Located 965 km off of mainland Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are remote and renowned for their unique and diverse wildlife, much of which is found nowhere else on Earth! On the 13 main islands (only 4 of which are inhabited), and hundreds of islets and smaller islands, you can expect to see iconic species such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, sea lions, and various species of finches, among many others. Due to unique natural processes, like the ongoing seismic and volcanic activity and the isolated location, these species have learned to survive via evolution, and it has resulted in the development of extraordinary animal life in the Galapagos. For our Land and Sea Adventure you’ll be accompanied by passionate local guides and naturalists who will show you and teach you firsthand all about one of Earth’s most interesting and diverse regions.

There’s lots of talk about land-based or sea-based in the Galapagos. But with so much adventure to be experienced, we didn’t want to limit this itinerary to one or the other! That’s why, this WHOA exclusive trip, gives you the best of both worlds - land and sea. We’ll kick off our adventure by hiking volcanoes and camping with Galapagos tortoises. Then, board a private catamaran where we’ll enjoy fresh, locally sourced meals, landings on more remote islands + unlimited snorkeling, kayaking and wildlife ooohing and ahhhing!

One of the many amazing things about the Galapagos is that there’s no bad time of year to go! The islands are situated at a point in the Pacific Ocean where three ocean currents collide, creating a unique area in the sea where warm and varying degrees of cold water meet. This creates a mild, equatorial climate, with few rain showers, warm temperatures, and clear skies and seas for spotting all the wildlife. Temperatures in the Galapagos typically range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) throughout the year (although temperatures can vary depending on the specific island and elevation). Each season has its rewards. Just remember, the Galapagos sun is no joke, so pack plenty of reef-friendly SPF!

We’ll be on the go and on lots of boats during the course of this adventure. Whether we’re hiking, biking, kayaking, or snorkeling, the stronger you are, the more enjoyable your experience will be! So, stay as active as you can leading up to this adventure, and feel free to reach out if you have any specific questions about preparing for this Galapagos Adventure.

DAY 1

QUITO
We’ll pick you up from Quito International Airport (UIO) and transfer you to our beautiful hacienda where you’ll meet the rest of the group (please arrive by 2PM on this day). In the evening, we’ll gather for our special WHOA Welcome Dinner and get briefed on our epic adventure.
Stay: Hotel Jimentia or similar
Meals: Welcome Dinner

DAY 2

QUITO to SANTA CRUZ to ISABELA
Today we’ll be on the move by air, sea, and land! Our day will kick off with our flight to the Galapagos archipelago, the island of Santa Cruz to be exact. Then we’ll take a speed boat to the island of Isabela before we hop on bikes to take a ride through the wetlands.
Flight Time: 2.5 hours
Approx. Biking Distance: 5 km
Stay: Hotel La Laguna or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3

ISABELA to SIERRA NEGRA to CAMPO DURO
Everyone knows we lava to hike here at WHOA, so today we’ll take on a trek to the crater rim of the Sierra Negra Volcano for lunch with a view! In the evening, we’ll make our way to a special tortoise conservation in the foothills of Sierra Negra, to sleep amongst the one and only, world-famous, wait for it…Galapagos tortoises!
Approx. Hiking Distance: 8 km
Stay: Campo Duro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4

CAMPO DURO to LOS TUNELES to PUERTO VILLAMIL
In the morning, we’ll snorkel in one of the best snorkeling spots in the world—The Tunnels. It’s a true underwater sanctuary of arcs and tunnels made by the flow of lava into the ocean. Later, we’ll trade in our snorkeling gear for kayaks and explore the bay of Puerto Villamil and the shores of Isabela Island. We’ll see wildlife galore, like tropical fish, sharks, sea turtles, Galapagos penguins, and blue-footed boobies to name a few.
Stay: Hotel La Laguna or similar
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5

PUERTO VILLAMIL to PUERTO AYORA to SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS
There’s no better way to get your blood pumping in the morning than on a speed boat! Lucky for us, that will be our mode of transport back to Santa Cruz Island. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the highlands of the island by foot, and take on a 13 km (8 mi) hike through miconia trees and varied terrain to the majestic peaks of Media Luna, Puntudo, & Cerro Crocker (at 864 m this is the highest point on Santa Cruz). Expect to be challenged (in a good way!) on this beautiful hike that takes us through lava rock, muddy trails, grassy plains, and lots of ups & downs. The view from the summit is worth it!
Approx. Hiking Distance: 13 km
Stay: Hotel La Isla or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6

PUERTO AYORA to SEAMAN CATAMARAN to NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND
Today we set sail and board The Seaman, our floating home for the next 4 days! We’ll meet our amazing crew and naturalist guide who will be with us to provide invaluable insights into the remote islands we’ll be visiting. Our first stop is North Seymour, an uplifted island with predominantly flat terrain adorned with scattered boulders. We’ll have the opportunity to explore the island on foot, and learn all about the frigate birds who nest here. We’ll take it all in - from blue-footed boobies showcasing their courtship dance, swallow-tailed gulls elegantly perching along the cliff edges, and we can’t forget the resilient sea lions who will brave the powerful waves to bodysurf onto the beach!
Stay: Seaman Catamaran
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7

