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Galapagos Multisport Adventure On a Budget

With evenings free and suggested self-guided excursions you gain access to the park through your guided excursions while still keeping your autonomy to enjoy and explore the islands on your own.

Trip Length: 5 Days
Destination: Galapagos Islands
Lodging: Mid-range (3-star) Comfort hotels, or luxury (4-5 star) Premium hotels
Activities: Wildlife viewing, snorkeling, kayaking, naturalist walks, optional biking

WHY THIS TRIP

This is a great trip for seasoned travelers and/or those looking to keep costs down. You’ll walk, sea kayak, bike (optional), and snorkel your way through the Galapagos, joining onto shared tours each day. With evenings free and suggested self-guided excursions you gain access to the park through your guided excursions while still keeping your autonomy to enjoy and explore the islands on your own.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Sea kayak with sharks, marine iguanas, sea turtles, and sea lions.
Relax on beautiful beaches with sea lions and marine iguanas.
Walk among giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat.
Snorkel with tropical fish, rays, sea lions, and sharks.
Hike through a wide variety of environments and ecosystems.
Discover extraordinary lava formations.
Bike along pristine coastlines.
Explore local food and scene.

TRIP DESCRIPTION

The multisport adventure is the perfect choice for those wanting to explore the amazing flora and fauna of the Galapagos, but who don’t want to be cooped up on a boat, and want more action than just slow-paced walks.

You will be walking, sea kayaking, snorkeling, and biking (optional) alongside the world famous wildlife of the Galapagos, spending more time out in nature recreating than on any naturalist cruise.

By overnighting on three different Islands in local lodges, you get a bit of time to yourself and a feel for each Island’s particular culture. Since you don’t travel to new islands every day, you spend more time visiting sites and less time traveling.

But you also travel enough to really get a sense for the diversity between the Islands to see how the animal and plant life evolved independently. You’ll be active all day and in the evenings, you have time to explore small port towns, or just kick-back in quality but budget friendly hotels.

This trip is a more budget friendly version of our other land-based multisport adventures in the Galapagos Islands, but you still have tons wildlife viewing and adventure activities. To help cut down on trip costs, you join onto shared tours each day.

You’ll most likely be with a different guide and different group of people for each excursion. You will also have some free time to do a self-guided tour or explore on your own. Not all meals are included, you’ll have all dinners and most lunches on your own.

LOCAL OPERATOR: NEOTROPIC EXPEDITIONS

A pioneer of the multi-sport experience in the Galapagos, Quito-based NeoTropic Expeditions provides meaningful, fun and safe eco-adventure experiences reflecting the company’s strong commitment to sustainable eco-tourism in Ecuador.

Itinerary

Click the Abbreviated Itinerary to see the Detailed Itinerary

Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrive in the Galapagos & San Cristobal Kayak Adventure (San Cristobal hotel)
DAY 2: Snorkel the Northern Coast of San Cristobal (San Cristobal hotel)
DAY 3: Discover Isabela's Beaches, Lagoons, & Islets (Isabela hotel)
DAY 4: Charles Darwin Research Station & Santa Cruz Bay Tour (Santa Cruz hotel)
DAY 5: Depart Galapagos

DAY 1: San Cristobal Kayak Adventure

After a morning flight from the Ecuadorian mainland to San Cristobal Island (flight not included), you will arrive at the airport and head to your hotel. You can explore the town and have lunch by yourself.

Early in the afternoon, we give you a quick introduction to the island before heading to the coast, where our kayaks will be waiting for us for our first taste of Galapagos magic: we paddle along the coastal bays and coves of San Cristobal’s north coast, a world of comic-looking blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, sea lions and sea turtles.

If we’re lucky, we may see rays underwater, marine iguanas perching on lava rocks. Back at the hotel, you’re free to enjoy some island seafood specials in the port of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on your own.

Recommendations for Free Time: Hike to the top of Frigate Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) for incredible views. You can also swim and snorkel at the base of the hill, so be sure to bring your gear.

Snorkel, swim, and relax at Playa La Loberia (a long walk or short bike ride from town) for up close encounters with sea lions. Or relax on Playa Punta Carola, a favorite local hang out.

