Galápagos Active Journey 2024

Flight to San Cristóbal - Laguna El Junco - Giant Tortoises

Today you will head to Laguna El Junco, one of the few bodies of freshwater on the Galápagos Islands. Located at about 2200’ (700 meters) above sea level, we may see ducks, gulls, and frigate birds. Next up is the Galapaguera of Cerro Colorado, a breeding center for giant tortoises that are unique to San Cristobal. Perhaps no animal creates a more iconic image of the Galápagos than these fascinating animals. You will get an intimate view of these lumbering, peaceful-looking creatures, sure to be a highlight of your visit. At the center, the tortoises roam freely around 26 acres (12 ha) of space. Young tortoises are raised in a controlled environment, and when large enough to be less subject to predation, they are set free in appropriate areas on the island.

Meals included: L,D 

Accommodation: Casa Opuntia

Kayak from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to Manglecito Beach - Boat Ride to Kicker Rock

We will paddle from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to Manglecito Beach. It will take us 2.5 to 3 hours to cover 6 nautical miles. Along the way, we will pass near Lobos Island, where it will be quite easy to approach the local fauna as they rest on the rocks close to the coast. It is a great chance for close-up pictures of blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, and marine iguanas. Kayaking gives us a vantage point, as it is common to spot sea turtles popping their heads out of the water to breathe. If we are lucky enough, we may even find them mating on the water. Once we reach Manglecito Beach, we will step out of our kayaks and board a comfortable boat to Kicker Rock, also known as León Dormido. Once you arrive, you will set out on an amazing and unique snorkeling experience! You may see Galápagos sharks and white-tipped reef sharks, eagle rays, sea turtles, hundreds of fish, and sea stars.

Meals included: B,BL 

Accommodation: Casa Opuntia

Flight to Isabela Island - Visit Tortoise Breeding Center - Kayak Bahía

Today, we will head to the airport to board our flight to Isabela Island, the largest in the archipelago (80 miles long). Despite its remarkable beauty, Isabela is not a stop for most Galápagos cruises, making our adventures feel somewhat exclusive. Isabela was formed approximately one million years ago by the merger of six shield volcanoes: Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra, and Wolf. Despite this, the rich animals, birds, and marine life are beyond comparison. There are more wild tortoises here than the sum of them on all the other islands combined. They roam freely in the calderas of the volcanoes. Upon arrival in Puerto Villamil, the main town in Isabela, we will leave our luggage at Casa de Marita Hotel. Afterward, we will visit the Tortoise Breeding Center, an initiative of the National Park for the conservation of Isabela’s tortoises. After lunch, we will go for a smooth paddle around Isabela’s beachfront and bay, which is a great opportunity to see wildlife (especially penguins are common in this area). We will have snorkel equipment on the kayaks, so we will be able to jump in the water and explore the underwater life.

Meals included: B,L 

Accommodation: Casa de Marita 

Boat Ride to Los Túneles & El Finado

In the morning, we will take an hour-long boat ride towards Los Túneles, an interesting and remarkable lava formation, which consists of arches and caves. We will walk along the shore and then snorkel in crystal clear waters for a dive into the remarkable underwater world. From here, we will head to El Finado, on the western side of Isabela Island, just 10 minutes away from Los Túneles. Here, we will find an inlet that has been used by local fishermen for many years as a resting place for their journeys in the ocean, a place with tranquil and shallow waters. We will then snorkel among submerged caves and small reefs made out of lava rocks. This is a preferred spot for white-tipped reef sharks, colorful tropical fish, and stingrays. As we approach the mangroves, the waters will be shallower which will give us a chance to see parrotfish, hogfish, and wrasses up-close, in a mysterious and unique habitat. In the afternoon, we will have some free time to relax before dinner.

Meals included: B, BL, D 

Accommodation: Casa de Marita 

Boat Ride to Santa Cruz - Visit the Highlands

Our day will begin with a speedboat ride towards Santa Cruz Island. Santa Cruz, also called Indefatigable Island, is located in the center of the Galápagos Islands archipelago. It is also the center of human activity in the Galápagos Islands, since the National Park Headquarters, the Darwin Research Station, and the largest settlement in the Galápagos Islands, Puerto Ayora. Santa Cruz is the only island having a road that crosses its interior (running from Puerto Ayora in the south to the Itabaca Channel crossing in the north). We will drive to Santa Cruz highlands where we will see wild Galápagos Tortoises. These huge creatures weigh 200 to 500 pounds and are scattered all over the island. Then, we will visit lava tunnels dug by hot lava that twist, turn, and intertwine while providing an exciting opportunity to view the immense effect of volcanic activity. After the activities, we will get back to the hotel to rest and get ready for dinner on your own.

Meals included: B,L

Accommodation: Angermeyer Waterfront Inn

Navigable Tour La Fé - Pinzón

Today’s tour will not only offer an exciting nature experience but also a unique cultural encounter. To preserve Galápagos’ marine wildlife, we initiated a project to motivate fishermen to stay away from their regular jobs more than 20 years ago. Since then, they have left their fishing days behind to offer our guests the opportunity to experience a navigable tour with them. A fisherman and his crew will welcome you aboard their speedboats and share their life experiences at the sea as they navigate to our visitors’ site. Our special crew will take you on a short ride to the sandy beaches of Bahía Ballena, an ocean inlet where Galápagos sea lions and marine iguanas bask on carpetweed and lava rocks. There, you will appreciate Darwin’s finches and snorkel through an underwater world of lava rocks and small reefs swarming with tropical marine life. Reaching depths of up to thirty feet, the sandy ocean floor is home to Pacific green sea turtles and long-tailed stingrays of different shapes and sizes. At the end of the tour, you will not only have observed the unique marine wildlife of the Galápagos and enjoyed a beautiful beach but also have learned about the lifestyle of the local community. In addition, you should feel the satisfaction of having contributed to the preservation of Galápagos’ wildlife and a local family through this experience. Upon your return to Puerto Ayora, you will have some time to change clothes and then have dinner before going back to the hotel for the night.

Meals included: B,BL,D 

Accommodation: Angermeyer Waterfront Inn

Flight to Guayaquil

In the morning, you will drive across the island of Santa Cruz, and back to Baltra’s airport. Baltra was the location of an air base built by the US Navy during WWII, though the runway has been relocated. Once you arrive safely and on time at the airport, our tour leader will assist you with the check-in process for your flight to Guayaquil.

Meals included: B