Galapagos Unbound - Signature Tour | Galapagos Unbound

Galapagos Unbound - Signature Tour

Trip Highlights

*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:  Wyndham Hotel Puerto Santa Ana Guayaquil, Ecuador
ARRIVAL TIME: Any point on day one of your trip itinerary. 
TRIP MILES: Varies depending on group size, weather and kayaker's abilities
RETURN TIME: 5:00 PM
TRIP LENGTH: 9 days
AGE LIMIT: Minimum age is 7 years
BOAT TYPE: Sea Kayak
NEAREST AIRPORTS: José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport, GYE

Sample Itinerary

Galapagos Unbound Tour Itinerary 

Day 1: Arrive in Guayaquil

After flying into Guayaquil, which is located on Ecuador's mainland and serves as the gateway to the Galapagos Islands, you will be greeted by an Adventure Unbound representative and transferred to your hotel in the city center.

  • Accommodations: Wyndham Hotel Puerto Santa Ana in Guayaquil
  • Meals Included: None

Day 2: Guayaquil to San Cristobal

After breakfast at the hotel, a Galapagos Unbound representative will take you back to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Once we land on San Cristobal, the easternmost island in the group, a naturalist guide from Galapagos National Park will meet us there, marking the start of our journey.

After lunch in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, we will try on our snorkeling gear and wetsuits before embarking on our first kayaking excursion. Our two- to three-hour paddle takes us beneath volcanic peaks and along Lobos Island's shores while offering sightings of blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas. This afternoon, we’ll arrive at our exclusive Galapagos oceanfront campsite at Manglecito beach.

  • Accommodations: Exclusive Beach Camping
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Explore Galapagos Beach Camp

Activities: Sea kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, wildlife viewing.
Wildlife: Sea lions, blue-footed boobies, sea turtles.

After a relaxing morning spent exploring Manglecito Beach, we will embark on a three-hour kayaking trip to another picturesque beach. Should you become fatigued or require help, our support boat will be close by to assist. Lunch will be enjoyed at a secluded beach with the sounds of nature as our soundtrack. 

After lunch, we will go snorkeling at Kicker Rock, where you may spot Galapagos sharks and eagle rays if you're lucky. In the mid-afternoon, we'll return to our beach camp where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing while seabirds soar overhead. Fingers crossed, we will be treated to a spectacular sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

*Note: Boat ride to Kicker Rock on Shared Services in groups of 4 to 7 people

  • Accommodations: Exclusive Beach Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Explore Isabela Island

Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking.
Wildlife: Sea lions, blue-footed and masked boobies.

Our day starts with a boat ride to the airport for our flight to Isabela Island. Once we check into our hotel, we'll visit the Tortoise Breeding Center, run by the Galapagos National Parks Service to protect the islands' iconic tortoises. During a walk through the marshlands, we can get up close with these gentle giants - an experience that is sure to be a highlight of your Galapagos Islands tour. 

The afternoon will be spent kayaking along Puerto Villamil's pristine white-sand beach where you should keep an eye out for Galapagos penguins nesting among the rocks. Have your snorkeling gear ready to observe the incredible marine life that inhabits the area.

*Note: The order of the activities may vary, depending on National Park schedules.

  • Accommodations: Isabela Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Sierra Negra Volcano

Awake early to witness the sunrise before we journey into Isabela Island's highlands, where we will hike to the Sierra Negra Volcano. This massive caldera, measuring over six miles across, is one of the world's largest volcanos and last erupted in 2005. Along the hike, you'll see striking lava formations and enjoy panoramic vistas of the caldera. 

Once back at the hotel, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon at your leisure to relax at the beach or explore the town.

  • Accommodations: Isabela Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Los Tuneles + El Finado 

On Day 6 of your Galapagos Islands holiday we’ll embark on a boat ride to Los Tuneles, an extraordinary lava formation formed when volcanic lava met and hardened upon contact with seawater. This area offers magnificent snorkeling, with the crystal clear waters unveiling a stunning underwater landscape.

After lunch on board the boat, we'll sail on to El Finado, a peaceful inlet where you can snorkel with white-tip reef sharks and colorful tropical fish. If weather allows, we'll cap off the day with a beachfront barbecue in the evening.

  • Accommodations: Isabela Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Santa Cruz Island + Giant Tortoises + Lava Tunnels

After an early departure by speedboat, we will visit Santa Cruz's Darwin Research Station and take a scenic drive through the lush highlands. During a leisurely walk, you can observe giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat as they feast on vegetation. Next, we will explore ancient lava tunnels that reveal the geological history of the island. 

For dinner, you can select a restaurant of your choice in town. 

  • Accommodations: Santa Cruz Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

*Note Boat ride for Tuneles on Shared Services in groups from 4 to 7 people

Day 8: Tortuga Bay + Santa Cruz Island

This morning we'll embark on a scenic two-mile hike from Puerto Ayora to Tortuga Bay, passing prickly pear cacti and palo santo trees along the trail. At Tortuga Bay, we'll have time to unwind on the beach before paddling to a calm cove perfect for snorkeling. 

