Galapagos Explorer Multi-Sport evoTrip

Galapagos Explorer Multi-Sport evoTrip

Bike, hike, and snorkel through one of the most biodiverse places in the world

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Group Trip
Ability level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
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Hike, bike, and snorkel your way through some of the most untouched natural habitats on Earth on this Galápagos adventure. 

Immerse yourself in the pure nature of the enchanting Galápagos Islands. Made famous by Charles Darwin, this volcanic paradise is home to spectacular endemic species of flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth. Take the leap and join us on this island-hopping adventure with our partners at Activexpedition where you can explore the best of the Archipelago. Hike up volcanoes, snorkel with sea turtles, scout rays and admire white-tip reef sharks. Paddle to watch blue-footed boobies dance and colorful marine iguanas scamper about black volcanic rock. Bike and hike along the countryside to protected reserves where giant tortoises roam and call these islands home. Enjoy the island vibe within towns and hotels near beaches and mangroves, taking to heart that your travels are directly benefiting local families and sustainable tourism efforts. Grab your cameras and pack your bags for the adventure of a lifetime.

Plans may evolve with weather & guides' judgement, we strive to find the best conditions each day

ITINERARY

Arrival Day

Welcome to Quito! Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel with time to acclimate and explore the city’s rich culture, architecture, and cuisine at your own pace. In the evening, meet your guide and fellow travelers at a 6 PM briefing to review the adventure ahead.

Galápagos Welcome by the Giants of Santa Cruz

After breakfast, a representative will assist with your airport transfer for your flight to Baltra Island, gateway to the Galápagos. Upon arrival, meet your Naturalist Guide and transfer by road and ferry to Santa Cruz Island. Visit El Chato Reserve in the highlands for lunch and encounters with giant tortoises, explore lava tunnels, and spot unique birds like Darwin’s finches. Stop by a local craft brewery to sample sustainably made beers.

Later, continue to Puerto Ayora and check into your hotel before exploring cafes, artisan shops, and waterfront restaurants. In the evening, visit the docks to watch blacktip sharks, rays, and other marine life in the illuminated waters—a peaceful end to your first Galápagos day.

A Scenic Bay Tour and journey to Isabela Island

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic boat tour of the bay, walking along lava trails, swimming at Las Grietas, and snorkeling among colorful fish, rays, sharks, and turtles. Return to Puerto Ayora for lunch, with recommendations for oceanfront restaurants serving fresh seafood.

In the afternoon, take a water taxi to Isabela Island, home to marine iguanas, flamingos, giant tortoises, and Galápagos penguins. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the evening relaxing, strolling the beach, or watching the Pacific sunset.

Biking through biodiversity and snorkel the Tintoreras Islet “white tip shark” heaven

After breakfast, embark on a full-day biking adventure across Isabela Island, exploring wetlands filled with flamingos, herons, and finches, and visiting the historic Wall of Tears. Continue to Playa del Amor to observe marine iguanas and stop at the Tortoise Breeding Center to learn about conservation and see giant tortoises at all stages. Return to Puerto Villamil for lunch.

In the afternoon, visit Tintoreras Islet, a volcanic formation home to white-tip reef sharks. Snorkel among Galápagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, sea turtles, and marine iguanas, or enjoy the views from above, taking in the dramatic black lava, turquoise waters, and abundant wildlife.

A breathtaking trek to the Sierra Negra Volcano

Venture into the highlands of Isabela Island for a trek to the Sierra Negra Volcano, home to one of the world’s largest calderas, nearly 6 miles across. The 10-mile round-trip hike offers breathtaking views of the volcanic landscape, including fresh lava from the 2018 eruption, and opportunities to spot native birds like Galápagos hawks and finches.

After exploring the highlands, enjoy free time to relax and watch the sunset or hike to nearby beaches like Concha Perla for a refreshing swim or peaceful seaside moments, ending the day immersed in Isabela’s extraordinary natural beauty.

Snorkel the wonders of Los Tuneles and El Finado

Today, embark on a journey to Los Tuneles, a stunning snorkeling site of lava arches, tunnels, and lagoons. Explore the rocky formations on foot, spotting nesting blue-footed boobies, and snorkel with white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, eagle rays, colorful fish, and playful sea lions.

After lunch on board, visit El Finado for more snorkeling among manta rays, stingrays, octopuses, and schools of fish, or enjoy the volcanic landscapes from the boat. The day ends with an Ecuadorian wine-tasting social hour and a farewell dinner at a charming local restaurant.