Overnight: San Cristobal Island
Meals Included: None

DAY 2: Snorkel the Northern Coast of San Cristobal

A whole day to snorkel amid the underwater wonders of the Galapagos! In the company of our experienced guide as part of a shared group, we search the nearby coves and cliffs for sea turtles, frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, and Nazca boobies.

There’s also the chance to get up close and personal with sea lions – the young pups are ever-curious and playful. As we snorkel, we might spot eagle rays, golden rays, Galapagos sharks, starfish, clams, and thousands of tropical fish.

With luck, we may even come across hammerhead sharks. As the sun sets on our day under the waves, we return to the hotel for a relaxed evening at the coastal town.

Recommendations for Free Time: Hike to the top of Frigate Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) for incredible views. You can also swim and snorkel at the base of the hill, so be sure to bring your gear. Snorkel, swim, and relax at Playa La Loberia (a long walk or short bike ride from town) for up close encounters with sea lions. Or relax on Playa Punta Carola, a favorite local hang out.

Overnight: San Cristobal Island
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 3: Discover Isabela’s Beaches, Lagoons, & Islets

After breakfast, we say goodbye to San Cristobal to board our small plane for a thrilling flight across the archipelago’s azure waters and volcanic landscapes to Isabela Island. Amazingly, it is still in the throes of creation, formed by six active shield volcanoes. In fact, Isabela is one of the most volcanically active spots on the planet.

Upon arrival, we head to the visitor site known as Tintoreras to explore this beautiful marine world by kayak, weaving between a set of small islets filled with hidden coves and beaches. Here, meet an unexpected denizen of the Tropics: the endemic Galapagos penguin. Spot reef sharks, sea turtles and sea lions as we paddle.

Seafood, Ecuadorian and international cuisine are all available in the small beach town of Puerto Villamil and you’re free to try them by yourself.

You can grab a quick dip in the ocean, or a swing in a hammock, before our local guest experience coordinator briefs you on your next adventure: a self-guided bike ride through a succession of Isabela’s white sand beaches, mangrove forests, and brackish lagoons to the Wall of Tears, a remnant of the former penal colony.

You may see giant tortoises in the wild, and you can also stop at the breed center. The brackish lagoons are a great place to spot pink flamingos. The ride is fun and easy, and as ever in Galapagos, there are plenty of animals to spot and wonders to take in. Your evening is free and easy.

Recommendations for Free Time: Snorkeling at Concha de la Perla is great for wildlife spotting, and is a favorite swimming hole for the locals. You can also rent kayaks or SUPs to explore the bay.

Overnight: Isabela Island
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 4: Charles Darwin Research Station & Santa Cruz Bay Tour

We leave Isabela early aboard a public speed boat, for our ride east to Santa Cruz Island and Puerto Ayora, the archipelago’s largest settlement. We meet you at the dock and head to the hotel.

Visit the heart of scientific research and conservation in the Galapagos on your own: the famous Charles Darwin Research Station and the National Park’s tortoise breeding program.

Following lunch on your own in Puerto Ayora – where there are options aplenty for you to choose from – we join a naturalist guide and shared group to make our way west from the port, stopping by the Lobería where sea lions can be observed.

We come to an islet called Punta Camaño, a great place to don our snorkels, masks and fins to meet sea lions and schools of fish. Passing through the romantically-named Canal del Amor, we disembark at Playa de los Perros, where, after a short walk, groups of jet-black marine iguanas bask beneath the sun’s rays, occasionally slipping off into the sea to feed.

Once back on land, you’re free to wander on your own through the port’s streets with its shops, restaurants and bars in the evening.

Recommendations for Free Time: Go to the fish market to hang with the locals, and watch sea lions and pelicans vie for fish scraps. Go to Los Kiosks for dinner, it’s a street lined with food carts and has some of the best food in Puerto Ayora! After dark, go to the pier and look into the water, you may be able to see baby sharks swimming in the lights.

