Effort: Moderate

Activities: Mountain biking, sea kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking

Lodging: Tourist Class Galapagos Hotels

Our Galapagos Multisport combines kayak, hike and mountain bike in amazing spots that put you face-to-face with incredible and friendly wildlife. Sea kayak through marvelous tropical waters with sea turtles, sharks and sea lions surrounded by thousands of colorful reef fish. Hike active volcanoes and lay on white sand beaches to delight in the company of sea lions and marine iguanas. Certified naturalist and adventure guides lead your Galapagos Multisport journey and provide you with the highest quality adventure gear. If you are a travel enthusiast and enjoy adventure, an active lifestyle and communion with nature, this is the perfect trip for you!

DAY 1: Arrival / Galapagos Museum / Snorkel and Hike Frigate Hill

After arrival to San Cristobal Island, we brief you over lunch at a sea side restaurant. Our journey begins at the Interpretation Center learning about Galapagos’ unique wildlife, geology, history, and social dynamics.

We hike to Frigate Hill along lava rock trails. On the way, your naturalist guide explains all about the Galapagos cotton, palo santo, acacia, and cacti you encounter. You also spot blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, herons, gulls, warblers, mockingbirds, and finches amongst the vegetation and sea cliffs. In addition to unique species, the hike provides marvelous views of the rugged coastline and the seaside town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

We stop for a refreshing snorkel or swim at beautiful Carola Beach. Here, you find sea turtles, sea lions, and marine iguanas, as well as surfers riding some world-class waves. After dinner with a gorgeous sunset as our background, we recommend you take a stroll down the boardwalk to view the immense colony of endemic Galapagos sea lions. (L)

DAY 2: Sea Kayak & Snorkel the Coast, Isla Lobos, and Kicker Rock

We explore by kayaks the coastal bays and coves full of wildlife. You find see blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, sea lions, and sea turtles along the way. We reach Playa Ochoa and head away from the coast to nearby Isla Lobos. Here we snorkel with marine iguanas, sea lions, and countless reef fish.

We paddle out towards the open sea to reach Kicker Rock, two breathtaking rock massifs that jut out from the ocean. Above the waters, thousands of sea birds cling to its walls and below millions of fish call the rock home. Between the two rock walls, you find some of the best snorkeling in the islands with spotted eagle rays, golden rays, Galapagos sharks, starfish, clams, and fish of every shape, size, and color. If you are lucky, you will also see hammerhead sharks! (B, L)

DAY 3: Mountain Bike the Coastline and Explore Tintoreras

After breakfast, we  take a short plane ride and conntinue with our Galapago Mutisport  Isabela. This is the largest island in Galapagos still being formed by 6 shield volcanoes. Without a doubt, Isabela is one of the most volcanically active spots on the planet.

We take our bikes and first visit El Muro de las Lagrimas (Wall of Tears). Isabela used to be a penal colony, and here, prisoners constructed a massive wall of lava rocks for no other purpose than to keep busy. We continue biking along white sand beaches, mangroves, brackish lagoons, and a lava tube. The area is filled with giant tortoises and birdlife. Here, you also have a chance to spot flamingos!

After lunch, we explore Tintoreras, a set of small islets filled with hidden coves and beaches. Here, we find the endemic Galapagos penguin as well as reef sharks, sea turtles, and sea lions. In the late afternoon or evening, feel free to take a leisurely stroll down the seemingly endless beach or the sand streets of this idyllic beach town. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Volcano Hiking in Isabela’s Highlands

We drive up to the highlands until the road ends, grab our daypacks and hike into a world of recent geological history, enjoying the incredible views of the surrounding volcanoes and sea. However, when you arrive at the rim of Volcan Sierra Negra, you´ll be awestruck! This is the second largest active caldera on the planet. You will walk along the rim of this enormous 30 square mile crater, and if feeling energetic, continue your hike into the caldera of Volcan Chico, an otherworldly landscape with endless hues of oranges, reds, blacks, and yellows. Here, you explore puffing fumaroles and spectacular lava formations.

After a day on what seems like another planet, we return to paradise on earth. Spend your last afternoon in this lazy beach town relaxing on its stunning beaches and soaking up the island-life atmosphere. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Tortoises, Pirates, Lava Tunnels, and Volcanic Craters

After breakfast, take a speedboat to Santa Cruz Island. Lookout for whales and dolphins! Upon arrival, we head to El Chato in the Santa Cruz highlands to find the giant tortoise in its natural habitat. It is truly an honor to hike amongst these fascinating giants, who can live to be over 175 years old. You also see pintail ducks, finches, frigate birds, egrets, and hopefully the vermillion flycatcher – a red jewel of a bird.

