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Introduction: Discover the southern islands of the Galapagos Archipelago in ways you never thought possible, through an active excursion into one of the world’s most famous naturalist havens. Our most popular adventure package in the islands includes daily kayaking, mountain biking, trekking, snorkeling and horseback riding activities. The Galapagos Multisport Adventure is an ideal vacation for those who enjoy an active lifestyle or for adventure travel enthusiasts, combining multisport activities with naturalist guides who bring you face to face with the islands’ unique flora, fauna and geology. Trip highlights:
Itinerary: DAY 1: ARRIVAL AND HIKE IN SAN CRISTOBAL We meet you when you arrive on San Cristobal Island and welcome you with lunch and an orientation at a local restaurant. After lunch, our adventure begins with a hike to the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, where we learn about volcanic activity, natural history and evolution in the Galapagos. We continue our hike on towards Frigate Hill along trails of lava rock featuring splendid views of the coastline and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, while we explore dry forest and observe cacti, acacia, palo santo, Galapagos cotton and other unique vegetation. This is also a good time to enjoy our first encounters with local wildlife, since the hill is often visited by Galapagos species such as the magnificent and great frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, gulls, herons and numerous other land birds, including Darwin finches, warblers and mockingbirds. On our way back we can stop for a refreshing swim at Carola Beach or Mann Beach. In the evening, we explore town and dine at a waterfront restaurant. (L) DAY 2: SEA KAYAK IN PLAYA OCHOA AND SNORKEL AT LEON DORMIDO We slip into our ocean kayaks and spend the morning paddling along the coast, going north exploring bays and coves full of local wildlife - including Darwin Bay, the site of the first landing of the HMS Beagle. The route is home to colonies of sea lions, marine turtles, blue-footed boobies and frigate birds. Once we reach Playa Ochoa, we continue on to nearby Isla Lobos on the lookout for marine iguanas and sea lions, swimming with them to enjoy one of the best sea lion encounters in the entire archipelago. We continue on to Leon Dormido, the jagged remains of an old tuff cone whose flanks are home to thousands of sea birds. At Leon Dormido, we enjoy excellent snorkelling; for certified divers, this is also one of the best dives in the islands. There is a good chance of seeing hammerhead and white tipped sharks, eagle and golden rays, as well as dozens of species of tropical fish, clams, starfish and marine invertebrates. In the afternoon, we return to our hotel for our last evening in San Cristobal. (B, L) DAY 3: MOUNTAIN BIKE IN THE SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDSAfter breakfast, we take a fast boat from San Cristobal to Santa Cruz Island, where we arrive at the El Chato reserve in the upper part of Santa Cruz Island - the natural habitat of the Galapagos tortoise. As we explore this area, we’ll also come across pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches and frigate birds bathing in freshwater lakes. We explore lava caves featuring incredible volcanic tunnel formations and on a clear day we can see Media Luna, an old collapsed crater on top of Santa Cruz Island. In the afternoon, we drive to Cerro Mesa on the high side of Santa Cruz. From there, we climb on our mountain bikes and after a safety talk, we ride through highland farmlands and Bellavista village (mostly downhill) until we reach Puerto Ayora. This ride is about 12 miles (20 kilometers) on dirt and paved roads. After the ride, we spend the night at a local hotel on Santa Cruz Island. (B, L) DAY 4: HIKE AND SEA KAYAK IN SANTA CRUZ After breakfast, we pick up our kayaks to travel around Divine Bay and Punta Estrada, paddling through calm, turquoise waters that wind through high-walled lava channels. Within the channels, white-tipped sharks and rays patrol beneath the waves, while colonies of blue-footed boobies, tropic birds, herons and marine iguanas perch along the jagged cliffs. On the way back to our hotel, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation and management efforts in the archipelago. We also get to meet Lonesome George, the last giant tortoise of his species. Afterwards, we offer an optional 3 ½ mile (6 kilometer) hike through the white sand beaches and dry forest habitat of Tortuga Bay, one of the Galapagos’ most beautiful beaches. We return to Puerto Ayora in the afternoon and spend the evening at leisure. You are encouraged to dine and explore the culture and nightlife of Santa Cruz, the Galapagos’ most populous town, which is liveliest on weekends. (B, L)
DAY 5: COASTLINE HIKE AND EXPLORATION IN ISABELA From Puerto Ayora, we board a fast boat for Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. Isabela is the largest island in the archipelago, formed by 6 shield volcanoes: Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf. All of these volcanoes (except for one) remain active, making this island one of the most volcanically active places on Earth. Here, we visit the Galapagos Tortoise Rearing Center, to learn about tortoise development and conservation. We explore the bay in search of the endemic Galapagos penguin and follow a trail along the coastline to observe dramatic lava formations and meet a large colony of sea lions. We pass through mangroves and salty lagoons that are home to the mangrove finch, endemic to Isabela. We can also spot American oyster catchers, herons, flamingos and many other shore species. In the afternoon, we relax on exotic white sand beaches. The evening is spent in the tranquil port town of Puerto Villamil. (B, L, D) DAY 6: HORSEBACK RIDE AND VOLCANO HIKE IN ISABELA |
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