Our Signature Tour of the Galápagos Islands is the ultimate adventure, and we’ve just made it better than ever.
Why This Tour:
- With hundreds of 5-star reviews, Galápagos Unbound is the top choice for travelers seeking an unforgettable adventure.
- We go above and beyond to accommodate the desires of all travelers to ensure they get the most out of their Galápagos Islands vacation.
- Our exclusive Galápagos camping experience is truly unique and offers intimate wildlife encounters, making it one of the best beachside eco-camps.
- Explore secluded coves and coastlines while kayaking amongst a diverse array of marine life.
- Travel with one of the pioneers of Galápagos land-based travel, with Galápagos Unbound advocating for low-impact experiences in the archipelago.
- Our guides are personally trained in the “Galápagos Unbound Difference,” ensuring they deliver what will undoubtedly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Check out our itinerary below, and you can immediately see the Galápagos Unbound difference. We pioneered Galápagos land tours and have consistently advocated for environmentally low-impact travel through these utterly enchanting "enchanted isles."
Trip Overview
- This Galápagos Unbound tour was featured in the New York Times travel section on January 8, 2006, in an article by Tim Neville. While some details of the original itinerary have been modified since then, the tour's essence as an unparalleled multisport adventure in the Galapagos remains unchanged. Our certified local guides continue to work closely with the Galápagos Park Service to deliver an exceptional experience.
- Immerse yourself in the diverse wildlife and ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands with our Galápagos Unbound Signature Tour. This unique, small-group tour takes you beyond the typical cruise to snorkel, hike, and kayak alongside iconic species while supporting the local community. Experience an intimate, eco-conscious journey through the archipelago's unique islands and habitats on an adventure you’ll never forget.
- No words can fully convey the awe of getting up close with birds and animals that show little fear of humans. On a Galápagos Islands vacation, you can swim with playful sea lions, stand within feet of vibrant blue-footed boobies, and see marine iguanas and giant tortoises found only here. The wonders of the Galápagos are truly indescribable.
- This Galápagos land tour combines gentle paddles to remote coves with nights spent camping on pristine beaches—an experience that is one-of-a-kind. You’ll hike to the rim of an active volcano, come face-to-face with marine life while snorkeling, and experience awe-inspiring sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. We trek and kayak to secluded sites inaccessible to larger groups, encountering wildlife and embracing the journey itself. As the only Galápagos land-based travel experience that includes camping on deserted beaches, Galápagos Unbound provides a distinctive experience.
- This Galápagos active trip is also one of the most sustainable eco-tours in the archipelago, offering a minimally impactful experience that supports both the islands' environment and local communities. Compared to a cruise, this trip has a smaller carbon footprint by using far less fuel per person. More of the fees from your Galápagos Islands holiday will go directly to islanders, bringing them greater economic benefits. Uniquely, the trip includes camping on an approved island beach using ultra-low-impact techniques that exceed "Leave No Trace" standards.
Additional Information:
The Galapagos Islands have been a protected national park of Ecuador since 1959. These remote islands are renowned worldwide for their unique natural history and the remarkable, friendly creatures that inhabit them. To preserve this exceptional environment, access to the islands is highly regulated. While most tours to the Galapagos are cruise-based, aboard yachts carrying between ten and ninety people, our journey offers something different.
This exclusive experience allows small groups to visit sites off the beaten path, inaccessible to larger, more conventional tours. We explore in the most environmentally-friendly way possible—by walking and sea kayaking—avoiding more intrusive modes of travel. Our reward is not only the stunning wildlife and landscapes we encounter, but also the joy of reaching these remarkable places under our own power.
Our itinerary covers five islands, each with its own diverse wildlife and ecosystems. Every part of this journey offers something beyond the destination itself, and we’re excited to provide an unforgettable experience for the adventurous souls who join us.
Images & Videos
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 2
After breakfast at the hotel, a Galápagos Unbound representative will take you back to the airport for your flight to the Galápagos Islands. Once we land on San Cristóbal, the easternmost island in the group, a naturalist guide from the Galápagos National Park will meet us there, marking the start of our journey.
