Galapagos Active Adventure Tour

Today, we will meet you at Quito Airport and transfer you to the hotel.

You’ll have time to acclimatize and, if you’d like, visit the old town, to soak up the rich culture and colonial architecture, as well as trying some of the local cuisine. Let us know if you’d like a guide (extra cost).

At around 6p.m., join us for a briefing session where you will meet your guide and fellow travellers and get some handy tips and info for the trip ahead.

Overnight: Hotel Dann Carlton or similar

This morning a representative will meet you in the hotel lobby to help with your airport transfer and departure process before our flight to San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos. On arrival, we check in at our hotel and have a leisurely lunch, as we settle into island pace.

After lunch is a visit to the Galapagos National Park Interpretation Centre, where our guide will offer us insight into the archipelago’s fascinating ecosystem, its important role in environmental research and conservation, and the wildlife that lives here.

This is followed by a scenic hike along paths to Frigate Hill, a viewpoint offering views of the coastline and surrounding islands. As we head up, look out for the magnificent frigate birds with their striking red throat pouches as well as Darwin’s finches, mockingbirds, and possibly the rare Chatham mockingbird.

Our adventure continues with our first dip into Galapagos waters! We snorkel along the shores in the clear, refreshing waters in search of sea lions and sea turtles. We return to the hotel for some downtime.

Overnight: Hotel Blue Marlin or similar

We begin our day with a 50-minute boat journey across clear blue waters to iconic Kicker Rock. This volcanic formation rises 500 feet above the ocean, offering some excellent wildlife sightings.

Our first snorkelling session is in the channel that cuts through Kicker Rock, where we will be surrounded by a variety of marine life, including white-tip reef sharks, rays, sea lions, sea turtles, and schools of vibrant fish and we may  even spot elusive hammerhead.

After our second snorkel, we stop at a white-sand beaches and have some time to relax in this isolated spot and enjoy the views. Lunch will be served on board.

In the afternoon, we return to town where we visit the home of the family of a local fisherman for an Ecuadorian cookery class. We’ll learn to prepare authentic dishes using local ingredients and as we cook, our hosts will share stories about life on the islands.

In the evening, you’re free to explore the town on foot and have dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

Overnight: Hotel Blue Marlin or similar

Snorkel gear

If you prefer to bring your own snorkel gear, please do so. If you have a new mask it should be cleaned properly and used beforehand to make sure it isn’t going to fog up when you are on the hunt for that perfect underwater fish photo. If you wear glasses. You can wear contacts or visit a dive shop before coming to Galapagos to get a corrective lens mask if necessary.

After breakfast, we take a short inter-island flight to Isabela Island, one of the youngest and most geologically active islands in the Galapagos. This island is home to the iconic Galapagos giant tortoises, flamingos, Galapagos penguins, land and marine iguanas.

First, we check into our hotel and then have some time to have a wander along the sandy streets of the little town of Puerto Villamil and pop into its cafes and craft shops. Have lunch at a restaurant of your choice.

In the afternoon, we take to the water in our kayaks and head for Tintoreras, a small islet of volcanic rock with narrow underwater canyons full of marine life. As we paddle across the calm waters we’ll come across Galapagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions will swim around our kayaks.

If you’d like to get into the water, this is also a great place to snorkel.  Marine iguanas, sea turtles, and colourful fish can be seen in these calm waters.

We return to Puerto Villamil in the late afternoon. You are free to decide where to eat this evening, ask your guide for some recommendations. If you’re still not ready for bed then choose one of the beachfront bars to have a drink and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of island life.

Overnight: Hotel Cormorant or similar

Today we hop on our bikes for a ride along an exclusive trail where we see the diverse landscapes and ecosystems offered by Isabela Island..

We’ll start our journey at the wetlands, a mix of lagoons, swamps, and mangroves home to plenty of wildlife. These areas are great for spotting tropical birds like flamingos, herons, and finches.

Next, we’ll visit the Wall of Tears, an important part of the island’s history. Built by prisoners during the penal colony era in the mid-20th century, the wall tells a tough story of the hardships they faced, which our guide will explain in detail.

As we continue, we’ll stop at Playa del Amor. This spot is known for its black lava formations and large groups of marine iguanas. These fascinating creatures, unique to the Galapagos, can often be seen sunning on the rocks or swimming in search of algae.

