*Details may vary with dates. Select dates to see exact details.
detour Review
This is our most popular multisport trip in the Galapagos Islands, and it is a great trip for those who want to visit this magnificent archipelago but want a more active trip than what they could get on a naturalist yacht trip.
In this trip you will stay in hotels on three different islands, traveling between the islands by speedboat. Compared with a naturalist yacht trip you will see all of the same species, but you won't see as much diversity because you won't visit as many islands. In exchange, you will spend more time outside viewing wildlife while hiking, riding bicycles and horses, sea kayaking, and snorkeling.
The Galapagos Multisport Adventure is an active exploration of the famous flora and fauna of the Galapagos by foot, sea kayak, mask and snorkel, mountain bike, and horseback. We will discover the incredible wildlife of the Islands with our naturalist guides, and will also visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation and management efforts in the archipelago.
From our kayaks we will paddle along the coast past colonies of blue footed-boobies, tropic birds, herons and marine iguanas perched among the jagged cliffs. We will stop at gleaming white sand beaches to soak up the tropical sunshine and to snorkel, where we have the chance to see sea lions, marine turtles, hammerhead and white tipped sharks, eagle and golden rays, and dozens of species of tropical fish, clams, starfish and marine invertebrates.
Our hikes will take us to scenic vistas and lava caves, incredible volcanic tunnel formations, and Media Luna, an old collapsed crater on top of Santa Cruz Island. We will walk past the magnificent and great frigate birds, blue footed boobies, swallowed tailed-gulls, herons, flamingos, Darwin finches, lumbering giant tortoises, sea lions, land and marine iguanas, and the Galapagos penguin, among many other animals that are unafraid of humans.
We will ride mountain bikes mostly downhill, through highland farmlands and small villages to El Garrapatero beach. El Garrapatero is an expansive white sand beach area, including a fresh water lake where you can come across pink flamingos, herons, grebes, stilts and other shore birds.
On horseback, we will travel 6 miles over irregular terrain to the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano, the second largest caldera in the world. From this viewpoint you have a fantastic prospect of the 6 x 5 mile-wide caldera, the other the volcanoes and the Perry Isthmus beyond.
In the evenings, explore small port towns, or just relax in high-quality, choice hotels. We highly recommended combining this tour with diving in the world-class marine reserve.
Highlights
See the Galapagos Islands by Sea Kayak, Mountain Bike, Foot, Snorkel, and Horseback!
Discover the magic of the geology and wildlife of the islands by pursuing different activities.
Spend your days adventuring in the islands and your evenings in quaint port town hotels.
Travel quickly between the islands by utilizing small speedboats.
Private trips can start on any day, depending on availability of guides and equipment.
Fixed/ Group Departure Dates 2008:
May 10/16, May 17/23 (LAST MINUTE SPECIAL PRICING), May 26/June 1 (LAST MINUTE SPECIAL PRICING), Jun 04/10, Jun 18/24, Jul 08/14, Jul 16/22, Jul 24/30, Jul 30/Aug 05, Aug 07/13, Aug 13/19, Aug 21/27, Sep 13/19, Sep 23/29, Oct 09/15, Oct 25/31, Oct 30/Nov 5, Nov 13/19, Nov 20/26, Dec 03/09, Dec 16/22, Dec 20/26, Dec 22/28, Dec 27/Jan 02
Upgrade to the following First Class hotels while on Santa Cruz Island: Add $237.50 per person.
-Red Mangrove Inn
-Hotel Silberstein
-Hotel Sol y Mar ...view more details
Why should I choose this trip? What makes it better (different) than other trips?
Want to see the Galapagos but aren't too interested in being trapped on a boat and confined to slow-moving nature walks? Discover the southern Islands of the Galapagos Archipelago on an active excursion in ways you never thought possible. Traverse the marine reserve by kayak, speed down the highlands by mountain bike, or hike through intriguing volcanic formations. Every day, a new adventure awaits you. In the evening, explore small port towns, or just relax in high-quality, choice hotels ...view more details
What kind of person will enjoy this trip?
