Galapagos Unbound

*Please note that the following information is meant to provide a general overview of your tour. The specifics of your trip will be contained in a pre-trip letter you will receive prior to your confirmed departure.

Important Trip Details:

MEETING PLACE: Casa Ilayaku, Quito 
ARRIVAL TIME: Any point on day one of your trip itinerary. 
TRIP MILES: Varies depending on group size, weather and kayaker's abilities
RETURN TIME: 5:00 PM
TRIP LENGTH: 10 days
AGE LIMIT: Minimum age is 7 years
BOAT TYPE: Sea Kayak
NEAREST AIRPORTS: Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)

Galapagos Unbound Tour Itinerary 

Day 1: Arrive in Quito

Fly into Quito and begin your Galápagos Unbound adventure. Upon arrival, meet with the hotel’s representative and take their private shuttle to your hotel for the evening.

• Accommodations: Quito Hotel
• Meals Included: None

Day 2: Quito City Tour

After breakfast, venture out to explore Quito. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quito offers historic sites such as colonial temples and the monasteries of Santo Domingo and San Francisco. Visit the St. Augustine Convent, the Independence Plaza neighbored by the Jesuit Church of La Compañía, the Municipal Building, the Presidential Palace and the Archbishop’s Palace. Next, we continue our exploration with a visit to the Church of San Francisco, an incredible remnant of the New World known for its elaborate interior.

We take a break with some lunch, after which we stop by the Galápagos Unbound headquarters in Ecuador. Tempt your tastebuds with some of Ecuador’s rich chocolate before gathering for a trip briefing and kayaking orientation. Return to your hotel by mid-afternoon and relax before dinner.

• Accommodations: Quito Hotel
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Quito - San Cristobal – Manglecito.

Activities: Fly from Quito, sea kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, beach camping.
Wildlife: Sea lions, blue-footed boobies, sea turtles.

Depart mainland Ecuador for the Galápagos Islands with a flight from Quito to San Cristóbal. Our Galápagos National Park’s Naturalist Guide greets us upon arrival. Take in San Cristóbal’s eroded volcanic peaks and verdant vegetation as you travel to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital. Once there, relax with lunch at a local restaurant before getting fitted for your personal snorkel gear which will allow you to experience the Galápagos' marine world in comfort.
This afternoon, settle in for your first kayaking expedition of the trip with a 6-mile paddle from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to Manglecito Beach. The paddle takes you past Lobos Island, where you can spot marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and brown pelicans perched on the rocky coast. You may even be able to spot passing sea turtles popping their heads out of water to take a breath or even mating.  

You arrive to a beach camp welcome from your camp guides, settle into your tent to relax and enjoy the view or indulge in more wildlife spotting.
This evening, enjoy camping on a secluded beach and relish the freshly prepared food, tranquil views and the occasional visit by the local wildlife before bed.

• Accommodations: Secluded beach camping
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Kayak from Manglecito to Puerto Grande – Snorkel Kicker Rock

Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking.
Wildlife: Sea lions, blue-footed and masked boobies.

Today, we will take our kayaks and paddle around three hours along the coast, traveling from Manglecito to another gorgeous beach. On arrival we have lunch and enjoy some bird watching and beach time. Afterwards we travel aboard a catamaran a short distance to Kicker Rock or Leon Dormido. On route we may encounter porpoises! Then we begin an amazing snorkeling experience during which we may see Galapagos and white-tipped reef sharks, eagle rays and sea turtles. We see hundreds of fish and sea stars. Late afternoon we return to relax on the beach and enjoy our last night at camp.

• Accommodations: Secluded beach camping
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

*Note Boat ride to Kicker Rock on Shared Services in groups from 4 to 7 people

Day 5: San Cristobal - Isabela Island - Wildlife Kayaking

Activities: Inter-island flight to Isabela, paddle that bay, walking.
Wildlife: Marshlands, mangroves, flamingoes, tortoises.

