Effort: Moderate – Challenging

Activities: Galapagos Surfing, Wildlife Viewing, and Island Explorations

Lodging: Hotel Casa Opuntia, San Cristobal Island

This tour is available only for groups of 5 passengers and more.

Galapagos is one of the ultimate surfing and nature experiences!! You´ll ride world class waves with sea turtles, dolphins, sea lions and marine iguanas, simply amazing! We chose San Cristobal Island as out perfect surfing spot because of its optimal surfing conditions: perfect tide, wave size and variety and of course…lack of a crowd!

Hands-down, there´s no better way to surf the Galapagos. The value of having an expert local Galapagos surfing guide is immensurable. He will take you to the best surf spots at the ideal times and coach you through the intricacies of each wave. Equally important, he will become your portal to life on the island, introduce you to the surfing community and likely bring you to the island’s best watering holes.

Another critical aspect of our Galapagos Surfing Adventure is that it provides a much greater experience than just surfing. When the waves aren’t breaking or you simply want a break, you can discover the Galapagos through hiking, biking, sea kayaking, scuba diving, or snorkeling escapades.

Our Galapagos surfing adventure is made even more distinctive by fine accommodations and superlative service at an oceanfront Galapagos hotel – Casa Opuntia. While dining on deliciously fresh food (much of which is organic and local) in the open-air dining room, you can watch how the waves are breaking at Punta Carola to the west and at Tongo and El Cañón to the east.

GALAPAGOS SURFING SPOTS:

Punta Carola: This is considered to be the best wave in the Galapagos, and is one of the top waves in South America. It offers square barrels and long rides. It provides fairly consistent surf, and at high tide you will find waves that average up to ten feet (right-hand wave). However, this wave can get even bigger! Low tide is perfect for boogie boarders and beginning surfers. It also has a beautiful beach with excellent snorkeling for when you want to break from the waves.

El Cañón: A 10 minute walk from the hotel, this great surfing bay with fast tubing waves averaging 6 feet (left-hand wave). El Cañón takes N, NW, W and strong SW swells. It is also a favorite surfing spot for sea lions.

La Loberia: A 10 minute drive from the hotel, very consistent 6 foot waves that are both right and left-handers. There is also a beautiful white sand beach with terrific snorkeling.

Tongo Reef: A southerly and westerly swell that provides fun tubes (left-hand wave). Best of all, this wave can ride for over 300 meters!

Manglecito: A 15-20 minute boat trip away, Manglecito is a gorgeous beach
with fun 6 foot right-hand waves. It requires a strong N or NW swell and must be done at low tide, but the wave lasts 6 hours. (boat ride not included)

SEASONS:

San Cristobal is unique as it receives northern and southern swells equally well, which means there is good Galapagos surfing year-round. However, the absolute best time to surf is from December to March, when the northern swell is largest and most consistent. April and May still provide very high quality surfing as both the northern and southern swells are pulsing at this time. June to May is a bit colder and windier with a southern swell,  and good waves.

INCLUDED:

- 2 Galapagos airport-hotel transfers
- 4 night accommodation at Galapagos Hotel Casa Opuntia
- 3 meals per day

- Up to 5 days of Surf (transfers by water taxi within the bay, car, and walking)

- 1 day of kayaking and snorkeling as an alternate activity to surfing

- ½ day in the highlands at a crater lake and giant tortoise breeding center
- Refreshments including water and snacks

- Experienced local surfing guide (basic to intermediate English)

NOT INCLUDED: Airfare to/from Galapagos; Galapagos National Park entrance fee; adventure tours other than the ones included; hotel & restaurant beverages, tips

IMPORTANT: This itinerary is subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes, last minute weather conditions and adjustment of Galapagos National Park policy.

Note: We will have the option of hiring a boat for an additional fee to surf otherwise inaccessible wave breaks along the untamed northern coast.

• Catching waves up to 18 ft at Punta Carola during strong swells.
• Fun square-barrels and tubes.
• Galapagos Surfing is definitely Uncrowded.
• Share the waves with sea lions and sea turtles.
• Warm waters from December to April.
• Terrific snorkeling and sea kayaking.
• See marine iguanas, boobies, lava lizards, finches, and sally-light footed crabs.
• All waves located conveniently close to the hotel.
• Top Galapagos surfing guides take you to the best spots at the best times and coach you through the waves.
• Stay in a first-class waterfront hotel with a pool and gourmet restaurant.
• Optional  adventure activities.