Compare Galapagos MultiSport Island Tour by Tropic Journeys in Nature vs Galápagos Islands: Family Volunteer Vacation by Discover Corps

Day 1: Arrival on Baltra, transfer to Floreana

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Arrival on Baltra: The tiny island of Baltra was a military base during the Second World War and has been the Galapagos principal airport for many years. The good news is that to protect the local environment the airport has been rebuilt, this time using the most advanced environmental techniques to reduce emissions and energy use. This is the first ecological airport in the world.

At the airport you will be met by our expert local guide who will give you useful background information before we transfer to Santa Cruz which involves public transport (no private vehicles permitted) overland to the Itabaca Channel and a short crossing on the public ferry. Now our journey really begins, with a visit to the impressive Los Gemelos craters and a look at the highland Galapagos tortoises.

At mid day we enjoy a tasty specially prepared boxed lunch en route to the town of Puerto Ayora where our private speed boat will be waiting to take us on a two hour ride to the island of Floreana.

FLOREANA

This peaceful island is home to the Galapagos smallest population, only 150 people, and is also the least developed and most natural of the four inhabited islands. Once a pirates lair, Floreana was the first inhabited island in the Galapagos and descendents of the original population still live here together with the mysterious tales and legends that surround their ancestors.

On Floreana we will be hiking, learning about the fascinating history of the local people, and seeing some of the Galapagos special wildlife (giant tortoises, frigate birds, Darwin's finches, sea lions, and petrels).

 We check in at our lodge overlooking the Galapagos most beautiful and secluded bay. After that we will walk for 30 minutes towards La Loberia (a sea lion breeding ground) and then for our first marine encounter, snorkeling and swimming in the warm bright water with sea turtles, sea lions, spectacular rays and lots of shimmering fishes

In the afternoon we return to the lodge for a nice warm shower and dinner in the village.

Night Activity (weather permitting): star gazing

Day 2: Exploring the Floreana Highlands

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast we leave to explore the Floreana highlands on our open-air bus (chiva), an unbeatable, historic, and comfortable way to see the island.

On the way our Naturalist Guide will point out the wildlife and give us an idea of the colorful history of some of Floreana's first inhabitants, such as the Wittmers (whose descendents still live on the Island), the ÔBaroness , and the pirates that once visited here. They will also tell you about the "Enigma of Floreana", involving the mysterious deaths of several of the Island«s inhabitants, a riddle that has never been solved.

After driving into the highlands, we reach Asilo de la Paz (Peace Haven) where our hike begins. We walk up to this historic site, explore pirate caves, and visit the freshwater spring that provides water for the entire Island. Along the way, you can expect to see giant tortoises lumbering around in the vegetation or even on the trail. We leave Asilo de Paz walking down through a rural area where the local people grow produce for their own consumption: this is a fascinating example about how these island people survived in this remote place and over the years were able to develop an understanding of the local environment and now work to preserve their unique agricultural knowledge. Once back on the coast we will be able to watch the extraordinary behavior of the frigate birds who Ôdance as they wash their salty wings in the fresh water. With a little bit of luck, we may be able to see males puffing up the red pouches on their chests in an attempt to attract females.

From La Primavera we continue by Chiva down towards Las Palmas, where the Island s first permanent inhabitant, the eccentric Dr Ritter, lived and is buried. Arriving in 1926, this German physician believed that with a combination of exercise and the right vegetarian diet he would live to be 150 years old. He didn«t, but his story is one of the many strange episodes that still abound on the island. On the way we will see spectacular views of the Floreana shoreline, and on arrival sit down to a special BBQ.

In the afternoon, back at the lodge, we do more marine exploration, snorkeling, kayaking and stand up paddling, SUP, our newest water activity. It is lots of fun, so come and learn how to walk on water.

Day 3: Galapagos in Miniature

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we take an early morning speed boat and transfer to Isabela Island where we will check into our hotel.

Our Isabela adventure begins with a tour of the Tintoreras, a group of small islands near the village of Puerto Villamil, that are named after the white tipped ÔTintoreras reef sharks that swim in these calm waters. A Galapagos in miniature on the Tintoreras you will see almost all of the archipelago s iconic wildlife: white tipped sharks, sea lions, turtles, rays, penguins, and of course pelicans and blue footed boobies. You will have a chance to snorkel in the bay Ð and don t be surprised if some of the penguins or sea lions jump in to play alongside you in the water.

In the afternoon we walk from our hotel to the local giant tortoise-breeding center and on the way we may catch a glimpse of pink flamingos feeding in a lake. Once at the Center our guides will explain the process of breeding and then releasing into the wild these giant slow moving creatures whose Spanish name (meaning saddle) gave the Islands their present title. The breeding center is an important conservation tool and it is here that the islands giant tortoise population is presently recovering.