Return to mainland

After a final breakfast in the Galápagos, you’ll transfer to Isabela Island Airport for a scenic flight to Baltra Island. From Baltra, connect with your flight back to mainland Ecuador, typically a 2–3 hour journey, sometimes with a brief stop in Guayaquil. Upon arrival in Quito, our team will welcome you and assist with your transfer to your hotel.

Departure Day

As our incredible journey comes to an end, we will prepare for your departure. Transfers to the airport will be arranged based on your individual flight schedule. To ensure a smooth departure process, we recommend scheduling your pick-up at least three hours prior to your flight.

What’s Included

  • Experienced certified English-speaking guide
  • Private and comfortable land transportation
  • Accommodation for seven nights (based on double occupancy)
  • Meals included: 6 breakfasts and 1 lunch (on boat)
  • Water and snacks at all times
  • Water bottle
  • Biking gear: Quality hybrid bikes, certified helmets and gloves
  • Paddling gear: Seat on top double kayaks and paddles
  • Snorkeling gear: Mask and fins
  • 20% off discount code to evo.com (exclusions apply) 

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Airport transfers to/from international flights (we will meet at the hotel lobby in Quito on Day 1)
  • Domestic flights. Airfare Quito - Galapagos - Quito round trip: estimated Budget $520 USD
  • INGALA transit card (needed to enter the islands): $20 USD per person, cash only (subject to change)
  • Galapagos National Park fee - $100 USD per person, cash only (subject to change)
  • Isabela Island fee: $10 USD per person, cash only upon arrival 
  • Meals not listed as included (some breakfasts, lunches and dinners) 
  • Optional activities (spas, recreations and activities outside provided itinerary)
  • Wetsuit for rent (optional) - $10 USD
  • Single supplement
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Travel insurance (mandatory, we recommend World Nomads)

​Questions? Call or email us!

What’s Included

  • Experienced certified English-speaking guide
  • Private and comfortable land transportation
  • Accommodation for seven nights (based on double occupancy)
  • Meals included: 6 breakfasts and 1 lunch (on boat)
  • Water and snacks at all times
  • Water bottle
  • Biking gear: Quality hybrid bikes, certified helmets and gloves
  • Paddling gear: Seat on top double kayaks and paddles
  • Snorkeling gear: Mask and fins
  • 20% off discount code to evo.com (exclusions apply) 

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Airport transfers to/from international flights (we will meet at the hotel lobby in Quito on Day 1)
  • Domestic flights. Airfare Quito - Galapagos - Quito round trip: estimated Budget $520 USD
  • INGALA transit card (needed to enter the islands): $20 USD per person, cash only (subject to change)
  • Galapagos National Park fee - $100 USD per person, cash only (subject to change)
  • Isabela Island fee: $10 USD per person, cash only upon arrival 
  • Meals not listed as included (some breakfasts, lunches and dinners) 
  • Optional activities (spas, recreations and activities outside provided itinerary)
  • Wetsuit for rent (optional) - $10 USD
  • Single supplement
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Travel insurance (mandatory, we recommend World Nomads)

​Questions? Call or email us!

Location Details

Our adventure will explore some of the enchanting Galápagos Islands chain located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. Made up of 19 islands, 4 of which are inhabited by humans, the archipelago is one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world. Home to many endemic species such as the Flightless Cormorant, the Galápagos Penguin, and the giant Galápagos Tortoise, these isolated islands inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection following his visit in 1835. Today the Islands are still home to many research and conservation efforts along with plenty of educational opportunities, such as the Charles Darwin Research Center (which we will visit on our trip). Aside from its biological diversity, the islands are home to beautiful tropical ecosystems with white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.

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FAQs

Are departures guaranteed?

There is a minimum of 2 people required per departure date, with each trip departing on a Sunday. Please wait to make travel arrangements until you have received confirmation.

Is there a Single Supplement if I am a solo traveler? Can I book my own room?

There is a minimum of 2 people required per departure date. Please wait to make travel arrangements until you have received confirmation that there are at least one other person on this trip to operate. Generally a single supplement fee is not incurred, as we match you with another person of the same gender in a twin room. If you prefer not to share and have your own room, no problem. In this case a single room supplement of about $525 (based on availability and season) will be needed to cover the extra costs associated with not sharing a room.

What skill/experience level is required for this trip?

