Galapagos adventure holiday
| country: | Ecuador, Galapagos Islands |
| departures: | 2009: 25 Nov, 9 Dec, 23 Dec, 30 Dec 2010: 6 Jan, 20 Jan, 3 Feb, 17 Feb, 3 Mar, 17 Mar, 31 Mar, 14 Apr, 28 Apr, 12 May, 26 May, 9 Jun, 23 Jun |
| price: | From US $2700 (10 days) excluding international flights. We are a UK based company and prices are also available in GB pounds |
| offers: | We are offering a whopping 10% off our guaranteed 25 November - 04 December Galapagos Adventure holiday. Spaces will sell fast as this is a great time to visit the Galapagos, as the warm currents return and make for great snorkelling. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
read 10 travellers reviews
"For me, meeting the famous giant Galapagos Tortoise is the absolute highlight of this Galapagos adventure holiday. Not to mention swimming with baby sea-lions and even penguins! Being able to get so close to the wildlife in its natural habitat and explore the stunning scenery of the Galapagos Islands is truly an unmissable opportunity."
- Lani, responsibletravel.com
- Lani, responsibletravel.com
the amazing things you'll be doing
Galapagos adventure holiday This carefully planned multi-activity tour is perfect for all lovers of outdoor adventure. We combine snorkelling, kayaking, horse riding, biking and diving in a unique itinerary taking in the highlights of the islands. Whether you are diving with harmless sharks, playful sea lions, or giant manta rays, or just enjoying the company of the Giant Galapagos Tortoise, you will go home with memories that will last a lifetime. Optional scuba diving available. Please contact us for details.
Included in the price on our Galapagos adventure holiday is 9 nights full accommodation in single, double or triple accommodation, private bathroom, clean and comfortable, meals daily as specified (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner), airport transfers, all land and sea transport, airfare Quito-Galapagos-Quito, sea kayaks, mountain bikes, snorkelling equipment, naturalist guide authorized by national park of Galapagos, our local staff contact in Quito, full local logistical support and briefings.
Not included on our Galapagos adventure holiday is National Park entrance fee US $100, payable upon arrival at the airport in Galapagos, alcoholic drinks/ Soft drinks /tips, 3 evening meals in Galapagos, anything not specified in the package, wetsuits, optional diving.
Note: We reserve the right to change the itinerary due to weather conditions and/or Galapagas National Park regulation changes.
Price inclusions on our Galapagos adventure holiday: Accommodation, meals as per itinerary, airport transfers, all transport, airfare Quito-Galapagos-Quito, kayaks, bikes, snorkelling equipment, guide, contact in Quito, full local logistic support and briefings. Price details: Not included: National Park entrance fee $100USD, payable upon arrival at the airport in Galapagos, $10USD Ingala transit card, alcoholic drinks/ Soft drinks /Gratuities, 2 evening meals in Galapagos, anything not specified in the package, wetsuits ($20USD pp, for the week), optional diving (please enquire about diving packages), surf board hire.
Included in the price on our Galapagos adventure holiday is 9 nights full accommodation in single, double or triple accommodation, private bathroom, clean and comfortable, meals daily as specified (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner), airport transfers, all land and sea transport, airfare Quito-Galapagos-Quito, sea kayaks, mountain bikes, snorkelling equipment, naturalist guide authorized by national park of Galapagos, our local staff contact in Quito, full local logistical support and briefings.
Not included on our Galapagos adventure holiday is National Park entrance fee US $100, payable upon arrival at the airport in Galapagos, alcoholic drinks/ Soft drinks /tips, 3 evening meals in Galapagos, anything not specified in the package, wetsuits, optional diving.
Note: We reserve the right to change the itinerary due to weather conditions and/or Galapagas National Park regulation changes.
Price inclusions on our Galapagos adventure holiday: Accommodation, meals as per itinerary, airport transfers, all transport, airfare Quito-Galapagos-Quito, kayaks, bikes, snorkelling equipment, guide, contact in Quito, full local logistic support and briefings. Price details: Not included: National Park entrance fee $100USD, payable upon arrival at the airport in Galapagos, $10USD Ingala transit card, alcoholic drinks/ Soft drinks /Gratuities, 2 evening meals in Galapagos, anything not specified in the package, wetsuits ($20USD pp, for the week), optional diving (please enquire about diving packages), surf board hire.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | The tour starts in Quito. We meet you at Quito airport and take you to the hotel. There is a welcome letter at the hotel plus an information pack with a list of things to do and see, in and around Quito. On your first evening we have a full briefing on the week ahead and details of your adventure tour in Galapagos, and we all have a welcome dinner. (D) |
| Day 2: | Morning flight to the Galapagos. Here you meet our local staff and head off to your hotel. After lunch we head to the top of San Cristobal through the settlement of El Progresso, to La Soledad from where we have panoramic views out over the Pacific towards Santa Cruz, Floreana and Santa Fe. We then jump on the bikes for an exhilarating down hill through the lush highlands of the island, through El Progresso down to the township of Puerto Barequizo. We visit the Interpretation Centre and learn something of the history of The Enchanted Islands. Later we head to Mann Beach for a welcome swim where we can observe playful sea lions and frigate birds. That evening we have a superb dinner of some of the islands fresh fish and produce. (B, L, D) |