An early start this morning to back to town by boat to catch our flight to Isabela, no time for breakfast at camp so we will have coffee and snacks on the boat and depending on our flight time we will either have breakfast at Buenaventura House or when we arrive in Isabela. Isabela Island—the archipelago’s largest island formed from 6 merged shield volcanoes. Amongst the calderas and lush wetlands, more wild tortoises can be found here than on all the other islands combined, and rare endemic wildlife can be spotted. Despite its soaring volcanic views and impressive wildlife initiatives, few Galápagos cruises make it to Isabela—making this a unique adventure.

Our morning travels take us to Puerto Villamil, where we check in at our evening’s accommodations and enjoy some local cuisine at lunch. Up next, we hop in our kayaks and paddle around Isabela's beautiful bay and beachfront. Wildlife is abundant, especially birdlife, and this is probably our best chance to see the tiny Galápagos penguin as they love to hang out and nest on the rocks here. Bring your snorkel gear along as you will have plenty opportunity to jump in and explore beneath the water. The pure white sand on the seafloor makes this a snorkel paradise.

• Accommodations: Isabela Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

*Note - the checked baggage allowance for these small planes is 25lbs per person - you may have a carry on like a backpack.  If you are over the limit the airline will charge $2 per lb over. 

Day 6: Isabela’s Sierra Negra

Activities: Hiking to a volcano’s rim, Sierra Negra caldera, fumaroles, afternoon swim.
Wildlife: Short-eared owls, Galapagos hawks, finches, flycatchers, warblers.

Enjoy a fresh breakfast before heading out into Isabela’s highlands for a new view of the Galápagos Islands’ diverse terrain. Our travels take us to the base of Sierra Negra—an active volcano whose last eruption in 2005 left it coated with a remarkable new layer of lava. Hike 6-10 miles to the caldera, the second largest in the world, and enjoy incredible views while looking out for flycatchers, finches and the elusive Galápagos hawk.

Once we reach the caldera’s rim, relax and take in the sweeping views of Isabela laying before you. Then, our hike continues to Volcan Chico*, where a lunar landscape of fumaroles and rippling snakes of black lava await you. From the highest points, you can see Isabela’s other volcanoes and the surrounding islands.
After our hike through Isabela’s heights, return to back to town. Enjoy a stroll along the beach, cool down with a swim or explore more of Puerto Villamil before rejoining for dinner. Delicious BBQ is served outside on the beachfront, giving you an excellent opportunity to relax under a Galápagos sunset warmed by a bonfire.

• Accommodations: Isabela Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Boat ride to Los Tuneles & El Finado - Tortoise breeding center

Activities: Tuneles, swimming, snorkeling.
Wildlife: Marine iguanas, sea lions, white-tipped reef sharks, blue-footed & masked boobies, sea lions, spotted eagle rays, damselfish. Tortoise at every stage of development

Take a morning boat ride to Los Tuneles, an impressive and unique lava formation comprised of caves and arches dipping in and out of the water. Explore the shoreline and slip on a snorkel mask to explore Los Tuneles’ underwater labyrinth and the Galápagos wildlife that enjoy playing here. From here, we then move to neighboring El Finado, a becalmed inlet once used by local fisherman for respite from their ocean journeys.

At El Finado, we anchor our boat and once again hop into the water to snorkel amongst the reefs, submerged caves and marine life wonderland. A favorite haunt of white-tipped reef shark, vibrant tropical fish and stingrays, El Finado offers plenty to see. Further into the lush mangroves, you can discover wrasses, parrotfish and hogfishes navigating alongside you in this unique habitat.  
After this morning’s snorkel excursions we visit the Tortoise Breeding Center, an initiative by the Galápagos National Park to conserve the many and varied species of these gentle giants. See tortoises at every stage of development and learn about the initiative's work to preserve the species before they are returned to their native habitats.

We return to the hotel via the wetlands, where flamingos add a splash of color to the brackish waters of the tidal lagoons that are home to them as well as four species of mangrove and numerous migratory birds.

This evening, stroll along the white sandy beach and enjoy a leisurely night independently exploring the town.

• Accommodations: Isabela Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

*Note Boat ride for Tuneles on Shared Services in groups from 4 to 7 people

Day 8: Boat ride from Isabela to Santa Cruz – Visit Highlands and Kayak

Activities: Inter-island boat ride to Baltra, wildlife walking tour.
Wildlife: Giant tortoises, sharks, rays, bird life, marine life.

