Galapagos Multisport Tour
This Galapagos active adventure is the first of its kind offered in this tropical archipelago--and now it's better than ever! Ours is the only adventure that gives you the opportunity to camp on island beaches as well as explore the rim of a recently active volcano. Witness the wonderful wildlife of these islands up close and personal from the seat of a kayak versus onboard a cruise, providing you a more intimate journey in the enchanting Galapagos Islands.
So come to the Galapagos Islands with sea kayak paddle in hand for a multisport adventure! Marvel at the oceanic geologic origins, rich sea life, diverse wildlife and intriguing natural history of the islands, all of which are unique on this planet. Our Galapagos Island Sea Kayak, Snorkeling and Hiking Adventure allows you to discover them on an intimate level. 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. Swim with sea lions, and get within a few feet of blue footed boobies, marine iquanas and the giant Galápagos tortoises. Watch pelicans dive for fish, snorkel in transparent water rich with fishes and, if you desire, swim with sharks.
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 motorboat, 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. Activities include: walking, hiking, snorkeling and sea kayaking.
Additional Information:
The Galapagos Islands have been a national park of Ecuador since 1959 and the islands remain a far-flung destination. These remote islands are revered the world over for their famous natural history and remarkably friendly, utterly unique creatures. In the effort to protect and preserve the Galapagos, access to the islands is restricted and regulated. Most tours to the Galapagos are cruise based tours set on yachts carrying from ten to ninety people. This unique journey, the only one of its kind, allows our small groups to visit sites that are not on the main routes and also lets you explore 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.
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.
Images & Videos
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Day 8
Tortuga Bay, Sea Kayaking, Explore Santa Cruz Island
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.
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.
Dates & Rates
| Dates | Adult (USD) | Child (USD) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 17, 2023 to Dec 26, 2023 Lowest Tier Price | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| Dec 19, 2023 to Dec 28, 2023 Lowest Tier Price - Reverse Itinerary | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| Dec 20, 2023 to Dec 29, 2023 Lowest Tier Price | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| Jan 06, 2024 to Jan 14, 2024 Lowest Tier Price | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| Jan 12, 2024 to Jan 21, 2024 10 Day Trip Itinerary Lowest Tier Price | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| Feb 10, 2024 to Feb 18, 2024 Lowest Tier Price | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| Mar 02, 2024 to Mar 10, 2024 Lowest Tier Price | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| Mar 16, 2024 to Mar 24, 2024 Lowest Tier Price | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| Apr 06, 2024 to Apr 14, 2024 Lowest Tier Price | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| May 11, 2024 to May 19, 2024 Lowest Tier Price | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| Jun 15, 2024 to Jun 23, 2024 Lowest Tier Price | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| Jul 06, 2024 to Jul 14, 2024 Lowest Tier Price | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| Sep 14, 2024 to Sep 22, 2024 Lowest Tier Price | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| Nov 09, 2024 to Nov 17, 2024 Lowest Tier Price | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| Dec 07, 2024 to Dec 15, 2024 Lowest Tier Price | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| Dec 16, 2024 to Dec 24, 2024 Lowest Tier Price - Starts on Santa Cruz | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| Dec 18, 2024 to Dec 26, 2024 Lowest Tier Price - Starts on Santa Cruz | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | $5,850£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
Supplementary Information
*Free Galapagos Flights
Free mainland Ecuador to Galapagos Islands tickets on select departures. Discount totaling $615 value discount per person on the total tour price. Please inquire for additional details. Promotion does not apply to inter-island airfare. If any of these *dates depart with 8 or more we will also discount the Immigration fee of $20 per person.
2023 Pricing:
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4 - 7 Guests - $6820 per person
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8 - 12 Guests - $5850 per person
*December Supplement = $375
*Single Supplement = $775
*Please note that an additional amount of $1020 should be allowed for internal flights and park tariffs. This is broken down into:
- $615pp Quito Galapagos Round Trip
- $300pp Internal Galapagos Flight and Boat Transfer
- $120pp Galapagos Park Fee and Immigration Tax
2024 Pricing:
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4 - 7 Guests - $6820 per person
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8 - 12 Guests - $5850 per person
Please note that an additional amount of $1020 should be allowed for internal flights and park tariffs. This is broken down into:
- $615pp Quito Galapagos Round Trip
- $300pp Internal Galapagos Flight and Boat Transfer
- $120pp Galapagos Park Fee and Immigration Tax
Single Supplement - $800
December Supplement - $375
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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$120 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 are your Terms and Conditions?
Please see our full Terms & Conditions HERE.
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