In the afternoon, we'll kayak through a series of peaceful lagoons, home to rays and sharks. To conclude our Galapagos Islands tour, this evening we'll gather for a farewell dinner together.

  • Accommodations: Santa Cruz Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Return to Guayaquil

This morning, you’ll be transferred to the airport on Santa Cruz Island to catch your return flight to Guayaquil, where we expect you will return by 5 PM. From Guayaquil airport, you can transfer to the international terminal for your flight home, the international terminal for your flight home, or extend your trip to visit Peru and Machu Picchu

  • Meals: Breakfast

Travel Arrangements

Galapagos Travel Arrangements

Travel to Guayaquil, Ecuador: 

The simplest way to get to Guayaquil is to connect through one of several U.S. cities with direct flights, including New York City (JFK), Miami (MIA), and Fort Lauderdale (FLL).

Airport Transfer Upon Arrival: 

An airport transfer upon arrival is included in your package price. Please provide your international flight details, and we will arrange transportation to your hotel in Guayaquil, where the tour officially begins.

If you have booked additional hotel nights or extensions at the end of your trip, you will need to arrange your own transportation. The hotels we use offer complimentary shuttle services, and taxis are readily available at the airport.

Weather

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

Getting Ready

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 List

Overview

The packing list below is designed to help you plan, prepare, and outfit yourself for your upcoming Galapagos adventure. Our recommendations and suggestions are tailored to your tour type, based on the outlined itinerary, the unique geographic region, and our extensive knowledge of the Galapagos Islands. We encourage you to use this list as a guide and customize it with your favorite travel essentials!

Gear Provided by Adventure Unbound

Adventure Unbound supplies all necessary equipment for your tour, including camping gear such as a tent, cot, sleeping pad, sheets, and a pillow with a pillowcase. For kayaking and snorkeling, you'll be provided with personal flotation devices (PFDs), paddles, kayaks, and one 10L dry bag for your day bag.

Additionally, we will provide a shorty wetsuit, snorkel mask, fins, and a PFD.

To make the most of your Adventure Unbound experience, we recommend traveling light. Packing lightly for Galapagos trips is essential for several reasons:

  1. Inter-island flights have a baggage limit of 25 pounds per person.
  2. You'll need to carry your luggage with you.
  3. You won’t require much for this adventure!
     

Luggage Recommendations for Your Galapagos Adventure

Galapagos Unbound provided 10L dry bag

 

Adventure Unbound branded green suitcase and orange duffel bag

Essentials

  • Passport – Must be valid for at least six (6) months after your arrival date.
  • Money Belt – Securely carry your passport, travel documents, and cash in a concealed money belt.
  • Photocopy of Passport – Keep a photocopy of your passport in a ziplock bag stored separately in your luggage. Leave a copy with family or friends at home as an additional precaution.
  • Air Tickets – Carry a printed copy of your air tickets, including ticket numbers, stored separately in your luggage.
  • Cash – Bring $200 for the Galapagos National Park fee and $20 for the Isabela Island Arrival Tax.
  • Gratuities – Set aside cash for tips (details provided in your trip documents).
  • Credit/Debit Cards – Ensure your card is internationally accepted and has chip technology. Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid fraud detection holds.
  • Battery Pack/Power Bank – Essential for charging devices while camping where electrical outlets may not be available.
  • Watch or Travel Clock – A phone with an alarm function can also suffice.
  • TSA-Approved Lock – Use for securing luggage when it’s not on your person (optional).
  • Lightweight Clothing – Pack quick-drying nylon or polyester materials. On Isabela Island, hotels offer laundry services, or you can hand-wash clothes in the sink.

Clothing

  • 1 pair of lightweight nylon pants (zip-off legs are a versatile option).
  • 1 additional comfortable pair of pants or a skirt (wear one item on the plane).
  • 1 pair of nylon shorts (men can use them as swimwear).
  • 1 swimsuit for women.
  • 2 T-shirts or polo shirts.
  • 1 pair of lightweight pajamas.
  • 1 short-sleeve button-up shirt (nylon or poly-cotton).
  • 1 long-sleeve shirt for sun protection (tight-weave nylon shirts with SPF protection are ideal).
  • 1 long-sleeve button-up shirt for town (pack in a ziplock bag to minimize wrinkles).
  • 1 lightweight fleece or polyester sweater/jacket for cool mornings and evenings.
  • 3–4 pairs of underwear.
  • 1 wide-brim, tie-on hat (floppy nylon hats pack well; a baseball cap and bandana also work).
  • 1 lightweight raincoat or windbreaker with waterproof qualities.
  • 3 pairs of light socks and 1 thicker pair for hiking.
  • 1 pair of sturdy sandals with ankle straps for kayaking, beaches, and town walks (Chaco, Teva, or similar brands).
  • 1 pair of sturdy tennis shoes or lightweight hiking boots if extra ankle support is needed.