Overnight: Santa Cruz Island
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 5: Depart Galapagos

If you have time in the morning before your flight, take a quick walk to Tortuga Bay. It’s about 3 miles (5 km) roundtrip from town. It’s a beautiful white sand beach, and you have the chance to see marine iguanas and sea lions.

Finally, it’s time to bid a fond farewell to the Galapagos. You board a transport to take you north over Santa Cruz Island to the Itabaca Channel.

At this point we leave you to continue your journey alone: all that remains is a hop on a ferry and a short bus ride to take you to Baltra Island’s airport. From here, you fly to mainland Ecuador (flight not included).

Meals Included: Breakfast

NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes, inclement weather conditions, and adjustments of Galapagos National Park policy.

travel logistics

Getting To and From the Trip:

This trip begins with the flight to San Cristobal Airport (SCY) in the Galapagos from either Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador on the first morning of the trip, and ends with the return flight from Baltra Airport (GPS) in the Galapagos to either Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador, on the last day of the trip, arriving in the late afternoon / early evening. These flights are not included in the trip price. They can be arranged on your own, or with our flight partners at Exito Travel.

We partner with Exito Travel, a flight company that specializes in flights to/from/within Latin America. They can assist you with any international or internal flights that you need. We can connect with them and make sure that all your flights match up with your itinerary.

You need to overnight in your choice of departure city, either Quito or Guayaquil, at least one night before the trip begins as you will fly to the Galapagos early in the morning of Day 1 of your trip. At the end of the trip we recommend overnighting in Ecuador one night before moving on to your next adventure or flying home, although it is possible to catch a late night flight out on this day.

Trip Start: San Cristobal Island, Galapagos

Trip End: Baltra Airport, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos

Complete Your Trip

This is a Galapagos trip segment starting and ending at Galapagos airports. No services in mainland Ecuador are provided before or after the trip. You will need to overnight at least one night in Quito or Guayaquil prior to departing to the Galapagos and typically one night after returning from the Galapagos.

We can easily make this trip a complete package by taking care of all the necessary logistics in mainland Ecuador before and after the Galapagos. Click the links below to view our recommended Quito and Guayaquil hotels, as well as, Galapagos Hotels for those arriving early or staying late.

In addition to the Galapagos, we specialize in trips to the Amazon, mainland Ecuador, Machu Picchu and Peru, Chile, Argentina, Patagonia, Brazil, Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico.

Prices & Dates

2023 PRICES:

Pricing is per person, and based on double occupancy.

Standard pricing is with Comfort Hotels.
If you would like a Single Supplement.

If you prefer to stay in Premium Hotels please expect to incur an additional cost.

A Holiday Surcharge applies for all departures between Dec 18 to Jan 3.

2024 PRICES:

What's Included / Not Included

INCLUDED:

Accommodation in Comfort or Premium Hotels
Meals as indicated in the detailed itinerary (4 breakfasts, 1 lunch)
Shared tours and transportation throughout the itinerary
Expert, bilingual naturalist/adventure guides
All sea, land, and inter-island air transportation in the Galapagos
24 hour telephone assistance and coordinator staff on San Cristobal & Isabela Islands

View Terms & Conditions:
https://detourdestinations.com/terms-and-conditions/neotropic-expeditions

NOT INCLUDED:

International flights (can be booked on your own, or our flight partner Exito Travel can arrange these for you)
Domestic flights between mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil) and Galapagos (can be booked on your own, or our flight partner Exito Travel can arrange these for you)
Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee ($100* per adult / $50* per child under 12 / must be paid in cash upon arrival in the islands)
Migration Transit Card ($20* per person / can be pre-paid)
Baltra Island transportation fee ($5* per person)
Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages
Meals not listed in the itinerary (4 lunches, all dinners)
Wetsuits (can rent locally for about $5 per person per day)
Travel & health insurance (highly recommended)
Gratuities and Tips
Potential overweight baggage fees on Galapagos inter-island flight. Travelers are allowed 1 checked luggage of no more than 20 lbs + 1 small carry on. Wonder what the inter-island flight is like? Check out a short video here – http://detourdestinations.com/blog/inter-island-flights-in-the-galapagos