| Starts | Puerto Ayora, Ecuador |
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| Ends | Puerto Ayora, Ecuador |
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| Region | South America |
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| Duration | 7 days |
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| Tour Operator | Gadventures |
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| Tour Code | SEGC 23223 |
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| Overview PDF | Download PDF |
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Santa Cruz Island & Finishing: Floreana Island
In the morning transfer by speedboat to Floreana Island. Get settled at the G Adventures-supported community guesthouse and opt to explore the small town or catch the sunset at Playa Negra beach.
Instructions
Please note that travel between islands is done by speedboat. The ride can be quite rough, especially from July to December. Make sure to bring sea sickness medication if you are prone to sea sickness.
Day 2 - Starting: Floreana Island & Finishing: Floreana Island
Enjoy an included snorkelling excursion to Loberia, and visit the highlands of Floreana.
Day 3 - Starting: Floreana Island & Finishing: Isabela Island
Take a speedboat over to Isabela Island, Hike the Sierra Negra Volcano for views from above.
Day 4 - Starting: Isabela Island & Finishing: Isabela Island
Enjoy free time in the morning for optional activities, opt to go snorkelling, surfing or hit the beach. In the afternoon, visit the Flamingo Lagoon and the Tortoise Breeding Centre.
Day 5 - Starting: Isabela Island & Finishing: Santa Cruz Island
Transfer by speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island, where home is a camp in the highlands. Head to the highlands to see giant tortoises in the wild. In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Station.
Day 6 - Starting: Puerto Ayora & Finishing: Santa Cruz Island
Hike to beautiful Tortuga Bay, and opt to go kayaking or just lounge on the beach.
Day 7 - Starting: Santa Cruz Island & Finishing: Puerto Ayora
Depart at any time. Included transfer to the airport in the morning with the group or to Puerto Ayora.
View Dates
More Information
What’s Included
Full-day hike of Sierra Negra Volcano (Isabela). Highlands visit (Floreana). Loberia snorkelling excursion (Floreana). Visit to Flamingo Lagoon and Tortoise Breeding Centre (Isabela), Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz), and lava tunnels (Santa Cruz). Isabela Municipal Tax. Opportunities for snorkelling, swimming, and incredible wildlife encounters. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Highlights
Snorkel with sea lions, travel by public speedboats around the Galápagos Islands, camp in the middle of it all to stay closer to nature, visit Charles Darwin Research Station and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, hike Sierra Negra Volcano.
Dossier Disclaimer
Itinerary Disclaimer
Important Notes
ADD-ON
1) This trip can be booked on its own or as an add-on to many of our Galápagos Islands yacht based adventures. Please speak to your sales CEO about how you can mix and match with other programs.
2) ITINERARY
The itinerary is subject to further changes dependent upon new regulations made by the Galápagos National Park or seasonal points of interest.
3) GALÁPAGOS ISLAND PARK ENTRY FEE
The Ecuadorian government currently levies a Galápagos Islands Park entry fee of $100 USD per person. This is payable at the airport upon arrival in the park. It is not included in the cost of the tour, and must be paid in CASH. This fee funds Park maintenance and supervision in Galápagos, as well as ecological study, conservation and infrastructure development in Ecuador’s other National Parks. Entry fees and the funds they generate for the National Park System are among measures taken by the Ecuadorian government to protect its natural heritage.
4. The Galapagos National Park authorities have implemented a system of Transit Control Cards at a fee of $20 USD per person. This card is to be purchased in CASH at a counter in the Quito airport before boarding the flight to the Galapagos. Please retain this card along with your passport as you will be required to present this upon arrival to the Galapagos Islands. Please note that this applies to all tourists entering the Galapagos Islands and is a supplement to the existing entry fee to the National Park and is not controlled by tour operators or travel agencies. It is the first of a number of initiatives to track, control and maintain the sustainable tourism targets set out by the Galapagos National Park and the Ecuadorian government in an attempt to preserve the fragile environment of the archipelago.
5. All travellers are required to pay the tax on domestic flights in Ecuador. Foreign travellers are exempt form this, and proving you are indeed a foreign traveller can be done by providing us with your international ticket number (ITN). Travellers who do not submit international ticket numbers at least 30 days prior to Day 1 of their tour will be required to pay the domestic tax on all included flights.
Group Leader Description
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it’s the best of both worlds. For the Galápagos, our CEOs are naturalists certified by the Galapagos National Park.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 12.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Meal Budget
Allow USD85-110 for meals not included.
Transport
Public and private speedboats, pickup truck, public bus, taxi or private vehicle.
About our Transportation
We will travel via both public and private speedboats between the islands. This is a fun way to travel but those who experience motion sickness may want to ensure they bring any medications or use preventative measures against an upset stomach.
Solo Travellers
Accommodation
Camping (6 nts).
