Galápagos Islands Tours
- Galapagos Unbound is rated the #1 Galapagos Multisport Tour on TripAdvisor from unsolicited, independent travelers.
- We want to know why you are traveling and will accommodate your experience to deliver the most important things you want to get out of your Galapagos vacation.
- We have exclusive access for a once-in-a-lifetime beach camping experience waking up to sea lions outside your tent!
- You kayak over gliding sea turtles and other thriving marine life in private coves and coastlines where nobody else goes.
- We intimately connect with local Galapageñans and even have the pleasure of a gourmet spread prepared exclusively for our guests in a fisherman's home!
- Our guides are personally trained in the "ROW Difference", where others will use only guides provided to them by the National Parks, not trained in delivering the full experience you deserve in what is more than likely a one-time-ever vacation.
- There is so much more!
- Please carefully read the itinerary and you'll immediately see our difference. It's a one-of-a-kind, not run-of-the-mill, Galapagos experience unlike any other tour you'll find. Further, you can trust our Galapagos programs as we pioneered (first land tours on the islands) and advocated for low-impact, land-based travel to these stunning enchanted isles.
Trip Overview
Detailed Description
Visit this page, Galapagos weather, to get a month to month description to best fit your travel preference.
Images & Videos
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Kicker Rock, Snorkeling, Galapagos Beach Camp
Today we will take our kayaks and paddle from our camp for roughly three hours, depending on the weather conditions. Our support boat is always close at hand if you need assistance or tire of paddling. We arrive at another pristine beach for lunch, bird watching and wildlife viewing. Then we continue in our catamaran to Kicker Rock*. Once at Kicker Rock, we snorkel through an amazing channel where you are likely to see white-tipped reef sharks, Galápagos sharks, sea turtles and eagle rays. We are sure to see hundreds of fish and sea stars. By late afternoon we return to relax at our beach camp, watch small hermit crabs scuttle along, as well as yellow warblers and other seabirds. Sunset over the Pacific is usually spectacular.
Note: The order of the activities can vary depending on National Park schedules.
*Note: Boat ride to Kicker Rock on Shared Services in groups from 4 to 7 people
Spend another night at our exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime Galapagos beach camp.
Day 5
Travel to Isabela, Sea Kayaking & Wildlife Watching
This morning we leave for the airport very early so breakfast will be when we get to town, don't worry though we will have lots of hot drinks and snacks on the boat. We fly to the island of Isabela and check into our beachfront hotel and have a local lunch.
Next, we choose our favorite wildlife viewing transportation, our kayaks to navigate Isabela's beautiful bay and beachfront. There is so much wildlife to see from the water, especially birdlife, with some good fortune we will encounter the tiny Galapagos penguin as they love to hang out and nest on the rocks here. Bring your snorkel gear and jump in to explore the underwater wildlife. The pure white sand on the sea floor makes this a perfect spot to snorkel or just watch the show from your kayak.
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
Sierra Negra Volcano, Hiking, Beach BBQ and Relaxing
Rising early, we head to the interior for a very different view of the Galápagos Islands. We drive just under an hour up to the highlands and begin our hike of Isabela’s Sierra Negra. This active volcano last erupted in 2005 and has the second largest caldera in the world with a diameter of approximately six and a half miles. The hike can vary from 6-10 miles and includes viewing the spectacular caldera and incredible lava formations. We return to town with time for relaxing on the beach, walking through town or simply resting.
This evening we have a delicious Beach BBQ.
Day 7
Los Tuneles, Snorkeling, Wildlife Watching
In the morning, weather permitting, we take a boat for roughly an hour to Los Tuneles*: a most curious and remarkable lava formation which consists of arches and caves. We walk along the shore and also snorkel in crystal clear water for an insight into the remarkable underwater world. We have lunch aboard the boat. From the lagoon we head to El Finado, here there is an inlet that for many years has been used by local fishermen to rest from their journeys in the ocean, a place with tranquil and shallow waters. Here we will anchor our boat and spend time snorkeling among submerged lava rocks forming caves and small reefs.
On our way back to town we will visit the Tortoise Breeding Center. This is a conservation project by the Galapagos National Park to preserve and reintroduce to the wild the many and varied species of these gentle giants.
Heading back to the hotel via the wetlands, we encounter flamingoes feeding in thebrackish waters of the tidal lagoons that are home to them, several species of mangrove and many migratory birds.