If you like to keep active and dabble in many different sports, yet still want to explore the Galapagos, this trip is for you! ...view more details
How comfortable will I be? Is everything done for me or I am expected to participate?
We will stay in comfortable hotels in small port towns, leaving you free to move around and explore shops and restaurants on your own. Travel to the islands will be on fast speedboats, minimizing the travel time between adventures. ...view more details
How physically demanding is this trip? How fit do I need to be?
You should be healthy and of average fitness to enjoy this trip ...view more details
Insider's Tips
The restaurant at the hotel in San Cristobal has a great chef--Pepito. It is worth eating dinner at the hotel as Pepito can make a memorable dinner for you. ...view more details
DAY 1: TRANSFER AND HIKE IN SAN CRISTOBAL
We pick you up in the morning to board your flight to San Cristobal Island. Once we arrive, we hike to nearby Frigate Hill for splendid views of the coastline and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. And we'll also enjoy our first encounters with local wildlife, since the hill is often visited by such Galapagos stars as the magnificent and great frigate birds, with cameos from blue footed boobies, swallowed tailed-gulls, and Darwin finches. On our way back we can swim from the white sand of Mann Beach. Our first evening is free for exploring around town. (B, L)
DAY 2: SEA KAYAK PLAYA OCHOA AND SNORKEL IN LEON DORMIDO
We slip into our ocean kayaks and spend the morning paddling along the coast to reach Playa Ochoa. This journey is filled with sea lions, marine turtles, blue footed boobies and frigates birds. At Playa Ochoa we take-out to relax, enjoy the beach, or swim with the visiting sea lions. After lunch we paddle over to Leon Dormido, the jagged remains of an old tuff cone whose flanks are covered with seabirds. Leon Dormido offers excellent snorkelling, and for certified divers, one of the best dives in the Islands. Here we get good opportunities to see hammerhead and white tipped sharks, eagle and golden rays, and dozens of species of tropical fish, clams, starfish and marine invertebrates. In the afternoon we return for our hotel for our last evening in San Cristobal. (B, L)
DAY 3: SNORKEL IN SANTA FE ISLAND AND SEA KAYAK IN SANTA CRUZ
After breakfast we navigate in a fast boat from San Cristobal to Santa Fe and the Santa Cruz Islands. Santa Fe Island is home to a beautiful crystal water cove where we snorkel with playful sea lion pups and florescent fish. We also explore a submerged rock where rays and marine turtles can be found. We continue in our boat to Santa Cruz, where we pick up our kayaks to travel around Divine Bay and Punta Estrada paddling through multiple lava channels of calm, turquoise waters. 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 among the jagged cliffs. We return to Puerto Ayora in the afternoon and spend this evening at leisure, to dine or explore alternatives in the Galapagos' most populous town. (B, L)
DAY 4: HIKE AND MOUNTAINBIKE IN THE SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS
We transfer to El Chato reserve in the upper realm of Santa Cruz Island, natural habitat of the Galapagos tortoise. As we seek these lumbering giants, we'll also come across pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches and frigate birds bathing in fresh water lakes. We explore lava caves, incredible volcanic tunnel formations, and Media Luna, an old collapsed crater on top of Santa Cruz Island. Following a trail through Miconia forest, we'll reach a point with great views down to the coastline. Following lunch, we prepare our mountain bikes to ride mostly downhill through highland farmlands and small villages to El Garrapatero beach. El Garrapatero is an expansive beach area, including a fresh water lake where you can come across pink flamingos, herons, grebes, stilts and other shore birds. Relax on this perfect, white beach after a full day of hiking and biking. On the way back to our hotel, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation and management efforts in the archipelago. In the evening, you're free to relax at your beach front hotel, or else join the local nightlife, liveliest at the weekend. (B, L)