My Own Room Exceptions
Nights 1-2: Floreana camping
About Accommodation
We camp at private campsites on the various islands, each with shared bathroom facilities with toilets, showers and sinks. All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleep sheet and pillow) is supplied, including camp mattresses and sleeping bags.
Joining Instructions
Please make your way to the meeting point below at 12pm on Day 1 to meet up with your group:
Cafe Hernan
Av Charles Darwin and Via Baltra
(in front of main park and main passenger dock)
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz
Arrival Complications
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Office Quito, Ecuador
During office hours (Weekdays 9am-6pm Local Time)
From outside Ecuador: +593 2250 6610
From within Ecuador: 022 506 610
After hours Emergency number
From outside Ecuador: +593 999 506 000
From within Ecuador: 0999 506 000
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0844 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 01805 70 90 30 00
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
What to Take
We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack (whichever you find easiest to carry). A good size daypack is also essential.
Please note that Galápagos is a protected National Park so your luggage will be checked before arrival and departure to and from the islands. Don’t bring any food, seeds or other organic material that could affect the delicate ecosystem of the islands.
Checklist
Documents:
– Airline tickets (with photocopies)
– Passport (with photocopies)
– Travel insurance (with photocopies)
– Airline tickets (with photocopies)
– Credit or debit cards (see personal spending money)
– Cash in US Dollars
– G Adventures vouchers and trip details
– Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Suggested items:
– Sleep sheet & pillow
– Camera and memory card(s)/charger
– Reading/writing material
– Small daypack for excursions – for water, camera etc
– Cover for backpacks
– Fleece top
– Windproof/waterproof jacket
– Small towel and swim wear
– Shirts/t-shirts
– Sun hat
– Shorts
– Long trousers
– Hiking pants/track pants
– Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes
– Sport sandals
– Sunblock
– Sunglasses
– Insect repellent
– Watch or alarm clock
– Water bottle
– Flashlight or headlamp
– Binoculars (optional)
– First-aid kit(should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Laundry
Laundry availability is dependent on the location you’re in or the amount of time spent in that location.
We suggest packing enough clothing in case laundry is not available and/or packing laundry soap so you can wash things if needed.
Laundry is available on this trip at camp in Floreana (Day 1-2), Isabela (Day 3-4) and Santa Cruz (Day 5-6).
Spending Money
Money Exchange
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available some may not accept all international credit or debit cards. You may need to try at more than one machine if the first does not accept your card. You should also check with your bank before leaving to ensure that your card works internationally. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds. Please bring USD banknotes in denominations smaller than 100, as they can be hard to exchange in Ecuador. 100 dollar bills of certain series (e.g. CB B2) can be especially hard to cash!
CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent). As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Please note that ATMs are located on Puerto Ayora but nowhere else this tour visits in the Galápagos.
Emergency Fund
Tipping
It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service. If you are happy with the service of your CEO/local naturalist guide, recommended tipping amounts for this person would be $5-$8 USD per day.
Optional Activities
Optional activity prices are subject to change dependent on seasonality or min and max numbers (where applicable).
Availability may depend on the season or weather conditions.
Generally, not a lot of time is spent in start/end cities so we suggest arriving early and/or departing later, in order to take advantage of the optional activities in these destinations.
All prices are per person (pp) and are in approximate USD amounts.
ECUADOR – GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Floreana
Snorkelling at Lobery Islet – Swim with Sea Lions and Lava Lizards $5 pp
Visit to Playa Negra – Swimming and Snorkelling with Sea Turtles $5 pp
Isabela
Los Tuneles Snorkelling – Snorkel with Sharks, Sea Lions, Penguins, and Mantas. (incl. lunch) $80 pp
Tintoreras Tour – Snorkel with Penguins, Sea Lions, Tropical Fish, Marine Iguanas, and Blue Footed Boobies $40
Surf Lessons with Surfboard Rental $30 pp
Surfboard $20 pp
Bicycle Rental – Visit Wetlands, Lava Tunnels and Flamingo Lagoon (per hour) $3 pp
Santa Cruz
Water Taxi to Las Grietas / Punta Estrada Beach – Marine Life, Beautiful Landscape and Cliff Jumping $0.60 pp
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Centre – No Charge
Bicycle Rental (per hour) $3 pp
Activities are not limited to the above mentioned list. Please ask your CEO for more information.
Health
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Safety and Security
Medical Form
A Couple of Rules
Travel Insurance
Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation
Feedback
Newsletter
Group Leader
Local naturalist guide (certified by the Galápagos National Park).
Day 2 Optional Activities
Day 4 Optional Activities
- Islote Tintoreras Snorkelling -
- Snorkelling -
- Swimming -
Day 3 Optional Activities
Day 5 Optional Activities
- Islote Tintoreras Snorkelling -
- Snorkelling -
- Swimming -
Day 6 Optional Activities