This evening, stroll along the white sandy beach and enjoy a leisurely night exploring the town and choosing a local restaurant for dinner..
*Note Boat ride to Los Tuneles in Shared Services in groups from 4 to 7 people
Day 8
Isla Santa Cruz, Darwin Research Station, Sea Kayaking
We wake early and set off for the day’s adventures by sea. We take a chartered speed boat* to Isla Santa Cruz, the urban center of the archipelago and the home of the Darwin Research Station, the National Park Headquarters, and Puerto Ayora. Once we land, we drive on Santa Cruz’s main highway into the lush ecosystem of highlands. Wild Galápagos tortoises lumber throughout these dense forests, and we spend some time walking amongst them as they chew on the vegetation and roam slowly through the diverse environment.
The kayak activity could vary depending on tides
Day 9
Sugar Cane and Coffee Farm, El Garrapatero Beach, Dinner with Local Family
Today our drive to the highlands takes us to a stunning family-owned farm filled with fields of sugar cane and coffee. There, we’re greeted by one of the family who serves as a guide and shares with us the family’s adherence to old-fashioned methods in the creation of quality products. We have the incredible opportunity to see demonstrations of the farming, extraction, and distillation processes that go into the production of “Galápagos Moonshine.”
After our tour of the farm, our travels take us to El Garrapatero Beach whose sandy shores are surrounded by mangroves and adjoined by a freshwater lake. Swim amongst the marine life off the shores, kayak among the mangroves, or explore the lake beyond where herons, stilts, and flamingos enjoy the secluded ambience
This evening, we have a real treat in store as we join a local angler and his family for a very special farewell dinner prepared with traditional ingredients. This is a unique opportunity to engage in conversation and exchange experiences and most importantly, immerse ourselves in a new culture.
Day 10
Dates & Rates
| Dates | Adult (USD) | Child (USD) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 07, 2023 to Apr 16, 2023 Lowest Tier Price | $6,250£0€0$0$0 | $6,250£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| May 12, 2023 to May 21, 2023 Lowest Tier Price | $6,250£0€0$0$0 | $6,250£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| Jun 16, 2023 to Jun 25, 2023 Lowest Tier Price | $6,250£0€0$0$0 | $6,250£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| Jul 07, 2023 to Jul 16, 2023 Lowest Tier Price | $6,250£0€0$0$0 | $6,250£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| Aug 04, 2023 to Aug 13, 2023 Lowest Tier Price | $6,250£0€0$0$0 | $6,250£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| Sep 15, 2023 to Sep 24, 2023 Lowest Tier Price | $6,250£0€0$0$0 | $6,250£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| Oct 20, 2023 to Oct 29, 2023 Lowest Tier Price | $6,250£0€0$0$0 | $6,250£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| Nov 10, 2023 to Nov 19, 2023 Lowest Tier Price | $6,250£0€0$0$0 | $6,250£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| Dec 17, 2023 to Dec 26, 2023 Lowest Tier Price | $6,250£0€0$0$0 | $6,250£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| Dec 19, 2023 to Dec 28, 2023 Lowest Tier Price - Reverse Itinerary | $6,250£0€0$0$0 | $6,250£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
| Dec 20, 2023 to Dec 29, 2023 Lowest Tier Price | $6,250£0€0$0$0 | $6,250£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
Supplementary Information
2023 Pricing:
4 - 7 Guests - $7270 per person
December Supplement = $375
Single Supplement = $775
Please note that an additional amount of $1020 should be allowed for internal flights and Park Tariffs
Tiered Pricing Explained
Our trips are budgeted for full or near full sign-ups which enables us to offer trips at the lowest possible price. Because of numerous fixed costs, it is more expensive to operate a trip for a small group. Therefore, on some of our trips, in order to avoid having to cancel a trip, we have a “tier-pricing” system to avoid canceling a trip with a low number of sign ups. We have found that most people also prefer this alternative to having a trip cancelled. Thus, you will note on our trip prices there may be different price for 6-8 people versus 9-10, versus 11-12, etc...
We may initially invoice you at the higher tier price, and refund the difference depending on the final group size. Trip costs quoted are based on foreign exchange rates current at the time of this printing. We reserve the right to raise the trip fee if there are exceptional cost increases beyond our control.
