Galapagos Islands Multisport

Galapagos Unbound Tour Itinerary 

Day 1: Arrive in Guayaquil

Fly into Guayaquil where you’re greeted by a SKA representative who will meet you at the airport and transport you and your luggage to your hotel accommodations for your first night in the Galapagos.

• Accommodations: Whydham Hotel Guayaquil
• Meals Included: None

Day 2: Guayaquil to San Cristobal, Wildlife Viewing and Sightseeing

In the morning you will be picked up from your hotel by a SKA tour leader to head back to the airport to catch a quick flight to the easternmost island in the Galapagos, Cristobal Island. When we arrive, a naturalist guide from the Galapagos National Park will welcome us at the airport and gather our luggage and transfer us to our first adventure. From the airport we will stop for lunch in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the second largest town in all of the Galapagos. After lunch we will be transported to a beach in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno where we will try on our snorkeling equipment and wetsuits to ensure everyone has what they need before we begin our first paddle of the trip. We will also load all luggage onto our support boat before we send them off to meet us at camp. We will then begin a 2.5-3 hour paddle over the course of 6 nautical miles to Manglecito Beach.

During our paddle we will pass by volcanic peaks, abundant vegetation, and Lobos Island which is a great place to view local wildlife such as blue footed boobies and marine iguanas. Form the intimate seat of our kayaks, we also might be lucky enough to witness a plethora of sea turtles!

• Accommodations: Exclusive Beach Camping
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Explore Galapagos Beach Camp, Paddling, Snorkeling.

Today we will wake up leisurely and have time to explore the beautiful Manglecito Beach before beginning our paddle to our next camp. Todays paddle will be roughly three hours long. Our support boat is always close by if you get tired or need assistance of any kind. We’ll stop at another secluded beach for lunch and bird and wildlife viewing. After lunch we will continue our way to camp on our catamaran and stop next at Kicker Rock. Kicker Rock is an amazing snorkeling channel where you are likely to see white-tipped reef sharks, eagle rays, sea turkeys, Galapagos sharks, sea stars, and hundreds of fish. As the afternoon approaches we will settle into our beach camp and watch the shore birds sore through the beautiful Pacific Ocean sunset.

*Note: The order of the activities can vary depending on National Park schedules. Additionally, the boat ride to Kicker Rock on Shared Services in groups from 4 to 7 people.

• Accommodations: Exclusive Beach Camping
• Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Explore Isabela Island, Sea Kayaking and Wildlife

Today we will leave our camp early in the morning to take a boat ride to the airport. We will have a quick breakfast once we get into town. Today we fly to Isabela Island where we will check into our beach front hotel. After settling into our hotel for the night we will make our way to the Tortoise Breeding Center. The center is run by the Galapagos National Parks Service to conserve and protect the Isabela Island land tortoises. We’ll explore the white sand beaches of Puerto Villamil nearby and walk the marshlands among Giant Galapagos Land Tortoises.

After lunch on the beach we will hop back in our kayaks to paddle around the serene bay of the island. Around Isabela Islands beachfront we will see a plethora of birdlife and possibly even small Galapagos penguins was they are known to nest among rocks on the island. We’ll be kayaking atop pure white sand ocean floor, so bring along your snorkel gear to to get an underwater viewing of the amazing wildlife.

*Note: The checked and carry on baggage allowance for these small planes is 25lbs per person  If you are over the limit the airline will charge $2 per lb over based on availability. 

• Accommodations: Isabela Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Sierra Negra Volcano, Hiking, Beach Time

After waking up to the sunrise, we’ll drive just under an hour to the upper highlands of the island and hike Isabela Islands Sierra Negra through the islands interior. On this hike we’ll see the active volcano that last erupted in 2005 and the second largest caldera in the world that measures at over 6 miles in diameter! We’ll observe lava formations, panoramic caldera views, and wildlife over the course of 6-10 miles. After the hike we will return to town for some free time to relax on the beach or walk around town.

• Accommodations: Isabela Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Snorkeling, Los Tuneles, Wildlife Viewing

In the morning, weather permitting, we take a boat ride to Los Tuneles: a most curious and remarkable lava formation consisting of arches and caves. Walk along the shore and snorkel in crystal clear water for a glimpse into the remarkable underwater world.

