Galapagos Islands Multisport
8 days from Quito to Quito
From $ 4499
Duration8 days

Kayak, snorkel, bike and hike through the beautiful landscapes of the Galapagos Islands on this 8-day adventure. Crystal clear waters, dramatic landscapes of lava rock, and extraordinary wildlife; The Galapagos Islands are an unforgettable destination. Walk along white sand beaches, kayak through water so blue we can see to the bottom, or snorkel in one of many world-class marine reserves. The Galapagos Islands are a treasure trove of natural history and biodiversity just waiting to be explored. Because 95% of the Island’s land area is designated as a protected area, we will have plenty of up-close encounters with sea lions, marine turtles, blue-footed boobies, tropical fish and much more. Our trip highlights the best of the Galapagos: kayak and snorkel the northern coast of San Cristobal, hike over rugged terrain to the rim of the Sierra Negra Volcano, and bike Isabela's sandy roads to the historic Wall of Tears. Our naturalist guides accompany us along the way, providing in-depth knowledge of the area and its creatures. This is a great trip for adults and fit, older teens. If you're traveling with younger children, check out our Amazon Basin – Galapagos Islands Family Adventure.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 8 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: Quito
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: Quito
    Ages: 18+
Galapagos Islands Multisport - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome to Ecuador's vibrant colonial capitol, Quito.

Start place: Quito

Your trip begins today in Quito, Ecuador. Arrive in Quito this afternoon, pass through customs, gather your luggage and proceed to the new Wyndham Quito Airport hotel for the evening. Dinner on your own.
Day 2: Trek to Frigate Hill on San Cristobal Island for fantastic vistas.
It's off to the Galapagos Islands this morning to rendezvous with our lead guide! We fly 600 miles across the Pacific Ocean to the island of San Cristobal. Upon arrival in the Galapagos you are obligated to pay a $100 park entrance fee; you should have this in U.S. dollars. After lunch, we head out for an afternoon of exploration. Our first stop is the Interpretation Center where we learn about the volcanic formation of the Galapagos Archipelago and the unique evolution of life on the islands. Then, as we approach Frigate Hill, we'll be on the lookout for blue-footed boobies, the magnificent frigate bird, Darwin finches and much more. On our way back to our lodging, we stop to snorkel at either Carola or Mann Beach. In the evening we explore the small town of Port Baquerizo Moreno before dining at our waterfront hotel. All meals included.
Hiking: 3 miles, about 2 hours, Snorkeling: 1-2 hours.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Kayak and snorkel the northern coast of San Cristobal.
We start today spending the morning paddling along the coast, past Carola Beach and into Darwin Bay, the site of the first landing of the HMS Beagle. The route is home to colonies of sea lions, marine turtles, blue-footed boobies and frigate birds. Following lunch, we take a motor yacht to either Cerro Brujo, Punta Pitt or Leon Dormido (known locally as Kicker Rock). Which destination we will enjoy excellent snorkeling at will depend on available park permits. There is a good chance of seeing Galapagos sharks, eagles and golden rays, as well as dozens of species of tropical fish, clams, starfish, and marine invertebrates. With a little luck we may also swim with hammerhead and whitetip sharks. Dinner will be preceded by a demonstration in the art of making tasty ceviche. All meals included.
Kayaking: 3 hours; Snorkeling: 2-3 hours.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Bike Isabela's sandy roads to the historic Wall of Tears.
This morning, we say goodbye to San Cristobal and take a quick small-plane ride to Isabela Island. Five of the six volcanoes on Isabela remain active, making this island one of the most volcanically active places on earth. With miles of unpaved, sandy streets, mountain bikes are the perfect way to explore the island. With our bikes, we cycle to el Muro de las Lagrimas (the Wall of Tears). When Isabela was used as a penal colony, prisoners were forced to construct this towering wall of lava rocks for no other reason than to keep them distracted from the madness of isolation. After lunch, we explore by kayaks Tintoreras, a set of small islets filled with hidden coves and beaches. At the end of the day, we retire to our hotel to relax or take a stroll down along the seemingly endless white sand beach. All meals included.
Mountain biking: 8-10 miles, unpaved, sand and gravel roads with some rolling hills; Kayaking: 2 hours.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Hike the rim of Sierra Negra volcano, the second largest active caldera.
Today we explore the fascinating Galapagos Highlands! We get an early start this morning to begin our hike over rugged terrain to the rim of Sierra Negra Volcano (3,688'), the second largest intact caldera in the world. The trail leads us to the volcano’s rim, offering fantastic views of the massive lava-filled caldera as well as the other volcanoes beyond and the surrounding coastline. After catching our breath, we can opt to continue along the trail to the Chico Volcano (2,821'). With its puffing fumaroles and striking lava formations, it offers an out-of-this-world environment and many examples of the dramatic geological events that have forged the Galapagos Islands over millennia. In the afternoon, we return to our hotel with free time to wander the beach, swim or watch the iguanas and sea lions before dinner at our hotel. All meals included.
Hiking: 6-9 miles. Up to 5 hours. Cumulative elevation gain 1,260'. Terrain: uneven trails that may include slippery or rocky sections.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: On Santa Cruz Island, hike El Chato reserve and kayak lava channels.
After an early breakfast, we transfer two hours by boat from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival, we slip into our kayaks and paddle around Divine Bay and Punta Estrada, traveling through multiple lava channels filled with calm, turquoise waters. Within the channels, whitetip sharks and rays patrol beneath the waves while colonies of blue footed-boobies, tropic birds, herons and marine iguanas perch along the jagged cliffs. Afterwards, we head to the interior highlands of Santa Cruz, the natural habitat of the Santa Cruz tortoise. The most recognized symbol of the Galapagos, the tortoise weighs over 500 pounds and may have a shell measuring almost five feet! If time allows, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation and management efforts in the archipelago. After a full day, we relax at our hotel in one of the most magical places on earth. All meals included.
Kayaking: 3 hours. Hiking 2 hours, 3 miles.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Bid farewell to the Galapagos Islands and fly back to Quito.
After bidding farewell to our guide, we journey back to Quito. We depart our hotel on Santa Cruz by vehicle followed by a 15 minute boat ride across the Itabaca Channel to the Island of Baltra. During WWII, Baltra was a U.S. Army Air Force base and today stands as an Ecuadorian military base. Upon docking in Baltra, we join other travelers on the bus to the Baltra airport where we board our flight to Quito. After settling into the Quito airport hotel, high in the Andes, we’ll get together for one final meal to say farewell to our newfound friends. All meals included; light lunch on flight.
Note: Departures starting April 28, 2019 will stay on Santa Cruz one more day. Please call for more information.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Depart Quito for flights home.
You can depart at any time today, or extend your stay to explore more of this wonderful country. Breakfast included.
Departures through April 21, 2019: You can depart at any time today or extend your stay to explore more of this wonderful country. Breakfast included.
Departures starting April 28, 2019: After breakfast, we’ll fly from the islands back to Quito, arriving in the late afternoon. Depart for home from Quito at midnight this night or extend your stay. Breakfast and lunch included.

End place: Quito

Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Accommodations and meals as noted in the daily itinerary
  • airport transfers on first and last days of trip
  • inter-island transfers
  • sea kayaks and necessary paddling gear, bikes/helmets, snorkel/mask/fins, wetsuit
  • services of a skilled bi-lingual guide throughout
  • internal flights and Galapagos Transit Card noted in Additional Mandatory Fees
  • Accommodation

    Hotels, 7 nights

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