Galapagos Kayak Expedition
Paddle into Presence. Discover the wild beauty of the islands, stroke by stroke.
Book now from:
$3.620
Time
7 Days
Small Group
2–12 travelers
Travel Style
Kayak & Wildlife Adventure
Activity Level
Moderate
Overview
This is an invitation to explore the Galapagos at water level. The Galapagos Kayak Expedition is a land-based journey that takes you across three remarkable islands through kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, and biking. You’ll paddle past lava cliffs, snorkel with sea lions and turtles, and walk through volcanic highlands where nature’s raw power is always present.
Designed for those who seek deep connection with nature, this expedition blends active adventure with guided interpretation, wildlife encounters, and conscious exploration. Paddle quiet bays, visit remote beaches, and experience the islands from a perspective few travelers ever do.
Trip Highlights
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1
Waoranis Kayaking Expedition
After a morning flight to San Cristobal Island, we’ll greet you at the airport and head to our Hotel. After lunch and a quick introduction, we head to the water for an easy paddling afternoon. We fit into our kayaks and paddle along the coast to Darwin Bay.
This is the site where the HMS Beagle first landed, when Darwin arrived to the Galapagos. We have our first encounters with the local wildlife including sea lions, sea turtles, iguanas, frigate birds and boobies. After dinner, we’ll explore the friendly, laid-back beach town and stroll down the boardwalk to see an immense colony of endemic Galapagos sea lions. (-, L, -)
Day 2
INTERPRETATION CENTER, HIKE AND SNORKEL TIJERETAS / SEA KAYAK IN SAN CRISTOBAL’S NORTHERN COAST
Our second day begins with a visit to the Galapagos Interpretation Center to learn about the unique wildlife, geology, history, and social dynamics of the Galapagos. From our visit, we continue our walk to Tijeretas (Darwin Bay) along natural trails formed of lava
rocks. The path is surrounded by native plants like Galapagos cotton, palo santo, acacia, and cacti, and we will spot blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, herons, gulls, warblers, mockingbirds, and finches in the vegetation and sea cliffs. We reach the coast line where our kayaks will be waiting for us. We continue paddling along the coastal bays and coves of San Cristobal’s north coast, full of blue footed boobies, frigate birds, sea lions, and sea turtles. We may see occasional rays and marine iguanas perching on lava rocks. Once we reach Isla Lobos we leave our kayaks and continue exploring by boat.
We may visit Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock). The visiting site will depend on the week day according to Galapagos National Park regulations. We’ll put on snorkels and fins to interact with sea lions, as well as marine iguanas and countless reef fish. We’ll swim with spotted eagle rays, golden rays, Galapagos sharks, starfish, clams, and fish of every shape, size, and color. With luck, we might even see some menacing but harmless hammerhead sharks! After a full day spent exploring the seas, we head back to the hotel to prepare ourselves for a delicious dinner and a well-earned rest. (B, L, -)
Day 3
MOUNTAIN BIKE THE COASTLINE AND KAYAK EXPLORATION OF
TINTORERAS ISLETS
After breakfast, we say goodbye to San Cristobal and take a quick, 40-minute plane ride to Isabela Island. Upon arrival, we jump into our kayaks and paddle along the coastline and around coves, islets and mangroves, home to the endemic Galapagos penguin. We continue our journey, padding through small islets known as Las Tintoreras, where we can see hundreds of marine iguanas, reef sharks, scenic beaches and lava formations.
In the afternoon we embark on an easy bike ride, with our fat-bikes, that will take us through a wide variety of environments and ecosystems. Along the way, we’ll pass through white sand beaches, mangrove forests and brackish lagoons, and into a lava tube cave. As we ride, we’ll pass giant tortoises, flamingos, and other wildlife. At the end of our ride, we arrive at el Muro de las Lagrimas (the Wall of Tears). When Isabela was used as a penal colony, prisoners constructed this towering wall of lava rocks for no other reason than to keep themselves distracted from the madness of isolation. After a gourmet dinner, we can enjoy the well-appointed lounge or wander the idyllic sand streets of Puerto Villamil. (B, L, D)
Day 4
VOLCANO HIKING IN ISABELA’S HIGHLANDS
This morning, we’ll drive up the flanks of the Sierra Negra volcano until the road ends. Here, we continue on foot and hike into a surreal world of geological history. On the hike up, we can admire incredible views of the surrounding volcanoes and sea, as well as the distinctive highland ecosystem around us. But the real prize is at the top – when we arrive at the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano, we are treated to a truly breathtaking vista. Sierra Negra is the one of the largests active caldera on the planet, over six miles at its widest point.
