Introduction:
Discover the southern islands of the Galapagos Archipelago in ways you never thought possible, through an active excursion through one of the world’s most famous naturalist havens. The Multisport Adventure Tour is our most popular adventure package in the islands includes daily kayaking, mountain biking, trekking, snorkeling and horseback riding.
The Galapagos Multisport Adventure is an ideal vacation for those who enjoy an active lifestyle or for adventure travel enthusiasts, combining multisport activities with naturalist guides who bring you face to face with the islands ’ unique flora, fauna and geology.
Trip highlights:
- Sea kayak and swim with sea lions, marine turtles, rays and other marine animals
- Snorkel with hammerhead and white-tipped sharks
- Hike lava rock trails to meet blue-footed boobies, finches and other birds
- Mountain bike in the highlands with the giant Santa Cruz tortoise
- Horseback ride to the world’s second largest volcano caldera
- Meet Lonesome George, the last giant tortoise of his species
- Relax on perfect white sand beaches surrounded by Galapagos wildlife
- Land-based, quality accommodations in private hotels
- More time on land than with boat-based tours, for more wildlife encounters
- Top-notch adventure and nature guides on every step of your journey
Itinerary:
DAY 1: ARRIVAL AND HIKE IN SAN CRISTOBAL
We will meet you when you arrive on San Cristobal Island and welcome you with lunch and an orientation at a local restaurant. After lunch, our adventure begins with a hike to the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, where you will learn about volcanic activity, evolution, and the natural history of the Galapagos. We will continue our hike on towards Frigate Hill along trails of lava rock featuring splendid views of the coastline and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, while we explore dry forest and observe cacti, acacia, palo santo, Galapagos cotton and other unique vegetation. This is also a good time to enjoy your first encounters with local wildlife, since the hill is often visited by Galapagos species such as the magnificent and great frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, gulls, herons and numerous other land birds, including Darwin finches, warblers and mockingbirds. On our way back we can stop for a refreshing swim at Carola Beach or Mann Beach. In the evening, we will explore town and dine at a waterfront restaurant. (L)
DAY 2: SEA KAYAK IN PLAYA OCHOA AND SNORKEL AT LEON DORMIDO
We will slip into our ocean kayaks and spend the morning paddling along the coast, going north, exploring bays and coves full of local wildlife - including Darwin Bay, the site of the first landing of the HMS Beagle. This route is home to colonies of sea lions, marine turtles, blue-footed boobies and frigate birds. Once we reach Playa Ochoa, we will continue on to nearby Isla Lobos. We will be on the lookout for marine iguanas and sea lions. If you choose to go swimming, you can enjoy one of the best sea lion encounters in the entire archipelago. We will continue on to Leon Dormido, the jagged remains of an old tuff cone (a type of landform from volcanic eruptions) that is home to thousands of sea birds. At Leon Dormido, we will enjoy excellent snorkeling; for those who are certified divers, this is also one of the best dive areas in the islands. There is a good chance of seeing hammerhead and white tipped sharks, eagle and golden rays, as well as dozens of species of tropical fish, clams, starfish and marine invertebrates. In the afternoon, we will return to our hotel for our last evening in San Cristobal. (B, L)
DAY 3: MOUNTAIN BIKE IN THE SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS
After breakfast, we will take a fast boat from San Cristobal to Santa Cruz Island, where we will arrive at the El Chato reserve in the upper part of Santa Cruz Island - the natural habitat of the Galapagos tortoise. As we explore this area, we’ll also come across pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches and frigate birds bathing in freshwater lakes. We will explore lava caves featuring incredible volcanic tunnel formations and on a clear day, we will be able to see Media Luna, an old collapsed crater on top of Santa Cruz Island. In the afternoon, we will drive to Cerro Mesa on the high side of Santa Cruz. From there, we will climb on our mountain bikes and after a safety talk, ride through highland farmlands and Bellavista village (mostly downhill) until we reach Puerto Ayora. This ride is about 12 miles (20 kilometers) on dirt and paved roads. After the ride, we will spend the night at a local hotel on Santa Cruz Island. (B, L)
DAY 4: HIKE AND SEA KAYAK IN SANTA CRUZ
After breakfast, we will pick up our kayaks and travel around Divine Bay and Punta Estrada, paddling through calm, turquoise waters that wind through high-walled lava channels. Within the channels, white-tipped sharks and rays patrol beneath the waves while colonies of blue-footed boobies, tropic birds, herons and perch along the jagged cliffs and marine iguanas roam the rocks. On the way back to our hotel, we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation and management efforts in the archipelago. We also get to meet Lonesome George, the last giant tortoise of his species. Afterwards, there is an optional 3 ½ mile (6 kilometer) hike through the white sand beaches and dry forest habitat of Tortuga Bay, one of the Galapagos’ most beautiful beaches. We will return to Puerto Ayora in the afternoon and spend the evening at leisure. You are encouraged to dine and explore the culture and nightlife of Santa Cruz, the Galapagos’ most populous town, which is liveliest on weekends. (B, L)
DAY 5: COASTLINE HIKE AND EXPLORATION IN ISABELA
From Puerto Ayora, we will board a fast boat for Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. Isabela is the largest island in the archipelago, formed by 6 shield volcanoes: Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf. All of these volcanoes (except for one) remain active, making this island one of the most volcanically active places on Earth. Here, we will visit the Galapagos Tortoise Rearing Center, to learn about tortoise development and conservation. We will explore the bay in search of the endemic Galapagos penguin and follow a trail along the coastline to observe dramatic lava formations and meet a large colony of sea lions. We will pass through mangroves and salty lagoons that are home to the mangrove finch, endemic to Isabela. We can also spot American oyster catchers, herons, flamingos and many other shore species. In the afternoon, we will relax on exotic white sand beaches. The evening is spent in the tranquil port town of Puerto Villamil. (B, L, D)
DAY 6: HORSEBACK RIDE AND VOLCANO HIKE IN ISABELA
From Puerto Villamil, we will drive to the highlands of Isabela Island to prepare our horses for a 6 mile (9 km) ride on distinct and unusual terrain until we arrive at the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano. Sierra Negra is an active volcano which last erupted in October 2005 and is also the second largest caldera (a basin-shaped volcanic depression) in the world. From here, you will have a fantastic view of the 6x5 mile (9x8 kilometer) wide caldera, the other Isabela volcanoes and the Perry Isthmus beyond. From here, we hike to Chico Volcano, with its puffing fumaroles and striking lava formations, examples of the dramatic geological events that have forged the Galapagos Islands over millennia. In the late afternoon, we will return to Puerto Villamil for our last evening on the “Enchanted Islands.” (B, L, D)
DAY 7: ISABELA - SANTA CRUZ, TRANSFER OUT
In the morning, we will return to Santa Cruz Island and transfer by bus to Baltra Island for our flight back to the continent. An optional, one- or more-day diving tour extension is highly recommended. (B)
Prices per person:
| By number of passengers |
| 2 Pax |
3 Pax |
4 Pax |
5+ Pax |
10+ Pax |
| US$3375 |
US$2375 |
US$2000 |
US$1750 |
US$1750 |
The Price includes:
- Accommodations in tourist, first class and tourist superior hotels
- All meals as described (dinner is only included on Isabela Island)
- Adventure and protective equipment
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Professional Galapagos naturalist guide
- Land and sea transportation.
The price does not include:
- Airfare to/from Galapagos (subject to change)
- Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee (subject to change)
- Meals not mentioned above
- Hotel & restaurant beverages, tips, or gratuities
- Guide tips and personal expenses.
Multisport Adventure Tour