After lunch in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, we will try on our snorkeling gear and wetsuits before embarking on our first kayaking excursion. Our two- to three-hour paddle takes us beneath volcanic peaks and along Lobos Island's shores, offering sightings of blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas. This afternoon, we’ll arrive at our exclusive Galápagos oceanfront eco-camp destination at Manglecito Beach.
Activity: Sea Kayaking
Distance: Approx. 6-8 km (3.5–5 miles)
Est Time: 2-3 hrs
Difficulty: Easy to moderate – suitable for most people, even beginners
Day 3
Explore Galapagos Beach Camp
After a relaxing morning spent exploring Manglecito Beach, we will embark on a three-hour kayaking trip to another picturesque beach. Should you become fatigued or require help, our support boat will be close by to assist. Lunch will be enjoyed at a secluded beach, with the sounds of nature as our soundtrack.
After lunch, we will go snorkeling at Kicker Rock, where you may spot Galápagos sharks and eagle rays if you're lucky. In the mid-afternoon, we'll return to our beach camp, where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing while seabirds soar overhead. Fingers crossed, we will be treated to a spectacular sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
Note: Boat ride to Kicker Rock on Shared Services in groups of 4 to 7 people.
Activity: Sea Kayaking
Distance: Approx. 8 km (5 miles)
Est Time: 3 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate – longer paddle, support available if needed
Activity: Snorkeling at Kicker Rock
Est Time: 1-2 hrs
Difficulty: Easy – suitable for most participants, though be prepared for cold water temperatures
Day 4
Explore Isabela Island
Our day starts with a boat ride to the airport for our flight to Isabela Island. Once we check into our hotel, we'll visit the Tortoise Breeding Center, run by the Galápagos National Park Service to protect the islands' iconic tortoises. During a walk through the marshlands, we can get up close with these gentle giants—an experience that is sure to be a highlight of your Galápagos Islands tour.
The afternoon will be spent kayaking along Puerto Villamil's pristine white-sand beach, where you should keep an eye out for Galápagos penguins nesting among the rocks. Have your snorkeling gear ready to observe the incredible marine life that inhabits the area.
Note: The order of the activities may vary, depending on National Park schedules.
Note: The checked and carry-on baggage allowance for these small planes is 25 lbs per person. If you are over the limit, the airline will charge $2 per lb (subject to availability).
Activity: Kayaking
Distance: Approx. 3-5 km (2-3 miles)
Est Time: 1.5-2 hrs
Difficulty: Easy – relaxing paddle in calm waters
Day 5
Sierra Negra Volcano
Awake early to witness the sunrise before we journey to the highlands of Isabela Island for a hike around the Sierra Negra Volcano. After just under an hour’s drive, we’ll begin exploring this active volcano, home to one of the world's largest calderas, measuring over 6 miles across (6.5 miles in diameter). Sierra Negra last erupted in 2005 and offers spectacular views of its expansive caldera, remarkable lava formations, and the surrounding landscapes. Depending on the trail, the hike may range from 6 to 10 miles, providing an unforgettable perspective on the Galapagos' unique volcanic terrain.
After returning to town, you'll have the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. Relax on the beach, explore the town, or simply unwind at your hotel. Dinner this evening is at a restaurant of your choice.
Activity: Hiking around Sierra Negra Volcano
Distance: 6-10 miles (10-16 km)
Est Time: 5-6 hrs
Elevation Details:
- Starting Point: Approximately 800 meters (2,625 feet) at the National Park entrance
- Highest Point: Around 1,021 meters (3,350 feet) at the crater rim
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 221 meters (725 feet)
Terrain: The trail features gradual inclines, traversing lush vegetation and volcanic terrain. It's a moderately strenuous hike, suitable for those in good physical condition.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging – some steep sections and high altitude
Day 6
Los Tuneles, Snorkeling, Wildlife Watching
We’ll set out on a boat ride to Los Tuneles, a breathtaking natural formation of lava arches and caves created when volcanic lava met seawater. After a short walk along the shore, you’ll have the chance to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, revealing a stunning underwater world teeming with marine life. Lunch will be served aboard the boat.
