Galapagos Cruise
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Plan Your Trip
Just like with our iguanas, one may have a rather slow-paced idea of this destination. In fact, Galapagos multisport tours aren’t something you hear so often. One may think of Galapagos diving safaris, perhaps some kayaking and trekking… but really, Galapagos can be as thrilling with adrenaline as with any other active tours. Let’s review some activities you can do.
Principally, it is a Galapagos land-based tours with diving. It combines this with snorkeling, kayaking, hiking and mountain biking for a truly multifaceted program – just in case, you can, of course, add other activities such as surfing. Let’s take a look at some activities available. Needless to say, each activity is well-designed. When we refer to mountain biking, it is not a mere bike rental but an exploration though trails fit for this type of activity, with stops and picnics arranged on-site. Diving too; as one of the most important destinations for this activity, you will remain convinced that you can never experience this place until you see the undersea adventure. If you aren’t that experienced, do not worry. There are Galapagos scuba diving tours for beginners. Then we have the most popular ones, such as kayaking and hiking. However, we at Surtrek do not take the “generic” experience. Thanks to our expertise, we are proud to tailor these activities to your pace and interest in the area. Hence, we bring to you the best activities in Galapagos. Additional activities for active lifestyle or adventure travel enthusiasts provide a range of alternatives for exploring these enchanting islands by foot, boat or bike – thrills that will only complement your exciting experience here. Let’s not forget about surfing in Galapagos ...try to challenge the sea lions and see who surfs the waters better!
Regarding the hotels, we have arranged them based on efficient operation, the activity’s location (some activities are recommended in certain islands) and comfort. The operation is very important; you would, for instance, have to consider the logistics. You can either move on a boat or a plane to go from one island to another. But these have schedules and baggage regulations (surfing boards are relevant here). You may want to consider how you tailor the activities and mobility since many activities are subject to the National Park’s schedule. After being active all day, you will surely appreciate a nice and hearty meal, comfortable and quiet room, and, well, stocked bar with a fabulous barman. You can also join the locals and travelers and hit the nightclubs! Though, after a hefty day, just walking on the shore away from the cheerful noises can be also a very pleasant experience.
Finally, do not forget complementing this program with other programs; white-water rafting between the Andes and the Amazon, horseback riding the vast paramo, mountain biking the rocky dry-forest of the Pacific Coast… Even up-close encounters with humpback whales can become part of the adrenaline. We started this company by specializing in adventurous journeys; so tell us what you are looking for! Let’s talk and plan your adventure to Ecuador!
“The Galapagos experience was absolutely amazing. Not just the abundant sea life and incredible spots, but also your professionalism and passion for your work turned my trip into an unforgettable holiday.”
You will be picked up from your hotel in Quito and driven to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands.
Upon arrival in the archipelago at Baltra airport, you will travel by bus to the Itabaca Channel, followed by a 5-minute ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island and then an hour’s drive to the town of Puerto Ayora. En route, we will stop at a Highlands reserve to see amazing Galapagos giant tortoises in the wild. You will also have a chance to walk through lava tunnels before having lunch at a local restaurant.
We will reach Puerto Ayora in the afternoon, where you will check in at your selected hotel and still have plenty of free time to explore the town at your leisure. Later that evening, there will be a welcome dinner for you at a local restaurant.
[Important: In order to participate in diving in the Galapagos Islands, one is required to have a PADI license and previous diving experience.]
Diving options for the day include:
Floreana Island One of the older volcanic islands, Floreana Island has an uneven profile that is the result of numerous volcanoes and parasitic cones. This was also the first island in the Galapagos to be inhabited by humans.
Floreana presents an excellent selection of varied dive sites and a few official visitor sites. (Punta Cormorant, Enderby and Champion Islet)
Location: South of Santa Cruz Island, 3 possible dive sites, 90 minutes away from our base. Site Conditions: Normally this site does not have strong currents. Some spots are reef dives, where coral and sponges can be found, while others are wall dives. Activity: Most of the interesting activity takes place in the shallow waters where the current strikes the reefs. On your dives, you are likely to sight sea lions, Galapagos sharks, Whitetip Reef sharks, green turtles, reef fish, stingrays, eagle rays, barracudas, and a variety of invertebrates.
