Sea Kayaking the Galapagos Islands
Looking for a Galapagos adventure that keeps you close to the water, the wildlife, and the wild places most visitors never reach? Our immersive Galapagos islands tours balance time on the water with active days on shore so you can experience the islands at the pace they deserve.
The moments here are personal, with marine life moving alongside your kayak, snorkeling sessions in clear water, and sunsets that seem to belong to your group alone. These trips are designed for travelers who want to experience the Galapagos up close, not just from a viewpoint.
Explore Galapagos Tours
Galapagos Islands Travel Tours
The Galápagos is one of the best places on earth to explore by sea kayak. You’re on the water, close to the wildlife, and moving at the perfect pace to notice everything from sea lions playing in the surf to hidden coves you’d never reach from a larger vessel.
Sea Kayak Adventures offers Galápagos island tours for travelers who want to be active on vacation–sea kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and camping—without losing the comfort and care of a fully supported trip. Our Galápagos travel packages are designed to help you experience the islands in a way that feels intimate, wild, and real.
Galápagos by Kayak
Sea Kayak Adventures offers the only sea kayaking Galápagos tour that includes camping on the beaches. It’s a truly unique experience designed for travelers who want to experience the islands in a natural, human-powered way. No other trip offers such an intimate interaction with the coastal wildlife.
This trip takes place on the island of San Cristóbal, where we stay at two different beach camp locations. We also visit Kicker Rock and snorkel in transparent waters that are home to rays, gentle sharks, sea turtles, and a bounty of colorful fish. This trip is six days and can easily be combined with visits to other islands.
Galápagos Unbound Multisport Adventure
For those wanting to see more of the islands, with a greater mix of activity, we also offer our world-renown Galapagos Islands multisport adventure. The trip begins in Guayaquil, where we explore the cultural heritage of this city. Then we fly to the Galápagos, where we kayak, walk, snorkel, and revel in discovery.
There are two nights of camping and seven nights in small, local hotels. We pioneered land-based tourism in the Galápagos with this trip, which was featured in the New York Times travel section in January of 2006. We take you to places other Galápagos tours don’t go, and have created an itinerary masterpiece that flows from one highlight to another with wildlife encounters, hikes to volcanoes, beach camping, and other found-nowhere-else experiences that only this Sea Kayak Adventures Galápagos tours offer.
When is the best time to visit the Galápagos?
The best time to visit the Galápagos Islands depends on what kind of experience you're looking for. The warm season from December to May typically offers calmer seas, warmer water for snorkeling, and lush landscapes. The cooler season from June to November brings nutrient-rich currents, making it a great time for wildlife viewing—especially marine life like whales and dolphins. Overall, the Galápagos is a year-round destination with unique wildlife activity in every season.
Do I need a visa or special permit to visit the Galápagos?
Most travelers from the United States, Canada, and many European countries do not need a visa for stays under 90 days in Ecuador. All visitors to the Galápagos do need two required entry items: a Transit Control Card (TCT) (commonly $20) and a Galápagos National Park entrance fee paid on arrival (fees can vary by nationality/age). These help fund conservation and protect the islands.
Is camping allowed in the Galápagos?
Yes, camping is allowed in the Galápagos Islands—but only in designated areas and with a special permit issued by the Galápagos National Park Directorate. Independent camping is not permitted due to strict environmental protections, so travelers must go through a licensed tour operator.
Some of our Galapagos travel packages include beach camping, which is a rare way to experience the islands after day visitors leave. We follow sustainability guidelines to minimize impact and protect the places we camp.
What marine life might I see while kayaking?
Sea kayaking is one of the most rewarding Galapagos island activities for close-up wildlife encounters. While paddling through clear coastal waters, you might encounter sea lions, marine iguanas, sea turtles, rays, reef sharks, and colorful tropical fish. In some areas, kayakers may also spot blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and even dolphins. The Galápagos’ calm bays and rich ecosystems make it one of the most unique places in the world to kayak.
What is the weather like in the Galápagos Islands?
The Galápagos Islands have a warm, tropical climate year-round due to their location on the equator. The Islands have two main seasons:
- The warm/wet season (January to April) brings sunny skies, occasional afternoon showers, and average temperatures ranging from 70°F (21°C) to 84°F (29°C).
- The cool/dry season (May to December) is slightly cooler, with temperatures between 68°F (20°C) and 82°F (28°C). During this time, you may experience early morning mist known locally as garúa, especially in the highlands of Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal Islands.
Even during the wetter months, rainfall is usually brief and doesn't significantly impact travel. You can explore the Galápagos comfortably any time of year.
What’s the best way to get to the Galápagos Islands from the U.S. or Canada?
To reach the Galápagos Islands, you'll first fly to Ecuador, typically landing in Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE). From the U.S. and Canada, there are daily international flights via major cities like Miami, Houston, Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles. From Ecuador, you’ll take a short domestic flight to either Baltra or San Cristóbal Islands in the Galápagos. We’ll help coordinate all flight connections to make your journey smooth and stress-free.
Can I add an extension to my Galápagos tour?
Yes, many travelers add extensions to their Galapagos tours. We have been guiding trips in Ecuador since 1992, and we specialize in building custom extensions. Popular add-ons include:
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The Amazon Rainforest
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Andean Highlands in the north or south
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The Cloud Forest near Mindo
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Adventures to Peru and Machu Picchu
Whether you're after culture, nature, or more time to relax, we’ll tailor an extension to match your travel style and interests. Our team is available to talk through options.
How far in advance should I book my Galápagos trip?
For the best selection of dates, flights, and yacht cabins, we recommend booking your adventure 4 to 12 months in advance. That said, we often have availability closer to departure—so if you’re planning a last-minute Galapagos trip, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to help you find the perfect fit.
Are your Galapagos Island tours family friendly?
Our Galápagos island tours can be a great fit for adventurous families, especially if your kids enjoy active days and being outdoors. Minimum age depends on the trip, Galapagos Unbound Multisport is open to kids ages 7+ while Galapagos by Kayak has a minimum age of 12+
Because these are active itineraries (with kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and some camping depending on the tour), we typically recommend them for families who are comfortable with full days and variable conditions. If you’re not sure what’s best for your group, our team can help match you to the right itinerary and pace.
Where are the Galapagos Islands located?
The Galápagos Islands (also known as the Archipiélago de Colón) are a province of Ecuador, located in the Pacific Ocean about 500 miles (800 km) west of mainland Ecuador. The archipelago sits on the equator, which helps create the unique climate and wildlife the islands are famous for.