One of the highlights of the day is the Tortoise Breeding Center. This place plays a key role in conserving the giant tortoises of the Galapagos. We’ll learn about the efforts to protect these amazing animals, see tortoises at different stages of life, and get a better understanding of the work being done to support their survival.

After about five hours of exploring, we’ll head back to Puerto Villamil. You can relax and enjoy the sunset while listening to the waves—a great way to wrap up the day on this lovely island.

Overnight: Hotel Cormorant or similar

We head to the highlands of Isabela Island for a hike to Sierra Negra Volcano, which boasts one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas at nearly 6 miles wide. The round-trip trek is about 10 miles and offers amazing views of the surrounding landscapes and unique volcanic features.

As we walk along the caldera’s rim, we see the fresh volcanic material left from the 2018 eruption, which reshaped parts of the caldera. On clear days, there  are sweeping views of the island, including Elizabeth Bay in the distance, known for its mangroves and marine life. Along the trail, keep an eye out for native birds like the Galapagos hawk, finches, and the vermilion flycatcher darting through the vegetation.

After the trek and  lunch, we visit Tintoreras Islet, a dramatic volcanic formation surrounded by clear waters. The name comes from “tintorera,” the Spanish word for white-tip reef sharks, often seen resting in the shallow channels here.

We’ll go snorkeling in these lively waters, where you might swim with Galapagos penguins—one of the rarest penguin species—blue-footed boobies diving for fish, and schools of colourful fish. You may also spot sea turtles, playful sea lions, and marine iguanas.

If you’d rather stay on dry land, the views above water are just as amazing. The black volcanic rocks, turquoise waters, and plentiful wildlife make for fantastic photos.

After a full day of exploring, we’ll return to the hotel to unwind with an Ecuadorian wine-tasting session.

Overnight: Hotel Cormorant or similar

Volcano hike notes:  From the National Park checkpoint, there’s about a 45-minute walk uphill to the rim of the volcano. The trail around the rim has only slight up and downs with a few short steep inclines. The lava fields of Volcan Chico are uneven and rocky in areas.

The path in and out is dirt: if it’s been raining, it could be muddy. There’s one proper bathroom at the beginning of the trail. The majority of walking is on level terrain and as long as you’re comfortable walking 4-6 hours, it’s definitely doable. If you have weak ankles, use athletic braces and wear hiking boots. If you have knee trouble, bring a hiking pole or two. This is a non-technical hike.

Today, we head for Los Tuneles, a fabulous snorkeling spots formed by ancient lava flows. This unique site features natural arches, tunnels, and lagoons that create a stunning landscape above and below the water. It’s a haven for marine life and a dream destination for nature lovers.

As we navigate the area by boat, your guide will explain how these formations came to be and the ecosystems they support. On foot, we’ll explore the rocky arches and spot blue-footed boobies nesting. If we’re lucky, we might even see their famous courtship dance.

The snorkeling experience at Los Tuneles is equally unforgettable. In the crystal-clear waters, you’ll get to swim alongside white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, brightly colored reef fish and sea lions, often curious and interactive.

After a delicious lunch on board, we’ll visit El Finado, another amazing snorkeling spot nearby. Once a resting place for fishermen, it’s now a thriving marine sanctuary where you can see manta rays and stingrays, octopuses and vibrant starfish.

If you’d prefer, just stay on board and bask in the landscape.

We’ll return to Puerto Villamil in the late afternoon, where you’ll have free time to relax.

Overnight: Hotel Cormorant or similar

We start the day with a two-hour boat ride to Santa Cruz Island, the lively heart of the Galapagos. Upon arriving in Puerto Ayora, a Naturalist Guide from the Galapagos National Park will welcome us, assist with luggage, and lead us to our first destination, Charles Darwin Research Station, a hub for conservation in the Galapagos. This visit offers a close look at the challenges and successes of protecting the Galapagos’ fragile ecosystems.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, a cooler and greener environment. At El Chato Reserve, you’ll get the rare chance to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat as they graze, roam, or cool off in mud pools.

The highlands are also home to diverse birdlife, including Darwin’s finches, Galapagos flycatchers, and the vermilion flycatcher. A walk through one of the island’s ancient lava tunnels will reveal the volcanic origins of the Galapagos.

We’ll also stop at a local craft brewery in the highlands to sample beers made with regional ingredients. You’ll learn about their sustainable brewing practices and enjoy flavors inspired by the islands.

Back in Puerto Ayora, you’ll have free time to explore town or take a walk to Tortuga Bay.

