Galapagos Sport Adventure

Special Interest

SUMMARY

7 Days

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Experience the ultimate Galapagos adventure with Galapagos Sports Adventure, a premium tour designed for those who crave excitement, exploration, and a deep connection with nature. Our expert naturalist guides will ensure your safety while immersing you in the wonders of the Galapagos Islands.
Step into a Galapagos that few can witness, where each day brings new challenges, discoveries, and sensory delights. Bike along pristine coastlines and feel the rush of freedom as you explore deserted beaches and rugged landscapes. Dive into the crystal-clear waters and swim alongside curious sea lions, marveling at their playful antics. Navigate through mangrove forests and hidden coves in a kayak, racing alongside marine iguanas in a thrilling pursuit.
Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll venture deep into Darwin’s land, where the natural world unfolds before your eyes. Immerse yourself in the unique ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands, where land, sea, and underwater adventures await at every turn. Whether you are hiking through volcanic landscapes, snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs, or encountering iconic wildlife up close, every moment will leave you in awe.
Throughout your journey, we prioritize your comfort and relaxation. Stay in exceptional oceanfront hotels that offer breathtaking views and impeccable service. Indulge in gourmet cuisine that surprises and delights your taste buds. Our itineraries are expertly crafted to ensure a balance of adventure and leisure, allowing you to fully embrace the Galapagos experience while also enjoying flexible free time.
What sets Galapagos Sport Adventure apart is the passion, energy, and love our expedition connoisseurs have for the islands. Their contagious enthusiasm will ignite your own curiosity and deepen your appreciation for this extraordinary destination. Prepare to be captivated by the untouched beauty of the Galapagos Islands and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Choose Galapagos Sport Adventure and embark on a journey that will redefine your understanding of adventure, nature, and the power of exploration.

HIGHLIGHTS

Get to know Galapagos with the best bilingual naturalist guides available.
Swim and snorkel with the most peculiar and exciting marine life.
Kayak and snorkel alongside sea turtles, marine iguanas, sharks, and sea lions.
Hike the volcanoes that gave life to these islands, where giant tortoises roam freely.
Contribute to the local economy & ecology with eco-friendly, land-based hotels and tours.
Sunbathe in the company of marine iguanas and sea lions.
Enjoy refined hospitality & gourmet meals at the finest Galapagos hotels.
Walk among giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat.
Mountain bike low-impact route along the pristine coastline.
Protect the environment and support the local communities with our eco-friendly activities and green hotels.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Quito/San Cristobal Isl.

Interpretation Centre, Hike and Snorkel Tijeretas
After a morning flight from the Ecuadorian mainland to San Cristobal Island, we meet you at the airport and head to our hotel. In the afternoon, after lunch, we begin our adventure with a visit to the Galapagos Interpretation Centre to Centre to learn about the unique wildlife, geology, history, and social dynamics of the protected archipelago.

Afterwards, embark on a scenic hike to Tijeretas, following natural trails through lava rocks. Your knowledgeable guides will introduce you to the fascinating flora and fauna along the way, including Galapagos cotton, palo santo, acacia, and cacti. Look for blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, herons, gulls, warblers, mockingbirds, and finches. Along the rugged coastline, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the tranquil town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Cool off from your hike with a refreshing snorkeling session at Carola Beach, a postcard-perfect location teeming with sea turtles, sea lions, and marine iguanas. As the sun sets, indulge in a gourmet seafood or Ecuadorian dinner, followed by a leisurely exploration of the laid-back beach town and a visit to the nearby colony of Galapagos sea lions.

Day 2 San Cristobal Isl.

Kayak and Snorkel in San Cristobal’s Northern Coast
Start the day with an invigorating kayak excursion along the picturesque bays and coves of San Cristobal’s northern coast. Immerse yourself in the vibrant marine ecosystem inhabited by blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, sea lions, and sea turtles. Depending on the day and Galapagos National Park regulations, we may visit the famous Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) or Punta Pitt. The visiting site will depend on the week day and Galapagos National Park regulations.

