Galapagos Islands Voyage

*Please note that the following information is meant to provide a general overview of your tour. The specifics of your trip will be contained in a pre-trip letter you will receive prior to your confirmed departure.

Important Trip Details:

MEETING PLACE:  San Cristobal Airport
ARRIVAL TIME: Before Lunch
TRIP LENGTH: 8 days
AGE LIMIT: 10 years
BOAT TYPE: The Ocean Spray

Galapagos Islands Voyage Itinerary

Day 1 – Saturday: Arrival & Chinese Hat

Arrive at Baltra Airport, where a representative will meet you and transfer you to the Ocean Spray. After lunch onboard, spend the afternoon exploring Chinese Hat, a volcanic rock formation named for its distinctive shape. This is a fantastic spot to see penguins, hawks, and Sally Lightfoot crabs.

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 – Sunday: Vicente Roca Point & Fernandina Island

Start the day at Vicente Roca Point on Isabela Island, home to nesting blue-footed and Nazca boobies, storm petrels, and brown noddy terns. The nutrient-rich Cromwell Current attracts whales, dolphins, and sea lions, creating spectacular feeding frenzies.

In the afternoon, visit Espinoza Point on Fernandina Island, one of the most pristine islands in the archipelago. This untouched ecosystem is home to marine iguanas and Galápagos hawks. Enjoy snorkeling and a guided walk through its dramatic landscapes.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Monday: Tagus Cove & Urbina Bay

Begin the day at Tagus Cove on Isabela Island, once a hideout for 19th-century sailors and pirates. A scenic trail offers breathtaking views of the cove and its mangrove forest, home to around 35 pairs of mangrove finches.

In the afternoon, explore Urbina Bay, a unique site that was uplifted from the ocean floor by volcanic activity. Walk along the beach, spotting sea lions, land iguanas, flightless cormorants, and Galápagos hawks.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Tuesday: Elizabeth Bay & Moreno Point

Take a dinghy ride through the protected waters of Elizabeth Bay, a pristine marine sanctuary. Keep an eye out for Galápagos sharks, tropical fish, and other marine life thriving in its crystal-clear waters.

Later, visit Moreno Point, one of the best birding sites in the Galápagos. Search for great blue herons, flightless cormorants, and Galápagos hawks, and look for white-tipped sharks in the coastal lagoons.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Wednesday: Charles Darwin Research Station & Santa Cruz Highlands

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you’ll learn about conservation efforts, see a collection of native plant specimens, and visit the giant tortoise breeding center.

In the afternoon, head into the highlands of Santa Cruz, a lush, green landscape vastly different from the rest of the archipelago. This area is home to giant tortoises, mockingbirds, lava lizards, and Darwin’s finches.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Thursday: South Plaza & Santa Fe Island

Explore South Plaza, a tiny island known for its prickly pear cacti that sustain its population of land iguanas. This island also boasts stunning contrasts of black lava formations, turquoise waters, and red Sesuvium plants, making it a photographer’s dream.

In the afternoon, visit Santa Fe Island, home to endemic Santa Fe iguanas. Walk among towering Opuntia cacti and Palo Santo trees, hike one of two scenic trails, or relax on the island’s pristine beach.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – Friday: Española Island – Suarez Point & Gardner Bay

Begin the day at Suarez Point, home to Española Island’s endemic species and the only waved albatross breeding site in the Galápagos. Witness Nazca and blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropicbirds, and vibrantly colored marine iguanas.

In the afternoon, head to Gardner Bay, a breathtaking beach known for its resident sea lion colony. Spot finches, Española mockingbirds, and marine life while snorkeling near Gardner and Osborn Islets, where you may encounter sea turtles and tropical fish.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Saturday: San Cristóbal Interpretation Center & Departure

Conclude your journey with a visit to the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, which provides a fascinating overview of the natural and human history of the Galápagos Islands. Exhibits cover topics such as volcanic origins, conservation efforts, and ecological challenges.

Following the visit, transfer to San Cristóbal Airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Galapagos Travel Arrangements

While in Quito, Guayaquil, or any other city on the Ecuadorian mainland, a local guide will assist with airport transfers, check-ins, and accompany you on any local excursions you’ve arranged. A gratuity of US$ 10 per person, per day is recommended.

We highly recommend to arrange international flights at least one day before and one day after your Galapagos cruise. Please ensure that the names on your cruise confirmation match exactly with those in your passport to avoid any fines on the day of your flight.

Galapagos Weather

The Galápagos has two main seasons: the cool and dry season that lasts from July through December and the hot and rainy season that goes from January through June. The weather remains relatively temperate throughout both seasons and so it’s always a good time to visit the Galapagos Islands.