Gordon Rocks
(Minimum experience to participate: 30 logged dives or the previous evaluation by our dive guides at another site)
Location: Gordon Rocks is one of the best dive sites in the central islands. It is an eroded crater at the top of a tuff cone. Near the east coast of Santa Cruz Island, this destination offers 2 dive sites located 45 minutes from Itabaca Channel (on the north side of Santa Cruz Island). Site Conditions: This rock formation is a world-renowned site appropriate for intermediate and advanced divers due to the strong currents and surges. Activity: Hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, Whitetip Reef sharks, mobula rays, turtles, reef fish, stingrays, eagle rays, Galapagos eel, barracudas, a variety of invertebrates.
North Seymour Island
Location: North of Santa Cruz Island, here you will find 2 dive sites located 30 minutes from Itabaca Channel (on the north side of Santa Cruz Island). Site Conditions: Site appropriate for all levels of divers, although sometimes there can be strong currents. Platform reefs with a diversity of marine species. Activity: Sea lions, and many kinds of sharks (including Galapagos, Whitetip Reef and hammerhead sharks), mobula rays (small mantas), turtles, reef fish, stingrays, eagle rays, Galapagos eels, barracudas, and a variety of invertebrates.Mosquera Islet
Location: North of Santa Cruz Island between Seymour Island and Baltra Island, this low rocky islet possesses sandy beaches where sea lions rest. Its one dive site is located 25 minutes from Itabaca Channel (on the north side of Santa Cruz Island). Site Conditions: Normally there are no strong currents at this site, which has a sandy bottom at between 15 and 18 meters, with garden eels and pelagic species. There is also a wall that starts at 18 meters, where you will find black coral and a variety of invertebrates. Activity: Hammerhead sharks, Blacktip Reef sharks, Whitetip Reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, barracudas, reef fish, stingrays, Eagle rays, mobula rays, Galapagos eel and a variety of invertebrates.
Beagle Rocks
Location: Off the south coast of Santiago island, Beagle Rocks are three large, steep rocks – the only remains of a tuff cone. Located about 90 minutes from Itabaca Channel (on the north side of Santa Cruz Island). Site Conditions: Normally there are no strong currents at this site. It is a reef dive with many corals and sponges. Activity: Sea lions, Galapagos sharks, turtles, reef fish, stingrays, eagle rays, barracudas, a variety of invertebrates, manta rays and probably solitary hammerhead sharks.
Daphne Minor Island
Location: Near the north coast of Santa Cruz Island, Daphne Minor Island appears as a large flat-topped exposed rock that is actually an eroded tuff cone. Located 30 minutes from Itabaca Channel (on the north side of Santa Cruz Island). Site Conditions: Moderate currents at this site, a drift dive along the impressive drop-off at the top of a sloping wall to a rocky and sandy bottom. Activity: Here you can find a small cave (though this is NOT a cave dive) where Whitetip reef sharks rest. In addition, there is a pinnacle where you will find a diversity of rays, Galapagos sharks, turtles, reef fish, barracudas, black coral walls and a variety of invertebrates.
Bartolome Island
Location: Located on the east side of Santiago Island, on this small island you will see the famous Pinnacle Rock. Bartolome is situated within 90 minutes from the Itabaca Channel (on the north side of Santa Cruz Island). Site Conditions: Experiencing a moderate current, you will find a platform at about 10 meters (33 ft.) deep, with a variety of reef fish. At the edge of this platform is an underwater canyon dropping to a depth of 15 meters (50 ft.), where you will have a chance to encounter pelagic species. Activity: Whitetip Reef sharks, reef fish, barracuda, turtles, mobula rays, stingrays and a variety of invertebrates and mollusks.
