Galapagos Experience: 5 days
5 Days Starting in Aeropuerto Seymour de Baltra, Isla Baltra Baltra, HP4J+4C3, Seymour, Ecuador and ending in 39RM+GGC, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Ecuador
Visiting: Puerto Ayora, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Tour operator:
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Partially Guided
Group size:
1 - 15
Age range:
16-75
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat
Tour operated in:
English , SpanishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
For people who are looking for more than just the average cruise trip or for whom the idea of being “stuck” on a boat is not appealing-this program is for you! Our Galapagos Experience Program in 5 Days, offers an alternative experience to the traditional cruise tour. We offer a range of opportunities for you to help preserve the unique wildlife, experience the culture, and interact with the community. Our program offers you the chance to island hop across the 2 main islands and enjoy what they have to offer in exciting tours we have organized for you.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival To Baltra Airport
Location: Galápagos Ecologic Airport, Puerto Ayora
Accommodation: Hostel, Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Depart from Quito/Guayaquil to the Galapagos. Once at Baltra airport, you will be greeted by our friendly guides. She/he will take you to the first visit included in the program: the Gian Tortoise Breeding Center located in Santa Cruz highlands. Next, you will reach the accommodation and the rest of the afternoon will be free, for you to know the island.
Day 2 : Full Day Tour In Santa Fe Island
Location: Puerto Ayora
Accommodation: Hostel, Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Box included in the tour.
During this tour you will visit 2 snorkel sites around the coast of Santa Fe. It is generally a great place to snorkel with the playful Galapagos sea lions. You can also see many reef fish, and sometimes turtles, reef sharks and rays. A hot lunch will be served on the boat, after which you will move to Playa Escondida. The afternoon is taken up with a visit to Playa Escondida on the coast of Santa Cruz, only accessible by boat. Here you can relax on the beach, swim or snorkel, and possibly catch site of some more friendly sea turtles.
Day 3 : Speedboat Trip To San Cristobal Island
Location: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Accommodation: Hostel, Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This day you will have the speedboat trip to San Cristobal island. Our assitance will take you to the pier from where the trip will begin. As soon as you arrive in San Cristobal, a member of our staff will take you to your accommodation. Rest of time will be free to know the area.
Day 4 : Navigable Tour To Kicker Rock Or Lobos Island
Location: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Accommodation: Hostel, Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Box lunch included in the tour
Your choise: Kicker Rock or Lobos Island.
Kicker Rock is a stunning rock in the middle of the big blue, and the locals say it's the image of a snoozing sea lion. Hop on the boat as we cruise around the rock, checking out all sorts of nesting seabirds along the way. Then, we'll pause at the canal's entrance, your gateway to some awesome snorkeling. Once we've soaked up all that magic, we're off to Playa Ochoa or Manglesito (depends on the tide) – that's where we'll dig into our box lunch and where you will have relaxing time ont he beach.
Isla Lobos: a wonderfull place with sea lion colonies, blue-footed boobies showing off their feet, birds on migration, frigates doing their impressive balloon thing, and even some nazca boobies. After all that underwater excitement, we'll sail to Playa Ochoa or Manglesito (depending on the tide).
Day 5 : Flight Back To Quito
Location: Airport Isla San Cristobal
Meals Included: Breakfast
According to the flight departure time, we will arrange a transfer to the airport. End of services.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Standard accommodation on weeks 1 and 3. Rustic shared cabins at the volunteering project on week 2
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Transfer-in included on your international arrival in Quito
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Transport
All transportation (land and aquatic) included on the described tours and itineraries.
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Meals
Breakfast included all days except on days 16 and 20. Full day oversea tours includes box lunch served on board.
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Assistance
Assistance and support 24/7 from our local office
What's Not Included
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Fully Guided
During the tours featured in the program, you will be accompanied by professional bilingual guides.
For any inquiries you may have during the remaining time, our local staff will be readily available to assist you. -
International Travel
You have the option to buy your own international flight ticket, and we can provide assistance by helping you find favorable deals, suitable schedules, and convenient entry and exit times for your travel.
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Domestic flight ticket
You have the option to buy your own domestic flight ticket to the Galapagos islands.
We will be glad to help you finding perfect times to match the itinerary.
Alternatively, you have the option to acquire it through our company for an additional fee. -
Local fee payments
The Galapagos National Park requires an entrance fee for island access.
You should budget approximately $130 USD per person to cover the necessary fees for traveling to the Galapagos. -
Insurance
We strongly recommend you to purchase a travel insurance.
Mode of Transport
While this tour, you will get some transportation:
We will arrange private car transfers for you at all the locations. The types and models of the cars will depend on the number of clients in your group.
For overseas tours and transfers between the islands, we will utilize shared speedboats and ferries as the mode of transportation.
Accommodation
You can choose your type of accommodation. We offer budget hostels, regular or superior accommodations in each place included in the tour.
All the places have available single, double, or triple rooms, according to your requeriments.
Facilities included:
- Rooms with private/shared bathrooms, depending on the category.
- Hot water.
- Air conditioner.
- TV with cable.
- Purified water to recharge in bottle (Reception).
- Dryer.
- Safe Box (Reception).
- Hand towels and bath.
- Beach towel (Reception).
- Eco Soap, shampoo and conditioner.