Enjoy lunch aboard the boat before continuing on to nearby El Finado, where you discover an inlet used by local fishermen to rest from their journeys in the ocean for years. Snorkel among white-tipped reef sharks, stingrays and colorful tropical fish flitting amongst submerged lava rocks forming caves and small reefs.

Depending on the weather we will either have a BBQ dinner on the beach of dine at a local restaurant near the hotel.

• Accommodations: Isabela Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Darwin Research Center, Sea Kayaking, and Isla Santa Cruz

Today we will get up early to set off on a speed boat that will take us to Isla Santa Cruz where the Darwin Research Station is housed among the urban center of the Galapagos archipelago. Isla Santa Cruz is also home to the National Park headquarters and Puerto Ayora. Once we get off the speed boat, we’ll take a scenic drive through the lush highlands of the island as we take the main highway through the island. We’ll spend some time today walking amongst wild Galapagos tortoises watching them move throughout their environment and snack on abundant vegetation.

Once we have spend enough time with the tortoises, we will visit the islands old lava tunnels that was created by hot lava that ran through the islands crust many years ago. We’ll learn and marvel over the archipelagos fascinating nature and history.

After a full day out and about we will head back to the hotel to rest before dinner on your own wherever you’d like.

• Accommodations: Santa Cruz Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Santa Cruz Hotel

We’ll begin the day by hiking a paved trail for just under 2 miles from Puerto Ayora to Tortuga Bay. The trail snakes through prickly pear cacti, Palo Santo trees, and many other local flora and fauna where birds are also plentiful. When we arrive at Tortuga Bay, we will have a few hours to relax on the beach before walking the full beach coastline to get to a calm cove where we can do some snorkeling and/or kayaking. In the afternoon we’ll all get back  in the seat of our kayaks to paddle around gentle shallow lagoons that house rays, mullets, and sharks. In this evening we will gather for a farewell dinner to conclude our special trip together.

• Accommodations: Puerto Ayora Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Back to Guayaquil to Return Home or Extend Your Stay

In the morning we will work our way to the airport on Santa Cruz Island where the original runway we depart on was built during WWII by the U.S. Navy. Depending on flight departure times, we will fly about two hours back to the mainland city of Guayaquil.

From there you will transfer to the international terminal for your return flight home or continue your travels if you desire.

• Meals: Breakfast

Galapagos Travel Arrangements

Travel to Guayaquil: 

The simplest way to get to Guayaquil is to connect through one of several US cities, including NYC, Atlanta, Houston, Miami and Fort Lauderdale, which all offer direct flights to Guayaquil.

Airport Transfer Upon Arrival: 

Arrival airport transfer is included in your package price. Please provide your international flight information and we will arrange to provide transportation to your hotel in Guayaquil, where the tour officially begins. On the final day, the trip ends upon arrival back to the Guayaquil airport. If you have arranged extra hotel nights or extensions to your trip, you will need to arrange your own transportation. The hotels we use offer complimentary shuttle services, and taxis are available in abundance at the airport. 

Galapagos Weather

The Galápagos has two main seasons: the cool and dry season that lasts from July through December and the hot and rainy season that goes from January through June. The weather remains relatively temperate throughout both seasons and so it’s always a good time to visit the Galapagos Islands.

The “peak season” for tourism is usually attributed as lasting from mid-December through mid-January and mid-June through September. However, since the Galápagos National Park Service has various travel restrictions, you will never have to deal with hordes of tourists and can instead enjoy the natural serenity of the islands in relative solitude.

When To Go?

Galapagos Dry Season

The dry season in Galápagos is known as the garúa season, and this is when temperatures begin to drop.

