Galapagos Active Adventure

Once you have arrived in Quito, make your way to the hotel. Set high in the Andes and straddling the equator, Quito is one of South America’s most atmospheric capitals. Its historic centre is among the best-preserved colonial quarters on the continent and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its churches, plazas and centuries-old architecture.

Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to head out and begin exploring independently. You can wander through the old town, visit a local café, or simply relax after your journey and adjust to the altitude.

Later in the day, we will gather at the hotel at 6 PM, where we will settle in and prepare for the journey ahead with a welcome briefing. This first day is designed to ease you into Ecuador and provide time to rest before the adventure begins.

Quito - San Cristobal Island. This morning, we fly from Quito to San Cristobal Island, the eastern gateway to the Galapagos. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and receive a short briefing to prepare us for the days ahead.

In the afternoon, we visit La Loberia, a coastal area known for its resident sea lions. We enjoy an easy walk of around an hour across lava rock terrain and mangroves, with opportunities to spot blue-footed and Nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, frigatebirds, Darwin’s finches and marine iguanas along the shoreline.

We then head into the water for shallow snorkelling, where curious sea lions often swim close by and green sea turtles are frequently seen. There is also time for a refreshing swim and to relax on the beach before returning to town.

Today is a gentle introduction to the Galapagos, allowing us to acclimatise while experiencing our first close encounters with the islands’ remarkable wildlife.

We set out by boat this morning to Kicker Rock, a striking natural formation just off the coast of San Cristobal, also known as Leon Dormido. Rising dramatically from the ocean, the two vertical rock faces are the eroded remains of an ancient lava cone and form a narrow channel that boats can pass through.

Above the water, we often see frigatebirds and boobies circling the cliffs or resting on the rock ledges. Below the surface, we snorkel in clear waters that are home to a wide variety of marine life. Schools of colourful fish move through the channel, while white-tip reef sharks and, at times, hammerhead sharks patrol the deeper areas.

After our snorkelling session, we enjoy some time to relax on the beach before returning to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno later in the day.

San Cristobal Island - Isabela Island. After breakfast, we travel to Isabela Island, the largest island in the Galapagos and one of its most geologically active landscapes, shaped by a chain of shield volcanoes.

In the afternoon, we explore the island’s coastline by bike, following a scenic trail that winds through varied ecosystems. Our ride takes us to the Wall of Tears, a stark structure built from lava rock in the 1950s when Isabela served as a penal colony. The site offers a powerful insight into this lesser-known chapter of the island’s history.

Continuing along the coastal route, we pass white-sand beaches, mangroves and lagoons that attract a wide range of wildlife. Flamingos are often seen feeding in the shallows, while marine iguanas, sea lions and numerous shorebirds are regularly spotted along the way. We finish the ride having experienced Isabela’s striking scenery and rich wildlife at an unhurried pace.

This morning, we set out by boat to explore the Lava Tunnels, a remarkable coastal area shaped by past volcanic eruptions and now filled with clear, sheltered waters. Formed by collapsed lava flows, the arches and channels create a natural maze along the shoreline.

We snorkel through calm waters where sea turtles are frequently seen gliding between the mangroves and open sea. Eagle rays, sea lions and reef sharks are also commonly spotted in this area, making it one of the most rewarding marine environments on Isabela.

After our time on the water, we return to town to relax for the afternoon, with the rest of the day at leisure.

We depart at around 08:00 for the highlands of Isabela Island, travelling to the starting point of our hike at Sierra Negra Volcano. One of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos, Sierra Negra is known for its vast caldera and sweeping volcanic landscapes. We hike along the rim, following well-defined trails that offer wide views across the lava fields and surrounding terrain.

After completing the hike, we return to town for lunch at a local restaurant before enjoying a short break.

In the afternoon, we head back to the pier for a kayaking session in the bay. Paddling along the coastline, we often encounter penguins, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, marine iguanas, sea turtles and sea lions, with eagle rays and juvenile reef sharks occasionally visible beneath the surface.

We finish the day with a snorkelling session at Concha y Perla, reached by a short boardwalk through the mangroves. The calm, clear waters provide excellent conditions to observe colourful fish, sea lions and sea turtles, bringing a varied and active day on Isabela Island to a close.

Hiking distance: 9.6 KM / Optional: 16 KM to Volcán Chico
Hiking time: Approximately 4 hours
Kayaking time: 2 hours
Snorkelling time: 1 hour

Isabela Island - Santa Cruz Island - Puerto Ayora. After breakfast, we make our way to Santa Cruz Island, travelling across the archipelago before checking in at our hotel on arrival.

We then visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where we learn more about the unique species of the Galapagos and the conservation work taking place to protect them. The centre provides valuable insight into the challenges facing the islands and the efforts being made to preserve their fragile ecosystems.

Later, we head into the highlands of Santa Cruz, an area known for its cooler climate and lush scenery. We visit a private ranch for lunch before setting out on a walk in search of giant Galapagos tortoises, often seen roaming freely through the fields. During our visit, we also explore lava tubes formed by ancient volcanic activity, offering a fascinating glimpse beneath the island’s surface.

We return to town in the afternoon, having experienced a different side of Santa Cruz away from the coast.

You have a full day at leisure on Santa Cruz Island, allowing you to choose how you would like to spend your time.

You may decide to relax in town or on the beach, or arrange an optional activity at an additional cost. Scuba diving is available for those wishing to explore the underwater world further and should be requested in advance.

You can also take a self-guided walk through dry forest to Tortuga Bay, a long white-sand beach and important nesting site for marine turtles. Swimming and snorkelling are possible here, depending on conditions.

Other optional excursions are available with your tour leader, including trips to nearby islands such as Floreana or Bartolome.

Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Island - Quito. Today, we transfer to Baltra Airport and take our flight back to mainland Ecuador. On arrival in Quito, we make our way to the hotel, marking the end of our time in the Galapagos Islands.

The rest of the day is free, giving you time to relax, explore the city independently or enjoy a final evening in Ecuador’s capital.

After our final breakfast, you say goodbye to your fellow travellers and tour leader before making your way to the airport for your onward flight. Safe Travels!