After breakfast, we will take a speed boat to Santa Cruz Island. Santa Cruz, is also called Indefatigable Island, it's located in the center of the Galapagos Islands archipelago. It is also the center of human activity in the Galapagos Islands, since the National Park Headquarters, the Darwin Research Station, and the largest settlement in the Galapagos Islands, Puerto Ayora, are all located on Academy Bay on the south side of Santa Cruz Island. Santa Cruz is the only island having a road that crosses its interior (running from Puerto Ayora in the south to the Itabaca Channel crossing in the north), thus providing tourists a rare opportunity to see the interior and higher elevations of a Galapagos island. We will drive to the Santa Cruz highlands where we will see wild Galapagos Tortoises. These huge creatures weigh 200 to 500 pounds and are scattered all over the island. Then visit lava tunnels, these underground tunnels dug by hot lava twist, turn and intertwine while provide an exciting opportunity to view the immense effect of volcanic activity.

In the afternoon we will kayak for one hour and a half in a calm shallow lagoon where rays, mullets and sharks can be seen while kayaking along the rocky coastline. (Depending of the tide the order of the visits can be changed). Once back in the hotel you will have the chance to rest and enjoy a dinner on your own either at the hotel or in town.  Puerto Ayora is a bustling little town with lots of options – Water Taxis operate 24/7 and cost around $1 per trip.

• Accommodations: Puerto Ayora Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

*Note: Boat ride from Isabela to Santa Cruz on Shared Services in groups from 4 to 7 people. The kayak activity could vary depending on tides.

Day 9: Visit the “Trapiche” or Sugar Mill – Visit Garrapatero and Kayak

Activities: Visit the Sugar Mill, relax and kayak on the beach.
Wildlife: Darwin’s finches, Vermilion flycatcher, Saclesia and Miconia forest, frigate birds, manta rays, sea turtles.

After breakfast, we will take a scenic drive towards El Garrapatero. We will pass through Bellavista town, and have the chance to visit a farm that still processes sugar the old fashioned way. The local property owners produce sugar cane and Galapagos coffee, which they then process both in a very traditional manner. One of the family members, who will act as our guide and informant will demonstrate the farming process of coffee and sugar cane and feature the extraction of the sugar cane juice. We will learn of the distillation process until the final product of “Galapagos Moonshine”, and even more exciting, a look and taste of the fruit of the coffee plant in its natural state. Afterwards, we will continue to the beach of El Garrapatero where we will have the chance to relax on the beach, swim on the ocean or kayak to explore the nearby mangroves. In the evening, at to top of our day, we will have a farewell dinner. 

• Accommodations: Puerto Ayora Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Puerto Ayora - Baltra & Return to Quito

Activities: Transfer to Baltra, catch the flight to Quito.

In the morning we drive across the island of Santa Cruz, back to Baltra and the airport. Baltra was the location of an air base built by the US Navy during WW II, although the runway has been relocated since then. Fly back to Quito, where you may catch your international flight home or continue your Ecuadorian adventure with one of our extension tours. 

Galapagos Travel Arrangements

Travel to Quito: 

The simplest way to get to Quito is to connect through one of several US cities, including NYC, Atlanta, Houston, Miami and Fort Lauderdale, which all offer direct flights to Quito. 

Airport Transfer Upon Arrival: 

Arrival airport transfer is included in your package price. Please provide your international flight information and we will arrange to provide transportation to your hotel in Quito, where the tour officially begins. On the final day, the trip ends upon arrival back to the Quito airport. If you have arranged extra hotel nights or extensions to your trip, you will need to arrange your own transportation. The hotels we use offer complimentary shuttle services, and taxis are available in abundance at the airport. 

Galapagos Weather

The Galápagos has two main seasons: the cool and dry season that lasts from July through December and the hot and rainy season that goes from January through June. The weather remains relatively temperate throughout both seasons and so it’s always a good time to visit the Galapagos Islands.

The “peak season” for tourism is usually attributed as lasting from mid-December through mid-January and mid-June through September. However, since the Galápagos National Park Service has various travel restrictions, you will never have to deal with hordes of tourists and can instead enjoy the natural serenity of the islands in relative solitude.