• As cold waters travel north from the Antarctica region, the climate becomes more subtropical than tropical.
• One of the most visible effects of the subtropical climate is the misty rain that coats the island peaks and turns the vegetation green. As garúa translates to “drizzle” in English, it’s a fitting name for the misty season.
• The garúa season attracts more marine mammals, fish, and birds despite the colder waters because the Humboldt Current brings up nutrient and plankton rich water.
• The drizzle largely effects the highlands while the lowlands continue to have an arid climate, and there’s plenty of wildlife to observe in both.
• The sea is swarming with fishes, and so it’s one of the best times to observe seabirds and Galápagos penguins who are enjoying the feast swimming below the surface.

Galapagos Rainy Season

The rainy season extends from January through June, and the water and weather is at its warmest during these months. Explore the shores of Galápagos during ideal tropical weather on our Galápagos Adventure.

• The tropical rain showers are at their heaviest January through March, but although the rainfall can be heavy the storms are generally short.
• The predominately sunny days paired with the warm waters coming down from Colombia and Panama make for great snorkeling weather.
• While the weather is at its clearest and the water at its smoothest from March to April, there are less fish to see in the warm waters; rather, more fish can be found later in the year.

Click Here to Access Our Helpful Weather and Wildlife Guide

Sea Kayak Adventures Physical Requirements  

Here at Sea Kayak Adventures our first and foremost goal is for you to have an enjoyable and safe experience. While most of our trips are suitable for beginners, some of our trips are more active than others and it’s important that you understand the physical requirement of the trip you choose. 

All of our trips are active adventures that involve some level of physical exertion and possible exposure to the elements including but not limited to wind, rain, heat, sun, cold temperatures and cold water conditions. Sea Kayak Adventures is able to accommodate people with physical limitations, disabilities and medical conditions; please speak with your Adventure Consultant if you think you will require any additional assistance while on the trip. We ask that you consult your doctor if you have health or medical conditions that could impact your ability to participate in an active and outdoor adventure. In general, all trip participants must be able to do the following:  

• Wear all protective and safety equipment that are required by Sea Kayak Adventures and recommended/required by industry wide standards.
• Load and unload, on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion, the bus and/or van providing transportation for Sea Kayak Adventures activities.
• Reach the water access points (put-in and take-out) on their own, or with the aid of a qualified companion.
• Enter and exit a raft, kayak and/or inflatable kayak on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion.
• Remain seated and balanced in a floating raft, canoe, kayak or inflatable kayak w/ the aid of adaptive equipment, if necessary.
• Float on their back when entering moving and still water. The participant must be capable of turning from face-down to face-up in the water with the aid of a Personal Floatation Device and must be able to hold their breath while under water.
• Remain calm and keep breathing under control in the event of a swim.
• Climb into the kayak, with the help of another person, should an involuntary swim happen at any point on the water.
• Make progress toward the shoreline or a boat by swimming in moving water and must be able to exit the water and ascend the shoreline once reached.
• Participate as an active paddler when instructed by the guide for the duration of trip. 
• Move about the campsite on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion on all trips that include overnight camping and/or lunch.

Physical Preparedness

Whether you are an avid sea kayaker, or it is your first time, you’ll enjoy these incredible trips, and share in our passion for adventure, commitment to conserving the environment, and relishing unique experiences. For those new to the sport, kayaking is easy to learn in the sheltered waters that we visit, and we provide all of the camping gear, kayaking equipment and guidance needed. In addition, we keep our groups small to allow you to not only travel intimately among nature, but to ensure you receive the necessary attention from our guides.

Galapagos Unbound Packing List

Overview:

The packing list outlined below is meant to serve as a guide to help you plan, prepare and outfit yourself for your upcoming travels. We have provided our best recommendations and suggestions. These suggestions are broken down by your tour type and are based on the outlined itinerary, the geographic region, our knowledge of the Galapagos, and our personal experience. We hope you find this list helpful, use it as a guide and feel free to amend it with your favorite travel items too!

Gear Provided by Sea Kayak Adventures

Sea Kayak Adventures provides all necessary equipment for your selected tour. This includes all necessary camping equipment for your tour: tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, and pillow with pillow case. In addition to all the necessary equipment for kayaking and snorkeling: personal flotation devices (PFDs), paddles, kayaks, and one 10L dry bag to serve as your day bag. .