We explore some incredible lava tunnels in which pirates frequented and perhaps hid Inca gold. Tortoise meat was actually a major reason pirates came to the Galapagos. The metabolism of giant tortoises is so slow that they could be stored alive on pirate ships for up to 6 months without food or water. We continue our hike to Los Gemelos, two deep volcanic craters at the top of the island. The trail takes us into a forest of endemic scalescia trees covered with ferns and epiphytes that exude an almost eerie feel. We will also lookout for the short-eared owl. (B, L)

DAY 6: Kayak w/ Sharks in Lava Wall Channels / Hike to Tortuga Bay

We take our sea kayaks once again and explore Punta Estrada and Divine Bay. We paddle through serene turquoise waters that meander through towering lava channels walls. Below the clear waters, we see rays and white-tipped reef sharks. You also paddle right up to the fearless red-billed tropic birds, blue-footed boobies, herons, Sally-footed crabs and marine iguanas perched along the cliffs.

After lunch, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station where we learn about the ongoing conservation efforts on these enchanted islands. The Research Station rears endemic Galapagos plants, land iguanas, and giant Galapagos tortoises for educational, scientific, and conservation purposes. Here, we can compare the diverse evolutionary paths of the various giant tortoise subspecies from different islands. We will also meet Lonesome George, the only remaining member of the Pinta Island subspecies.

We take a 40 minute hike to Tortuga Bay through a unique dry forest. Along the trail you find many birds and interesting plants. When you reach the beach, you will hardly believe your eyes, as words can fail to describe its beauty. Take time to relax on its fine sands or in its azure waters. Return to Puerto Ayora to enjoy your last evening on this island full of fantastic dining and nightlife options. (B, L)

DAY 7: Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and Return Flight
We say goodbye to the enchanted islands and transfer to nearby Baltra for our return flight to the mainland. (B)

B = Breakfast

L = Lunch

D = Dinner

INCLUDED: Accommodations; all meals as described (dinner is only included on Isabela Island); all safety and adventure equipment; experienced English-speaking adventure guide; knowledgeable bilingual Galapagos naturalist guide; all inner and inter-island transportation (vehicle and boat)

NOT INCLUDED: Airfare to and from the Galapagos; entrance fee to Galapagos National Park; restaurant & hotel beverages; tips

**PLEASE NOTE** This itinerary may change without notice due to changes in weather or national park policy.

KEY FACTS AND INFORMATION

BOAT TRAVEL TIME: 2 inter-island boat crossings of 2 – 3 hours each.

BIKING, HIKING OR PADDLING ACTIVITY DURATION: 2 – 6 hours daily.

SEASON: Year-round.

ALTITUDE: 0 – 3,700 feet (1,124 m) above sea level.

AVERAGE TEMPERATURES: December – May: 80 – 90ºF (25 – 30ºC); June – September: 60 – 70ºF (15 – 20ºC); October – November: 70 – 80ºF (15º -25ºC)

WATER TEMPERATURE: Due to the convergence of several ocean currents, Galapagos’ seas are a unique mix of cold and warm water. Temperatures range from 65ºF to 85ºF.

SUGGESTED ITEMS TO BRING: hiking shoes, hiking wear (non-cotton), water sandals, water bottle, rain jacket, sunscreen, hat, flashlight, and insect repellent.

• Exclusive mountain biking route on Isabela Island.
• See famous Lonesome George, the last living member of his giant tortoise subspecies.
• Walk amongst Giant Galapagos Tortoises in their natural habitat.
• Sea kayak with sharks, marine iguanas, sea turtles, and sea lions.
• Snorkel with a variety of species of sharks (including possibly the hammerhead shark), rays, and tropical fish.
• Hike the rim of the second largest volcano caldera in the world and discover extraordinary lava formations.
• Relax on sandy beaches among sea lions and marine iguanas.
• Every step, peddle and paddle of your journey is expertly guided by the best adventure and nature guides.

Galapagos Multisport Adventure – 2012 Departures

May 10 to 16

June 6 to 12

June 18 to 24

July 15 to 21

August 04 to 10

September 3 to 9

October 2 to 8

November 6 to 12

November 20 to 26

December 25 to 31