When To Go?

Galapagos Dry Season

The dry season in Galápagos is known as the garúa season, and this is when temperatures begin to drop.

• As cold waters travel north from the Antarctica region, the climate becomes more subtropical than tropical.
• One of the most visible effects of the subtropical climate is the misty rain that coats the island peaks and turns the vegetation green. As garúa translates to “drizzle” in English, it’s a fitting name for the misty season.
• The garúa season attracts more marine mammals, fish, and birds despite the colder waters because the Humboldt Current brings up nutrient and plankton rich water.
• The drizzle largely effects the highlands while the lowlands continue to have an arid climate, and there’s plenty of wildlife to observe in both.
• The sea is swarming with fishes, and so it’s one of the best times to observe seabirds and Galápagos penguins who are enjoying the feast swimming below the surface.

Galapagos Rainy Season

The rainy season extends from January through June, and the water and weather is at its warmest during these months. Explore the shores of Galápagos during ideal tropical weather on our Galápagos Adventure.

• The tropical rain showers are at their heaviest January through March, but although the rainfall can be heavy the storms are generally short.
• The predominately sunny days paired with the warm waters coming down from Colombia and Panama make for great snorkeling weather.
• While the weather is at its clearest and the water at its smoothest from March to April, there are less fish to see in the warm waters; rather, more fish can be found later in the year.

Click Here to Access Our Helpful Weather and Wildlife Guide

ROW Adventures Physical Requirements  

Here at ROW Adventures our first and foremost goal is for you to have an enjoyable and safe experience. While most of our trips are suitable for beginners, some of our trips are more active than others and it’s important that you understand the physical requirement of the trip you choose. 

All of our trips are active adventures that involve some level of physical exertion and possible exposure to the elements including but not limited to wind, rain, heat, sun, cold temperatures and cold water conditions. ROW Adventures is able to accommodate people with physical limitations, disabilities and medical conditions; please speak with your Adventure Consultant if you think you will require any additional assistance while on the trip. We ask that you consult your doctor if you have health or medical conditions that could impact your ability to participate in an active and outdoor adventure. In general, all trip participants must be able to do the following:  

• Wear all protective and safety equipment that are required by ROW Adventures and recommended/required by industry wide standards.
• Load and unload, on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion, the bus and/or van providing transportation for ROW Adventures activities.
• Reach the water access points (put-in and take-out) on their own, or with the aid of a qualified companion.
• Enter and exit a raft, kayak and/or inflatable kayak on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion.
• Remain seated and balanced in a floating raft, canoe, kayak or inflatable kayak w/ the aid of adaptive equipment, if necessary.
• Float on their back when entering moving and still water. The participant must be capable of turning from face-down to face-up in the water with the aid of a Personal Floatation Device and must be able to hold their breath while under water.
• Remain calm and keep breathing under control in the event of a swim.
• Climb into the kayak, with the help of another person, should an involuntary swim happen at any point on the water.
• Make progress toward the shoreline or a boat by swimming in moving water and must be able to exit the water and ascend the shoreline once reached.
• Participate as an active paddler when instructed by the guide for the duration of trip. 
• Move about the campsite on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion on all trips that include overnight camping and/or lunch.

Physical Preparedness

Whether you are an avid sea kayaker, or it is your first time, you’ll enjoy these incredible trips, and share in our passion for adventure, commitment to conserving the environment, and relishing unique experiences. For those new to the sport, kayaking is easy to learn in the sheltered waters that we visit, and we provide all of the camping gear, kayaking equipment and guidance needed. In addition, we keep our groups small to allow you to not only travel intimately among nature, but to ensure you receive the necessary attention from our guides.

Galapagos Unbound Packing List

 

Overview:

The packing list outlined below is meant to serve as a guide to help you plan, prepare and outfit yourself for your upcoming travels. We have provided our best recommendations and suggestions. These suggestions are broken down by your tour type and are based on the outlined itinerary, the geographic region, our knowledge of the Galapagos, and our personal experience. We hope you find this list helpful, use it as a guide and feel free to amend it with your favorite travel items too!