The “peak season” for tourism is usually attributed as lasting from mid-December through mid-January and mid-June through September. However, since the Galápagos National Park Service has various travel restrictions, you will never have to deal with hordes of tourists and can instead enjoy the natural serenity of the islands in relative solitude.

When To Go?

Galapagos Dry Season

The dry season in Galápagos is known as the garúa season, and this is when temperatures begin to drop.

• As cold waters travel north from the Antarctica region, the climate becomes more subtropical than tropical.

• One of the most visible effects of the subtropical climate is the misty rain that coats the island peaks and turns the vegetation green. As garúa translates to “drizzle” in English, it’s a fitting name for the misty season.

• The garúa season attracts more marine mammals, fish, and birds despite the colder waters because the Humboldt Current brings up nutrient and plankton rich water.

• The drizzle largely effects the highlands while the lowlands continue to have an arid climate, and there’s plenty of wildlife to observe in both.

• The sea is swarming with fishes, and so it’s one of the best times to observe seabirds and Galápagos penguins who are enjoying the feast swimming below the surface.

Galapagos Rainy Season

The rainy season extends from January through June, and the water and weather is at its warmest during these months. Explore the shores of Galápagos during ideal tropical weather on our Galápagos Adventure.

• The tropical rain showers are at their heaviest January through March, but although the rainfall can be heavy the storms are generally short.

• The predominately sunny days paired with the warm waters coming down from Colombia and Panama make for great snorkeling weather.

• While the weather is at its clearest and the water at its smoothest from March to April, there are less fish to see in the warm waters; rather, more fish can be found later in the year.

Click Here to Access Our Helpful Weather and Wildlife Guide

Adventure Unbound Physical Requirements  

Here at  Adventure Unbound our first and foremost goal is for you to have an enjoyable and safe experience. While most of our trips are suitable for beginners, some of our trips are more active than others and it’s important that you understand the physical requirement of the trip you choose. 

All of our trips are active adventures that involve some level of physical exertion and possible exposure to the elements including but not limited to wind, rain, heat, sun, cold temperatures and cold water conditions. Adventure Unbound is able to accommodate people with physical limitations, disabilities and medical conditions; please speak with your Adventure Consultant if you think you will require any additional assistance while on the trip. We ask that you consult your doctor if you have health or medical conditions that could impact your ability to participate in an active and outdoor adventure. In general, all trip participants must be able to do the following:  

• Wear all protective and safety equipment that are required by Adventure Unbound and recommended/required by industry wide standards.
• Load and unload, on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion, the bus and/or van providing transportation for Adventure Unbound activities.
• Reach the water access points (put-in and take-out) on their own, or with the aid of a qualified companion.
• Enter and exit a raft, kayak and/or inflatable kayak on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion.
• Remain seated and balanced in a floating raft, canoe, kayak or inflatable kayak w/ the aid of adaptive equipment, if necessary.
• Float on their back when entering moving and still water. The participant must be capable of turning from face-down to face-up in the water with the aid of a Personal Floatation Device and must be able to hold their breath while under water.
• Remain calm and keep breathing under control in the event of a swim.
• Climb into the kayak, with the help of another person, should an involuntary swim happen at any point on the water.
• Make progress toward the shoreline or a boat by swimming in moving water and must be able to exit the water and ascend the shoreline once reached.
• Participate as an active paddler when instructed by the guide for the duration of trip. 
• Move about the campsite on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion on all trips that include overnight camping and/or lunch.

Physical Preparedness

Whether you are an avid sea kayaker, or it is your first time, you’ll enjoy these incredible trips, and share in our passion for adventure, commitment to conserving the environment, and relishing unique experiences. For those new to the sport, kayaking is easy to learn in the sheltered waters that we visit, and we provide all of the camping gear, kayaking equipment and guidance needed. In addition, we keep our groups small to allow you to not only travel intimately among nature, but to ensure you receive the necessary attention from our guides.

Packing Smart for Your Trip

Travel light! The less you pack, the happier you'll be. Dress is casual, and outdoor-friendly clothing is best. Pack essentials—including a change of clothes, rain gear, and TSA-approved travel-size toiletries—in your carry-on in case of delayed or lost luggage.

Below are packing recommendations and a checklist to help you prepare.

General Packing Tips

• Choose quick-dry fabrics. The hot, humid conditions at sea mean synthetic, moisture-wicking clothing is best. Cotton can stay damp.
• Carry essentials in your carry-on. Keep travel documents, money, medications, and other vital items with you.
• Leave valuables at home. If losing it would break your heart, don’t bring it.
• Lock your luggage securely. If you plan to use a lock, ensure it works properly.
• Hairdryers are available in all vessel suites.