Water Gear

  • 1 pair of paddling gloves (optional, for blister prevention; fingerless bike gloves work well).
  • 1 Lycra “rash guard” shirt (optional, adds warmth and helps with wetsuit ease).
  • Snorkel Gear – Mask, fins, snorkel, and wetsuit are available to borrow at no cost (not counted in your weight allowance).

Additional Gear

  • Lip balm with sunscreen for daily use.
  • Sunglasses (polarized lenses are excellent for wildlife viewing).
  • Headstrap for glasses or sunglasses (e.g., Chums or Croakies).
  • Extra sunglasses or prescription glasses.
  • Flashlight or headlamp (headlamps are ideal); include extra batteries and bulbs.
  • 1 wide-mouth water bottle.
  • Water filtration system - Bringing this along will help reduce our use of single use plastic. Ecuador has nearly perfect tap water that can be easily filtered so it wont upset your bodys system. We recomend you bring a filter such as a LifeStrawGrayleSteripen, or Sawyer Squeeze
  • Compact towel for camping (beach towels are provided on snorkel boats).
  • Bandana for sun protection or cooling off.
  • Small sewing kit (optional).
  • Travel-sized detergent for handwashing clothes (3–4 oz.).
  • Plastic bags: Four or five 11-gallon kitchen garbage bags (for wet clothes or dirty shoes) and a few 1-gallon ziplock bags for packing lotions or other items prone to spills.
  • Camera equipment, including a waterproof camera or GoPro for snorkeling and extra memory cards/batteries.
  • Binoculars (optional but great for bird and wildlife watching).
  • Books, a notepad, pen, and small games (e.g., playing cards).

Toiletries and First Aid

  • Basic hygiene products: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. (keep liquids under 3.38 oz./ 100ml for carry-on).
  • Insect repellent (lotion or oil; spray is not permitted) – While biting insects in the Galapagos are generally minimal, guests have recently reported a higher-than-usual presence of mosquitoes at camp. We recommend the following options for protection:
    • Natural option: Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) is CDC-recommended and effective for mosquito protection.
    • Common and effective options: DEET-based repellents and Picaridin are both highly effective in warding off insects.
    • Additional protection: Consider permethrin treated clothing, which repels insects for up to 70 washes. Loose-fitting, treated long-sleeved shirts and pants can provide maximum comfort and protection during camping.
  • Biodegrable sunscreen - we recommend Stream2Sea as an all-natural option. Use 30 SPF or higher, as sun protection is crucial under the intense equatorial sun, which reflects strongly off both the sky and water.
  • Pre-moistened toilette packets or disposable shower wipes for refreshing during camping days.
  • Prescriptions and any necessary personal medications – Ensure you bring all necessary prescriptions and any emergency medicine, such as an EpiPen or Benadryl.
  • Heavy-duty skin lotion for soothing dry, sun-exposed, or saltwater-affected skin.
  • Small squeeze bottle of hand-sanitizer gel.
  • * Shampoo and soap – Biodegradable options are best; multi-purpose varieties are convenient. (Due to park regulations, soap cannot be used in the sea, but a designated bucket at camp is available for proper disposal.)
  • Toothbrush and Toothpaste – Biodegradable options are preferred.
  • *Optional - female urinary device – Allows women to urinate standing up without removing clothing. Popular brands include Gogirl and Shewee.
  • General hygiene products and shaving essentials.
  • Lip balm with sunscreen to prevent chapped lips.
  • Medications – Include Dramamine for motion sickness, Benadryl for allergic reactions, and any other necessary over-the-counter or prescription medications.

* Due to our Park Service permit, the use of soap in the sea is not allowed. However, at camp, you may use soap to wash. We have a designated bucket to collect the soapy water for proper disposal.

Reading List

Adventure Unbound - Recommended Galapagos Reading List

  • Constant, P. (2007). Marine Life of the galápagos: A diver's guide to the fishes, whales, dolphins and marine invertebrates. Cordee.
  • Fitter, Julian, et al. (2016). Wildlife of Galápagos. Princeton University Press.
  • Frazier, C., & Secreast, D. (1985). Adventuring in the Andes: The Sierra Club Travel Guide to Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, the Amazon Basin, and the Galapagos Islands. Sierra Club Books.
  • Grubb, K. G. (1930). Amazon and Andes. Mathuen & Co. Ltd.
  • Harris, M. P. (1992). A field guide to the Birds of Galapagos. HarperCollins.
  • 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.
  • Mitchell, A. (1986). The enchanted canopy. Macmillan.
  • 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.
  • Weiner, J. (1994). Beak of the finch: A story of evolution in our time. Vintage Books.
  • White, A., & Epler, B. (1986). Galapagos Guide.

Helpful Links

Additional Galapagos and Sea Kayaking 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. 

Terms & Conditions

Please see our full Terms & Conditions HERE.

Back to top