For a special evening treat, head to the docks after dark to see blacktip sharks, rays, and other marine life drawn to the harbor lights—a memorable way to end your day on Santa Cruz Island.

Overnight: Hotel Mainao or similar

Speedboat Crossings: 

Residents and tourist alike use this method of transport regularly between the main inhabited islands. However, for this tour you’ll be on a private boat. Out on the open ocean, this is your best chance to see whales and dolphins. Each crossing takes about 2 hours. Less time if the sea is calm, more time if the sea is rough. Boats are usually 30-35 feet long and hold 20-30 passengers. You’ll be leaving bright and early most days when the sea is usually calm, but if you’re prone to seasickness or not sure, bring some seasickness pills just in case.

Santa Cruz Highlands notes: If it’s been raining, the farm can be muddy. The lava tunnel is damp, dark and rocky. There are lights in the tunnel, but if you have a headlamp, bring it. Closed toed shoes recommended and keep a rain jacket handy just in case.

Tortuga Bay notes: The trail to the beach is an easy walk on a nice path for about 45 minutes. Once you pass the National Park checkpoint at the entrance, there will be no bathrooms or shops to buy refreshments, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen. If you want to rent a surfboard or boogie board, you must rent one in town and carry the board with you. If you want to walk through the cactus forest, you’ll need shoes suitable for the rocky path.

In the morning, we’ll pick you up from your hotel to ensure plenty of time for your transfer to Baltra Island Airport. As we cross the island, take in the final glimpses of the stunning landscapes that make the Galapagos so unique.

At the airport, board your flight back to mainland Ecuador, which typically takes 2-3 hours, usually with a brief stop in Guayaquil.

When  you arrive in Quito, our team will meet you and  transfer you to your hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Dann Carlton or similar

Departure day! We’ll coordinate your transfer to the airport based on your flight schedule.

Safe travels, and we hope you leave with amazing memories of your Galapagos adventure!

These magical islands comprise of 50 volcanic islands of varying shapes and sizes, which lie 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador.

Here, unlike anywhere else on Earth, you can enjoy a thousand close encounters with a weird and wonderful variety of ‘friendly locals’, including giant tortoises, fur seals, sea iguanas, frigate birds and blue-footed boobies.

Read our Galapagos Islands Guide and more about diving.

In 1535, Tomás de Berlanga, Bishop of Panama, floated into this archipelago and named it Galapagos after the giant tortoises he encountered. Pirates used the islands for refuge and to bury their stolen treasure after that.

The islands’ most celebrated visitor was Charles Darwin, who arrived aboard the HMS Beagle in 1835. The rare life forms he encountered helped him formulate his theory of evolution, which he published in The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.

It wasn’t until 1959 when it became part of Ecuador’s national park system that this fragile ecosystem with its rare and endemic species came under protection.

In 1979 the Galapagos archipelago was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When to visit Galapagos Islands: weather and wildlife

There is no real ‘best’ time to visit Galapagos on holiday as there is always wonderful wildlife and weather to enjoy. Read our blog for more.

Most animals – tortoises, sharks, sea lions and boobies – are found year round and many of the species here are non-migratory.

The Galapagos Islands are located right on the equator so air and water temperatures do not vary by much.

Having said that, there are two recognised seasons, and each months brings natural marvels for the visitor to enjoy.

Below is our quick guide to the weather and wildlife you can find on the Galapagos Islands.

General weather information

The warm season (Jan-Jun)

• Calm, clear warm waters, great for snorkelling, often without a wetsuit.
• Great weather, with February and March being the hottest and sunniest months with blue skies and sunshine.
• Occasional heavy bursts of rain in the afternoons.

Sea temperatures:  22-25°C / 72-77°F

Land temperatures:  21-32°C / 72-90°F

The dry ‘garua’ season (Jun-Dec)

• It’s a great time for marine life in the cooler seas. Snorkellers may want a wetsuit.
• August and September the coolest when you may need a jacket in the evenings and the sea can be choppy.
• There can be mist on the islands in the mornings (garua) which usually burns off by midday leaving overcast skies or a sunny afternoon.

Sea temperatures:  15-22°C / 60-72°F

Land temperatures:  18-24°C / 65-75°F

Air and sea temperatures in Galapagos, month-by-month

Diving in Galapagos is mainly aimed at experienced divers – PADI advanced or more – with experience in cold, fast moving waters and with good buoyancy.

Beginners can now join day dives on land-based (hotel-based) packages.

