Arrive to Quito

Fly into Quito on mainland Ecuador, where you're greeted by a SKA representative who assists you with your luggage and transfers you to the hotel for your overnight stay. If you have time, explore some of mainland Ecuador's historic sites and tasty cuisine before bed. 

Arrive San Cristobal, Kayak Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to Manglecito Beach

In the morning, fly from Quito to San Cristobal Island, the easternmost island in the archipelago. One of the oldest in the chain, San Cristobal's volcanic peaks are greatly eroded but the island boasts more abundant vegetation than many of the others in the archipelago. Upon arrival in the provincial capital and second largest town in Galapagos, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, we have our lunch at a local restaurant. Here you also have the chance to try the snorkeling and wet suit equipment.

This afternoon, set off on your first Galapagos sea kayaking excursion with a 6-mile paddle from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to Manglecito Beach. Pass by Lobos Island as you paddle and look out for the blue-footed boobies and brown pelicans hopping along the rocky coast where marine iguanas bake in the sun. Sea turtles can occasionally be spotted dipping their heads out of the water for a quick break, or even mating, along this route.

Our paddle takes you to our prepared beach camp, where you may choose to soak in the views and settle into your tent or set out on one of our SUP boards to explore the becalmed bay and the wildlife found there.

As the sun sets, relax with a fresh, delicious dinner, 360˚ views and a secluded beach where wildlife are the only passersby.

Explore, Kayak & SUP Board Isabela Island

After breakfast, take some time to explore the area before taking a boat back to town. There, we meet our flight to Isabela Island. This seahorse-shaped island is the largest in the archipelago and was formed from 6 merged shield volcanoes. Despite its remarkable beauty, Isabela is not a stop on most Galapagos cruises, making it a less-visited site perfect for our adventures.

Because it is a relatively young island, Isabela’s lava fields and surrounding soil do not have the varied vegetation zones of other islands. Despite this, the rich animal, bird, and marine life are beyond compare. There are more wild tortoises here than on all the other islands combined, and they roam freely in the calderas.

Upon arrival on Puerto Villamil, Isabela’s main town, we check into our accommodations and enjoy some lunch at a local restaurant. After, settle into your kayak for a paddle along Isabela’s stunning bays and beachfront. Wildlife abounds—especially the elfin Galapagos penguin who love to hop around the volcanic rocks here. Snap on your snorkel gear for a better view of the sandy sea floor or take to a stand up paddle board to navigate the bay.

Snorkel Los Tuneles, Visit Tortoise Breeding Center, Explore Wetlands

In the morning, weather permitting, we take a boat ride to Los Tuneles: a most curious and remarkable lava formation consisting of arches and caves. Walk along the shore and snorkel in crystal clear water for a glimpse into the remarkable underwater world.

Enjoy lunch aboard the boat before continuing on to nearby El Finado, where you discover an inlet used by local fishermen to rest from their journeys in the ocean for years. Snorkel among white-tipped reef sharks, stingrays and colorful tropical fish flitting amongst submerged lava rocks forming caves and small reefs.

Spend the afternoon on land with a visit to the Tortoise Breeding Center, where you can see the Galapagos’ titular tortoises at all stages of growth. Learn about the Galapagos National Park’s conservation efforts and witness the gentle creatures up close.

Return to our accommodations through the wetlands, where flamingos stand bright against the four different species of mangrove that grow in the tidal lagoons.

Spend your evening strolling along the beautiful white sand beach of Puerto Villamil and exploring the town on your own.

Visit the “Trapiche” or Sugar Mill – Visit Garrapatero and Kayak
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a scenic drive to El Garrapatero, with the opportunity to visit a coffee farm in Bellavista that also produces sugar the old-fashioned way. Learn how sugar cane juice is extracted before being transformed into “Galapagos Moonshine”.

Then continue to the beautiful beach of El Garrapatero where you can relax on the sands, take a dip or go kayaking to explore the nearby mangroves. In the evening, you’ll be treated to a delicious dinner featuring traditional ingredients with a local angler as you experience authentic Galapagos hospitality.