Galápagos SUP Adventure

In the morning, your guide meets you in the hotel lobby and transfers you to the airport for your flight to the Galápagos Islands. Your guide will meet you at the airport on San Cristobal Island. After dropping your bags at the hotel, enjoy lunch and your arrival briefing. Next, you’ll head to the Galápagos Interpretation Center to learn more about the unique biology of these islands, including the area’s history, geology and wildlife. Afterward, walk along natural lava rock trails to Tijeretas Hill, overlooking Darwin Bay. Spot a variety of local birdlife, including blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, gulls, finches and mockingbirds along the sea cliffs and tropical vegetation. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening.(B,L,D)

After breakfast, meet your guide for a full day out on the water. Get set up with your paddle board gear and a safety briefing before you head out to paddle along the northern coastline. The first stop is Darwin Bay, where Charles Darwin disembarked for the first time in the Galápagos! Have your first encounters with the local wildlife including sea lions, sea turtles, iguanas, frigate birds and boobies. Continue along the coast (down current) exploring and enjoying the incredibly diverse coastline. Once you reach Playa Ochoa you’ll continue to explore the coast by boat. The visitor site will depend on the week day according to Galápagos National Park regulations. Snorkel with sea lions, marine iguanas and a host of tropical reef fish. Be on the lookout for eagle rays, Galápagos sharks, golden rays, starfish and more. Don’t forget to look up and take in the views of Kicker Rock in the distance! In the late afternoon, return to your hotel for a well-earned rest. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening. (B,L)

This morning, you travel via small plane to the small town of Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island, the largest and most volcanically active island in the Galápagos. Enjoy a day paddling along islets, mangroves and into coves in Las Tintoreras, where you’ll see one-of-a-kind lava formations, beautiful beaches, marine iguanas and sharks. After lunch, hop on bikes and ride through a number of ecosystems, including white sand beaches, mangrove forests and a lava tube cave. As you bike, keep an eye out for giant tortoises, flamingos and other wildlife and birds along the way. The bike tour ends at Muro de las Lagrimas, or Wall of Tears, built by prisoners when the island was a penal colony. Ride back through the tranquil, sandy streets of Puerto Villamil and catch a beautiful sunset on the long, white, sandy beach. Tonight you’ll have dinner in town. (B,L,D)

Biking Details: 8 miles, mostly flat with some hills. Multiple stops along the way at places of interest. Not into biking? No problem! Tell us and we’ll arrange an alternative activity.

After breakfast, head to the highlands for a drive towards Sierra Negra, the highest point in the Galápagos. Continue on foot for a trek through the geologically magical landscape of the island’s highlands. Hike through vibrantly colored mountaintops full of sulfur deposits, fumaroles and lava formations. Experience unparalleled views of the area’s many volcanoes on your way to the rim of the Sierra Negra. At 6 miles in diameter, this crater is second largest active caldera in the world. Enjoy a walk along the crater’s rim or opt for more exploration along the smaller Volcán Chico if you’re feeling energetic. After the hike, you’ll have time to relax on the beautiful white sand beaches, strolling around in search of wildlife. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening. (B,L)

Hiking Details: 10 miles, approximately 5 hours. This hike is easily adaptable if you prefer a shorter hike.

Alternate Option: Los Tunnels instead of Sierra Negra (Subject to availability, additional cost). Today, set out by small boat to Los Tunnels, an extraordinary snorkeling location consisting of lava tunnels and arches, both above and underwater.  Snorkel with sea turtles, rays, white tipped reef sharks, and other exciting marine life. After the excursion, return to town for some leisure time. Stroll the gorgeous, long white sand beach of Puerto Villamil in search of wildlife, walk around town, or visit the flamingo lagoon.

Take an early morning transfer to Santa Cruz Island. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the unique landscape nearby Punta Estrada and Divine Bay. As we SUP through towering lava channel walls, we see rays and white-tipped reef sharks below us in the serene, clear water. We can also paddle right up to the fearless blue-footed boobies, lava gulls, herons, sally lightfoot crabs, and marine iguanas perched along the cliffs. In the afternoon, head up the Santa Cruz highlands to El Chato nature reserve, home of a giant species of Galápagos sea tortoise. Hike amongst these gigantic, gentle giants that can live to 175 years old. You’ll also see pintail ducks, finches, egrets, and the vermillion flycatcher. You’ll explore lava tunnels formed by hot magma. Rumors say that pirates once hid gold stolen from Spanish ships in these caves and channels! (B,L)

In the morning take a short hike through a distinctive dry forest to the stunning, pristine beach of Tortuga Bay. Along the way, you’ll find many native birds, lizards, and plants. You’ll emerge from the forest onto spectacular Tortuga Bay, home of one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galápagos. Soft, white, fine sand and pristine turquoise waters welcome you for a perfect SUP exploration. You’ll paddle Tortuga Bay alongside mangrove trees that are home to many marine species like as sea turtles, baby black and white tip reef sharks and schools of fishes. In the afternoon you`ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn from local scientists about the ongoing conservation efforts on these enchanted islands. The Research Station rears endemic plants, land iguanas, and giant tortoises for educational, scientific, and conservation purposes. Here, you’ll learn more about the diverse evolutionary paths and issues the islands face today. Tonight, enjoy a culinary delight as you embark on our Galápagos culinary tour! This experience is a fantastic way to bid farewell to the Enchanted Islands. (B,L,D)

Galápagos Food Tour: Cuisine is likely the last thing you are thinking about when planning a trip to the Galápagos Islands. Most people spend their time researching wildlife and few people realize that there are inhabited islands. This is an exciting way to learn about what it is like to grow up in such a unique place, all while sampling incredible dishes and local beverages. Your host, a Galápagos native, and takes you to several establishments where you will taste delicious food from sustainable menus. From your host, you will learn about the food you are eating, where it came from, and tales of life in the Galápagos Islands. This is a very unique culinary experience that you will not regret!

This tour can be adapted for your dietary requirements as long as you notify us in advance. If you are vegetarian, vegan, or have any food allergies or restrictions, please advise us at the time of booking.

After breakfast you are transferred to Baltra Island, where you bid farewell to the Galápagos and board your return flight to Quito. Transfer to your hotel for your final night in Ecuador. (B)

Transfer to the airport for your international flight home. Trip extensions to other regions or extra days in Quito can also be arranged. (B)