| Day 3: | A short boat ride to Isla de Lobos to observe nesting frigate birds and blue footed boobies - and a chance to swim and snorkel up close with the playful young sea lions in calm waters. A real highlight of the trip. We hop back into Christine and head to the amazing Kicker Rock, observing along the way, the abundant marine life that Galapagos is renowned for - whales and dolphins live in the area. Kicker Rock is the remains of an underwater volcano - two large rocks rising vertically 150m out of the sea with a cleft channel separating them - a truly impressive sight. Here we can dive and snorkel keeping an eye out below for sea turtles, manta rays and maybe the odd harmless Galapagos shark, just to name a few. After that we head to Cerro Brujo Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the islands. Hardly anyone visits this beach and its peacefulness and beauty are pristine. You can sunbathe, watch the fast and evasive Ghost crabs running around or get photos of iguanas and Sally Lightfoot crabs. After a few hours, we return to port late in the afternoon and if you're up to it, a hike around Frigate Bird Hill. (B, L, optional diving, please enquire) |
| Day 4: | Depart San Cristobal Island and head to Floreana Island. Keep an eye out for Dolphins and the magnificent Albatross along the way. Here you will experience some of the best diving and snorkelling in the islands at Enderby Islet or Champions Bay - drifting along with the current as marine life abounds below. Next we head to Devil's Crown - craggy rocks inhabited by marine birds, rising out of ocean. You get in the water and drift along with the current, all the time being able to see thousands of fish and starfish on the ocean floor. After a great lunch on the boat, we depart Floreana and head to Isabela Island, with its relaxed Caribbean feel, and to our next hotel. We head to the beach via a lake where Pink Flamingoes hang out, and spend time on the beach or in one of the laid-back bars, before dinner and plans for the next day. (B, L, D) |
| Day 5: | A full day tour takes us up Sierra Negra volcano, one of the most active in Galapagos, and with the second largest crater in the world. You experience a birds eye view of this magical landscape. After taking in the incredible views from the volcano we visit the Breeding Centre of the giant tortoise, the largest in Galapagos. That evening relax at the bar on the beach and enjoy a nice cold beer or cocktail (B, L) |
| Day 6: | We head to the Breeding Centre of the Giant Tortoises by pick up truck and on foot, the largest breeding centre in the Galapagos. There are hundreds of tortoises here, from fully grown breeding males and females to newly borns and eggs! Next, we make our way to the Wall of Tears, built by convicts many years ago as part of their punishment. The sharp rocks were dragged for miles in the baking Ecuatorial sun to the site of the wall - which the prisoners knew was the wall to their own cell. Along the way back, we'll stop at the lookout and one of the many natural pools, short walking trails, beaches and mangrove swamps along the way. After lunch we jump in the kayaks or a zodiac (depending on Park regulations at the time) to Shark Alley, where you can view harmless White Tip reef sharks, and the only penguins found close to the equator, and hopefully snorkel with some marine turtles. Another real highlight of the trip. (B, L, D) |
| Day 7: | Today we set off early to Santa Cruz, where we visit the highlands, observing the Galapagos giant tortoise in natural surroundings, and the amazing lava tunnels, some over 1km long, also taking in panoramic views of the islands. Later we head to Tortuga Bay, a stunning beach with fine white sand to see marine iguanas or try you hand at some body boarding or surfing. (B, L, D) |
| Day 8: | Today we visit Lonesome George at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here we observe many species of tortoise and land iguana, brought back from the brink of extinction. After some last minute shopping we depart Santa Cruz for Santa Fe Island for a nice dive or snorkel in a beautiful bay where we observe the marine iguanas feeding off the rocks and schools of surgeon fish just below the surface. Return to San Cristobal. Evening group dinner. (B, L, D-Optional diving) |
| Day 9: | We bid farewell to the Islands with a quick optional visit to La Loberia or last minute souvenir shopping! We depart San Cristobal Island and return to Quito and head back to our hotel in Quito. Our representative in Quito will be able to advise you and help with some of the many day tours available in and around Quito (B, L, D) |
| Day 10: | Quito, departure day (B) |
travellers' tales
The highlight for me was definitely the snorkeling, especially when there were sea lions about. I never thought I would be so enthusiastic about swimming with sharks! (more)
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places. how this holiday makes a difference
 The Galapagos was the first natural site to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site - 1979. It is also a Biosphere Reserve and Whale Sanctuary. The Galapagos is a worldwide model for eco-tourism. Here you are able to visit an area of great natural beauty and encounter, at close quarters, animal species that have no fear of humans. Strict regulations govern all tourist activities and are rigidly enforced and tourist numbers are restricted. For every visitor we take to the Galapagos we donate £25 to the Galapagos Conservation Trust www.gct.org who work to protect and conserve the Galapagos islands. We are also an active member of IGTOA http://www.igtoa.org/, a non profit association of travel companies, conservation organizations, and other groups that seek a lasting protection of the Galapagos Islands. We lobby for conservation, fund projects, and promote and practice sustainable tourism. The boats we use on our Galapagos adventure holiday are all locally owned and operated yachts, equipped to accommodate 10-16 passengers and accompanied by professional naturalist guides certified by the Darwin Research Station. On our Galapagos adventure holiday give people free membership to the Conservation Trust, we have IGTOA membership who campaign to protect the islands, we employ local staff all the way one the trip, only use hotels owned by locals, all the food is sourced locally, we take people to locally-owned restaurants to help keep the money in the islands, we don’t use plastic bottled water, instead one huge cylinder is used to fill people’s own water containers so cutting down on use of plastics, lunches onboard served in tupperware containers which can be resused, no rubbish is left anywhere by us or guides. No wildlife is disturbed and we operate a strict policy leaving the animals and flora alone. We encourage people to donate to Rainforest Concern to offset the carbon emissions for this trip. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |