Kayaking the Galapagos Islands
Experience the Galapagos Islands like never before on this nine-day, adventure-packed itinerary. Offering an intimate and immersive wildlife encounter, this tour is the only one that includes camping on the beaches of the Galapagos. Fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean, surrounded by the incredible natural beauty of the islands, and wake up to the calls of unique birdlife. This "up-close-and-personal" experience combines kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and camping, providing a rare and authentic way to explore the Galapagos.
The journey begins in Guayaquil, Ecuador, where you'll spend the night before flying to San Cristobal Island, the starting point of your adventure. From Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, you'll spend your days kayaking along the crystal-clear waters of the coastline, immersing yourself in the warm climate and pristine surroundings. As you paddle, you’ll come face-to-face with the region’s incredible wildlife, including playful sea lions, colorful fish, majestic turtles, and harmless Galapagos sharks.
The trip includes three nights of camping on two different beaches, with strict “Leave No Trace” principles in place to preserve the delicate ecosystem. Kayak excursions take you to sites like Kicker Rock, where you can snorkel with diverse marine life, including eagle rays, white-tipped sharks, and more. You’ll also visit the giant tortoise breeding center at Cerro Colorado and experience the wonder of the iconic Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat.
In addition to exploring by kayak, you’ll have ample opportunities for hiking and snorkeling. You’ll marvel at the wildlife of Tijeretas Bay, where frigate birds glide above, and enjoy peaceful moments on secluded beaches. With its non-intrusive eco-friendly approach, this trip allows you to explore the Galapagos at sea level, offering unparalleled access to the islands’ fascinating ecosystems.
At the end of the tour, you have the option to extend your stay and explore more of the Galapagos or even take an add-on trip to Machu Picchu in Peru. Whether you're an adventure seeker, wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique family vacation, this Galapagos kayaking adventure is a bucket-list experience you’ll never forget.
Images & Videos
Itinerary
Day 1
Sunday, Arrival in Guayaquil
Fly into Guayaquil International Airport where you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the city or simply relax, overcome any jetlag, and prepare for your Galapagos Islands adventure tomorrow.
Day 2
Guayaquil to San Cristobal
After being met by one of our reps in the lobby of your hotel, you’ll be transferred to Guayaquil International Airport for your two-hour flight to the Galapagos Islands. On arrival in San Cristobal, your tour leader will provide a short orientation as you pass through quarantine.
In the afternoon, you’ll begin your adventure with a sea kayaking excursion from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to Tijeretas Bay to spot some of the frigate birds that reside here. Spend time watching them go about their business, with the birds having a reputation for stealing food from other wildlife species. As you paddle along the coastline, you may also spot marine iguanas swimming in the bay and diving for seaweed.
Dinner is at a restaurant of your choice in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Day 3
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to Manglecito Beach
After breakfast, it’s time to don your life jacket as we embark on a kayaking expedition north to our beach camp at Manglecito. With the low-lying hills and mountains of San Cristobal as our backdrop, we’ll paddle roughly 7.6 miles to the north, hopefully with sightings of sea turtles and sea lions along the way. Watch as the birds circle overhead looking for food, with boobies often seen plunging into the water for fish.
On arrival at the beach camp, there will be time to settle in as your guide prepares lunch. The rest of the afternoon will be spent kayaking and relaxing on Manglecito Beach, with a huge diversity of colorful fish to be seen. In the late afternoon, we’ll take a short stroll to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean before returning to camp for dinner.
Day 4
San Cristobal Island Full Day Kicker Rock
Wake to the sounds of the birds and the lapping waves as you begin another day in the majestic Galapagos Islands. After a hearty breakfast, we’ll head out by motor boat for a snorkeling excursion around Kicker Rock to come face-to-face with the archipelago’s incredible marine life.
A one-hour cruise will take us to Kicker Rock (otherwise known as “Leon Dormido” or “Sleeping Lion”), a geological formation that rises spectacularly from the Pacific Ocean. There will be plenty of time to snorkel between its two cliffs where you can observe sea stars clinging to the walls and Galapagos sharks patrolling the surrounding waters.
We will return to our beach camp in time for sunset and a short stroll before another memorable dinner in paradise.
Day 5
Manglecito Beach to Puerto Grande
We’ll begin the day with a three-hour kayak along the coast of San Cristobal to our next beach camp at Puerto Grande. On arrival, there will be time to explore as we set up camp before another amazing snorkeling experience. Keep your eyes peeled for Galapagos and white-tipped reef sharks, as well as eagle rays, sea turtles, and a myriad of fish species.
