Galapagos Unbound Multisport Tour
Why This Tour:
- With hundreds of 5-star reviews, Galápagos Unbound Multisport is the top choice for travelers seeking an unforgettable adventure.
- We go above and beyond to accommodate the desires of all travelers to ensure they get the most out of their Galápagos Islands vacation.
- Our exclusive Galápagos camping experience is truly unique and offers intimate wildlife encounters, making it one of the best beachside eco-camps.
- Explore secluded coves and coastlines while kayaking amongst a diverse array of marine life.
- Travel with one of the pioneers of Galápagos land-based travel, with Galápagos Unbound advocating for low-impact experiences in the archipelago.
- Our guides are personally trained in the “Galápagos Unbound Difference,” ensuring they deliver what will undoubtedly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Check out our itinerary below, and you can immediately see the Galápagos Unbound difference. We pioneered Galápagos land tours and have consistently advocated for environmentally low-impact travel through these utterly enchanting "enchanted isles."
Trip Overview
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This Galápagos Unbound tour was featured in the New York Times travel section on January 8, 2006, in an article by Tim Neville. While some details of the original itinerary have been modified since then, the tour's essence as an unparalleled multisport adventure in the Galapagos remains unchanged. Our certified local guides continue to work closely with the Galápagos Park Service to deliver an exceptional experience.
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Immerse yourself in the diverse wildlife and ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands with our Galápagos Unbound Signature Tour. This unique, small-group tour takes you beyond the typical cruise to snorkel, hike, and kayak alongside iconic species while supporting the local community. Experience an intimate, eco-conscious journey through the archipelago's unique islands and habitats on an adventure you’ll never forget.
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No words can fully convey the awe of getting up close with birds and animals that show little fear of humans. On a Galápagos Islands vacation, you can swim with playful sea lions, stand within feet of vibrant blue-footed boobies, and see marine iguanas and giant tortoises found only here. The wonders of the Galápagos are truly indescribable.
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This Galápagos land tour combines gentle paddles to remote coves with nights spent camping on pristine beaches—an experience that is one-of-a-kind. You’ll hike to the rim of an active volcano, come face-to-face with marine life while snorkeling, and experience awe-inspiring sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. We trek and kayak to secluded sites inaccessible to larger groups, encountering wildlife and embracing the journey itself. As the only Galápagos land-based travel experience that includes camping on deserted beaches, Galápagos Unbound provides a distinctive experience.
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This Galápagos active trip is also one of the most sustainable eco-tours in the archipelago, offering a minimally impactful experience that supports both the islands' environment and local communities. Compared to a cruise, this trip has a smaller carbon footprint by using far less fuel per person. More of the fees from your Galápagos Islands holiday will go directly to islanders, bringing them greater economic benefits. Uniquely, the trip includes camping on an approved island beach using ultra-low-impact techniques that exceed "Leave No Trace" standards.
Additional Information:
The Galapagos Islands have been a protected national park of Ecuador since 1959. These remote islands are renowned worldwide for their unique natural history and the remarkable, friendly creatures that inhabit them. To preserve this exceptional environment, access to the islands is highly regulated. While most tours to the Galapagos are cruise-based, aboard yachts carrying between ten and ninety people, our journey offers something different.
This exclusive experience allows small groups to visit sites off the beaten path, inaccessible to larger, more conventional tours. We explore in the most environmentally-friendly way possible—by walking and sea kayaking—avoiding more intrusive modes of travel. Our reward is not only the stunning wildlife and landscapes we encounter, but also the joy of reaching these remarkable places under our own power.
Our itinerary covers five islands, each with its own diverse wildlife and ecosystems. Every part of this journey offers something beyond the destination itself, and we’re excited to provide an unforgettable experience for the adventurous souls who join us.
Images & Videos
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.
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!
Day 3
Explore Galapagos Oceanfront 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 eco 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.
Day 4
Explore Isabela Island
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).
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.
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.
Day 7
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.
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.
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. We expect to have you in Guayaquil by 5 PM where you can transfer to the international terminal for your return flight home or continue your onward travel in South America.