GENOVESA ISLAND
Did you know that the Galapagos Islands are considered to be young, at no more than five million years old? Today our guide will teach us all about the unique geologic traits of one of the youngest sectors of the archipelago - Genovesa Island. We’ll explore the southern cliffs, which serve as a prime nesting ground for Storm Petrels, and see quickly why this island is nicknamed The Bird Island! At the beautiful coral white sandy beaches of Darwin Bay, we’ll take a hike up to the dramatic cliffs to an awe-inspiring panoramic view. On the way, we’ll see Red-Foots nesting in mangrove trees below, sharp-beaked finches, large cacti and ground finches, Galapagos doves, and swallow-tailed gulls. Needless to say, it’s called The Bird Island for a reason!
Stay: Seaman Catamaran
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8

SOUTH PLAZAS to SANTA FE ISLANDS
One of the perks of having your very own catamaran is that you can island hop! Today we’ll head to not one, but two islands! First, South Plazas - home to some of the Galapagos' most captivating and exceptional species of birds and iguanas. Next stop is Santa Fe Island - an island that emerged through uplift rather than volcanic processes, and many theories suggest it’s the archipelago's oldest!
Stay: Seaman Catamaran
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9

SAN CRISTOBAL to QUITO
Today we’ll visit The Jacinto Gordillo Breeding and Rearing Center for young Giant Tortoises. The Center’s primary objective is the nurturing of young tortoises, and not only can we gain insights into their intricate breeding processes, but also actively engage and personally experience the purpose and passion that drives this vital breeding hub. In the afternoon, we’ll say our farewells and catch our flight from San Cristobal back to Quito.*
Flight Time: 2.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast

*International flights from Quito should not be before 9 PM on this day

**All distances and times are approximate. Itinerary and accommodation listed here might change based on availability and unforeseen conditions, and that's part of the adventure! Even when things change, trust you'll be well taken care of with WHOA quality, professionalism, and TLC!

We plan our adventures with most of the logistics taken care of, so you can focus on swimming with sea lions, and being your best adventure self! Here’s what’s included (and what’s not!) on this Galapagos by Land and Sea Adventure!

Included

• All accommodation as described in the itinerary

• All activities as described in the itinerary

• Fresh + local meals as described in the itinerary

• Airport pickup in Quito (if arriving on adventure start day)

• Domestic fights to flights to/from the Galapagos from Quito

• Private Catamaran for 4-days with full crew

• Transit Control Card (Ingala)

• Water Taxis (Small boat that takes you to and from the main pier to the speedboats)

• Itabacca Channel Ferry upon arrival

• Tips for your awesome guides and crew

• Transportation on and between the islands as described in the itinerary

• Passionate & Local naturalist guide (English & Spanish speaking)

• Activity guides and boat captains for all water-based activities

• Experienced hiking guides for day hikes

• Snorkeling equipment: snorkel, mask, fins, and life vest

• Passionate WHOA GAL (Group Adventure Leader) to make sure you feel mentally and physically prepared leading up to and during your adventure

• All the awesomeness listed as included on the daily breakdown of the itinerary...plus tons of WHOA TLC!

• 1% for the planet, as in 1% of what you pay goes towards grassroots environmental groups making a difference in their local communities

• Offsetting of this trip’s negative impact on the environment and carbon footprint, from the transportation to lodging to meals**
  
  Not Included

• Food and drinks that are not mentioned in the itinerary.

• Entrance fee for the Galapagos National Park: approx. $100 per adult (cash only)*

• Wetsuits Available to rent on the boat

• Travel Insurance (mandatory)

• Additional tips for your crew

• Personal expenses and souvenirs

• Airport pick-up if outside the standard pickup day/time
  

*National Park fees are subject to change

**We do our best to crunch the numbers and accurately calculate the carbon footprint the best we can with the information that we have. It’s not a perfect system and carbon offsetting isn’t an exact science, but we believe it’s more important to take action now, in every way that we can. At the moment, we don’t include the international airfare to the destination in these calculations, as we are not responsible for the bookings and it’s beyond our scope. Flights are the largest carbon emitter of most of our adventures, so we encourage all our adventures to consider doing it independently through the airline or with our partners at Sustainable Travel International. All our offsetting programs are certified by STI. 

DON’T MISS THE BOAT!

Reserve your spot with a $1,000 deposit now

Let’s SEAL THE DEAL

Connect with one of our Adventure Aficionados to answer all your Qs!

Putting down a $1000 deposit will reserve your spot on this WHOA Adventure! You’ll be invoiced and must pay in full at least 3 months before your adventure starts. All deposits are non-refundable.

Itinerary subject to change based on availability and unforeseen conditions, but that's part of the adventure! Even when things change, trust you'll be well taken care of with WHOA quality, professionalism, and TLC!

**
It’s of the utmost importance to us that any giving back we do is sustainable and fills a need that is of value to our partners. For that reason, our visits and partnerships can and do vary depending on the season, the organization's needs, and the abilities and desires of our group. Bottom line, in each case, we do our best to seek out local partners that are doing great, sustainable work, and we work closely with them to understand their needs to create an experience that will truly be of value to them and you!