In the afternoon, we’ll sail to El Finado, a serene inlet historically used by local fishermen as a resting spot. Here, you can snorkel among submerged lava rocks, caves, small reefs, and vibrant tropical fish. Keep an eye out for white-tip reef sharks as you explore this peaceful haven.
Weather permitting, we’ll end the day with a beachfront barbecue. Alternatively, dinner will be at a local restaurant near the hotel.
Note: The boat ride to Los Tuneles operates as a shared service, accommodating groups of 4 to 7 people.
Activity: Snorkeling at Los Tuneles
Est Time: 1-2 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate – snorkeling in open water with possible current, but guided
Activity: Snorkeling at El Finado
Est Time: 1-2 hrs
Difficulty: Easy to moderate – calm waters, shallow reefs
Day 7
Santa Cruz Island + Giant Tortoises + Lava Tunnels
We’ll begin the day with a scenic, short hike (less than two miles) from Puerto Ayora to Tortuga Bay, passing through a landscape dotted with prickly pear cacti, Matazarno, and palo santo trees. The relatively flat trail offers plenty of opportunities to spot mockingbirds and finches along the way. Upon reaching Tortuga Bay, you’ll have time to relax on the idyllic beach and observe the local wildlife. At one end of the bay, you can snorkel in the calm waters or enjoy kayaking along the coastline.
In the afternoon, we’ll kayak through a peaceful lagoon, where rays and sharks are often seen gliding by. To wrap up our Galápagos adventure, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate the unforgettable experience.
Note: The kayak activity may vary depending on the tides.
Activity: Hiking to Tortuga Bay
Distance: 3 km (1.8 miles)
Est Time: 45 minutes to 1 hr
Elevation Gain/Loss: Minimal elevation changes
Difficulty: Easy – mostly flat with occasional steps
Activity: Kayaking at Tortuga Bay
Distance: Approx. 2 km (1.2 miles)
Est Time: 1-2 hrs
Difficulty: Easy – gentle kayaking, calm waters
Day 8
Tortuga Bay + Santa Cruz Island
We’ll start the day with a visit to the Trapiche Sugar Mill, where you’ll learn about the traditional process of sugar production and the history of this fascinating local industry. From there, we’ll head to the Highlands, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the unique environment, home to the famous giant tortoises in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a relaxing kayak experience in the peaceful lagoon, where rays and sharks are often spotted gliding through the clear waters. To wrap up the day, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate the unforgettable experiences of our Galápagos adventure.
Note: The kayak activity may vary depending on the tides.
Activity: Kayaking in the Highlands Lagoon
Distance: Approx. 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles)
Est Time: 1-2 hrs
Difficulty: Easy – calm water, short paddle
Day 9
This morning, you’ll be transferred to the airport on Santa Cruz Island to catch your return flight to Guayaquil, where we expect you will return by 5 PM. From Guayaquil airport, you can transfer to the international terminal for your flight home, the international terminal for your flight home, or extend your trip to visit Peru and Machu Picchu.