DAY 5: 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 the merger of 6 shield volcanoes - Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf. All of these volcanoes except one remain active, making this island one of the most volcanically-active places on earth. Here we visit the Galapagos Rearing Center, to learn about tortoise development and conservation. We explore the bay in search of the unique Galapagos penguin and follow a trail along the coastline to observe dramatic lava formations and to meet a large colony of sea lions. The local mangroves and salty lagoons feature the mangrove finch, endemic to Isabela. We can also sight American oyster catchers, herons, flamingos and many other shore species. In the afternoon we are left to enjoy exotic white sand beaches. The evening is spent in this tranquil port town. (B, L)
DAY 6: HORSEBACK RIDE AND HIKE IN ISABELA
From Puerto Villamil, we head up to the highlands to prepare our horses for a ride of about 6 miles (9 km) on irregular terrain until we arrive at the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano. Sierra Negra is the second largest caldera in the world. From this viewpoint you have a fantastic prospect of the 6 x 5 mile-wide caldera, the other the volcanoes and the Perry Isthmus beyond. Form here we hike to Chico Volcano with its puffing fumaroles and striking lava formations, examples of the geological events that have formed the Galapagos Islands over millennia. In the late afternoon, we return to Puerto Villamil for our last evening on the "Enchanted Islands." (B, L)
DAY 7: ISABELA - SANTA CRUZ, TRANSFER OUT
In the morning we navigate back to Santa Cruz Island, to transfer by bus to Baltra Island, for our flight back to the continent. An optional, one- or more-day diving tour extension is highly recommended. (B)
This provider can help with your other additional needs
local flights
transfers
additional accomodations
trip extensions
... and other requirements.
Request these additional services when you check availability above
What's Included
Breakfast everyday (7 breakfasts), Lunch on Days 1-6 (6 lunches). All accommodations included from Day 1-Day 6. All land and sea transportation in the Galapagos. Adventure and protective equipment, professional English speaking guide.
Not Included
Lunch on Day 7; dinner is not included on any day to allow you to explore the Island's restaurants on your own. Airfare to the Galapagos, Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee ($100 per person). Beverages, tips or gratuities, personal expenses.
Wetsuits (Can be rented for $40 per person, to be paid in cash).
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Overall Rating:
6 customer reviews
Destination:
4.8
Activity:
4.7
Equipment:
3.3
Food:
3.0
Guides & Service:
4.5
Provider Rating: 8 trip reviews
Equipment:
3.8
Food:
3.3
Guides & Service:
4.6
Social & Environmental Responsibility:
3.4
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Great Family Vacation
by Steve H., Proficient,
Apr 11, 2008
Great family vacation. Good weather, interesting and exotic sights, informative, helpful and friendly guides, enough varied daily activity to feel good. Land based tour allowed us to feel more connected to the Galapagos versus taking a ship based trip that seemed passive and arms length. Accommodations were just what we were looking for -- comfortable but not luxurious
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Multisport Adventure
by Zachary M., Experienced,
Oct 30, 2007
[ Please see the trip reviews for more information from this passenger ]
The only confusion was the night before we left quito for Galapagos. We
were told that vouchers would be delivered to the hotel. They were not
needed, but still caused several moments (couple hours) of panic before
we were able to get in touch with someone from Ecuador adventures -
because no one was answering the emergency numbers.
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Multisport Adventure
by Meredith C., Minimal Experience,
Oct 30, 2007
Only negative thing was the communication with Ecuador Adventure in Quito before the trip. Our email said that vochers would be dropped off at our hotel the night before our flight and nothing was. It took quite a while to finally contact someone with Ecuador Adventure only to be told that they would NOT be dropping anything off. The confusion was totally unnecessary.
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Galapagos Multisport Adventure, 7 Days
by David E, Apr 20, 2007
This was a fantastic trip! Alfredo, the guide, was fantastic and we became freindw with him on this trip. It was a really good decision to take this trip rather than a boat-based trip---we got to really experience the islands and wildlife. We found experiencing the wildlife was better than we expected. We kayaked feet away from shore where boobies were nesting right on the banks. Animals are not afraid of you--even the fish were not afraid of us.
