From the heights of the second largest volcanic crater in the world to the depths of the rich and unexplored waters of Galapagos, our carefully planned activity tour is perfect for all lovers of outdoor adventure.
We combine snorkelling, trekking, biking and (optional) diving on this multi-activity tour.
There is a thrilling downhill MTB descent peppered with the rich history of the islands; visits to see Giant Tortoises; many fantastic snorkelling opporunities with sea lions, turtles and harmless sharks; a great trek to a huge volcanic crater and there is always the chance to spot whales or that a pod of dolphins will come and play around the bows of the Christine.
All this is taken at a good pace and combined with comfortable hotels to ensure a great rest before the next day's adventure.
Group Size: Max 14
Day 1 The tour starts in Quito. We meet up at the group hotel in the new town of Quito.
There will be a welcome letter waiting for you at the hotel plus an information pack with a list of things to do and see in and around Quito.
That evening there will be a full briefing on the week ahead and logistics of your adventure tour in Galapagos - you can pick up a kit bag as well if you need one for the islands. Later on the group convenes for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant which serves local and international dishes. (D)
Day 2 The trip begins with an early morning transfer to the airport and a flight to San Cristobal Island, Galapagos. Here you are met by our local staff and transferred to your hotel which overlooks the harbour, full of moored boats bobbing on the ocean.
After lunch we make our way to the top of San Cristobal through the settlement of El Progresso to La Soledad, from where we have panoramic views out over the Pacific towards Santa Cruz, Floreana and Santa Fe.
We then jump on the bikes for an exhilarating downhill through the lush highlands of the island, through El Progresso down to the township of Puerto Barequizo. En route, we hear the stories of the history of the islands, which include human suffering, cruel prisons and revolution. We also pay a visit to the Loberia then head back into town.
This evening we enjoy a dinner of some of the islands fresh fish and produce. (B, L, D)
Day 3 The day begins with a short boat ride to Isla de Lobos to observe nesting frigate birds and blue footed boobies - and a chance to swim and snorkel up close with the playful young sea lions in calm waters. A real highlight of the trip.
We hop back into Christine and head to the amazing Kicker Rock, observing along the way the abundant marine life that Galapagos is renowned for. Many whales and dolphins live in the area.
Kicker Rock is the remains of an underwater volcano, two large rocks rising vertically 150m out of the sea with a cleft channel separating them - a truly impressive sight.
Here we can dive and snorkel keeping an eye out below for sea turtles, manta rays and maybe the odd harmless Galapagos shark, to name a few.
After that we head to Puerto Grande, one of the most beautiful beaches on the islands. Hardly anyone visits this beach and its peacefulness and beauty are pristine. You can sunbathe, watch the fast and evasive Ghost crabs running around or get photos of iguanas and Sally Lightfoot crabs.
After a few hours, we return to port late in the afternoon and if you're up to it, a hike around Frigate Bird Hill (B, L- OPTIONAL DIVING, PLEASE ENQUIRE)
Day 4 This morning we depart San Cristobal Island and head to Floreana Island. Keep an eye out for dolphins and the magnificent albatross along the way.
Here you will experience some of the best diving and snorkelling in the islands at Enderby Islet or Champions Bay. Drift along with the current as marine life abounds below.
Next we head to Devil's Crown, a circle of craggy rocks inhabited by marine birds, rising out of ocean. You get in the water and drift along with the current, all the time being able to see thousands of fish and starfish on the ocean floor.
After a great lunch on the boat, we head to Floreana and explore the small town and beach, before jumping back on board and heading to Isabela Island. This island has a relaxed Caribbean feel. After checking in, we head to the beach via a lake where Pink Flamingoes hang out. Before dinner, we spend time on the beach or in one of the laid-back bars, making plans for the next day. (B, L, D)
Day 5 A full day tour takes us up Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Galapagos, and with the second largest crater in the world.
It's 45 minutes in the truck to the start of the trek, through mists and cloudforest to the crater rim. Once we reach the crater rim, and with good weather, you can experience a birds eye view of the magical landscape of the crater and the island of Isabella. We push on further into the fumaroles to look at the enormous lava flows and tunnels formed by the last eruption.
That evening we can kick back at the bar on the beach and enjoy a nice cold beer or cocktail (B, L, D)
Day 6 By pick up truck and on foot, we head to the Breeding Centre of the Giant Tortoises, the largest breeding centre in the Galapagos. There are hundreds of tortoises here, from fully grown breeding males and females to newly borns to eggs!
Next, we make our way to the Wall of Tears, built by convicts many years ago as part of their punishment. The sharp rocks were dragged for miles in the baking Ecuatorial sun to the site of the wall - which the prisoners knew was the wall to their own cell.
Along the way back, we'll stop at the lookout and the many natural pools, short walking trails, beaches and mangrove swamps along the way.
After lunch we jump in the kayaks or a zodiac (depending on Park regulations at the time) to Shark Alley, where you can view harmless White Tip reef sharks, and the only penguins found close to the equator, and hopefully snorkel with some marine turtles. Another real highlight of the trip. (B, L)
Day 7 Today is an early morning departure to the Island of Santa Cruz, where will visit the highlands, observing The Galapagos Giant tortoise in natural surroundings, and the amazing lava tunnels, some over 1km long while taking in panoramic views of the islands.
Later in the day we head to Tortuga Bay, a stunning beach with fine white sand to see marine iguanas or try you hand at some body boarding or surfing or just jump around in the waves and water. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Today we pay a visit to Lonesome George at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here we can observe many species of tortoise and Land Iguana in captivity, brought back from the brink of extinction.
After some last minute shopping we depart Santa Cruz for Santa Fe Island for a nice dive/snorkel in a beautiful and sheltered bay of Las Tijeretas, where we can observe marine iguanas and schools of Surgeon fish just below the surface.
We return to San Cristobal for an evening group dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 9 We bid farewell to the Enchanted Islands with a quick optional visit to La Loberia or last minute souvenir shopping!
We depart San Cristobal Island and return to Quito where we are met on arrival and return to the same hotel in Quito. Our representative in Quito will be able to advise you and help with some of the many day tours available in and around Quito if you need any setting up. In the evening, the group meets up for a celebratory meal. (B, D)
Day 10 Quito, departure day (B)
Included 9 nights full accommodation in single (supplement applicable), double or triple accommodation, private bathroom, clean and comfortable, meals daily as specified in tour (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner), airport transfers in Galapagos, all land and sea transport, airfare Quito-Galapagos-Quito, sea kayaks, mountain bikes, snorkelling equipment, wetsuit hire, naturalist guide authorized by national park of Galapagos, our local staff contact in Quito, full local logistic support and briefings
Not included National Park entrance fee $100USD, payable upon arrival at the airport in Galapagos, $10USD Ingala transit card, alcoholic drinks/ Soft drinks /Gratuities, 2 evening meals in Galapagos, anything not specified in the package, optional diving (please enquire about diving packages), surf board hire, airport transfers
NOTE: WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THE ITINERAY DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS AND OR GALAPAGOS NATIONAL PARK REGULATION CHANGES.