Sea Kayak Adventures are best enjoyed if you travel light. For Galapagos trips pack as lightly as possible. The reasons for this are many:  

• Inter-island flights are limited to 25 pounds baggage per person.
• You have to lug your stuff.
• You don’t need much.  

Provided Snorkeling Attire

We will provide you with a shorty wetsuit, snorkel mask, fins, and PFD.

Luggage Recommendations:

We think it is wise to avoid checking any luggage under the plane. If you do, make sure that you have everything that is either essential or, would be hard to replace, with you in your carry on bags. You will be using three main bags during the trip. One is your main duffel for things you only need at camp. The second is a small day pack that has things you need with you during the day, and the third is a dry bag provided by Sea Kayak Adventures that you carry on the kayak with you and the fourth is an optional “wet gear bag.” The contents for each is explained below.

1) One duffel bag or roll-on that meets carry on requirements. If you don’t want to carry a duffel bag through airports on your air travels, pack a light duffel bag inside a roll-on bag of carry-on size. Then, in Guayaquil, you can pack the things you need for the Galapagos inside the duffel bag and leave the roll-on at the hotel. At the end of the trip, this same duffel can then be used as an extra piece of luggage for your souvenirs on your return flight. Again, this should be a medium-size duffel that meets carry-on requirements. You can just take your roll on bag with you but remember - Wheels add weight.

2) One small day pack. Outside zippered pockets are nice. This qualifies as a carry-on “personal item.” A good size measures 18” high x 12” wide by 8” deep plus outside pockets about 2” deep. Carry medications, books, games and other essentials or “hard-to-replace” items in this on the plane. While in Ecuador, this is perfect for stashing those items you’ll want during the day, whether sea kayaking, hiking or visiting towns.

3) Dry Bag (Provided by Sea Kayak Adventures) – To use in the Galapagos on the sea kayaks for items you want to keep handy during the day in your kayak. This small bag will hold your rain gear, sunscreen, sun shirt, binoculars, camera, etc. on top of your kayak for easy accessibility.

Essential Items

• Passport - must be valid for at least six (6) months after the date of your arrival
• Money belt to carry your passport, travel documents and money, concealed under your clothes
• A photocopy of your passport, inside a ziplock bag and stowed elsewhere in your luggage (As an additional precautionary measure, consider leaving a photocopy with family or friends at home as well)
• Copy of your air tickets with ticket numbers, placed elsewhere in your luggage
• $100 cash for Galapagos National Park fee. $200 from August 2024
• $12 cash for Isabela Arrival Tax
• Cash for gratuities (see more information below)
• Credit and/or Debit/ATM card that works internationally, ideally with a chip technology (Before leaving home, notify your bank of your travel to help prevent any fraud detection holds on your card)
• Watch or small travel clock with alarm (if you are taking a phone, this can serve as your alarm clock)
• TSA-accessible lock for luggage security when not on your person (optional- can buy at any travel or outdoor recreation store)

Focus on lightweight nylons or polyesters that dry quickly. On the island of Isabela where we stay in the middle of the trip, there is a laundry service at the hotels or, this is a good time to hand-wash clothes in the bathroom sink. We hope you find this list useful and we welcome your favorite ideas as well.

