Galapagos Island Sea Kayak, Snorkeling & Hiking Adventure, Ecuador

Travel the Galapagos Islands with sea kayak paddle in hand. Like other travelers, you'll marveled at these islands with their oceanic geologic origins, rich sea life, diverse wildlife and intriguing natural history - all of which are unique on this planet. Our Galápagos Island Sea Kayak, Snorkeling and Hiking Adventure allows you to discover them under your own power. We leave the crowds of visitors and the well-worn paths behind to enjoy the peace of walking and paddling our way through this island paradise.

Few places on earth allow for such intimate contact with a dazzling array of wildlife as the Galapagos islands. Words cannot describe the intense wonder of exploring these oceanic islands where the birds and animals have little or no fear of humans. On this superlative adventure you'll swim with sea lions, get within a few feet of blue footed boobies, marine iquanas and the giant Galapagos tortoises. You'll watch pelicans and boobies dive for fish, snorkel in transparent water rich with fishes and, if you desire, swim with sharks.

The Galápagos Islands have been a national park of Ecuador since 1959 and organized tourism here began in the 1960s, the islands remain a far-flung destination and a visit to them is but a dream for most. Because of their famed natural history and remarkable creatures, these remote islands are revered the world over. In the effort to preserve and protect the Galapagos, access to the islands is restricted and regulated. Most tours to the Galapagos are cruise based aboard yachts carrying from ten to 100 people. This unique journey, the only one of its kind, allows our small groups to visit sites that are not on the main routes in the most environmentally-friendly manner imaginable - under your own power. We walk and sea-kayak where other, more intrusive modes of travel would not take us, and our reward is not only what we see but the pleasure of getting there. Ours is also the only adventure that gives you the opportunity to camp on island beaches, as well as explore by horse or foot, the rim of a recently active volcano.

Our sturdy, speedy, and stable expedition sea kayaks are for one or two paddlers and are specifically equipped for the conditions we encounter. All kayaking portions of the trip are supported by a panga, or small launch, to ensure everyone's comfort and safety. Although participants should have some paddling experience, we begin with practice and safety instruction. Our camping sites are approved, and we adhere to leave-no-trace ethics in all our excursions.

Our itinerary takes us to five islands that include a wealth of wildlife and ecosystems. Every journey is more than its destination, and we are thrilled to offer an experience in the Galapagos for those intrepid and indefatigable souls who come along with us.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

• Professional Kayak Guide and Galapagos Naturalist Guide
• Double Accommodation in hotels or tents
• Meals as per itinerary above
• Panga (support skiff) transportation
• Kayak equipment including fiberglass kayaks, paddles, pfds (lifevests)
• All camping equipment including tents, sleeping bags, self-inflating sleeping pads, kitchen gear, etc.
• Airport transfers if arriving/departing per itinerary.
• Visits as noted
• Gratuities for carriers and porters

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

• Internal flight (Quito-Galapagos-Quito) - call for details
• Internal flight (Baltra-Isabela-Baltra) $180 - call for details
• Roundtrip International flight to Quito - call for details
• Galapagos Entrance fee. $100 - subject to change.
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• International Airport Tax - call for details
• Alcoholic beverages (you're welcome to bring wine, beer, etc. for meals on the camping nights.)
• Insurance of any type
• Personal Expenses
• Cost of hospitalization and evacuation if necessary.

HOW TO SIGN UP

Just call our office and we'll send you a trip application form. Early reservations are recommended as space is limited to 12 persons per departure. While it may be possible to join a trip on short notice, we recommend that you sign up at least four to six months in advance.

To reserve your place, please call our office for a trip application. Once completed, mail this along with a deposit of $500 per person. For immediate confirmation phone us at 1-800-616-1943 and charge the deposit to your Visa, Mastercard or Discover card. The balance of the land cost must be paid by check. A second payment of $500 per person is due 120 days prior to departure and final payment is due 90 prior to departure.