In the late afternoon, you’ll be treated to yet another magical sunset and (if the skies are clear) an evening of unforgettable stargazing.
Day 6
Puerto Grande to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Embrace the early morning on your final day at camp before we pack our things and board a boat destined for Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. On arrival, we’ll have breakfast in town before continuing to one of the only freshwater bodies in the Galapagos Islands, Laguna El Junco. Nestled at an altitude of around 2,200 feet, it provides an important habitat for a variety of ducks, gulls, and frigate birds.
Our next destination is the Galapaguera of Cerro Colorado, which serves as a breeding center for San Cristobal’s unique giant tortoises. Get an up-close view of these gentle giants as they roam free across the 26-acre site. Learn about the center’s role in rearing young tortoises and preparing them for release into the wild across San Cristobal.
Day 7
San Cristobal to Santa Cruz
This morning, we will be traveling from San Cristobal to Santa Cruz, with the journey by motorboat taking between two and three hours. On arrival in Puerto Ayora, we’ll drop our luggage at the hotel before heading into the highlands to enjoy another intimate experience with giant tortoises. In the highland farms of Santa Cruze, native and endemic vegetation is being preserved to provide a habitat and food source for these magnificent creatures.
Stretch your legs on the trail that winds through this wonderful landscape while keeping an eye out for the dome-shaped shell of the tortoises. They can often be seen partially submerged in muddy ponds to help combat parasites and regulate their body temperature on hot days. Our trip into the highlands will also include a visit to one of the area’s fascinating lava tunnels.
Day 8
Tour to Bahía Ballena
Today, you will join some of Santa Cruz’s former fishermen to learn about their new role in protecting the Galapagos Islands’ marine life. After a short boat ride, you’ll arrive on the sandy shores of Bahia Ballena, an ocean inlet that’s known for its resident sea lions and marine iguanas.
Aside from snorkeling amidst the lava rocks and reefs that provide a habitat for tropical marine life, you’ll have the opportunity to see Darwin’s finches in action. Pacific green sea turtles and long-tailed stingrays are regularly spotted here, together with a variety of tropical fish, which the fishermen will show you as they practice catch-and-release fishing. Today’s experience is not just about observing the archipelago’s unique marine life but also understanding the culture and lifestyle of the local community.
After returning to Puerto Ayora, you’ll have time to shower and freshen up before dining at a restaurant of your choice.
Day 9
Puerto Ayora to Baltra to Guayaquil
This morning, you will be transferred across the island of Santa Cruz to the Baltra Airport, which served as a US Navy base during World War II. On arrival, your tour leader will assist you as you check in for your flight to Guayaquil on mainland Ecuador.
Dates & Rates
Dates | Adult (USD) | Child (USD) |
---|---|---|
Mar 01, 2025 to Mar 09, 2025 Lowest Tier Price SOLD OUT | $6,200£0€0$0$0 | $6,200£0€0$0$0 |
Apr 12, 2025 to Apr 20, 2025 Lowest Tier Price. Limited Spaces! | $6,200£0€0$0$0 | $6,200£0€0$0$0 |
May 03, 2025 to May 11, 2025 Newly Added Dates! Lowest Tier Price | $6,200£0€0$0$0 | $6,200£0€0$0$0 |
May 10, 2025 to May 18, 2025 Lowest Tier Price. Limited Spaces! SOLD OUT | $6,200£0€0$0$0 | $6,200£0€0$0$0 |
Jun 14, 2025 to Jun 20, 2025 Lowest Tier Pricing | $6,200£0€0$0$0 | $6,200£0€0$0$0 |
Jul 05, 2025 to Jul 13, 2025 Lowest Tier Pricing | $6,200£0€0$0$0 | $6,200£0€0$0$0 |
Nov 08, 2025 to Nov 16, 2025 Lowest Tier Pricing | $6,200£0€0$0$0 | $6,200£0€0$0$0 |
Dec 13, 2025 to Dec 21, 2025 Lowest Tier Pricing | $6,200£0€0$0$0 | $6,200£0€0$0$0 |
Dec 22, 2025 to Dec 30, 2025 Lowest Tier Pricing | $6,200£0€0$0$0 | $6,200£0€0$0$0 |
2026 | ||
Jan 10, 2026 to Jan 18, 2026 Lowest Tier Pricing | $6,990£0€0$0$0 | $6,990£0€0$0$0 |
Feb 14, 2026 to Feb 22, 2026 Lowest Tier Pricing | $6,990£0€0$0$0 | $6,990£0€0$0$0 |
Feb 28, 2026 to Mar 08, 2026 Lowest Tier Pricing | $6,990£0€0$0$0 | $6,990£0€0$0$0 |
