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Get a taste of the spectacular volcanic landscapes and mesmerizing wildlife of the Galapagos Islands during this land-based adventure. Go hiking through pahoehoe lava flows to the crater of Sierra Negra volcano, swim alongside friendly sea lions at La Loberia, get up close to Galapagos giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Center and spot Galapagos penguins and frigatebirds while kayaking along the coast. 

Offering a shorter alternative to our award-winning Galapagos Unbound adventure, this lodge-to-lodge vacation covers three different islands across six days. Rather than trying to rush through the entire archipelago to discover its incredible wildlife and geological sites, we’ve designed a trip that offers an immersive experience in three of the most fascinating islands - Isabela, San Cristobal and Santa Cruz.

Explore the vibrant hubs of Puerto Ayora and Puerto Villamil to discover the archipelago’s human history. Then bunk down each night in locally-owned lodges to experience the Galapagos culture and hospitality first hand while supporting sustainable travel and tourism in the archipelago. Experience everything that Isabela, San Cristobal and Santa Cruz have to offer while being accompanied by our highly-experienced local guides who will share their unique insights on this fascinating destination.

If you are looking for an even more flexible Galapagos Island Vacation we can still offer 2 Island tours that depart any day.  These can be 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 days long.

Note: Custom departures of 1 day or more available upon request. Please call 800-451-6034 for more information.

 

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Itinerary

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Day 1

Arrive Baltra + Santa Cruz Lava Tunnels + Puerto Ayora
 
Fly into Baltra Island Airport where you’ll be met by one of our guides to begin your adventure, heading first to the neighboring island of Santa Cruz. Get up close to Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat at a private reserve where you can wander alongside them as they feed and cool off in the mud. Then continue on to the island’s famous lava tunnels for your first introduction of the powerful volcanic forces that created the Galapagos Islands. 
 
In the afternoon, we’ll arrive in the lively city of Puerto Ayora to check into our lodgings and have a Galapagos-style dinner on Calle de los Kioskos, a picturesque back street that ignites with alfresco restaurants each evening. 
 
 
ACCOMMODATION : Hotel Maineo

Day 2

Tortuga Bay + Charles Darwin Research Station
 
This morning we’ll visit the picture-perfect white sands of Tortuga Bay to spot lava lizards, marine iguanas and charismatic blue-footed boobies. You’ll have time to explore the mangrove-lined shores and cacti forest, then just soak up the sun or plunge into the crystal clear waters to go snorkeling alongside friendly baby sharks. 
 
We’ll return to Puerto Ayora where you’ll have time to either explore the town at your leisure or visit the famous Charles Darwin Research Station. Here you can learn about conservation efforts in the islands and witness Galapagos giant tortoises at various stages of growth, from tiny babies to large, lumbering adults.
 
After lunch, we’ll board a boat to Isabela Island, the largest in the archipelago, and stroll through the vibrant town of Puerto Villamil, with an unforgettable Galapagos sunset to complete the day. 
 
 
 
ACCOMMODATION : Hotel Albermarle

Day 3

Sierra Negra Volcano + Volcan Chico
 
Today’s hiking adventure will take you up two of the powerful volcanoes that created Isabela Island - Sierra Negra and Volcan Chico. Keep an eye out for Vermillion flycatchers and rare short-eared owls as you trek through expansive volcanic terrain to the caldera of Sierra Negra, continuing through a lunar-like landscape featuring pahoehoe lava flows and steaming vents to Volcan Chico. From here there are panoramic views stretching all the way to Isabela’s northern shore. 
 
In the afternoon, we’ll return to Puerto Villamil where you can go kayaking to spot Galapagos penguins and frigatebirds along the rocky shores, as well as sea lions, rays and turtles swimming below. Alternatively, rent a bicycle and pedal to the Wall of Tears, which was painstakingly built by the island’s former penal colony. End the day with a sunset swim, followed by dinner at a restaurant of your choice in town. 
 
 
ACCOMMODATION : Hotel Albermarle

Day 4

Giant Tortoise Breeding Center + San Cristóbal
 
Begin the day with a stroll along a mangrove-lined lagoon to spot pink flamingos feeding in the shallow waters and marine iguanas basking in the sun. Then continue on to Isabela’s Giant Tortoise Breeding Center to learn about the conservation work being conducted to revive the archipelago’s tortoise population and return individuals to the wild.
 
It’s then time to board your short flight to San Cristóbal, the archipelago’s easternmost and oldest island, where we’ll have lunch before setting out for La Loberia. It’s named after the playful colony of sea lions that frequent the area, with the opportunity to jump in the water and swim alongside these boisterous creatures. Then return to town for dinner and time to explore at your leisure. 
 