Featured Accommodation
Dates & Rates
| Dates | Adult (USD) | Child (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| May 10, 2025 to May 18, 2025 Lowest Tier Price SOLD OUT | $6,200£0€0$0$0 | $6,200£0€0$0$0 |
| Jun 14, 2025 to Jun 22, 2025 Lowest Tier Price - *Free Galapagos Flights Special - LIMITED SPACE! | $6,200£0€0$0$0 | $6,200£0€0$0$0 |
| Jul 05, 2025 to Jul 13, 2025 Lowest Tier Price - *Free Galapagos Flights Special | $6,200£0€0$0$0 | $6,200£0€0$0$0 |
| Nov 08, 2025 to Nov 16, 2025 Lowest Tier Price | $6,200£0€0$0$0 | $6,200£0€0$0$0 |
| Dec 13, 2025 to Dec 21, 2025 Lowest Tier Price | $6,200£0€0$0$0 | $6,200£0€0$0$0 |
| Dec 22, 2025 to Dec 30, 2025 Celebrate Christmas in the Galapagos – Book early for this unforgettable holiday adventure! | $6,200£0€0$0$0 | $6,200£0€0$0$0 |
| 2026 | ||
| Jan 10, 2026 to Jan 18, 2026 Lowest Tier Price | $6,690£0€0$0$0 | $6,690£0€0$0$0 |
| Feb 13, 2026 to Feb 21, 2026 Lowest Tier Price | $6,690£0€0$0$0 | $6,690£0€0$0$0 |
| Apr 04, 2026 to Apr 12, 2026 Lowest Tier Price | $6,690£0€0$0$0 | $6,690£0€0$0$0 |
| May 09, 2026 to May 17, 2026 Lowest Tier Price | $6,690£0€0$0$0 | $6,690£0€0$0$0 |
| Jun 13, 2026 to Jun 21, 2026 Lowest Tier Price | $6,690£0€0$0$0 | $6,690£0€0$0$0 |
| Jul 04, 2026 to Jul 12, 2026 Lowest Tier Price | $6,690£0€0$0$0 | $6,690£0€0$0$0 |
| Nov 07, 2026 to Nov 15, 2026 Lowest Tier Price | $6,690£0€0$0$0 | $6,690£0€0$0$0 |
| Dec 12, 2026 to Dec 20, 2026 Lowest Tier Price | $6,690£0€0$0$0 | $6,690£0€0$0$0 |
| Dec 21, 2026 to Dec 29, 2026 Christmas in Galapagos! Lowest Tier Price | $6,690£0€0$0$0 | $6,690£0€0$0$0 |
Supplementary Information
*2025 & *2026 FREE Galapagos Flights
Free mainland Ecuador to Galapagos Islands airfare on select departures!
- June 13 - 21, 2025 *Free Ecuador to Galapagos Islands airfare
- July 5 - 13, 2025 *Free Ecuador to Galapagos Islands airfare
- Jan 10 - 18, 2026 *Free Ecuador to Galapagos Islands airfare
- Feb 13 - 21, 2026 *Free Ecuador to Galapagos Islands airfare
- June 13 - 21, 2026 *Free Ecuador to Galapagos Islands airfare
- July 4- 12, 2026 *Free Ecuador to Galapagos Islands airfare
2025 Pricing:
- 4 - 7 Guests: $6,900 per person
- 8 - 12 Guests: $6,200 per person
December High Season Supplement: $375 per person
Single Supplement for Solo Travelers: $800
2026 Pricing:
- 4 - 7 Guests: $7,190 per person
- 8 - 12 Guests: $6,690 per person
December High Season Supplement: $500 per person
Single Supplement for Solo Travelers: $995
Additional Budgeting Information
In 2025, please budget an additional $1,135 for flights and fees. The additional amount for 2026 is yet to be determined.
This amount is broken down as follows:
- $615 per person for round-trip flights from mainland Ecuador to the Galápagos
- $300 per person for internal flights and boat transfers within the Galápagos
- $20 per person for the Tourism Migration Control Tax (TCT)
Galápagos National Park Entrance Fee
This fee must be paid in cash upon arrival at the park. Please bring U.S. dollars in bills of $20 or less, ensuring that the bills are new, crisp, and free of tears or ink marks.
- $200 for visitors aged 12 and older
- $100 for children aged 11 and younger
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. 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. Prices are based on double occupancy. If desired, we will strive to pair you up with another single guest to elimate the single supplement fee however, please note that this is not always possible.
Included:
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Full service of our Adventure Consultants
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Hand-crafted itineraries
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Professional Galapagos Naturalist Guide
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Experienced English-speaking guide(s)
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Double accommodation in hotels and for camping
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Specialized activity guides based on activity of trip (kayaking, biking, hiking, etc.)
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All necessary kayaking, camping and snorkeling equipment
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All transportation as noted on the itinerary
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All meals and drinks as noted on the itinerary
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Private pre-tour orientation meeting
Not Included
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International flights to Ecuador
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Ecuador to Galapagos round trip flights (*Free Ecuador to Galapagos flights may be offered on select dates)
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Internal island transfers
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National Park fee and Immigration Tax
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Gratuities
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Items of a personal nature
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Alcoholic beverages
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Travel insurance of any type
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Additional hotel nights pre or post tour
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Cost of hospitalization or evacuation if necessary
Reviews
Nature is Nature!