Included:
- Full service of our Adventure Consultants
- Professional Galapagos Naturalist Guide
- Double accommodation in hotels and for camping
- All necessary kayaking, camping and snorkeling equipment
- All transportation as noted on the itinerary
- All meals and drinks as noted on the itinerary
Not Included
- International flights to Ecuador
- Galapagos Round Trip Flights
- Internal Island Transfers
- $100 National Park fee
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Alcoholic beverages
- Insurance of any type
- Cost of hospitalization or evacuation if necessary
Reviews
Galapagos Unbound Island Adventure - Dec 2022
All of the superlatives which describe perfect and wonderful apply to our experiences on this adventure in Quito and the Galapagos. Our Lead Guide Henry, and his wingman/boss Juan were exemplary in keeping all of our group engaged, educated, and secure in all pursuits. Our group was exceptionally well-suited to the adventures, due in part to Henry's intuitiveness how to read the group and keep us continually informed and aware of the next exciting adventure around the corner! We thoroughly enjoyed camping, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking Sierra Negra, touring all attractions including historic Quito, tortoise preserves to Mr Cabrera's El Trapiche Ecologico Galapagos! Every event was an education and a treat. Our Parque Nacional Galapagos guides were intelligent, informative and their exuberance in teaching us all about their treasured Galapagos Islands astonished us, and rewarded us every day of our adventure. Please extend our sincere gratitude to Christian (San Cristobal), Julio (Isabela), Darwin (Isabel), and Vivi (Santa Cruz). Kudos to ROW and all of the guides, hoteliers, and all residents of the Galapagos that we encountered - all contributed to our unforgettable Galapagos Unbound adventure. May I further extend thanks to both Henry and Juan for their professionalism, knowledge, friendliness, and caring attitudes. I feel like we can truly call them friends.
South American Adventure
Travel is gearing up again after the still period of travel restrictions. We started in booking Galapagos Unbound and before we were done booking it, we decided to also add the Peru Unbound adventure, as well. ROW offers solid, personal, very responsive guidance on every step of the arrangements, including help in various country-specific proofs of vaccination status. The Galapagos tour, active in nature with close-up kayaking and snorkeling opportunities, with our local knowledgeable guide, was exceptional. With completion of the tour, the flight from the island to Quito became the beginning of Adventure #2 with a flight to Lima to begin Peru Unbound. "How do you train for hiking Machu Picchu?" we were asked. It starts with taking the stairs rather than an escalator whenever the opportunity arises. Peru is also an exceptional tour with an array of guides based on our location as we traveled from area to area. The overnight family stay while on Armanti Island on Lake Titicaca offered a rare experience. These are the opportunities that are truly memorable. Travel at its best! Thank you, ROW.
Que Mas? Listos?
I'm the wife of reviewer Jeremy. Galapagos had been on my bucket list since middle school science class when I first learned about Charles Darwin and how his time on the Galapagos proved instrumental in his development of the theory of evolution. Those college essays that asked who you would want to have dinner with, alive or dead, Charles Darwin was ALWAYS my dinner guest. My husband was reluctant - it is a serious investment - but let me put it this way - I had dreamed of this trip for nearly thirty years - think about the anticipation and expectation I had - and this trip MORE than exceeded those expectations. ROW Adventures made it so seamless and stress-free from booking to the actual trip. The attention to detail, the expertise of the guides - our primary guide Ale, who was with us the whole trip, and our naturalists that varied by island - they were all so knowledgeable and eager to answer our questions and show us the beauty of the Galapagos. Ale would always prep our group before each excursion - filling us in on all the logistics and much more - at the end of her "briefing" she would always comment "Que mas?" - ensuring that she had filled us in on everything and ending with "Listos?" - we were always READY thanks to her diligence and ROW Adventures' attention to detail. (Read the review from Jeremy to hear about one of Ale's other go to phrases!) The wildlife was AMAZING! As my husband noted in his review, the wildlife is simply not conditioned to be afraid of humans and therefore you are literally coming face to face with sea turtles, sea lions, blue footed boobies, finches, iguanas, tortoises and so much more - it is impossible to put into words the uniqueness of this experience! We did a land based excursion vs. staying on a boat and absolutely LOVED it - I can't compare it to the boat excursions but I can tell you we really felt this allowed us to get a wonderful feel of not just the underwater treasures but the islands themselves. In short - if you've been considering a trip to the Galapagos but are wondering if it will be "worth it" - have NO FEAR - it is a once in a lifetime, truly magical experience!
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