This trip is considered as 2 out of 5. No prior experience is required and your guides will always brief you about safety and proper use of gear on every leg of the trip. The hiking is rated easy and consists of walking on flat terrain or coastline. Kayaking is on calm waters, although due to unpredictable weather patterns, waters can at time be cold and choppy. Biking is also rated easy and consists of riding on a mixture of sand and gravel. There will be transport support for the majority of the activities in the case that someone wants to take a break, relax or avoid an activity entirely.

What are the guides like?

All guides have a professional background from the Tourism University; meaning they have a degree in guiding, with top-notch skills and knowledge. Each guide has many years of leading experience, including additional courses taken for other outdoor activities and International First-Aid certifications. On top of all of this, all guides are extremely personable and strive to deliver exceptional travel experiences for each guest.

What gear should I bring? Do you offer rentals?

All sports equipment will be provided. Refer to the packing list for personal gear requirements.

When and how do I meet up with the group?

Please be ready to meet the group on Day 1 at 6 PM in the hotel lobby.

What will the food be like?

Pork, chicken, beef, and cuy (guinea pig) are popular in the Andean highlands of Ecuador, and are served with a variety of carbohydrate-rich foods, especially rice, corn, and potatoes. A popular street food is hornado (roasted pig), which is often served with llapingacho (a pan seared potato ball). Some examples of traditional Ecuadorian cuisine generally include Ecuadorian ceviche (shrimp, lime and corn), hearty quinoa soups, patacones (unripe plantains fried in oil), llapingachos (fried potato pancakes), and seco de chivo (a type of stew made from goat). While in the Galapagos, the dishes are simple, light and fresh, combining the elements of Ecuadorian highlands dishes with meat, potatoes and grains, along with coastal ingredients like yucca, fish and seafood. A local breakfast in the Galapagos Islands typically involves fried dumplings of green plantains (bolones) or fresh fruit.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

As Ecuador has a great variety of cuisine and gastronomy, vegetarians, vegans and gluten free options are widely available and welcome. If you have any allergies or food restrictions, please inform Activexpeditions prior to your departure. Our guides are always ready to coordinate with chefs and restaurants for substitute meals and allergy needs.

What is the minimum and maximum number of guests per trip?

Minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 10. Trips usually average 8 people.

Is there a minimum age required for this trip?

Yes, 8 years old.

When is the best time to go?

Since Ecuador is on the equator, weather patterns are fairly consistent meaning it is a great place to travel all year round. The average temperature annually is 64°F (17.8°C). There are only really two seasons in the city: dry and wet. The dry season runs from June to September and the wet season is from October to May. The Galapagos Islands have two main seasons, dry season and wet (warm) season. June - December is the dry season and generally known for its clear skies and occasional mid-day showers, average air temps are in the mid 70’s and water temps average in the low 70’s. December - May is the wet, or warm, season with more frequent rain and cloudier skies. Temps are warmer, averaging in the mid 80’s, and water temps are in the high 70’s. Remember that during our time in Quito, the weather will be a little colder, at an elevation of 9,300 ft, it averages from the high 60’s in the day to high 40’s at night.

Do I need a Visa, Passport and Vaccinations?

A valid passport for at least six months past the planned date of departure is required. Make sure you check your passport validity and expiration date prior to travel. U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Ecuador and travelers can stay in Ecuador for up to 90 days without a visa. However, sanctions including fines and deportation can occur if you stay past this time period. Due to the limited medical facilities located on the Galapagos Islands, Yellow fever, Hepatitis B vaccination, and Malaria medication are mandatory for this trip. We strongly recommend to ensure that routine immunizations such as tetanus and diphtheria are up to date and to consider Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations. Please ask your doctor or visit a travelers health clinic for advice.

Do I need travel insurance?

While it is not required, we always recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, theft and/or accidental damage while traveling. We recommend World Nomads.

What if I need to cancel?

evoTrip upholds Activexpedition’s policies regarding cancellation, which have been made more flexible given the challenges we know are presented by Covid-19. Guests may postpone their existing trip to a future trip, at no extra cost, up until 30 days prior to departure. For cancellations, guests have: 72 hours to cancel with no fee, unless the date of start of services falls within said 72 hour period, 3 days after the booking until 90 days before the trip; $100 USD cancellation fee would be charged, 89 days until 60 days before the trip; 50% of the trip cost would be charged, 59 days or less before the trip; 100% of the trip cost would be charged.

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