Afterward, swap your kayaks for snorkels and fins and interact with playful sea lions, marine iguanas, and a kaleidoscope of reef fish. Swim alongside spotted eagle rays, golden rays, Galapagos sharks, starfish, clams, and fish of all shapes, sizes, and colors. You might even spot some harmless hammerhead sharks with some luck! After a full day of exploring the seas, we return to town for a delectable dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Day 3 San Cristobal Isl./Isabela Isl.

Bike the Coastline, Explore Tintoretas Islets
Following breakfast bid farewell to San Cristobal and take a short small-plane ride to Isabela Island, the largest island in the Galapagos. Isabela boasts six active shield volcanoes and is renowned for its volcanic activity.

Upon arrival, embark on an exciting bike ride through diverse environments and ecosystems. Along the way, you’ll pass white sand beaches, mangrove forests, brackish lagoons, and even a lava tube cave. Watch out for giant tortoises, flamingos, and other wildlife during our ride. Conclude your biking adventure at el Muro de las Lagrimas (the Wall of Tears), a towering wall of lava rocks built by prisoners during Isabela’s time as a penal colony.

After lunch, explore the Tintoretas Islets, a collection of small islets with hidden coves and beaches. Here, you’ll encounter the unique Galapagos penguins and other fascinating marine life. Transfer back to the hotel, where a delightful dinner awaits. Take the evening to wander the charming sand streets of Puerto Villamil or relax in the well-appointed lounge.

Day 4 Isabela Isl.

Volcano Hiking in Isabela’s Highlands
Embark on a volcano hiking adventure in Isabela’s Highlands. Drive up the flanks of the Sierra Negra volcano, where the road ends and your hike begins. Along the way, revel in incredible views of the surrounding volcanoes, the vast sea, and the distinct highland ecosystem upon reaching the rim of Sierra Negra and its breathtaking scenery.

Sierra Negra is the second largest active caldera in the world, spanning over six miles at its widest point. Hike along the rim, and for those feeling energetic, there is an option to continue to the caldera of Volcan Chico. This otherworldly landscape is adorned with vibrant hues created by sulfur deposits, featuring spectacular lava formations and fumaroles. After a visit to a serene tortoise reserve for lunch, descend to the lowlands, where you can spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing on Isabela’s pristine beaches and embracing the island-life atmosphere.

Day 5 Isabela Isl./Santa Cruz Isl.

Hike the Santa Cruz Islands
Wake up to the refreshing sea breeze as you travel to Santa Cruz Island by speedboat or internal flight, keeping an eye out for whales and dolphins along the way. On arrival, check into your hotel, and then you’ll visit El Chato in the Santa Cruz highlands to observe the famous giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Walking amidst these majestic creatures, some of which can live over 175 years, is a true honour. Look out for pintail ducks, Darwin’s finches, frigate birds, egrets, and the vibrant vermillion flycatcher.

The next stop is the awe-inspiring lava tunnels, which once served as hideouts for pirates frequenting the Galapagos. Legend has it that these tunnels were also used to conceal Inca gold stolen from Spanish ships. Continuing your hike, reach Los Gemelos, two deep volcanic sinkholes surrounded by rocky cliffs. These enormous pits were once magma chambers. The path leads through a forest of endemic Scalesia trees, where you may glimpse the elusive short-eared owl. Covered in ferns and epiphytes, the forest exudes a tranquil and mysterious ambiance.

Day 6 Santa Cruz Isl.

Kayak in Lava wall channels and Hike to Tortuga Bay
In the morning, embark on a kayak adventure in Punta Estrada and Divine Bay, paddling through towering lava channel walls. Witness rays and white-tipped reef sharks gliding beneath the serene, crystal-clear water—Marvel at the blue-footed boobies, lava gulls, and herons. Along the cliffs, you can see Sally lightfoot crabs and marine iguanas.

After lunch, briefly hike to Tortuga Bay through a unique dry forest. Along the way, encounter fascinating bird species and diverse flora. Emerging from the forest, arrive at Tortuga Bay, one of the most stunning beaches in the Galapagos, with its soft, fine sand and pristine turquoise waters—truly a perfect setting for a relaxing afternoon. As evening approaches, return to our hotel to celebrate an incredible journey and enjoy our final evening in the Galapagos.
If time permits, 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, we can learn more about the diverse evolutionary paths and characteristics of the animals and plants that we just met.