You are unlikely to find anyone on earth more apprehensive about booking a trip like this. My wife pushed me to get on board. I did, and it will go down as one of the best decisions of my life. If you need to know more, well, here we go... Planning and communication is critical to the success of a trip like this both before and during your adventure. ROW handled this to perfection. Our guide, Ale, was UNBELIEVABLE…and I know that when she wasn’t guiding (the fun part) she was constantly hustling, on the phone, making arrangements, dealing with hiccups. The reason I know this is because I didn’t deal with any of these things…NOT ONCE! I was allowed to experience 100% of my adventure without once having to deal with any of the administrative headaches that usually go into planning/running a trip like this. I probably didn’t even know about the majority of them. So my adventure was absolutely everything it could possibly be because I had experts with me making sure nothing got in the way. With that said nothing is perfect and as Ale reminded us often “Nature is nature,” a disclaimer that you might not see every last thing you expect to see. It is a fair point, but we saw EVERYTHING we expected to and then some. One tip: rent a bike and ride to El Muro de las Lágrimas (Wall of Tears) while on the island of Isabela. We did this during an afternoon when we had no structured tour activities and were rewarded with seeing 10 giant tortoises in the wild, two were even mating. And here is the real kicker about a place like the Galapagos. The wildlife is not conditioned to be afraid of humans (or anything really), so all those amazing animals (tortoises, iguanas, blue footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, sea lions, and more) just do their thing mere feet away without feeling compelled to run, swim, or fly away. It was mind blowing to experience wild animals in this way and, frankly, I have failed to really ever express it accurately. I hope you can experience it for yourself. Travel well!
Galapagos Islands Adventure Vacation, Winter 2020
My wife and I had an absolutely fantastic experience on our first trip with ROW/Sea Kayak Adventures in late January 2020. Our adventure exceeded our expectations in nearly every aspect. For the first part of our trip on mainland Ecuador, our accommodations in a surprisingly rural area outside Quito were upscale and the food was delicious. The trip included a guided tour of the more historic parts of Quito, and the owner of the lodge we stayed in helped us arrange an improvised trip that included a tourist site located exactly on the equator. Getting to the Galapagos Islands first involved a commercial jet to the Pacific coast and then a regional flight in a rather small prop plane to the islands--the latter explaining the trip's strict luggage weight limits. Upon arrival we were soon outfitted with kayaking gear and, after a delicious lunch in an Italian restaurant overlooking a beach that doubles as a port, we paddled along the island's shoreline to a campsite already set up just for us. There the friendly and attentive local staff made delicious meals for us, while we got to explore more of the island by paddling, snorkeling and a powerboat excursion to an offshore rock formation. Despite concerns around comfort, it turned out that the two nights we camped were my favorite part of this trip. In total, we visited three of the islands and checked off nearly everything we could have thought of to see and do. We snorkeled where Galapagos penguins are known to hang out, and saw them both on land and in the water while snorkeling. We toured the islands' interiors and saw the spectacular crater of a large volcano, Galapagos land tortoises in the wild, and a small plantation where rum and chocolate are produced by traditional methods. In addition to gorgeous land- and seascapes, we took an amazing variety of animal photographs, including the penguins, blue-footed boobies, flamingos, marine iguanas, brightly colored crabs, and the famous variety of finches that inspired Darwin. Many have been made into greeting cards and a few into framed pictures for our home. Our guide was very good at organizing our daily activities and meals, and was patient and pleasant throughout the trip. He was an exceptional communicator and was able to answer a broad range of questions in wonderful detail. He could not have been better at his job. I would recommend this trip to anyone who likes to paddle and visit new places.
Excellent Galapagos trip
My trip in January, 2020, was an excellent experience. The highlight was kayaking to the beach campsite and spending the time there. Could not have been done with any other operator and made the time truly exceptional.
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