Clothing

• One pair long, lightweight, nylon pants with zipper pockets - zip off legs give you more options
• One other comfortable pair of pants or skirt  (One of these first two items is worn on airplane)
• One pair nylon shorts (that double as a swimsuit for the guys)
• Swimsuit for gals
• Two t-shirts or polo shirts
• One pair light weight pajamas
• One short sleeve button-up shirt -  nylon or poly/cotton
• One long sleeve shirt for sun protection - you can buy tight-weave nylon shirts with 30 SPF protection made by companies such as Columbia, etc. Sun protection is essential and the equatorial sun is intense and reflected by sky and water
• One long sleeve button up shirt for town – light poly/cotton (pack in a ziplock bag to minimize wrinkles if you care)
• One light fleece or polyester sweater or jacket for warmth in the evenings and mornings
• Three or four pairs underwear
• One wide-brim, tie-on hat – floppy nylon is ideal as it packs well. A baseball cap & bandana also works
• One lightweight raincoat – like a windbreaker that has some waterproof qualities
• Three pair light nylon or cotton socks, (one thicker pair cotton for the Volcano hike)
• One pair sandals with ankle straps to wear while kayaking, on the beaches, walking around towns, etc. Chaco is our preferred brand, but Teva and others make these
• One pair sturdy tennis shoes, or running shoes, to use for the volcano hike and for other times when you want to wear something other than the sandals. Most people would find hiking boots unnecessary, but if you prefer them, or need extra ankle support, then a lightweight pair may be appropriate.
• Water Gear
• One pair of paddling gloves. If your hands are prone to blisters. Cheap, fingerless bike gloves work great
• One lycra “rash guard” shirt adds to the warmth and ease of getting your wetsuit on and off but is not essential
• *If you wish to borrow snorkel, fins, mask and/or wet suits, please let us know and it can be provided at no additional cost – this gear will not be considered part of your 35lbs check in weight as we will transport the rental gear for you

Additional Gear

• Lip balm w/sunscreen for your day bag
• Sunglasses - Good ones that will protect your eyes from the sun and the reflection off the water. Polaroid lenses offer great marine wildlife viewing.
• Headstrap for glasses and sunglasses – Chums, Croakies or similar
• Extra pair of sunglasses and glasses
• One flashlight.  The nicest kind is a headlamp. Extra batteries and bulb
• One wide-mouth water bottle
• Small towel for camping. Beach towels are available on the snorkel boats.
• One bandana for sun protection and cooling off
• Sewing Kit (optional)
• Small container of clothing detergent – If you want to do some laundry in your hotel room.  Just 3-4 oz of powdered kind.  (Optional – soap and shampoo work too)
• Four or Five white 11-gallon kitchen garbage can liners - for wet clothes, dirty shoes etc - these are quite useful
• A few 1-gallon ziplock bags – for packing sunscreens, lotions or anything that might make a mess
• Camera, video camera, film or memory cards and extra camera batteries – No Flash Photography allowed on the Islands
• A waterproof camera or GoPro is great for snorkelling
• Small waterproof camera box like the Pelican brand. ROW provides a soft dry bag for daytime essentials and your camera can go in this but it is not as secure as a box
• Binoculars – optional but nice for bird watching, dolphin or whale watching, etc
• Books, pen and note pad, deck of playing cards or other games, etc

Toiletries and First Aid

• Standard toiletry kit including general hygiene products, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. (keep liquids under 3.38 oz.(100ml) for carry-on)
• Bug Spray or Lotion – Guests have experienced a higher than normal presence of mosquitos while at camp recently. It is highly recommended that you have plenty of bug spray, preferably with some DEET. In addition, Insect Shield is a company that will treat your selected items of clothing to be insect-repellent up to 70 washes. While the cost can add up, a treated long-sleeved shirt and pair of pants may go a long way towards ensuring your maximum comfort during the camping portion
• Reef safe sunscreen (we highly recommend Stream2Sea as a reef safe option)
• Lip balm with SPF 20-50
• Pre-moistened toilette packets or disposable shower wipes to refresh
• Prescriptions and any necessary personal medicines (please be sure to bring necessary prescriptions and any needed emergency medicine such as an EpiPen, Benadryl, etc)
• Heavy duty skin lotion for dry, sun-baked, and salted skin
• Small squeeze bottle of hand-sanitizer gel
• Shampoo and soap (we recommend biodegradable, multi-purpose options)
• Toothbrush, toothpaste (Ivory or biodegradable are best*)
• Female urinary device (allows women to urinate standing up without removing clothing). Silicon or hard plastic ones work great. Popular name brands include Gogirl and Shewee
• General hygiene products & shaving essentials
• Medications - (Dramamine-motion sickness, Benedryl -allergic reactions. See below)
• Prescription Medications

* Under our Park Service permit we are not allowed to use any soap in the sea. At camp you can use soap to wash your face, hands, etc. and we have a bucket where we store this soapy water.