Cousins Island
Location: Located on the east coast of Santiago Island near the island of Bartolome, within 90 minutes from the Itabaca Channel (north side of Santa Cruz), Cousins Island is a triangular-shaped islet. Site Conditions: No strong currents under normal conditions. Diving is on a shelving reef, with many endemic black corals on the walls. Activity: Pacific seahorses, barracudas, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, Whitetip sharks, sea turtles, reef fish, stingrays, spotted eagle rays, and a variety of invertebrates and mollusks.After breakfast, we will go kayaking and sail around Divine Bay and Punta Estrada, paddling through multiple lava channels of calm, turquoise waters. In these channels, Whitetip reef sharks and stingrays patrol beneath the waves, while colonies of Blue-footed boobies, tropic birds, herons and marine iguanas are perched along the jagged cliffs.
After lunch, we will leave for Isabela Island by speed boat, a voyage of about 2-1/2 hours, depending on sea conditions. Upon our arrival, you will check in at your selected hotel and still have time to leisurely explore the town of Puerto Villamil. Dinner (included) will be at a local restaurant that evening. You will then return to the hotel for the night.
Today we head to the highlands of Isabela Island and delve into a world of modern geological history. The continuing volcanic activity on this island is a microcosm of the dramatic geological events that have formed the Galapagos Islands over millennia.
After driving up to the trailhead, we will hike into a young dry-forest ecosystem. Our destination is the rim of the Sierra Negra, an active volcano that last erupted in October 2005.
Upon our arrival, we take in breathtaking views and explore the circumference of the massive crater, which is over six miles across at its widest point. If sky is clear, you will also enjoy views of Isabela’s other volcanoes, the Perry Isthmus, and beyond.
If you feel energetic, we can continue our hike to Chico Volcano, a secondary crater that has a wild untamed landscape of puffing fumaroles and colorful lava formations. In the afternoon, we will return to Puerto Villamil to enjoy our last afternoon on Isabela’s exotic white sand beaches.
After settling in, we will head out on our mountain bikes to explore the beautiful coastline on an exclusive trail that takes us through an incredible variety of coastal ecosystems.
We will begin with a visit to the “Wall of Tears,” a massive wall built with lava rock that dates back to the era when Isabela was used as a penal colony and prisoners were forced to build the wall to keep them from going stir crazy.
As we continue riding along the coast, we can explore pristine white sand beaches, mangrove forests, and brackish lagoons. This area is filled with bird life, including oystercatchers, herons, flamingos, finches and many shore birds, as well as the ubiquitous sea lions and marine iguanas.
After our ride and a rejuvenating lunch, we will visit (in a shared tour) Tintoreras, a set of small, rocky islets tucked in Isabela Bay. Tintoreras islets are filled with wildlife, most notably Galapagos penguins, the only species of penguin that lives on the equator. We will also see sharks, sea turtles, sea lions and more, as well as explore the small coves and beaches of Tintoreras.
We will head out on an early morning departure (6:00 a.m.) to Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival, we will visit the famous Charles Darwin Research Station. This center includes an information center, a museum, a library, and a tortoise breeding station. Park rangers and park managers — along with others who make tremendous efforts to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site — work here for the conservation of the islands. In the tortoise breeding center you can see tortoises of different subspecies that are being prepared for reintroduction into their natural habitats.
Enjoy your last look at these “enchanted islands,” a unique and wondrous paradise! You will then be accompanied to the Baltra airport for your return flight to Quito.
*Note: Depending on sea conditions and flight schedule departing from Baltra, the visit to Charles Darwin Station will be schedule for first or last day.
| 2 Persons | Single Supplement | |
| Hotel Category | Double | |
| First-Class Superior or Luxury | US$ 3,708 PP | US$ 1,419 PP |
| First Class | US$ 3,181 PP | US$ 958 PP |
| Tourist | US$ 2,726 PP | US$ 430 PP |
| ISLAND | Tourist | First Class | First-Class Superior or Luxury |
| Santa Cruz | Villa Laguna | Sol y Mar | Finch Bay |
| Isabela | Albemarle | Casa de Marita | Iguana Crossing |
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“We loved the Galapagos Islands. Both of our hotels on Santa Cruz and Isabella islands were excellent. Our tour guides were knowledgeable and directed us to the most interesting sights and wildlife. Thanks Surtrek for organizing an excellent trip.”