Galapagos Islands Multisport

Galapagos Unbound Tour Itinerary 

Day 1: Arrive in Guayaquil

Fly into Guayaquil where a SKA representative will meet you at the airport, marking the start of your Galapagos kayaking tour. They will assist with your luggage and drive you to your hotel for the first night of your Galapagos Islands holiday.

• Accommodations: Whydham Hotel Guayaquil
• Meals Included: None

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

In the morning, a SKA tour leader will pick you up from your hotel to go to the airport and catch a quick flight to San Cristobal, the easternmost island in the Galapagos. When we land, a naturalist guide from the Galapagos National Park will greet us at the airport, collect our luggage, and take us to our first adventure. On the way, we'll stop in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the second-largest town in the Galapagos, for lunch.

After lunch, we will take a short ride to a beach in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. There, we will try on our snorkeling gear and wetsuits to make sure we have what we need before starting our first paddle of this Galapagos sea kayaking trip. We'll load our luggage onto the support boat, which will meet us at the campsite later. Then we'll begin a 2.5-3 hour (6 nautical mile) paddle to Manglecito Beach.

As we kayak, we will pass volcanic peaks and abundant vegetation, as well as Lobos Island, a prime spot for viewing blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and other local wildlife. From the intimate vantage point of our kayaks, we may also be fortunate enough to see many sea turtles!

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

Day 3: Explore Galapagos Beachside Eco-Camp + Kicker Rock.

Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring the stunning Manglecito Beach before beginning our three-hour paddle. Our support boat will be nearby if assistance is needed and we'll stop at a secluded beach for lunch and wildlife viewing. 

After lunch, we'll continue by catamaran to Kicker Rock, an incredible snorkeling spot with white-tipped reef sharks, eagle rays, and Galapagos sharks, as well as hundreds of tropical fish. As the sun sets over the Pacific, we'll settle into our beach camp for an evening under the stars. 

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

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

Day 4: Explore Isabela Island + Tortoise Breeding Center + Sea Kayaking

This morning, we will depart camp early to take a boat to the airport, stopping in town for a quick breakfast on the way. Today we fly to Isabela Island and check into our beachfront hotel. After settling in, we'll visit the Tortoise Breeding Center, operated by the Galapagos National Parks Service to conserve the island's giant tortoises. We'll also explore Puerto Villamil's white sand beaches and stroll through the marshlands inhabited by these magnificent creatures.

After a beachside lunch, we will return to our kayaks to paddle around one of Isabela’s serene bays. This is a great spot for birdwatching, with the possibility of seeing small Galapagos penguins, as they are known to nest among the island's rocks. We'll be kayaking over the pure white sandy ocean floor, so bring your snorkeling gear for a close-up view of the area’s marine life. 

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

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

Day 5: Sierra Negra Volcano + Hiking + Beach Time

After waking with the sunrise, we will drive just under an hour to the upper highlands of Isabela Island to hike to Sierra Negra, an active volcano that last erupted in 2005. This hike features the world's second-largest caldera, spanning over 6 miles in diameter, as well as panoramic caldera views, lava formations, and incredible wildlife sightings. 

Once we complete the 6-10 mile hike, we'll return to town for some free time to unwind on the beach or explore the local area. 

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

Day 6: Los Tuneles + El Finado

If the weather allows, we’ll begin Day 6 of our Galapagos Islands tour with a morning boat ride to Los Tuneles, a fascinating lava formation that’s notable for its arches and caves. We’ll stroll along the shore and snorkel in the crystal-clear water to get a glimpse of the remarkable underwater world.

Enjoy lunch on the boat before heading to nearby El Finado, a secluded inlet where local fishermen have rested between ocean journeys for years. Then snorkel amongst white-tipped reef sharks, stingrays, and bright tropical fish, which can be seen darting around lava rock caves and small reefs just below the surface.

Depending on the weather, we will either have a BBQ dinner on the beach or dine at a local restaurant.

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

Day 7: Explore Isla Santa Cruz

Today we will rise early to board a speedboat bound for Santa Cruz Island and begin our explorations with a visit to the Darwin Research Station. Santa Cruz is also home to the Galapagos National Park headquarters and the town of Puerto Ayora. In the mid-morning, we'll take a scenic drive through the island's lush highlands and stroll amongst wild Galapagos tortoises, observing as they amble about and forage on the plentiful vegetation.

After spending time with the tortoises, we will visit the old lava tunnels created long ago by hot lava flowing through the island's crust. With the help of a local guide, we’ll learn about and marvel at the fascinating natural history of the archipelago. 

After a full day of exploring, we'll return to the hotel to rest before dinner wherever you choose.

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

Day 8: Tortuga Bay + Sea Kayaking

Start Day 8 of your Galapagos Islands holiday with a scenic 2-mile hike along a paved trail from Puerto Ayora to Tortuga Bay, winding through prickly pear cacti, Palo Santo trees, and abundant local flora. At Tortuga Bay, we'll have time to unwind on the beach before walking the full coastline to a calm cove perfect for snorkeling and kayaking. 

In the afternoon, we'll paddle our kayaks around a series of gentle, shallow lagoons, home to rays, mullets, and sharks. We'll conclude this trip to the Galapagos Islands with a farewell dinner in the evening. 

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

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

In the morning, we will travel to the airport on Santa Cruz Island whose original runway was built by the U.S. Navy during WWII. Our flight to Guayaquil on mainland Ecuador will take about two hours, during which time you can reflect on your Galapagos kayaking tour. In Guayaquil, you can transfer to the international terminal for your return flight home or continue your onward travel in South America. 

• 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, cot, sleeping pad, sheets, 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
 

Here are a number of books to consider
Our top two picks are

• The Reluctant Mr. Darwin: An Intimate Portrait of Charles Darwin and the Making of His Theory of Evolution (Great Discoveries) by David Quammen (Author) An engaging read that helps us understand the world at the time of Darwin and why he took so long to publish his theory of evolution
• Weiner, J. (1994). Beak of the finch: A story of evolution in our time. Vintage Books This chronicles the research done by two scientists who spent 20 years flushing out Darwin’s theory of evolution A compelling story that will surely help you appreciate the importance of the Galapagos Islands 
   
• Constant, P. (2007). Marine Life of the galápagos: A diver's guide to the fishes, whales, dolphins and marine invertebrates. Cordee
• Ferreiro, Larrie D. (2013). Measure of the Earth: The Enlightenment Expedition That Reshaped Our World. Basic Books A fun read filled with human drama and that expands our understanding of geography and how we understand our earth today
• Fitter, Julian, et al. (2016). Wildlife of Galápagos. Princeton University Press
• Grubb, K. G. (1930). Amazon and Andes. Mathuen & Co. Ltd. Written by a distant cousin of ROW Founder Peter Grubb, this is a light read of an adventure-focused missionary in the early 1900’s
• 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
• 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
• 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.

Top 5 Places in the Galapagos for Sea Kayaking - Explore some of the inlets and channels you'll have the opprotunity to paddle!

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