Apr 04, 2026 to Apr 12, 2025 Lowest Tier Pricing | $6,990£0€0$0$0 | $6,990£0€0$0$0 |
May 09, 2026 to May 17, 2026 Lowest Tier Pricing | $6,990£0€0$0$0 | $6,990£0€0$0$0 |
Jun 13, 2026 to Jun 21, 2025 Lowest Tier Pricing | $6,990£0€0$0$0 | $6,990£0€0$0$0 |
Jul 04, 2026 to Jul 12, 2026 Lowest Tier Pricing | $6,990£0€0$0$0 | $6,990£0€0$0$0 |
Nov 07, 2026 to Nov 15, 2026 Lowest Tier Pricing | $6,990£0€0$0$0 | $6,990£0€0$0$0 |
Dec 12, 2026 to Dec 21, 2026 Lowest Tier Pricing | $6,990£0€0$0$0 | $6,990£0€0$0$0 |
Supplementary Information
Explore a Similar Itinerary with Kayaking: Check Out Our 9-Day Galapagos Unbound Tour
Looking for a unique Galapagos adventure? Our Galapagos Unbound Tour includes thrilling sea kayaking excursions and more. Contact us today to plan your dream trip!
Our customizable tours are designed to suit your group’s interests, preferences, and schedule. The sample itinerary provided is just one example of the amazing experiences you can enjoy. Let us help you create your ideal Galapagos vacation!
2025 Pricing
- 8–12 Guests: Starting at $6,200 per person
- Single Supplement: $650 during regular season
- December Peak Season Supplement: $375
Note: A minimum of 8 participants is required to confirm this tour.
2026 Pricing
- 8–12 Guests: Starting at $6,990 per person
- Single Supplement: $685 during regular season
- December Peak Season Supplement: $500
Note: A minimum of 8 participants is required to confirm this tour.
What’s Included in Your Galapagos Adventure
- Expert support from our Adventure Consultants
- Comfortable double-occupancy accommodations
- Dedicated private tour leader for groups of 8 or more
- Certified Galapagos Naturalist Guide
- All activities, meals, and transportation as detailed in the itinerary
- Premium sea kayaking and camping equipment
- Wetsuits for water activities
- Complimentary alcoholic beverages at the camp
- Snacks and purified drinking water throughout the tour
- Galapagos Carbon Footprint charge
What’s Not Included
- International flights to and from Ecuador
- Round-trip flights from Ecuador to the Galapagos (Ask us about free flight promotions on select dates!)
- Local island transfers within the Galapagos
- $220 Galapagos National Park Fee and Immigration Tax
- Gratuities for guides and staff
- Personal items and alcoholic beverages outside of the camp
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Additional hotel stays before or after the trip
- Emergency costs, including hospitalization or evacuation
More About Our Galapagos Tours
- Pricing Information: All tour prices are listed in USD and may change due to currency fluctuations or unforeseen expenses. Contact us for the latest details.
- Itinerary Changes: While we strive to maintain our itineraries, adjustments may occur due to weather, Acts of God, or other unpredictable factors. You’ll receive pre-trip updates about any changes approximately one month before your tour. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Plan Your Perfect Galapagos Tour Today
For a similar itinerary with sea kayaking excursions, visit our 9-Day Galapagos Unbound Tour. Ready to book your adventure? Contact us now to customize your Galapagos experience!
Reviews
FAQ & More
Where are the Galapagos Islands located?
The Galapagos Islands (or Archipelago de Colon) are a Province of Ecuador located about 500 miles (800 kilometers) west of the Ecuadorian coast and are located directly on the equator.
What is the weather like?
Visit this page for a month-to-month detail on weather. Because the Galapagos Islands are on the equator, it’s warm most of the year. The warmest season is usually January to April and average temperatures range from a low of 70F/22C to around of 84F/31C. This is also the “wet season” and there may be afternoon thundershowers. During a severe El Nino year, it’s more likely to rain at any time of day. April to December is considered the “dry season” and is cooler, with average temperatures ranging from around 68F/19C to 82F/27C. At this time of year it is not uncommon to have the "garua" (misty rain) early in the morning and in the highlands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal. Our experience is that the time of year doesn’t make a lot of difference in terms of the amount of rain as there isn’t enough to impact your trip too much.