Essential Gear

• Lightweight, breathable waterproof rain jacket with hood
• Warm fleece (for cooler nights on the boat and in Quito)
• Footwear:
  • Tennis shoes or lightweight hikers (for land excursions)
  • Water-resistant sport sandals (e.g., Tevas, Chacos) for wet landings—no flip-flops or bare feet due to sharp coral
  • Comfortable sandals for inside the yacht
• Small, water-resistant daypack (for camera gear and essentials during island walks)
• Sun hat with a secure strap (wind can blow it overboard)

Clothing

• Lightweight, comfortable pants
• Nylon, zip-off pants (for varying temperatures)
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Short-sleeved T-shirts (bring an extra for snorkeling if you sunburn easily)
• Shorts (fewer needed if bringing zip-offs)
• Swimsuits (for daily snorkeling)

Additional Gear

• Camera equipment
• Non-DEET insect repellent
• Sunglasses (UV filter, with a secure strap)
• Sunscreen & lip balm (must be reef-safe per Galápagos National Park regulations—avoid oxybenzone, octinoxate, etc.)
• Motion sickness medication (if needed)
• Small medical kit
• Prescription glasses/contact lenses
• Zip-lock bags (to protect electronics)
• Spanish/English dictionary
• Binoculars
• Extra SD cards (compatible with GoPro 4K)
• Earplugs (for light sleepers)
• Hand sanitizer/alcohol

Money Considerations

Bring cash or a credit card for:

• Souvenirs
• Extra drinks/bar tab
• Gratuities
• Personal spending
• Travel expenses before/after your trip (and extensions)

Adventure Unbound - Recommended Galapagos Reading List

Here are a number of books to consider
Our top two picks are

• The Reluctant Mr. Darwin: An Intimate Portrait of Charles Darwin and the Making of His Theory of Evolution (Great Discoveries) by David Quammen (Author) An engaging read that helps us understand the world at the time of Darwin and why he took so long to publish his theory of evolution
• Weiner, J. (1994). Beak of the finch: A story of evolution in our time. Vintage Books This chronicles the research done by two scientists who spent 20 years flushing out Darwin’s theory of evolution A compelling story that will surely help you appreciate the importance of the Galapagos Islands  

   

• Constant, P. (2007). Marine Life of the galápagos: A diver's guide to the fishes, whales, dolphins and marine invertebrates. Cordee
• Ferreiro, Larrie D. (2013). Measure of the Earth: The Enlightenment Expedition That Reshaped Our World. Basic Books A fun read filled with human drama and that expands our understanding of geography and how we understand our earth today
• Fitter, Julian, et al. (2016). Wildlife of Galápagos. Princeton University Press
• Grubb, K. G. (1930). Amazon and Andes. Mathuen & Co. Ltd. Written by a distant cousin of ROW Founder Peter Grubb, this is a light read of an adventure-focused missionary in the early 1900’s
• Harris, M. P. (1992). A field guide to the Birds of Galapagos. HarperCollins
• Hassaurek, F., & Gardiner, C. H. (1967). Four years among the Ecuadorians. Southern Illinois University Press
• Hickman, C. P. (1998). A field guide to sea stars and other echinoderms of galápagos. Sugar Spring Press
• Horwell, D., & Oxford, P. (2005). Galápagos wildlife: A visitor's guide. Bradt Travel Guides
• Hurtado, O. (1980). Political power in Ecuador. Routledge
• Jackson, M. H. (1993). Galapagos, a natural history. University of Calgary Press
• Kricher, J. C. (1999). A neotropical companion: An introduction to the animals, plants, and ecosystems of the New World Tropics. Princeton University Press
• McIntyre, L. (1988). The incredible Incas and their timeless land. Nactional Geographic Society
• Schofield, E. K. (1984). Plants of the Galápagos Islands: Field Guide and Travel Journal. Universe Books
• Treherne, J. E. (2011). The Galapagos Affair. Vintage Digital
• White, A., & Epler, B. (1986). Galapagos Guide
• Whymper, E. (1990). Travels amongst the Great Andes of the equator. Murray
• Wittmer, M., & Antonio, M. W. J. (2010). Floreana. Editorial Galápagos

Additional Galapagos Information

Galapagos Islands Weather Forecast - Check the local weather before you go. 

TripAdviser - Read reviews from past guests. 

Galapagos Unbound Website - Here you can find information on other Galapagos tours and mainland Ecuador extensions. 

Quito Tourism Guide - Learn more about the UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The Best Galápagos Tour Extensions - Explore how you can extend your adventure beyond the Galápagos!

Please see our full Terms & Conditions HERE.