Gear Provided by ROW Adventures

ROW Adventures provides all necessary equipment for your selected tour. This includes all necessary camping equipment for your tour: tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, and pillow with pillow case. In addition to all the necessary equipment for kayaking and snorkeling: personal flotation devices (PFDs), paddles, kayaks, and one 10L dry bag to serve as your day bag. 

ROW’s adventures are best enjoyed if you travel light. For Galapagos trips pack as lightly as possible. The reasons for this are many:  

• Inter-island flights are limited to 25 pounds baggage per person.
• You have to lug your stuff.
• You don’t need much.  

Provided Snorkeling Attire

We will provide you with a shorty wetsuit, snorkel mask, fins, and PFD.

Luggage Recommendations:

We think it is wise to avoid checking any luggage under the plane. If you do, make sure that you have everything that is either essential or, would be hard to replace, with you in your carry on bags. You will be using three main bags during the trip. One is your main duffel for things you only need at camp. The second is a small day pack that has things you need with you during the day, and the third is a dry bag provided by ROW that you carry on the kayak with you and the fourth is an optional “wet gear bag.” The contents for each is explained below.

1) One duffel bag or roll-on that meets carry on requirements. If you don’t want to carry a duffel bag through airports on your air travels, pack a light duffel bag inside a roll-on bag of carry-on size. Then, in Quito, you can pack the things you need for the Galapagos inside the duffel bag and leave the roll-on at the hotel. At the end of the trip, this same duffel can then be used as an extra piece of luggage for your souvenirs on your return flight. Again, this should be a medium-size duffel that meets carry-on requirements. You can just take your roll on bag with you but remember - Wheels add weight.

2) One small day pack. Outside zippered pockets are nice. This qualifies as a carry-on “personal item.” A good size measures 18” high x 12” wide by 8” deep plus outside pockets about 2” deep. Carry medications, books, games and other essentials or “hard-to-replace” items in this on the plane. While in Ecuador, this is perfect for stashing those items you’ll want during the day, whether sea kayaking, hiking or visiting towns.

3) Dry Bag (Provided by ROW) – To use in the Galapagos on the sea kayaks for items you want to keep handy during the day in your kayak. This small bag will hold your rain gear, sunscreen, sun shirt, binoculars, camera, etc. on top of your kayak for easy accessibility.

Essential Items

• Passport - must be valid for at least six (6) months after the date of your arrival
• Money belt to carry your passport, travel documents and money, concealed under your clothes
• A photocopy of your passport, inside a ziplock bag and stowed elsewhere in your luggage (As an additional precautionary measure, consider leaving a photocopy with family or friends at home as well)
• Copy of your air tickets with ticket numbers, placed elsewhere in your luggage
• $100 cash for Galapagos National Park fee
• $12 cash for Isabela Arrival Tax
• Cash for gratuities (see more information below)
• Credit and/or Debit/ATM card that works internationally, ideally with a chip technology (Before leaving home, notify your bank of your travel to help prevent any fraud detection holds on your card)
• Watch or small travel clock with alarm (if you are taking a phone, this can serve as your alarm clock)
• TSA-accessible lock for luggage security when not on your person (optional- can buy at any travel or outdoor recreation store)

Focus on lightweight nylons or polyesters that dry quickly. On the island of Isabela where we stay in the middle of the trip, there is a laundry service at the hotels or, this is a good time to hand-wash clothes in the bathroom sink. We hope you find this list useful and we welcome your favorite ideas as well.