We’ll hike the rim of this enormous crater and, if we feel energetic, continue on to the caldera of Volcan Chico, an otherworldly landscape of vibrant hues created by sulfur deposits. Here we can explore spectacular lava formations and fumaroles. We’ll head back to the lowlands in time to spend our last afternoon on Isabela relaxing on the perfect beaches and soaking up the island-life atmosphere. (B, L, D)
Day 5
HIKE WITH GIANT TORTOISES AND EXPLORE LOS GEMELOS
After bidding a fond farewell to Isabela, we board a fast boat for a scenic ride to Santa Cruz Island. Next we arrive, we head to El Chato reserve in the Santa Cruz highlands, home to several subspecies of Galapagos giant tortoise. Hiking through El Chato’s beautiful highland scenery with these lumbering giants is an unforgettable experience.
As we hike, we see other highland wildlife such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, and finches. We’ll also visit a freshwater lake where frigate birds gather to wash the salt off their feathers. Our next stop is a group of volcanic tunnels that were created by underground lava flows. According to legend, pirates once used these tunnels to hide from pursuing Spanish ships and stash plundered Inca gold. After walking through these fascinating geological formations and reliving some pirate stories, we continue to Los Gemelos, a pair of volcanic sinkholes near the top of the island. Los Gemelos are covered with a beautiful endemic Scalesia forest. As we hike through this unique environment, we keep an eye out for the elusive short-eared owl and other endemic wildlife. We return to town in time to relax on the beach for a while and dine on our own at any of Puerto Ayora’s many outstanding restaurants. (B, L, -)
Day 6
KAYAK IN LAVA WALL CHANNELS; EXPLORE THE TORTOISE HIGHLANDS IN SANTA CRUZ
Today we’ll head back to sea in kayaks to explore the unique landscape of nearby Punta Estrada and Divine Bay. As we paddle through towering lava channel walls, we can see rays and white-tipped reef sharks below us in the serene, clear water. We can also paddle right up to the fearless blue-footed boobies, lava gulls, herons, sally light foot crabs, and marine iguanas perched along the cliffs. In the afternoon, we hike to Tortuga Bay, a beautiful white sand beach and the preferred nesting site for thousands of black sea turtles.
To reach this isolated beach, we hike a six kilometer trail through a beautiful dry forest, home to hundreds of land iguanas. After a relaxing afternoon on Tortuga Bay’s pristine beach, we return to Puerto Ayora to spend our last evening in the Galapagos at leisure in the archipelago’s most populous town. (B, L, -)
Day 7
TRANSFER OUT
After breakfast, we transfer from Puerto Ayora to Baltra Island for our return flight to the mainland. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes through the highlands of Santa Cruz to the Itabaca Channel, followed by the short crossing to Baltra and the transfer to the airport. We bid farewell to the Galapagos as our journey comes to an end. (B, –, –)
Ready to begin your Galapagos adventure?
Let nature lead. Let purpose guide.
Purposeful Travel, Redefined
Every element of this journey is designed with intention: low-impact hotels, local partnerships, and regenerative experiences that give back to the land and its people. This is Neo Luxury in the Galapagos: deeply connected, consciously curated, and unforgettable.
What’s Included
- 6 nights in comfort or premium-class eco hotels
- All meals as listed (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Certified bilingual naturalist and adventure guides
- All land and sea transportation during the tour
- Kayaking and snorkeling gear
- Top safety standards, emergency protocols, and liability insurance
Not Included
- Flights to and from the Galapagos Islands
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee (currently $100)
- Transit Control Card (currently $20)
- Alcoholic beverages, tips, and personal expenses
- Optional travel insurance
Additional Information
Effort Level
Moderate (No experience necessary)
Group Size
2–12 travelers
Year-round
Travel Season
Sea level to 3,688 ft (1,124 m)
Altitude
Lightweight hiking clothes, kayaking sandals, sun protection, rain jacket, reusable bottle, insect repellent
Suggested Packing List
22 to 25°C (72 to 77°F) depending on the season
Water Temperatures
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