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Blog - Jim's Thoughts

Ecuador Tours and Travel

Galapagos Kayaking Adventure Tour , 7 Days

Level: Moderate

A unique program developed for the paddling enthusiast, this trip features the rich wildlife of the Enchanted Islands and its world-class marine reserve. Explore lava channels, coves, turquoise waters, white sand beaches and truly unique wildlife up-close from your kayak. Activities such as snorkeling, hiking, and horseback riding are also included in this program.

DAY 1: TRANSFER IN AND KAYAK IN SAN CRISTOBAL
Morning flight to San Cristobal Island. Once we check into our hotel, we'll take an easy hike to nearby Frigate Hill for a nice view and a look at the lay of the land. Afterwards, we take our kayaks into the bay for an afternoon paddle around volcanic shores. We may encounter sea lions, marine turtles and many types of ocean birds. We'll paddle back to tranquil Puerto Baquerizo Moreno for a relaxing evening. Overnight in hotel in San Cristobal. (L)

DAY 2: SAN CRISTOBAL: ISLA LOBOS AND SNORKEL IN LEON DORMIDO
Today we paddle north, following the coastline, seeing many boobies,
terns, pelicans, frigate birds and playful sea lions that curiously follow and swim with us. The objective is to reach Isla Lobos, a small island near Ochoa Beach that forms a calm, narrow, turquoise bay where
marine turtles and rays make there home. We take a short hike on the island, where we will see many birds, and later relax on Ochoa Beach. We continue on north to visit Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) for excellent snorkeling. You can expect to see colorful sponges, barnacles and coral formations. This is a great opportunity to see dozens of species of tropical fish and hammerhead sharks. Overnight in hotel in San Cristobal. (B, L)

DAY 3: SANTA CRUZ: DIVINE BAY AND PUNTA ESTRADA
Early morning transfer by fast boat to Santa Cruz Island. From Santa Cruz, we pick up our kayaks and paddle around Divine Bay and Punta Estrada, through multiple lava channels of calm, turquoise waters. White tipped sharks and rays patrol these channels while colonies of blue footed-boobies, tropicbirds, herons and marine iguanas perch along the jagged cliffs. By the day's end, we find ourselves relaxing in the white sands of Tortuga Bay beach. Overnight in hotel in Santa Cruz. (B, L)

DAY 4: SANTA CRUZ: ITABACA CHANNEL
We transfer to the northern part of Santa Cruz Island for a great day of paddling in the channels that separate Santa Cruz from Baltra Island. You can expect turquoise waters, tropical white sand beaches, sea lions, marine turtles and tropical fish. As we drive back across Santa Cruz Island, we see different ecological zones. We visit El Chato reserve in the upper part of Santa Cruz Island, natural habitat of the Galapagos tortoise. Here we can search for many species of birds and animals. We explore lava caves featuring incredible volcanic tunnel formations. Accommodations in Santa Cruz. (B, L)

DAY 5: ISABELA: VILLAMIL BAY
From Puerto Ayora, we board a fast boat for Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. Isabela is the largest Island in the archipelago, formed by 6 shield volcanoes - Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf. All of these volcanoes except one remain active, making this island one of the most volcanically active places on earth. We will paddle north, following the coastline in Villamil Bay in search of wildlife endemic to this Island including penguins, sea lions, oyster catchers, marine turtles and white tip sharks. The end of the day finds us hiking to La Galapaguera to meet the giant tortoise, and some nearby lakes in search for flamingos, oyster catchers, stilts and sandpipers. Overnight in hotel on Isabela Island. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: ISABELA: LAVA BRIDGES AND LAS TINTORERAS
We travel by motorboat north of Puerto Villamil along the coastline. This incredible and scenic boat ride is a highlight because of the rich marine life that can be spotted along the way. We paddle along the coastline and around coves, islets and mangroves, home to the endemic Galapagos penguin. We can also observe egrets, herons, pelicans and more. We arrive at the entrance of an underwater lava bridge area and tunnel formations which are very exciting to paddle through. These calm water pools are a rich and magnificent example of what geologists call a collapsed lava floor, unique in the world for paddling and snorkeling. We continue our journey, padding through small islets and to Las Tintoreras Trail, where we can see hundreds of marine iguanas, reef sharks, scenic beaches and lava formations. Overnight in hotel on Isabela Island. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: TRANSFER OUT
In the morning, we transfer to Santa Cruz Island and have time to visit the Charles Darwin research station before our transfer to the Baltra Island airport and flight back to Quito. (B)

2008 Price per person in US$: $2880 each for 2, $2145 each for 3, $1920 each for 4, $1650 each for 5

INCLUDED: Accommodations in tourist, first class and tourist superior hotels, meals as described, kayaking and safety gear, professional English speaking guide, land and sea transportation.

NOT INCLUDED: Airfare to/from Galapagos (Low season $334.00, High season $390.00 subject to change) Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee ($100.00 per person), dinners, hotel & restaurant beverages, tips, gratuities and personal expenses.

IMPORTANT: This itinerary is subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes, last minute weather conditions and adjustment of Galapagos National Park policy.

IMPORTANT FACTS:
BOAT TRAVEL TIME: 1-3 hours per stretch
PADDLE OR ACTIVITY DURATION: 3-6 hours per day
BEST SEASON: January to June and September to December
ALTITUDE: Sea level to 600 meters
WEATHER TEMPERATURES: December to May: 80ºF to 90ºF / 25ºC to 30ºC. June to September: 60ºF to 70ºF / 15ºC to 20ºC. October to December: 70ºF to 80ºF/ 15ºC to 25ºC
WATER TEMPERATURE: The waters of the Galapagos Islands are a unique mixture of warm and cold water, ranging between 65ºF and 85ºF.
SUGGESTED: Water sandals, rain jacket, flashlight, water bottle, non-cotton kayaking gear, sun block, hat and mosquito repellent.