When is the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands?
Whenever your schedule allows! Because it’s on the equator, air temperatures don’t change a lot. However water temperature does fluctuate as much as ten degrees during the year. The cooler Humboldt Current comes up from Antarctica from May to September/October and the sea is cooler and tends to be rougher at this time of year. Cooler water temperatures mean you generally see more sea life because there is more food for the animals that depend on the planktons and other sea nourishment. From November to April, the cooler Panama Current flows from the north and brings warmer water. The sea tends to be calmer at this time of year. If you’re going on our land-based tour then rough water is less of a concern. If you’re doing a cruise, and you are prone to seasickness, you might want to consider coming in the November to April time frame. Check out further recommendations on when to go here.
For a month to month comparison of temperatures and wildlife activity check out the Galapagos Calendar.
When should I arrive to Ecuador?
You should arrive on day one of the itinerary. You will spend that night in Guayaquil before departing for the islands on the morning of day two.
What is the best way to get to the Galapagos Islands?
From the U.S. and Canada there are daily flights via Houston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York and Miami, to Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Do you arrange international air to Ecuador?
We do not arrange international air travel but we do have a great air travel specialist we refer you to if you’d like.
Do you take care of our ticketing for air travel within Ecuador?
Yes, all Domestic flights between mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands will be included on your invoice. We will make the arrangements in conjunction with our partners in Ecuador. Flights to the Galapagos Islands depart several times daily from both Quito and Guayaquil aboard Boeing 737’s or Airbus 320’s or similar.
Will we have to exchange any money before we travel to Ecuador or once in the country?
Ecuador uses the US dollar which was adopted as the official currency in 2000. Be sure to bring cash bills in good condition because bills with markings or tears won’t be accepted. There are also ATM machines in the larger towns. It’s also a good idea to alert your bank that you’ll be traveling to Ecuador so they don’t stop the transactions.
Are you able to arrange extensions to our Galapagos tour?
We have been running trips in Ecuador since 1992 and know the country well. We have plenty of ideas for extending your trip whether it be to the Amazon, the Cloud Forest, the highlands in the north or south, or whatever might be your special interest. We can also arrange extensions to Peru and Machu Picchu.
How far in advance should I book?
There are a lot of arrangements to be made for a custom trip like our Unbound Signature active adventure. It’s very helpful with our planning if you book four to 12 months in advance. However, if you can’t plan that far ahead, then it’s usually not a problem to book up to about two months in advance. If you find yourself looking for last-minute space just call us and check!
What do I need to bring to snorkel and what is the experience like?
The Galapagos is surely one of the best places in the world to snorkel. The flourishing ocean life is an ecological treasure, and one of the main draws to the archipelago. You will have multiple chances to snorkel, sometimes at multiple locations in a day. We do recommend you try snorkeling ahead of time for your trip to get the most out of your experience, if you have never done so. Wetsuits aren’t strictly necessary, but “shorty” wetsuits (knees to elbows) of about 2mm are recommended to keep out any chill. We have full snorkel gear available to use including wetsuits.
What equipment or gear do I need to bring?
We provide all of the kayaking and camping equipment, while you need to simply bring your clothing and personal gear. We also provide wetsuits and snorkeling gear for your convenience, or your may bring your own. We send a complete list with items to bring such as paddling gloves, a water bottle, flash light, etc. We suggest traveling “light” for this adventure.
Will I see the same number of species and animals on this trip?
Yes, even though we visit fewer islands, you still see roughly the same number of species along the way.
How much kayaking should be expected?
On this Galapagos by Kayak trip we spend between one and four hours of kayaking on every day except for one. It is important to recognize that we operate under special permits from the Galapagos National Park Service and the rules sometimes change with very little notice. On the island of Santa Cruz, expect one or two hours paddling over relatively short distances. There is more paddling when we visit San Cristobal, where you should expect from two to four hours of kayaking each day. See the itineraries for further details.
Is is possible to go scuba diving in the Galapagos?
We recommend if you'd like to enjoy some scuba diving, that you stay on the islands for an extra day or two. This can easily be arranged at an additional cost. Please note that most diving locations in the Galapagos are very technical and often require certification in addition to significant experience.
Will the tour guide speak English?
Yes. Spanish is the official language of Ecuador and the Galapagos but all tour guides are bilingual and speak english.
Will my credit card work in Ecuador?
Yes, most major credit and debit cards are accepted in Ecuador. There are plenty of ATM’s to use if you prefer to purchase things with cash as well.
Write a review