Clothing

• One pair long, lightweight, nylon pants with zipper pockets - zip off legs give you more options
• One other comfortable pair of pants or skirt  (One of these first two items is worn on airplane)
• One pair nylon shorts (that double as a swimsuit for the guys)
• Swimsuit for gals
• Two t-shirts or polo shirts
• One pair light weight pajamas
• One short sleeve button-up shirt -  nylon or poly/cotton
• One long sleeve shirt for sun protection - you can buy tight-weave nylon shirts with 30 SPF protection made by companies such as Columbia, etc. Sun protection is essential and the equatorial sun is intense and reflected by sky and water
• One long sleeve button up shirt for town – light poly/cotton (pack in a ziplock bag to minimize wrinkles if you care)
• One light fleece or polyester sweater or jacket for warmth in the evenings and mornings
• Three or four pairs underwear
• One wide-brim, tie-on hat – floppy nylon is ideal as it packs well. A baseball cap & bandana also works
• One lightweight raincoat – like a windbreaker that has some waterproof qualities
• Three pair light nylon or cotton socks, (one thicker pair cotton for the Volcano hike)
• One pair sandals with ankle straps to wear while kayaking, on the beaches, walking around towns, etc. Chaco is our preferred brand, but Teva and others make these
• One pair sturdy tennis shoes, or running shoes, to use for the volcano hike and for other times when you want to wear something other than the sandals. Most people would find hiking boots unnecessary, but if you prefer them, or need extra ankle support, then a lightweight pair may be appropriate.
• Water Gear
• One pair of paddling gloves. If your hands are prone to blisters. Cheap, fingerless bike gloves work great
• One lycra “rash guard” shirt adds to the warmth and ease of getting your wetsuit on and off but is not essential
• *If you wish to borrow snorkel, fins, mask and/or wet suits, please let us know and it can be provided at no additional cost – this gear will not be considered part of your 35lbs check in weight as we will transport the rental gear for you

Additional Gear

• Lip balm w/sunscreen for your day bag
• Sunglasses - Good ones that will protect your eyes from the sun and the reflection off the water. Polaroid lenses offer great marine wildlife viewing.
• Headstrap for glasses and sunglasses – Chums, Croakies or similar
• Extra pair of sunglasses and glasses
• One flashlight. The nicest kind is a headlamp. Extra batteries and bulb
• One wide-mouth water bottle (1 Liter or bigger)
• Water filtration system - Bringing this along will help reduce our use of single use plastic. Ecuador has nearly perfect tap water that can be easily filtered so it wont upset your bodys system. We recomend you bring a filter such as a LifeStraw, Grayle, Steripen, or Sawyer Squeeze
• Small towel for camping. Beach towels are available on the snorkel boats.
• One bandana for sun protection and cooling off
• Sewing Kit (optional)
• Small container of clothing detergent – If you want to do some laundry in your hotel room.  Just 3-4 oz of powdered kind.  (Optional – soap and shampoo work too)
• Four or Five white 11-gallon kitchen garbage can liners - for wet clothes, dirty shoes etc - these are quite useful
• A few 1-gallon ziplock bags – for packing sunscreens, lotions or anything that might make a mess
• Camera, video camera, film or memory cards and extra camera batteries – No Flash Photography allowed on the Islands
• A waterproof camera or GoPro is great for snorkelling
• Small waterproof camera box like the Pelican brand. ROW provides a soft dry bag for daytime essentials and your camera can go in this but it is not as secure as a box
• Binoculars – optional but nice for bird watching, dolphin or whale watching, etc
• Books, pen and note pad, deck of playing cards or other games, etc

Toiletries and First Aid

• Standard toiletry kit including general hygiene products, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. (keep liquids under 3.38 oz.(100ml) for carry-on)
• Bug Spray or Lotion – Guests have experienced a higher than normal presence of mosquitos while at camp recently. It is highly recommended that you have plenty of bug spray, preferably with some DEET. In addition, Insect Shield is a company that will treat your selected items of clothing to be insect-repellent up to 70 washes. While the cost can add up, a treated long-sleeved shirt and pair of pants may go a long way towards ensuring your maximum comfort during the camping portion
• Sunscreen - 30 SPF or higher - sun protection is essential and the equatorial sun is intense and reflected by sky and water
• Pre-moistened toilette packets or disposable shower wipes to refresh
• Prescriptions and any necessary personal medicines (please be sure to bring necessary prescriptions and any needed emergency medicine such as an EpiPen, Benadryl, etc)
• Heavy duty skin lotion for dry, sun-baked, and salted skin
• Small squeeze bottle of hand-sanitizer gel
• Shampoo and soap (we recommend biodegradable, multi-purpose options)
• Toothbrush, toothpaste (Ivory or biodegradable are best*)
• Female urinary device (allows women to urinate standing up without removing clothing). Silicon or hard plastic ones work great. Popular name brands include Gogirl and Shewee
• General hygiene products & shaving essentials
• Chapstick/ lip balm with sunscreen
• Medications - (Dramamine-motion sickness, Benedryl -allergic reactions. See below)
• Prescription Medications

* Under our Park Service permit we are not allowed to use any soap in the sea. At camp you can use soap to wash your face, hands, etc. and we have a bucket where we store this soapy water.