Day 4: Hiking day!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Volcanic eruptions created all the islands in the Galapagos, and you will get to see this geologic process first-hand as we explore Isabela, one of the youngest and most volcanically-active islands of the archipelago..

We have the whole day to explore the Isabela highlands, and we start by hiking up to the crater of the Sierra Negra volcano, and then to the rim of the Volcan Chico. This fascinating walk usually begins with some morning fog and drizzle which sometimes persists in the shadow of the volcano, adding to its mysterious character. But when we reach the rim of the Sierra Negra crater, the second largest in the world after the Ngorongoro in Tanzania, you will see why it has been worthwhile. The crater is so large, and the views so expansive, that photos don t even do it justice, but you should bring your binoculars and camera anyway!

Later, as we head towards Volcan Chico, you may get the feeling you are walking on Mars, but while the landscape appears desolate, a closer look reveals small lizards, scurrying about amongst the rocks.

After Volcan Chico under the shade of a lovely ÒjaboncilloÓ tree we enjoy a well prepared picnic lunch with the chance to enjoy some spectacular views over the central and northern parts of Isabela Island. In the distance, you will be able to see Fernandina, Pinzon and Santa Cruz Islands. We then head back down to complete our day of hiking (16 km in total) and relax on the beaches of Puerto Villamil.

Day 5: Wall of Tears and Kayaking

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we leave from the Villamil dock and the white sandy beaches of Isabela and paddle to Island Bay. En route we will be looking for turtles, rays, penguins, and blue-footed boobies; sea lions will probably paddle along with us as well. After watching the wildlife in the Bay, we will paddle back to the Villamil dock.

In the afternoon, we bike the Wetlands Trail where we can see marine iguana colonies and a number of different types of mangroves trees (all four can be seen here) as well as enjoying the network of trails, beaches and historic sites. At the end of the trail is the Wall of Tears, built in the late 1940 s by Second World War prisoners held at the US base on the islands. Our guide will explain the importance of the Wall of Tears, giving us a glimpse into the lives of the island s previous inhabitants. On this network of trails you will catch some beautiful views of the village below and we will have the chance to see birds and, with luck, some wild giant tortoises.

We stop at the local swimming hole where you can take a refreshing dip. When we get back to town, there will be time to relax and enjoy some swimming or snorkeling in our Galapagos paradise or of you prefer to just sit on the beach and relax.

Day 6: Land of Tortoises

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we start early, catching our speedboat in the morning and heading to Santa Cruz Island. From May to November, a flight is recommended rather than transfer by speedboat due to the possibility of rough seas.

When we arrive at Santa Cruz, we will enjoy a hearty breakfast close to the docks before heading up to the highlands for a busy day of multi sport activities.

We drive to an off-the-beaten-path area of Santa Cruz Island, and when we reach a high point on the road we switch to mountain bikes for a long downhill glide on freshly paved roads to Garrapatero Beach. On the ride, we will pass small farms and enjoy views of the ocean and the distant islands.

Once we are on the beach at Garrapatero we may see a few local families, but few, if any, tourists. We will paddle the bay in sit-on-top sea kayaks, enjoying our last day on the water in the Galapagos, while looking for sharks, rays, turtles, and sea birds. Later we will have a specially prepared lunch before heading back to Puerto Ayora and our next adventure.

Once back in the town, you will have the option of staying and shopping for souvenirs, or (if time allows) walking the 3 km boardwalk to Tortuga Bay, and checking out one of the largest and most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos. At Tortuga Bay you can walk on the beach, swim, or even snorkel a bit more.

Tonight we stay in Santa Cruz largest town, the small picturesque port of Puerto Ayora. Although it has the largest population in the Galapagos, Puerto Ayora is still a small, intimate place where you will find friendly local bars, shops, and restaurants, as well as places to stroll along the water«s edge. There is everything you need for a mellow night in the Galapagos.

Day 7: Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos Capital

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we make a morning visit to the Charles Darwin Research Center, where you will learn about the Darwin Foundation«s conservation efforts in the Galapagos National Park .This is where the world famous Lonesome George used to live.

After a good tasty lunch we head back to the docks for your last transfer between islands over to the Galapagos political capital of San Crist—bal.

We arrive at San Cristobal Island late in the afternoon but a short walk towards La Loberia will be well worth it. We will grab our bikes, or walk along the coast, do a bit more snorkeling, or just sitting and watching a playful colony of sea lions while we admire the brilliant ocean sunset.

Day 8: Underwater Life

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we leave early from Baquerizo Moreno Port and head to the impressive Leon Dormido or Kicker Rock, but before getting there we will try out our snorkeling gear in a small protected bay with calm water and playful sea lions.