We had one negative--we got upgraded hotels on the trip and this was not worth it. All the hotels, except for on Floreana, had air conditioning and were pretty nice. Our upgraded hotels in one case were actually worse than the regular hotels. Don't upgrade your hotels on this trip.
On the horseback riding 2 of us preferred to walk most of the way. Mountain biking was fun but not the best wildlife experience.
All in all a great trip!
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Galapagos Multisport Adventure, 7 Days
by Mary Ann, Apr 03, 2007
We just got back from Quito and Galapagos Island adventure tour. It exceeded our expectations! We had a great time. The folks at Ecuador Adventure were prompt, professional, knowledgeable, friendly...what other great adjective can I use to describe them! In particular, I want to call out our guide in Galapagos - Alfredo - oh, my gosh, very knowledgeable about the islands, took care of us, very, very athletic and diverse. Everything promised - horseback riding, sea kayaking, snorkeling, etc was fulfilled. Animal life - AWESOME. Saw all animal life in their natural habitats including the giant tourtesus (sp?), boobies, etc.
Another person w/ Ecuador adventure that I'd like to give kudos to is George (Jorge spanish). He took us to the market on Saturday and took care of us to and from the airport on our Galapagos trip.
Please keep in touch regarding other "adventure" trips you provide. Frankly, this type of trip was our speed. Anything less would have been a disappointment and anything more would have been, frankly too much.
Breakfast everyday (7 breakfasts), Lunch on Days 1-6 (6 lunches). All accommodations included from Day 1-Day 6. All land and sea transportation in the Galapagos. Adventure and protective equipment, professional English speaking guide.
Not Included
Not Included
Lunch on Day 7; dinner is not included on any day to allow you to explore the Island's restaurants on your own. Airfare to the Galapagos, Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee ($100 per person). Beverages, tips or gratuities, personal expenses.
Wetsuits (Can be rented for $40 per person, to be paid in cash).
Notes
Trip Notes
This itinerary is subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes, last minute weather conditions and adjustment of Galapagos national Park policy.
Transportation to Trip Departure Point
Arriving to trip starting point
Transportation can be arranged either by provider or traveler
Arriving to trip starting point description:
Flights from Quito to the Galapagos must be purchased with the trip. Flight times and airline used vary by trip.
Aproximate cost is $415.00 per person from Quito.
Transportation On Trip
Transportation Description
We use open speed boats to travel to different islands each day.
Transportation Types
Private Bus Motor Boat Commercial Jet
Average hours/day travel
2-3 hours
Lodging - Accommodations
What are the accommodations like?
Accommodations are in tourist hotels, all of which are clean and comfortable. Most have private bathrooms, and they are smaller boutique hotels.
Lodging Types
6 Nights hotels
Hotels on Trip
Ecuador Adventure will choose hotels from these lists based on availability.
SAN CRISTOBAL
-Hostal Teclas
-Casa Blanca
-Orca Hotel
SANTA CRUZ:
-Hotel Fernandina
-Red Booby Inn
-Mainao Inn
ISABEL:
-Casa de Marita
-Wooden House
Details
Provider Social and Environmental Responsibility
Community Involvement
Ecuador is rich in indigenous communities with claims to thousands of acres of
ancestral territories. Ecuador Adventure is actively involved in helping such
communities develop sustainable hospitality practices that preserve the forest in
harmony with their age old way of life.
Indigenous Guides
Many services engage the participation of local guides, porters, or assistants,
respected experts in their local areas. Ecuador Adventure guarantees fair
employment conditions far surpassing those required by law, where each indigenous
crew member is not only treated with dignity, but also as a partner and friend.