Dates & Rates
Dates | Adult (USD) | Child (USD) |
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Feb 15, 2025 to Feb 23, 2025 Lowest Tier Price - *Free Galapagos Flights Special SOLD OUT | $6,200£0€0$0$0 | $6,200£0€0$0$0 |
Mar 01, 2025 to Mar 09, 2025 Lowest Tier Price SOLD OUT | $6,200£0€0$0$0 | $6,200£0€0$0$0 |
Apr 12, 2025 to Apr 20, 2025 Lowest Tier Price. Limited Spaces! | $6,200£0€0$0$0 | $6,200£0€0$0$0 |
May 03, 2025 to May 11, 2025 Newly Added Date! Lowest Tier Price | $6,200£0€0$0$0 | $6,200£0€0$0$0 |
May 10, 2025 to May 18, 2025 Lowest Tier Price - Limited Space Remaining SOLD OUT | $6,200£0€0$0$0 | $6,200£0€0$0$0 |
Jun 14, 2025 to Jun 22, 2025 Lowest Tier Price - *Free Galapagos Flights Special - LIMITED SPACE! | $6,200£0€0$0$0 | $6,200£0€0$0$0 |
Jul 05, 2025 to Jul 13, 2025 Lowest Tier Price - *Free Galapagos Flights Special | $6,200£0€0$0$0 | $6,200£0€0$0$0 |
Nov 08, 2025 to Nov 16, 2025 Lowest Tier Price | $6,200£0€0$0$0 | $6,200£0€0$0$0 |
Dec 13, 2025 to Dec 21, 2025 Lowest Tier Price | $6,200£0€0$0$0 | $6,200£0€0$0$0 |
Dec 22, 2025 to Dec 30, 2025 Celebrate Christmas in the Galapagos – Book early for this unforgettable holiday adventure! | $6,200£0€0$0$0 | $6,200£0€0$0$0 |
2026 | ||
Jan 10, 2026 to Jan 18, 2026 Lowest Tier Price | $6,690£0€0$0$0 | $6,690£0€0$0$0 |
Feb 14, 2026 to Feb 22, 2026 Lowest Tier Price | $6,690£0€0$0$0 | $6,690£0€0$0$0 |
Feb 28, 2026 to Mar 08, 2026 Lowest Tier Price | $6,690£0€0$0$0 | $6,690£0€0$0$0 |
Apr 04, 2026 to Apr 12, 2026 Lowest Tier Price | $6,690£0€0$0$0 | $6,690£0€0$0$0 |
May 09, 2026 to May 17, 2026 Lowest Tier Price | $6,690£0€0$0$0 | $6,690£0€0$0$0 |
Jun 13, 2026 to Jun 21, 2026 Lowest Tier Price | $6,690£0€0$0$0 | $6,690£0€0$0$0 |
Jul 04, 2026 to Jul 12, 2026 Lowest Tier Price | $6,690£0€0$0$0 | $6,690£0€0$0$0 |
Nov 07, 2026 to Jul 15, 2026 Lowest Tier Price | $6,690£0€0$0$0 | $6,690£0€0$0$0 |
Dec 12, 2026 to Dec 20, 2026 Lowest Tier Price | $6,690£0€0$0$0 | $6,690£0€0$0$0 |
Dec 21, 2026 to Dec 29, 2026 Christmas in Galapagos! Lowest Tier Price | $6,690£0€0$0$0 | $6,690£0€0$0$0 |
Supplementary Information
*2025 & *2026 FREE Galapagos Flights
Free mainland Ecuador to Galapagos Islands airfare on select departures!
- June 14 - 22, 2025 *Free Ecuador to Galapagos Islands airfare
- July 5 - 13, 2025 *Free Ecuador to Galapagos Islands airfare
- Jan 10 - 18, 2026 *Free Ecuador to Galapagos Islands airfare
- Feb 14 - 22, 2026 *Free Ecuador to Galapagos Islands airfare
- June 13 - 21, 2026 *Free Ecuador to Galapagos Islands airfare
- July 4- 12, 2026 *Free Ecuador to Galapagos Islands airfare
2025 Pricing:
- 4 - 7 Guests: $6,900 per person
- 8 - 12 Guests: $6,200 per person
December High Season Supplement: $375 per person
Single Supplement for Solo Travelers: $800
2026 Pricing:
- 4 - 7 Guests: $7,190 per person
- 8 - 12 Guests: $6,690 per person
December High Season Supplement: $500 per person
Single Supplement for Solo Travelers: $995
Additional Budgeting Information
In 2025, please budget an additional $1,135 for flights and fees. The additional amount for 2026 is yet to be determined.
This amount is broken down as follows:
- $615 per person for round-trip flights from mainland Ecuador to the Galápagos
- $300 per person for internal flights and boat transfers within the Galápagos
- $20 per person for the Tourism Migration Control Tax (TCT)
Galápagos National Park Entrance Fee
This fee must be paid in cash upon arrival at the park. Please bring U.S. dollars in bills of $20 or less, ensuring that the bills are new, crisp, and free of tears or ink marks.