Sea Kayak Adventures - Recommended Galapagos Reading List

• Agee, P. (1989). Inside the company: Cia Diary. Bantam Books.
• Andrews, M. A. (1986). The flight of the Condor. Collins.
• Collier, J., & Buitrón Aníbal. (2013). The awakening valley: A photographic record of the indians of the otavalo valley in Ecuador. Literary Licensing.
• Constant, P. (2007). Marine Life of the galápagos: A diver's guide to the fishes, whales, dolphins and marine invertebrates. Cordee.
• Corkill, D., & Cubitt, D. (1988). Ecuador: Fragile democracy. Latin America Bureau.
• Emmons, L. H., & Feer, F. (1990). Neotropical rainforest mammals: A field guide. University of Chicago.
• Ferreiro, Larrie D. (2013). Measure of the Earth: The Enlightenment Expedition That Reshaped Our World. Basic Books,
• Fitter, Julian, et al. (2016). Wildlife of Galápagos. Princeton University Press.
• Forsyth, A., Miyata, K., & Landry, S. (1995). Tropical nature: Life and death in the rain forests of Central and South America. Simon & Schuster.
• Frazier, C., & Secreast, D. (1985). Adventuring in the Andes: The Sierra Club Travel Guide to Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, the Amazon Basin, and the Galapagos Islands. Sierra Club Books.
• Grubb, K. G. (1930). Amazon and Andes. Mathuen & Co. Ltd.
• Harris, M. P. (1992). A field guide to the Birds of Galapagos. HarperCollins.
• Hassaurek, F., & Gardiner, C. H. (1967). Four years among the Ecuadorians. Southern Illinois University Press.
• Hickman, C. P. (1998). A field guide to sea stars and other echinoderms of galápagos. Sugar Spring Press.
• Horwell, D., & Oxford, P. (2005). Galápagos wildlife: A visitor's guide. Bradt Travel Guides.
• Hurtado, O. (1980). Political power in Ecuador. Routledge.
• Jackson, M. H. (1993). Galapagos, a natural history. University of Calgary Press.
• Kricher, J. C. (1999). A neotropical companion: An introduction to the animals, plants, and ecosystems of the New World Tropics. Princeton University Press.
• McIntyre, L. (1988). The incredible Incas and their timeless land. Nactional Geographic Society.
• Meisch, L. (1987). A Traveler's Guide to el dorado & the inca empire. Penguin Books.
• Michaux, H. (2001). Ecuador: A Travel Journal. Marlboro Press/Northwestern.
• Miller, T. (2017). The panama hat trail. The University of Arizona Press.
• Mitchell, A. (1986). The enchanted canopy. Macmillan.
• Morrison, T. (1974). Land above the clouds: A survival special on South American wildlife. A. Deutsch.
• Morrison, T. (1977). The Andes. Time-Life Books.
• Ridgely, R. S., & Greenfield, P. J. (2001). The birds of ecuador. A field guide. Christopher Helm.
• Schofield, E. K. (1984). Plants of the Galápagos Islands: Field Guide and Travel Journal. Universe Books.
• Treherne, J. E. (2011). The Galapagos Affair. Vintage Digital.
• Weiner, J. (1994). Beak of the finch: A story of evolution in our time. Vintage Books.
• White, A., & Epler, B. (1986). Galapagos Guide.
• Whymper, E. (1990). Travels amongst the Great Andes of the equator. Murray.
• Wittmer, M., & Antonio, M. W. J. (2010). Floreana. Editorial Galápagos.

Additional Galapagos and Sea Kayaking Information 

Galapagos Islands Weather Forecast - Check the local weather before you go. 

Trip Adviser - Read reviews from past guests. 

Galapagos Unbound Website - Here you can find information on other Galapagos tours and mainland Ecuador extensions. 

Quito Tourism Guide - Learn more about the UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Creature Feature: Giant Galapagos Land Tortoise - Learn about one of the most fascinating creatures you will see on your trip!

Food in the Galapagos: 7 Must Try Dishes - Get your tastebuds excited for the adventure ahead.

Top 6 Places to Sea Kayak for Whale Watching and Wildlife Viewing - See why the Galapagos Islands are a great destination for sea kayaking with whales.

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