Read more on our Galapagos Diving page.

The more experienced divers can choose hotel-based packages or live aboard a specified dive boat that only offers week long, dive-only cruises.

Diving is not permitted on almost all standard cruises, although some can now offer a few dives while the rest of the group is ashore or snorkelling.

Please ask for details as National Park rules are complex and dive availability in this form is scarce.

Good kit is vital for every trip.

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Galapagos – general advice

Galapagos is warm and humid, and you will need t-shirts (moisture wick-away or breathable t-shirts can be very useful, it can get very hot in the day), shorts, lightweight skirt or trousers and bathing suits.

One or two cotton shirts can be used to protect you from sunburn, especially when snorkelling (not very elegant worn in the water over a swimsuit, but practical – and Galapagos is NOT an elegant place!).

You may want to change into different clothes for the evening, but don’t take anything dressy or smart – there really is a very relaxed atmosphere in island hotels.

Pack something warm and windproof for being the inter-island speedboats – and a waterproof for the Highlands.

Strong sandals, trainers, or light hiking boots are ideal footwear – you may like to have something suitable for easy walks and another for tougher terrain – your guide will advise you daily what the walking will be like.

Do take a hat!

Seasickness tablets if you think you will have problems – i.e. Sturgeon, or Mareol if you buy them in Quito. The sea can be choppy, so it is recommended to take them as a precaution.

Galapagos – detailed kit list

• First aid kit – aspirin, imodium, sun tan lotion (facter 50 recommended), sunburn cream, lip salve, throat lozenges, insect repellent, etc.
• Earplugs, if you sleep lightly.
• Sun glasses and sun hat.
• Snorkelling equipment is provided on every tour, but it may suit you better to take equipment in your size that you know will fit you. Even if you have not snorkelled before, DO have a go – under water Galapagos is a very special experience. Try it first of all from the beach, to get the hang of breathing through gritted teeth, then take the plunge!
• Towel, for the beach.
• Money belt.
• Passport, with at least 6 months remaining from date of return from Ecuador.
• US Dollars cash and mixed denomination notes, undamaged and unmarked.
• Visa/MasterCard, Cash card.
• Personal & Medical insurance.
• Camera and film / memory cards (take at least twice the amount you think you will need!). You may want to take an underwater camera for snorkelling.
• Camera charger
• Binoculars
• Small backpack – to keep your sun cream, water, shirt etc in when you are on shore/activity.
• Small plastic water bottle, 1-2 litres, depending on how much you drink.
• Biodegradable (v. high factor, 50+ recommended) and lip salve.
• Toiletries (featuring biodegradable soap).
• Wet Wipes/antiseptic hand wash cream
• Travel alarm clock.
• Sewing kit.
• Spanish/English phrasebook.
• Book, e-book, mp3 player/ipod or other for free time.

The Galapagos Islands are a very fragile environment and the arrival of more and more inhabitants to the islands, as well as tourist have an impact.

Please try to minimise your impact by:

• Bringing a water bottle to refill, rather than using a new bottle each time.
• Recycling your rubbish where possible, not leaving any rubbish behind.
• Taking batteries back home with you – they cannot be recycled properly in Ecuador.
• Saving water where possible.
• Leave toiletries that contain microbeads at home
• Saving energy by switching your lights off when you leave the room. Electricity on the islands comes from a generator, fuelled by petrol. For this same reason, please think about whether you really need to use your air conditioning.

Quito

Pleasantly warm during the day, but can be quite chilly during the morning or at night when you might want a jacket or a fleece, plus a waterproof.

You may want to dress up a little more in the evening here, depending on where you are staying, and what sort of restaurant you like.

Guayaquil

Conditions here are similar to Galapagos – hot and humid. T-shirts and shorts in the day, and like Quito, something smarter for eating out in restaurants at night.

The Galapagos Islands are a suitable destination for most ages and fitness levels. Walks are generally short, although some volcano hikes are more challenging and may involve 2-3 hours of walking. Snorkelling is a real highlight on the Galapagos, so the ability to swim and snorkel is recommended. Snorkelling is suitable for those that have never tried before.

You need to be able to make some wet landings i.e. stepping out of a panga onto a sandy shore, and you may need to ascend or desend small ladders when getting on or off boats at docks or to snorkel.

The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the Islands, but they really are accessible to all. You can choose to skip any activities you do not wish to partake in.

Read more in our blog about a typical day on Galapagos.