Upon receipt of your reservation, we will send you complete information about what to bring, a suggested reading list, and other pre trip information. Private Charters for groups of eight-twelve with same or alternative itineraries are available.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

US and Canadian citizens need only a valid passport, which should be valid for at least 90 days after arrival.

Galapagos Islands Itinerary

Day 1: Depart home, arrive Quito, UNESCO World Heritage city, capital of Ecuador. Most flights arrive in the evening and a representative willmeet you at the airport to transfer you to your hotel.

Day 2: With an expert guide, enjoy a guided walking tour of Quito’s colonial city center followed by a taste of local cuisine at a traditional restaurant. After a free afternoon to explore further or to do some last minute shopping join your trip leader for a group orientation meeting.

Day 3: Along with your guide, take a morning flight from Quito to San Cristobal, the first of the Galapagos Islands on our trip. This is also our first chance to get in the kayaks and meet some local wildlife. Next we take a catamaran to our beach camp to settle in and enjoy watching sea lions, blue footed boobies and more as the sun sets.

Day 4: After breakfast we head for Cerro Brujo, Kicker Rock and finally Isla Lobos, this is an amazing day of snorkeling when we see Galapagos and white tipped reef shark, eagle rays and swim with the ever playful sea lions. After lunch we take a kayak trip before returning to relax on the beach and enjoy our last night of camping.

Day 5: This morning we take an early morning walk before heading to the airport to fly to the island of Isabela and check into our beachfront hotel. After lunch we spend the afternoon visiting the Tortoise Breeding Center and the marshlands where the mangroves are home to many migratory birds and beautiful pink flamingoes. Enjoy a stroll along the spectacular white sandy beach before dinner.

Day 6: Today we see a very different view of the Galapagos when we drive to the highlands and begin our hike of Isabela’s Sierra Negra. This active volcano last erupted in 2005 and has the second largest caldera in the world with a diameter of approximately six and a half miles. The hike can vary from 8-14 miles and includes viewing the spectacular caldera and incredible lava formations. After the hike enjoy some time on the beach or in town relaxing.

Day 7: In the morning, we will visit Estuary Beach where the fresh water artesian springs flow into the sea providing a perfect opportunity to swim among the magroves. After this we head to Campo Duro half way up the slopes of Sierra Negra where we meet the giant galapagos tortoise some of them are over 120 years old. After lunch in the beautiful organic gardens we head to Tintoreras, a unique volcanic island, home to young marine iguanas and white tipped reef sharks.

Day 8: After an early breakfast we take a two and a half hour boat ride to Santa Cruz Island and check into our waterfront hotel. When we arrive in Puerto Ayora we will immediately set out on a spectacular wildlife tour. A short boat ride, 8 nautical miles northwest of here we land on a sandy beach and take a short hike to view the lounging sea lions and the unique Galapagos marine iguanas basking in the sun on the lava rocks or the succulent Sesubium plant (commonly known as carpet weed). Finally today we take a trip to Tortuga Bay and kayak along the west side of the beach hopefully seeing the sea turtles that give the bay its name!

Day 9: A short 1 hour boat trip takes us to the island of Santa Fe, home of one of the most beautiful coves in all of the Galapagos. Feral goats were eradicated from Santa Fe in 1971 and a number of endemic species have thrived since then including the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, rice rats, numerous finches and the Galapagos Mocking bird. We take the opportunity to snorkel here and are often joined by the playful sea lion pups. The fluorescent fish make for great snorkeling as do the submerged rocks where the sea turtles and manta rays hang out.

Day 10: Our last day on the islands takes us to the Galapagos highlands to visit again with perhaps the islands’ most famous resident; the giant Galapagos Tortoise. Weighing up to 500 pounds these gentle giants are scattered all over the islands. In the afternoon we take our flight back to Quito for overnight and a final dinner with the group.

Day 11: Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or continue your travels.