Location: Ecuador / Galapagos
Activity Level : Easy
Accomodation : Hotel Campssite
Group Size : 2 Pex
FROM $ 2347
/ 7 DAYS
Expedition Overview
It is of common knowledge that the archipelago has a lot to offer, but in this extended exploration, you will be able to see most of Galapagos wildlife and enjoy some top-notch snorkeling places! Ever wondered what ancient lava tunnels look like?
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Data on how the archipelago came to be
- Visit the Lava Tunnels, one of Galapagos best snorkeling spots
- Wildlife throughout the whole tour
- Conservation in the Galapagos (includes a project visit)
Activities List
Kayaking 
Nature 
Walking Itinerary
Welcome to the vibrant city of Quito, where the richness of Ecuadorian culture awaits. One of our dedicated team drivers will meet you at the airport, extending a warm greeting and ensuring a smooth arrival experience.
Accommodation: Go Quito Hotel or similar
Meals included: None
Welcome to the Galapagos Islands, the perfect place to explore nature and wildlife! Your guide will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Lunch is free on this day, however you will be given recommendations on where to eat.
In the afternoon a visit to the Interpretation Center will take place, in here you will learn general information regarding the islands and some interesting facts that are not well known. Once this activity is done, you will walk to “Cerro Tijeretas”, which is divided in two stops: 1st the viewpoint – for AMAZING landscape photos 2nd snorkeling (mask and tube included) – jump in the water and enjoy a well-deserved refreshing swim and your first encounter with underwater animals.
Accommodation: Blue Marlin / Galapagos Sunset / Golden Bay
Meals included: Lunch
A staff member will pick you up from your hotel at the designated time (normally 07h45) and take you to Puerto Baquerizo dock. After an hour-hour navigation, you will reach today’s destination: Lobos Island.
Once in the island and after the dry landing, a hike through volcanic rocks will take place. This place is well known for the magnificent & great frigate birds a.k.a. Galapagos Pirates, and it is also a nesting place for blue-footed boobies.
After the hike, you will have the snorkeling activity, followed by a visit to a beach that is off-limits to the town (you can only access by boat).
Accommodation: Blue Marlin / Galapagos Sunset / Golden Bay
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch (on board)
A staff member will pick you up from your hotel at the designated time (normally 06h00) and take you to San Cristobal airport for your 45-minute flight. Be aware that this is not your common flight, you will have a propeller plane with amazing landscapes!
Once in Isabela, the morning is yours to explore around town. After lunch, you will be taken to the dock. Grab your kayak, and paddle around Tintoreras (located in Isabela’s’ vicinities), followed by a stop to start your snorkeling activity.
Accommodation: Cally Hotel / Isabela Beach House / Iguana Crossing
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Since this activity starts at 11h00, you can take advantage of the morning to visit a different place in Isabela, relax on the beach, or just, sleep the morning off.
We then return to town to try on our equipment (mask, tubes, flippers & wetsuit). After all this is done, we will have a two-hour boat navigation to the Lava Tunnels. In here you either have 2 different snorkeling spots or one long one, followed by a short hike to spot some blue-footed boobies.
After lunch, we will return to town and enjoy the rest of the day in Isabela.
Accommodation: Cally Hotel / Isabela Beach House / Iguana Crossing
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch (on board)
The speedboat from Isabela to Santa Cruz departs at 06h00 and takes around two hours to travel from one island to another. Once in Santa Cruz breakfast will be served, in the meantime, your luggage will be transported to your hotel.
Mornings’ visit takes place in the Galapagos Highlands: El Chato Reserve. In this private property, you will have the privilege to wander around just like the Galapagos Giant Tortoises do. While hiking around this area you will learn fun facts about this peculiar species while watching them be in their natural habitat.
To end our day a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, a biological research station operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation. Here Ecuadorian and foreign scientists work on research and projects for conservation of the Galápagos terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The Research Station, established in 1959 and dedicated in 1964, has a natural history interpretation center and also carries out educational projects in support of the conservation of the Galapagos Islands, and in support of external researchers visiting the islands to conduct fieldwork.
Accommodation: Casa de Judy / Sol y Mar / Finch Bay
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Depending on your flight the pick-up time will vary.
From Galapagos Explore we wish you safe travels!
Meals included: Breakfast
What's Included
INCLUDED
- Hotel accommodation during the whole stay (based on double occupancy)
- Meals as described in the itinerary: 4 breakfasts – 5 lunches
- Land & marine transportation as described in the itinerary (also applies to Itabaca channel & Lobitos when needed)
- Snorkeling equipment: mask, tube, life jacket, safety rim
- Certified Galapagos National Park bilingual guide
- Flight from Quito to Galapagos National Park
EXCLUDED
- Single room supplement
- International & domestic flights
- Airport transfer in mainland
- Insurance (mandatory)
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Extra fees: Transit Control Card or TCT: 20 USD – Galapagos Entrance Fee: 100 USD (both extras are subject to change and can only be paid in cash)
- Extra gear: Short wetsuit: 5 USD – Long wetsuit: 10 USD – Fins: 5 USD
- Tips for drivers & guides
RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST
- Passport
- Travel insurance
- Airline tickets
- Credit or debit card – Cash as a plan B
- Fleece top
- Shirts/t-shirts
- Pair of short
- Pairs of long trousers
- Pair hiking pants/track pants
- Sport sandals
- Watch or alarm clock (not a must)
- Quick dry clothing
- Raincoat (not a must)
- Waterproof binoculars (not a must)
- Bug spray
- Sun cream
- Flashlight (not a must)
- Sun Hat
- Waterproof camera if possible
- Swimming suit
- Waterproof backpack
- Water bottle
- Tennis shoes
- Hiking shoes
- Money belt
- Sunglasses
- First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band-Aids, antihistamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, and extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much should I tip?
Since tips are not included in the trip cost, we do recommend 10 to 15 USD per day for the guides & 5 USD for the drivers. However, these are entirely at your discretion so feel free to tip more or less; at the end, it will all come down to your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
What do I do about drinkable water?
Tap water in the Galapagos is brackish water, so we highly recommend not to use this as drinking water or to brush your teeth. All the hotels will have water stations with purified drinking water, so pack a reusable water bottle for your trip.
What’s the weather like?
Galapagos lies directly on the Equator line, so you can expect it to be warm for most of the year. However, it’s not always tropical and Caribbean-like: wind and rain are definitely possible at certain times of year. It’s wise to know these weather patterns before planning your trip so you know when to visit and what to expect.
The hottest season is generally from December to April with average temperatures ranging from a low of 70 F to a high of 84 F (22 – 31 C). May to November is considered the “cool” season with average temperatures ranging from a low of 68 F to a high of 82 F (19 – 27 C) and frequent overcast skies.
What Travel Insurance do you recommend?
World Nomads Insurance with a coverage of USD 200 000
What is the currency? Are there ATMs? Can I pay with a credit card?
In Ecuador & Galapagos we use the US American Dollars.
You will find ATMs on the islands & most establishments take cards as payment methods. However, it could be the case that for the lack of connection, you won’t be able to withdraw money nor be able to pay with a card, that’s why we recommend you come prepared with some extra cash.
How much are the meals there?
It will all depend on 2 factors: 1. What you eat 2. Where you eat. Lobster, when in season, has an overall price of 35 USD + drink, so regular dishes at restaurants will cost around 20 to 25 USD + drink.
Regarding drinks, you will find anything from water to most alcoholic beverages. When a drink requires water, restaurants will use purified drinkable water, so no need to get concerned.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
4 years old