The Galapagos Islands have thrilled and enchanted visitors since Charles Darwin's historic visit. Follow in his footsteps as we examine the surreal land and seascapes and observe the “open air” zoo of local wildlife by even more intimately than he did on the H.M.S. Beagle as as we kayak, snorkel, and mountain bike through this unique and delicate environment. Join us as we hop across the islands and actively explore this adventure paradise. 

Day 0: Arrive the night prior to either Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador in order to make the early morning departures for the Galapagos Islands. Contact our office for recommendations on transfers, hotels and optional activities for your time in either location.

Day 1: Depart for your flight to San Cristobal Island some 600 miles off-shore (note the cost of this airfare is not included but The Northwest Passage will arrange). Your guides will be awaiting your arrival at the airport.  Upon your arrival the park-entrance fee is due ($200 USD), so plan ahead and make sure to have US dollars in cash. Following a short transfer to our hotel, we will have a tour of the beautiful new San Cristobal Interpretive Center. Hotel check-in and lunch follow. After lunch the plan is for a kayak and snorkel session from Carola beach. Our evening will conclude with welcome drinks and orientation, followed by dinner in town. Stroll along the waterfront to experience the unbelievable sight of hundreds of sea lions displaying various behaviors. You’ll learn why the Galapagos are dubbed an “open-air zoo”. (D)

Day 2: This morning we board a small fishing boat that will take us to two offshore islands along the northwest shore of San Cristobal. Depending on sea conditions, our goals are Darwin Bay, then on to two spectacular snorkeling destinations Isla Lobos and Leon Dormindo (the "sleeping lion", also known as Kicker Rock). You may spot seals, marine birds and countless other marine species. The day will be broken up with breaks for swimming, snacking, snorkeling, and otherwise enjoying this photographic paradise. (B)

Day 3: After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport for our small aircraft flight to the largest of the islands, beautiful Isla Isabela. Our home for the night is Iguana Crossing, a name you will understand almost immediately!  We will walk to a tortoise breeding center and explore the coastline by SUP or kayak discovering the islet of Tinetoreras. Tinetoreras, the local word for the white tipped shark, is home to a pod of such sharks along with sea lions and a newly-founded penguin colony.  (B)

Day 4: An early start will prepare us for a full day of adventure on the land. We will transfer to Sierra Negro and hike to Vocan Chicao with breathtaking views of the islands. Its a 16km hike with lunch at Campo Duro, and then back to the hotel for a refreshing swim in the sea or a dip in the pool overlooking the sea.(B)

Day 5:  Today we will embark on a scenically-varied bike in the Galapagos. Along the trail, we will bike through white sand beaches, mangroves, brackish lagoons, and a lava tube. At the end of the road we will visit “El Muro de las Lágrimas” (Wall of Tears), historical place used back in time when Isabela was a penal colony.  We will end the day visiting the breeding center and hanging around the flamingo lagoon to admire the wildlife so close to us. (B)

Day 6: After breakfast, we will transfer to the island of Santa Cruz and if time allows a visit to the Charles Darwin Center before transferring to Baltra Island, where we will have a brief moment for souvenir shopping before flying to Guayaquil or Quito transferring to your hotel or airport. (B)

Beyond your time on the islands: We encourage you to consider additional one-day or multi-day adventure add-ons. Our experience shows that a day walking the open-air markets with a local guide or zip-lining and exploring the jungle forests really round out the Galapagos Islands adventure. Of course Macho Picchu is within reach from Quito or Guayaquil and we can help make that a reality.

* Note I: This is our intended itinerary. As with any adventure travel, the forces of nature can be unpredictable, forcing us to make adjustments and changes to the itinerary. Rest assured that our many years of exploring have provided us with numerous options if changes need to be made.

**Note II: Our office staff is happy to help discuss the ideal travel options to meet your specific needs. Please call or email for additional information. Travel insurance is strongly encouraged and mandatory for your piece of mind.