- $200 for visitors aged 12 and older
- $100 for children aged 11 and younger
Tiered Pricing Explained
Our trips are budgeted for full or near full sign-ups which enables us to offer trips at the lowest possible price. Because of numerous fixed costs, it is more expensive to operate a trip for a small group. Therefore, on some of our trips, in order to avoid having to cancel a trip, we have a “tier-pricing” system to avoid canceling a trip with a low number of sign ups. We have found that most people also prefer this alternative to having a trip cancelled. Thus, you will note on our trip prices there may be different price for 6-8 people versus 9-10, versus 11-12. We may initially invoice you at the higher tier price, and refund the difference depending on the final group size. Trip costs quoted are based on foreign exchange rates current at the time of this printing. We reserve the right to raise the trip fee if there are exceptional cost increases beyond our control. Prices are based on double occupancy. If desired, we will strive to pair you up with another single guest to elimate the single supplement fee however, please note that this is not always possible.
Included:
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Full service of our Adventure Consultants
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Hand-crafted itineraries
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Professional Galapagos Naturalist Guide
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Experienced English-speaking guide(s)
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Double accommodation in hotels and for camping
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Specialized activity guides based on activity of trip (kayaking, biking, hiking, etc.)
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All necessary kayaking, camping and snorkeling equipment
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All transportation as noted on the itinerary
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All meals and drinks as noted on the itinerary
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Private pre-tour orientation meeting
Not Included
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International flights to Ecuador
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Ecuador to Galapagos round trip flights (*Free Ecuador to Galapagos flights may be offered on select dates)
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Internal island transfers
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National Park fee and Immigration Tax
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Gratuities
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Items of a personal nature
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Alcoholic beverages
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Travel insurance of any type
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Additional hotel nights pre or post tour
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Cost of hospitalization or evacuation if necessary
Reviews
FAQ & More
What's the difference between the two Galapagos trips you offer?
Both tours offer camping on San Cristobal. The Galapagos by Kayak trip visits fewer islands and there is more time spent kayaking than on the multisport trip. Both are superb journeys offered by no other company and we invite you to call our office to help you decide which trip would be best for you. You see roughly the same number of species of animals on either trip.
When is the best time to visit the Galapagos?
Whenever your schedule allows! Because it’s on the equator, air temperatures don’t change a lot. However water temperature does fluctuate as much as ten degrees during the year. The cooler Humboldt Current comes up from Antarctica from May to September/October and the sea is cooler and tends to be rougher at this time of year. Cooler water temperatures mean you generally see more sea life because there is more food for the animals that depend on the planktons and other sea nourishment. From November to April, the cooler Panama Current flows from the north and brings warmer water. The sea tends to be calmer at this time of year. If you’re going on our land-based tour then rough water is less of a concern. If you’re doing a cruise, and you are prone to seasickness, you might want to consider coming in the November to April time frame. Check out further recommendations on when to go here.
For a month to month comparison of temperatures and wildlife activity check out the Galapagos Calendar.
What is the weather like?
Visit this page for a month-to-month detail on weather. Because the Galapagos Islands are on the equator, it’s warm most of the year. The warmest season is usually January to April and average temperatures range from a low of 70F/22C to around of 84F/31C. This is also the “wet season” and there may be afternoon thundershowers. During a severe El Nino year, it’s more likely to rain at any time of day. April to December is considered the “dry season” and is cooler, with average temperatures ranging from around 68F/19C to 82F/27C. At this time of year it is not uncommon to have the "garua" (misty rain) early in the morning and in the highlands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal. Our experience is that the time of year doesn’t make a lot of difference in terms of the amount of rain as there isn’t enough to impact your trip too much.
What is the best way to get to the Galapagos Islands?
From the U.S. and Canada there are daily flights via Houston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York and Miami, to Quito, Ecuador.
When should I arrive to Ecuador?
On this tour, you should arrive on day one of the itinerary. This is included as a travel day to ensure all guests in the group are checked in and ready for the Quito city tour on day two.
Will we have to exchange any money before we travel to Ecuador or once in the country?
Ecuador uses the US dollar which was adopted as the official currency in 2000. Be sure to bring cash bills in good condition because bills with markings or tears won’t be accepted. There are also ATM machines in the larger towns. It’s also a good idea to alert your bank that you’ll be traveling to Ecuador so they don’t stop the transactions.
Are you able to arrange extensions to our Galapagos tour?
