marita on Isabela Island and Blue Galapagos Hotel on Santa Cruz Island represent the higher end with ocean views and personalized service. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The hotels selected were high end hotels (4*) with buffet breakfast rooms and ambiance were perfect for our small group experience."
How far in advance should I book a small group Galapagos tour?
Planning ahead is essential for Galapagos small group tours particularly for sought-after vessels like the Galapagos Petrel or popular hotels such as Casa Marita. The typical booking window spans 6-12 months with data showing an average lead time of 575 days between initial inquiry and departure. A TourRadar traveler notes: "Book well ahead for small group tours to get your preferred dates and accommodation options."
What is the best time of year for small group tours in Galapagos?
The Galapagos welcomes visitors throughout the year. December through May brings warmer temperatures and calmer waters making it ideal for water activities at Kicker Rock and Los Tuneles. Wildlife viewing peaks from June to November especially around Sierra Negra Volcano and the Charles Darwin Station. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The warmer season was perfect for our small group as we could maximize our snorkeling time and enjoy clearer visibility."
What dining arrangements are typical for small group tours in Galapagos?
Most tours include breakfast at partner hotels like Deja Vú Hotel or Cormorant Beach House and lunch during day trips. Dinner arrangements are often flexible letting guests explore restaurants in Puerto Ayora and Puerto Villamil. One TourRadar traveler notes: "The food included in the tour was great especially the fresh seafood lunches during boat excursions."
How does transportation work between islands on small group tours?
Inter-island travel combines speedboat services and small aircraft. The journey from Santa Cruz to Isabela takes approximately 2.5 hours by boat while flights between Baltra and Isabela run about 40 minutes. A TourRadar traveler suggests: "Sit up top with the captain during boat transfers to avoid seasickness and enjoy better views of the marine life."
How does a small group experience enhance wildlife viewing in the Galapagos?
Small groups create better conditions for observing wildlife without disruption. This setup allows closer encounters with blue-footed boobies at Isla Lobos and marine iguanas at Punta Espinoza. A TourRadar traveler reports: "Having a smaller group meant we could quietly observe Galapagos penguins and snorkel with sea turtles without scaring them away - our naturalist guide could really take time explaining everything."