 
ACCOMMODATION : Hotel Casa Blanca

Day 5

Kicker Rock
 
Venture into the underwater world of the Galapagos Islands on an excursion to Kicker Rock or Leon Dormido, which is named after its resemblance to a sleeping lion. Go snorkeling to witness the incredible marine life that congregates within its narrow channel, including spotted eagle rays, sea turtles and a vast array of tropical fish. If you want to stay dry, above the water you can also spot blue-footed boobies and frigate birds nesting on the rocky ledges. 
 
We’ll then cruise to a white sandy beach for lunch and time to relax before heading back to town in the late afternoon. Enjoy a sunset cocktail as we gather for a delicious farewell dinner for the final night of your Galapagos Islands vacation. 
 
 
ACCOMMODATION : Hotel Casa Blanca

Day 6

Return to Mainland Ecuador

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll have a final morning in the Galapagos to spend as you wish. Go shopping for souvenirs, visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the archipelago’s natural and human history or embark on a short hike to Tijeretas for incredible views towards Kicker Rock. 
 
It’s then time to transfer to the airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.
 
 
 

Dates & Rates

Supplementary Information

Daily Departures: If the Sunday departure dates do not work for you please contact us as we can offer daily departures too!

Dates: Every Alternate Sunday, Year-Round.

Price Per Person: $3484 (Internal flights not included - $815 per person)

Trips are guaranteed with 4 guests - Inquire about smaller groups or private departures.

Single Supplement - $599

December Trip Supplement - $322  

Included:

  • 5 nights standard accommodations
  • All land and sea transportation in the Galapagos
  • Naturalist English speaking guide
  • All activities as stated on the itinerary
  • All equipment required for activities
  • Drinking water

Not Included:

  • $100 park entry fee (cash only)
  • $20 immigration fee (cash only)
  • 3 evening meals (allow around $15 per person)
  • Isabela arrival tax $10 (cash only)
  • Drinks other than water

  • Gratuities for guides and support crew

  • Flights between Quito and the Galapagos

  • Flight between islands

  • International flights

Reviews

5
Average: 5 (2 votes)

Reviews

5
Mark and Nadine Hays - 1 year ago

Row Adventures to the Galapogos Islands - a perfect title!

Have you always wanted to visit the Galapagos Islands? Is this on your 'bucket list'? Nadine and I answered, "Yes!" "Yes!" So we looked for the best tour. After some searching on Google (like you) we found dozens of companies. So we checked references and contacted friends. This narrowed the list to a few. Then we reviewed Row Adventures along with 3 or 4 other options. That narrowed the list to 2. We contacted both companies to see how they responded. We also double-checked the reviews on a number of sites. (Some reviews are bogus, from competitors) This took some time, because it was a big investment of time and money. We decided Row Adventures was the best choice. But we had never booked a trip with Row before, so we were still a bit concerned. Would this be the Galapagos trip we dreamed of? The answer: a resounding,"YES!" It is difficult to describe how wonderful our Galapagos trip turned out. Here is one hint; our guide was nominated as one of the Top 10 guides in the world in Adventure magazine. And he was! We submitted a "High Five" recommendation to Adventure magazine. And it wasn't just one person; he was an example of the great Row team in the Galapagos. Everything was amazing and perfect. From skin diving at Kicker Rock (while a few went scuba diving) to the Darwin Center to Floriana Island -- where Orcas followed our boat into the harbor, with beautiful skin diving. (A less frequently visited island,) Everything was as magical as we imagined it might be, before we arrived. Here is a deal-sealer: When we were at Kicker Rock, some of the people in our group were scuba divers -- but my wife Nadine was not experienced with the ocean. The Row guides are very kind and helpful. They guided her slowly into the water and turned this into a great adventure. As a result, Nadine enjoyed skin diving at Floriana Island and Isabella, and saw sea turtles sleeping on the sand underwater. This is a perfect example of the importance of a great team. "But for" their help, we would have missed so much. If you are considering a 'Trip to the Galapagos' as we did, put 'Row Adventures' at the top of your list. Please contact me if you have any questions: MarkAllenHays@Gmail.com Mark

5
Katie Clark - 1 year ago

Fantastic family vacation

Traveling with Row Adventures was the perfect way to see the natural wonders of the Galapagos with two teenagers! We loved the variety of activities including kayaking, snorkeling, and nature hikes, all with the benefit of a fantastic naturalist. We had just the right mix of organized activities and downtime to explore the three islands we visited. The Galapagos exceeded our expectations in terms of wildlife that we could see up close, varied activities. fascinating history and delicious meals. This was our second family trip with Row Adventures - so grateful how they put this fantastic itinerary together.

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