We have been running trips in Ecuador since 1992 and know the country well. We have plenty of ideas for extending your trip whether it be to the Amazon, the Cloud Forest, the highlands in the north or south, or whatever might be your special interest. We can also arrange extensions to Peru and Machu Picchu.
How far in advance should I book?
There are a lot of arrangements to be made for a trip like this one. It’s very helpful with our planning if you book four to 12 months in advance. However, if you can’t plan that far ahead, then it’s usually not a problem to book up to about two months in advance. If you find yourself looking for last-minute space just call us and check!
What do I need to bring to snorkel and what is the experience like?
The Galapagos is surely one of the best places in the world to snorkel. The flourishing ocean life is an ecological treasure, and one of the main draws to the archipelago. You will have multiple chances to snorkel, sometimes at multiple locations in a day. We do recommend you try snorkeling ahead of time for your trip to get the most out of your experience, if you have never done so. Wetsuits aren’t strictly necessary, but “shorty” wetsuits (knees to elbows) of about 2mm are recommended to keep out any chill. We have full snorkel gear available to use including wetsuits.
What kind of equipment or gear should I bring?
All of the kayaking and camping equipment is provided, so just bring your clothing and personal gear. A complete pack list is available here. We highly suggest traveling “light” for this adventure, as the domestic flights limit the amount of luggage to 35 lbs per person.
Where are the Galapagos Islands located?
The Galapagos Islands (or Archipelago de Colon) are a Province of Ecuador located about 500 miles (800 kilometers) west of the Ecuadorian coast and are located directly on the equator.
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Do you arrange international air to Ecuador?
We do not arrange international air travel but we do have a great air travel specialist we refer you to if you’d like.
Do you take care of our ticketing for air travel within Ecuador?
Yes, all Domestic flights between mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands will be included on your invoice. We will make the arrangements in conjunction with our partners in Ecuador. Flights to the Galapagos Islands depart several times daily from both Quito and Guayaquil aboard Boeing 737’s or Airbus 320’s or similar.
Is it possible to go scuba diving in the Galapagos?
We recommend if you'd like to enjoy some scuba diving, that you stay on the islands for an extra day or two. This can easily be arranged at an additional cost. Please note that most diving locations in the Galapagos are very technical and often require certification in addition to significant experience.
Will the tour guide speak English?
Yes. Spanish is the official language of Ecuador and the Galapagos but all tour guides are bilingual and speak english.
Will my credit card work in Ecuador?
Yes, most major credit and debit cards are accepted in Ecuador. There are plenty of ATM’s to use if you prefer to purchase things with cash as well
What is the camping like on this tour?
We provide all necessary camping equipment to ensure quality and comfort. At our exclusive oceanfront camp, we have spacious tents that allow you to stand up. Each tent is equipped with cots, sleeping bags, sheets, pillows, and a small lantern. There is also plenty of space for your luggage to be stored inside your tent. While you're out enjoying the Galapagos Islands during the day, your tents will be cleaned, so you return to a comfortable and inviting space at the end of the day.
If you’d like to rinse off after a long day in the water, a designated shower tent will be set up by your guides.
What are your Terms and Conditions?
Please see our full Terms & Conditions HERE.
Reviews
Galapagos Unbound
This trip offers such an immersive look at life in the islands - both for the wildlife and for the local human populations! I was overcome with the animals, they are so content and comfortable around people. Some highlights for me were the beach camping, snorkeling at Kicker Rock, and getting to kayak along the shore. Guides were excellent on each island, so full of knowledge and personal anecdotes. Hopefully someday I will return to the Galapagos!
Galapagos Unbound - Wonderful
My memories of this trip are of snorkeling with sea lion pups and giggling so hard I inhaled seawater - it was totally worth it! The guides were smart, knowledgeable and almost superhuman in their abilities to keep 12 of us moving with the itinerary while still sharing the best of these islands and the incredible wildlife. Sleeping on a beach under the stars. Standing 6 feet from a nesting bird, snorkeling with turtles and sharks. Seeing penguins (yes really) nesting. So many emotional wildlife moments! If you want to really see the Galapagos this is the way to do it.
Galapagos Unbound - Outstanding
This is a perfect way (much better than living on a boat) to see the islands which are spectacular. The guides were helpful and informative, the kayaking was super-cool with great views of the birds, the snorkeling was amazing (including the sharks, seahorses, and turtles), the tortoises are incredible, the stars at the campsite were infinite (but make sure you are ready for the insects at the campsite), hiking in the lava fields was fun, and Los Tuneles (which may have been the highlight of the trip) are otherworldly. We have so many great memories (and great photos).
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