ROW Adventures - Recommended Galapagos Reading List

• Agee, P. (1989). Inside the company: Cia Diary. Bantam Books.
• Andrews, M. A. (1986). The flight of the Condor. Collins.
• Collier, J., & Buitrón Aníbal. (2013). The awakening valley: A photographic record of the indians of the otavalo valley in Ecuador. Literary Licensing.
• Constant, P. (2007). Marine Life of the galápagos: A diver's guide to the fishes, whales, dolphins and marine invertebrates. Cordee.
• Corkill, D., & Cubitt, D. (1988). Ecuador: Fragile democracy. Latin America Bureau.
• Emmons, L. H., & Feer, F. (1990). Neotropical rainforest mammals: A field guide. University of Chicago.
• Forsyth, A., Miyata, K., & Landry, S. (1995). Tropical nature: Life and death in the rain forests of Central and South America. Simon & Schuster.
• Frazier, C., & Secreast, D. (1985). Adventuring in the Andes: The Sierra Club Travel Guide to Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, the Amazon Basin, and the Galapagos Islands. Sierra Club Books.
• Grubb, K. G. (1930). Amazon and Andes. Mathuen & Co. Ltd.
• Harris, M. P. (1992). A field guide to the Birds of Galapagos. HarperCollins.
• Hassaurek, F., & Gardiner, C. H. (1967). Four years among the Ecuadorians. Southern Illinois University Press.
• Hickman, C. P. (1998). A field guide to sea stars and other echinoderms of galápagos. Sugar Spring Press.
• Horwell, D., & Oxford, P. (2005). Galápagos wildlife: A visitor's guide. Bradt Travel Guides.
• Hurtado, O. (1980). Political power in Ecuador. Routledge.
• Jackson, M. H. (1993). Galapagos, a natural history. University of Calgary Press.
• Kricher, J. C. (1999). A neotropical companion: An introduction to the animals, plants, and ecosystems of the New World Tropics. Princeton University Press.
• McIntyre, L. (1988). The incredible Incas and their timeless land. Nactional Geographic Society.
• Meisch, L. (1987). A Traveler's Guide to el dorado & the inca empire. Penguin Books.
• Michaux, H. (2001). Ecuador: A Travel Journal. Marlboro Press/Northwestern.
• Miller, T. (2017). The panama hat trail. The University of Arizona Press.
• Mitchell, A. (1986). The enchanted canopy. Macmillan.
• Morrison, T. (1974). Land above the clouds: A survival special on South American wildlife. A. Deutsch.
• Morrison, T. (1977). The Andes. Time-Life Books.
• Ridgely, R. S., & Greenfield, P. J. (2001). The birds of ecuador. A field guide. Christopher Helm.
• Schofield, E. K. (1984). Plants of the Galápagos Islands: Field Guide and Travel Journal. Universe Books.
• Treherne, J. E. (2011). The Galapagos Affair. Vintage Digital.
• Weiner, J. (1994). Beak of the finch: A story of evolution in our time. Vintage Books.
• White, A., & Epler, B. (1986). Galapagos Guide.
• Whymper, E. (1990). Travels amongst the Great Andes of the equator. Murray.
• Wittmer, M., & Antonio, M. W. J. (2010). Floreana. Editorial Galápagos.

Additional Galapagos and Sea Kayaking Information 

Galapagos Islands Weather Forecast - Check the local weather before you go. 

Trip Adviser - Read reviews from past guests. 

Galapagos Unbound Website - Here you can find information on other Galapagos tours and mainland Ecuador extensions. 

Quito Tourism Guide - Learn more about the UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Unique Wildlife of the Galapagos Islands - Learn about the fasinating wildlife you will see on your trip!

What to eat in the Galapagos Islands - Get your tastebuds excited about unique flavors of dishes of the islands.

Top 5 Family Vacations for 2023 - Learn about which trips we recommend for families and which adventure is right for you.

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