Insider's Galapagos 8-Day Adventure Tour

Explore the rich wildlife and incredible natural terrain of the Galapagos Islands on this thrilling 8-day Insider's Galapagos tour. On this adventure trip, you will discover the other face of this world-famous destination. You will get up close and personal with the famously tame wildlife, meet local Galapagueños and learn about the complicated political and environmental issues facing this extraordinary region.

With our carefully crafted itinerary, you will explore this wilderness habitat while following ecotourism practices designed to preserve this unique environment. On this active journey, you will bike through the highlands of San Cristobal Island, camp out under the stars on a secluded beach, hike to Sierra Negro Volcano, enjoy dinner in the home of a local fisherman, and much more!

In addition to these fun-filled daily outings, you will find that the wildlife viewing opportunities are, of course, amazing: Snorkel among vibrant marine life, such as sea lions, marine turtles, colorful fish and Galapagos sharks; visit Giant Galapagos Tortoises in the wild; and step around blue-footed boobies and land iguanas. Best of all, experience these amazing local creatures in a small group settlings, accompanied by an experienced Galapagos National Park guide. Your guide will remain with you throughout the trip, ensuring consistency and a much more personal experience.

During the days, you will enjoy hiking, kayaking and actively exploring the islands. After each excursion, you will be transported to the next destination on the Galapagos Insider 12-m catamaran, a comfortable and spacious vessel. You will spend the nights in small, friendly family-owned hotels, providing you with an insider's perspective of island culture. We've built special relationship with the owners of these establishments – all of which are modern, clean and comfortable – and we hope you will, too.

At This Adventure Tour Supplier, we are committed to preserving this special natural paradise. The Galapagos Insider catamaran has greater fuel efficiency than other vessels. Our operation also supports locally owned businesses and encourages conservation of the flora, fauna and natural environment of this incredible place.

On the Insider's Galapagos tour, you are sure to go beyond the visit of a typical tourist and, instead, experience the life of a local inhabitant.

DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY
On this day-to-day itinerary, examples of the abundant wildlife you’re likely to see each day have been listed.

Day 1: San Cristobal - Fly into Quito-San Cristobal. You will be met by one of our guides upon arrival. After lunch, you will walk to the Galapagos National Park (GNP) Interpretation Center for an introductory talk by an experienced GNP ranger. After this informative discussion, we will continue on a hike to Las Tijeretas Bay for snorkeling. Overnight at a tourist class hotel. Wildlife: Frigate birds, sea lions, variety of colorful reef fish.

Day 2: San CristobaL - We will begin the day’s journey with a kayaking trip from Playa Mann to Las Tijeretas Bay. Upon arrival, we will be picked up at the launch site and transferred north along the coast to the beach at Puerto Grande for a fun-filled afternoon of beach activities, including snorkeling, swimming and relaxing. Camp on the beach overnight. Wildlife: Swallow-tailed gulls, tropic birds and dolphins.

Day 3: San Cristobal - In the morning, we will snorkel at Leon Dormido (aka Kicker Rock) and Isla Lobos. In the afternoon, we will return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This evening we will enjoy an authentic Ecuadorian dinner in the house of a local fisherman. Overnight in a tourist class hotel. Wildlife: Hammerhead sharks, silky sharks, Galapagos sharks, eagle rays, sea lions, golden rays, blue-footed boobies, tropic birds.

Day 4: San Cristobal - We will begin this day with a visit to Jatun Sacha Reserve and Reforestation Project in the Galapagos highlands. During this visit, we will meet with volunteers and coordinators to learn about this fascinating project; we will finish this tour by planting a native tree as a contribution to these important efforts. We will then hike to El Junco, a freshwater lake that attracts a wide variety of indigenous bird species. We will continue our journey by biking pass a newly installed wind farm, before eventually reaching the GNP Galapaguera Tortoise Center. After our visit, we will bike down to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Overnight in a tourist class hotel. Wildlife: Mocking birds, white-cheeked pintails, Darwin finches, Frigate birds, Common Moor Hens, Black-necked Stilts.

Day 5: Floreana & Isabela - In the morning, we will launch at Floreana for another exciting day of snorkeling and hiking. In the evening, we will continue to Isabela. Here we will visit the famous Galapagos Tortoise Rearing Center. After fully taking in these magnificent creatures, we will hike back through the dry forest and mangroves, where we are sure to pass by pink flamingoes. Overnight in tourist class hotel.

Day 6: Isabela - In the morning, we will explore the island by hiking to Sierra Negro Volcano and Volcano Chico. In the afternoon, we will go snorkeling; here we are sure to spot penguins. Overnight in tourist class hotel. Wildlife: Marine iguanas, lava lizards, Sally Lightfoot Crabs, white-tipped sharks, flightless cormorants.

Day 7: Santa Cruz - In the morning, we will take a short hike to Muro de las Lagrimas (Wall of Tears). We will then be transferred to Santa Cruz, where we will enjoy a delicious barbeque lunch in an organic fruit farm in the highlands. This idyllic area is where families from Puerto Ayora escape to on Sunday afternoons. After lunch we will hike to the fascinating Lava Tunnels as well as the Las Primicias where we can spot Giant Tortoises in the wild. Overnight at a tourist class hotel.

Day 8: Santa Cruz - In the morning, we will visit the famous Charles Darwin Research Center, before being transferred to Baltra Airport for the flight to Quito – the end of a spectacular adventure!