Leon Dormido, made of two rocks in the form of an obelisk jutting dramatically out of the sea, is considered one of the top snorkel and dive sites in the Galapagos, and here we use our snorkeling equipment to explore a channel between the rocks. Stingrays, white-tipped reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, turtles, tropical fish and eagle rays all live in the waters around Leon Dormido and if you are lucky you may even get to spot dolphins and whales! At Isla Lobos we will see more sea lions, as well as marine iguanas swimming through the clear water and it is always possible to catch a glimpse of sharks, rays, and turtles.

Next, we head to a beautiful, secluded beach for a tasty lunch and relaxation. Then we are off in our sea kayaks, paddling along the shore on our way back towards the town. We will see a large number of sea birds along the shore and on the cliffs, and there is always the possibility to spot turtles and sea lions.

This is our last evening in the Galapagos, and you will have some free time to buy souvenirs and walk on Puerto Baquerizo Moreno«s lovely sea lion crowded boardwalk. This is a really unique experience.!

Day 9

Meals: Breakfast

It is time to say good bye to the enchanted islands, and after an early breakfast we will pay a quick visit to the Interpretation Center located at the northern edge of town. The Center provides great information about this fascinating archipelago, including the natural history of the Islands as well as the impact of humans on the ecosystem. You will also learn about the efforts to conserve the Galapagos and the challenges facing the Islands.

At midday we will board the flight to mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil).

D 1: Arrive in Quito and Enjoy a Welcome Dinner

Meals: Dinner

Touching down in Quito, you’ll be met at the airport by your Discover Corps guide, who will accompany you to our hotel for a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers. Have a restful night for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: Walking Tour of Quito

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today we’ll explore Quito, walking the pretty cobblestoned streets of its UNESCO-listed colonial center. A cable car ride to a nearby mountain summit will afford us a bird’s-eye view of the city and the surrounding volcanic peaks, before dinner at a chic restaurant. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Fly to Baltra to begin our Galápagos Adventure

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Our Galápagos adventure begins in earnest now, with an early morning flight from Quito to Baltra, before we take a bus and then boat to Isabela Island. After checking into our hotel, we’ll have the evening free to explore the town Puerto Villamil, the third largest human settlement in the archipelago.

Day 4: Snorkel the extraordinary Los Tuneles

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

One of the most spectacular sites for snorkeling off the coast of Isabela is Los Tuneles (or the Tunnels), tangled formations of hardened lava next to the mangroves. These unique formations of tunnels and bridges create one of the most astonishing locations for viewing sea turtles, rays, white-tipped sharks, and a variety of seabirds

Day 5: Kayak Las Tintoreras in Search of Marine Iguanas and Galápagos Penguins

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We’ll spend this morning kayaking along the coast of Las Tintoreras on Isabela Island, stopping to snorkel along the way in the El Elestero wetlands for those interested. After a picnic lunch, we’ll enjoy a beach sid mangrove walk, viewing a whole ecosystem of animals that are not normally visible.

Day 6: Visit a Tortoise Sanctuary on the Island of Santa Cruz

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today we’ll visit a tortoise sanctuary on the island of Santa Cruz. Here we’ll explore more otherworldly lava tunnels, before helping out with odd jobs at the sanctuary. In particular, we will be removing invasive plant species or planting endemic species throughout the reserve. As this is an area where tortoises roam freely in the wild, you may end up face to face with one of these magnificent creatures.

Day 7: Learn About Galápagos Conservation at the Charles Darwin Research Station

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning we’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the conservation projects across the archipelago, before an hourlong trek to the white sands of Tortuga Bay. Here you can go swimming or follow the lead of the resident marine iguanas and simply soak up some sun. Spend another afternoon volunteering at the tortoise sanctuary in the highlands of Santa Cruz.

Day 8: Discover Blue-Footed Boobies & Frigate Birds on North Seymour

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Today we’ll venture out to the tiny, uninhabited island of North Seymour, home to one of the largest populations of blue-footed boobies and majestic, red-throated frigate birds. Witness the frigate birds swoop down and cheekily swipe the boobies’ hard-earned catch of fish. On our way back, we’ll stop at a beautiful beach where you can snorkel with sea lions.

Tonight is a free evening in Santa Cruz.

Day 9: Snorkel Off the Islands of Daphne and Pinzon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today we’ll snorkel the waters around the small island of Daphne, a scientists colony, before continuing to Pinzon, home to some of the best snorkeling in the archipelago. Jump in from the boat to see sea lions, a kaleidoscope of reef fish and, if you're lucky, penguins. Tonight well share a farewell dinner in Santa Cruz. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Return Home or Continue Trip Via Quito

Meals: Breakfast

Whether or not you’ve chosen the trip extension, we’ll return to the airport in Baltra for a flight back to Quito today. From there we’ll either say our goodbyes before your flight home, or you’ll stay an extra night in Quito with us for our Amazon Basin post-trip extension (next page).