Eco Tourism Lectures
Ecuador Adventure staff educates and shares the importance of preserving the
environment through university and high school lectures on the benefits of
Community Based Eco-tourism (CBE) projects as a sustainable alternative to the
increasing pressures to exploit land, water and communities for short-sighted gain.
We are an active member of Ecuador's Ecotourism Association,
www.ecoturismo.org.ec.
Safe Camping and Environmental Standards
During overnight outdoor trips and expeditions, Ecuador Adventure abides by
and exceeds national and international camping and environmental standards.
Illegal Environmental Practices
On occasion, Ecuador Adventure witnesses irresponsible individuals, companies,
and even governments who exploit Ecuador's environment irrationally. This is not
taken lightly. We document and denounce such illegal practices as we encounter
them to the competent authorities. Better results are sometimes obtained through
public pressure by sending our complaints and images to the media, including local
newspapers and television networks.
Tell me about the safety precautions and plans for this trip.
Ecuador Adventure guides meet and exceed qualifications and requirements:
Wilderness Emergency Medicine - First Responder
Kayak Instructor - American Canoe Association
Ecuadorian National Guide Certification - Ministry of Tourism
Ecuadorian Mountain Association - ASEGUIM
Rock Rescue - American Mountain Guide Association
Professional Paddle Association
Swift Water Rescue
Open Water Rescue
Red Cross
CPR - American Heart Association
Five years minimum experience requirement
Guide Training Program - Ecuador Adventure
Maximum Age
None
Travel Provider
Provider Name
Ecuador Adventure
Why should I choose this provider?
Our travel professionals offer unrivalled attention to detail, safety issues and service standards. Ecuador Adventure's serves more than 1,000 clients each year, including many of Ecuador's top 50 companies in the travel and business industries.
Provider Policies
Terms and Conditions
ECUADOR ADVENTURE reserves the right to change or withdraw any travel arrangements when deemed necessary in the best interests of our clients. This is especially applicable when faced with unforeseen weather conditions that prevent us from running a trip safely. We reserve the right to refuse, accept or retain any passenger from our trips should he or she jeopardize group safety or engage in illegal, vv or offensive behavior. Luggage travels at owner's risk throughout the tour, although we provide all necessary precautions. Complementary traveler insurance is available upon request. All passengers must sign a liability / responsibility release prior to their trip. We are not responsible for cancellation of any services due to natural disasters, social upheavals or other circumstances out of our control.
Pricing policies:
Our trips DO NOT include local airfare. Prices vary according to season. We reserve, reconfirm and sell airline tickets for local flights, or reconfirm your international flights at no additional cost.
Our trips DO NOT include entrance fees to National Parks, Private Reserves, or protected areas.
Cancellation Policies:
All groups or individuals are subject to a cancellation fee if cancellation is done less than 30 days prior to departure.
On all group and individual cancellations for Galapagos and land services, USD 50.00 handling fee per person will be forfeited as penalty.
For land services, if cancellation is received:
- 30/20 days prior 30% of the full price will be forfeited
- 19/10 days prior 50% of the full price will be forfeited
- 9/5 days prior 75% of the full price will be forfeited
- 4 days 100% of the full price will be forfeited
For Galapagos Multisport, Galapagos Kayaking or Galapagos Trekking tours:
If cancellation is received between 90 and 60 days prior departure no cancellation penalty will be applied.
If cancellation is received between 60 and 30 days prior to the date our services are due to begin, 25% of the full price per person will be forfeited.
If cancellation is received between 29 and 15 days before our services are due to begin, 50% of the full price per person will be forfeited.
If cancellation is received between 14 days and 0 days full payment is not refundable.
Should a group member cancel after final confirmation, he should be replaced by another member in order to avoid the cancellation fee.
Refund Policies:
If cancellation is received between 14 days and 0 days before the operation of services and the same is due to medical reasons, we will refund 50% of the full price of the program and will require copy of the certifications that prove injury or illness.
Detour, The Adventure Travel Marketplace - Galapagos Multisport Adventure, 7 Days