- Telephone in the room.
- Keep the bags.
- Breakfast.
- WIFI.
- Social Areas
- Tourist information.
All hotels are located near to the ports, tour operators, Internet cafes, and restaurants.
Check out our Q&As
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How do I help support conservation in the Galapagos?
Within our program, we are committed to minimizing our footprint through conscientious land travel, placing utmost emphasis on the conservation and protection of the extraordinary wildlife. Moreover, we aim to leave a lasting positive influence by nurturing and cultivating native flora that defines this exceptional ecosystem.
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes, most of the activities included in the itinerary, as well as the conservation volunteer work at our center, are shared with other people from other countries.
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What currencies are required for this tour?
Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands exclusively use United States dollars as their currency. You can make payments with cash (preferably in small bills) or credit cards at most restaurants throughout the islands. However, it's important to note that on Isabela Island, there are limited establishments that accept credit cards. Therefore, we highly recommend carrying cash for your transactions while visiting Isabela.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes, the itinerary includes some free days to explore the locations by your own. While our briefing, we will recommend the best activities to do in your free time.
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Is the program's itinerary firm or is there room to make adjustments?
This program is customizable! Please contact us to see how we can help make this experience suitable for you!
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
You are not restricted in the number of pieces of luggage you can bring; however, since you'll need to navigate between islands, engage in short walks to reach ports and attractions, we recommend using backpacker-style luggage that is easy to carry and maneuver during the tour.
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Do I need travel insurance?
We highly recommend travel insurance to avoid any issue while the tour.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
A VISA is necessary to enter Ecuador only for specific countries worldwide. Most European countries, the Americas, Canada, Australia, etc., are permitted to travel to Ecuador and the Galapagos with just a valid passport, allowing a stay of up to 90 days without any issues.
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What is the best time of year to travel to Galapagos?
From December to April, the climate in the Galapagos tends to be warmer with a possibility of rain, but the sea remains calm during this period. In contrast, from June to November, the temperatures are cooler, and a gentle mist known as "garua" prevails. This season transforms the highland landscapes into lush, verdant greenery. However, it's important to emphasize that there is no one "perfect time" to explore the islands, as the rich diversity of flora and fauna can be enjoyed year-round.
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Are there age requirements for this program?
You must beat least 18 years old or accompanied by an adult. This program is suitable for people over the age of 50.
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Are there any fees upon arrival to the Galapagos?
Before embarking on your journey to the islands. Here, you'll need to obtain a transit card from the Consejo del Gobierno counter, priced at $20 USD per person. This fee is payable in cash. Additionally, the entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park stands at $100 USD per person. It's worth noting that when heading to Isabela, there is an additional tax of $10 USD.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, children are allowed to be part, only if they are accompanied by an adult or supervisor.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes, during our briefing in Quito, we will thoroughly go over all the services included in the program. We will review the activities day by day, provide contact names, and specify the service providers to ensure you have a wonderful and well-informed tour experience.
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What is the maximum group size?
We can accept groups until 20 people, without a problem.
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Are there any requirements to attend this program?
An interest in conservation, education, the environment, and community work.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
The tour only includes a pick-up on your arrival to Ecuador, the first day of the itinerary. The other transfers, you can book them by your own, or purchased for an extra cost directly with us. If you book the domestic flight ticket through our company, all transfers will be included in Quito.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
No, we do not mandate vaccinations as a prerequisite for participating in the tour.
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Do I need to speak Spanish to volunteer at Galapagos?
Even without proficiency in Spanish, you're still welcome to participate in volunteering activities in the Galapagos. Your commitment to making a difference transcends language barriers, and your contributions are valued and appreciated.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
The tours are designed for anyone, regardless of their physical condition. However, it is advisable to have a reasonable level of fitness to participate in the tours, hikes, snorkeling activities, volunteer work, etc., without encountering significant issues.
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Does the project receive participants all year round?
The Volunteer Project operates throughout the entire year, with the exception of December Holidays when activities are momentarily paused.
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What is the tipping policy?
In Ecuador and the Galapagos, tipping is not obligatory at the majority of restaurants and public services. We suggest giving a tip only if the service is excellent in all respects.
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Who is responsible for the volunteer within the project?
The volunteers are given specific instructions by the program coordinator and Lead Staff about the safety procedures of each program. Volunteers are responsible to follow all safety instructions given. The project coordinator will look after the volunteer’s safety, as long as the volunteer follows all instructions. Lead Adventures is not responsable or liable for the volunteers while they are working at the project.
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When will my program be over?
Most programs end on Friday or Saturday. For some programs the ending day is different. Once you have booked your program a Lead Staff member will give you this information in detail specific to your program.
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Is there a maximum amount of time to stay at the project?
Most programs have a maximum stay of up to 12 weeks. Please refer to the program “Dates” section for more details.
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Is there a minimum amount of stay to sign up for a project?
Most programs require a minimum stay of two weeks. Galapagos Experience Program the minimum stay is 10 days Please refer to the program “Dates” section for more details.
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When should I travel to Ecuador?
Most programs require the volunteer to arrive on Sunday. The orientation session takes place on Monday morning and the volunteer begins work on Tuesday. For some programs the arrival day is different. Once you have booked your program a Lead Staff member will give you your arrival and starting day information in detail specific to your program.
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