ISLAND HOPPING
Galapagos Island Hopping
Explore San Cristobal, Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands, returning to the comfort of a hotel each evening. Snorkel with rays, sea lions and iguanas, and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Galapagos Islands from the top of the Sierra Negra volcano. An excellent option for those looking for a more active Galapagos Islands tour without spending days at sea!
Our Galapagos Islands hopping tour is a great alternative to live-aboard cruises, you get to explore the archipelagos wildlife and natural wonders by day, you sleep in boutique Island hotels by night. This allows non-seagoing travelers to enjoy the highlights of the Galapagos Islands without compromising their comfort and need to be on firm land.
We use small Island hotels that have been artfully built with an inspirational design. Our trips are activity packed and include visits to see the unique Galapagos animals and volcanic landscape found nowhere else on the planet. Your excursions also include time for snorkeling and discovering the underwater magic of this wilderness sanctuary.
Day 1: SAN CRISTOBAL
We will pick you up on arrival at San Cristobal Island and bring you to the hotel. Get settled and get ready to enjoy a nice Ecuadorian lunch. Visit Loberia Beach: a beautiful beach with great snorkeling! During the snorkel you may find sea turtles, rays, sea lions and many species of colorful fishes. There is also a nice hike (optional) to a cliff where you can see many marine iguanas and birds such as, blue footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and frigate birds. After that we go back to the hotel to get ready for dinner.
Meals included: -/L/D
Difficulty: EASY
Day 2: FLOREANA
Breakfast will be served at 6 AM in your hotel. Around 06:30 you will be picked-up at your hotel to go to the pier to depart around 7 AM to Floreana. The private boat ride lasts for about 2,5 hours. Upon arrival, you visit the highlands, a place called “Peace Asylum” where the first colonists of the islands settled. The guide will tell you about the history of the colonists. During the short hike you will also spot Galapagos giant tortoises. Lunch will be served in the small village. After lunch you go snorkeling on a beautiful beach nearby the pier. Afterwards you will continue on the boat to Isabela Island (approximately 1,5 hour ride). Isabela is one of the youngest island which has still moderate volcanic activity (but it’s safe!). It’s a beautiful island with its port located near a clear bay and a long White Sandy beach. Upon arrival you will be picked-up by taxi/bus or chiva and driven to the flamingo lagoon to spot these beautiful animals at sunset. (if time allows, otherwise it will be re-scheduled throughout the stay in Isabela). Transfer to the hotel to get ready for dinner.
Meals included: B/L/D
Difficulty: EASY
Day 3: ISABELA
On your 3rd day you must choose upon booking between a Volcano trekking tour (land tour) or Cabo Rosa (water tour as a supplement)!
** spaces to Cabo Rosa are very limited that’s why it has to be booked in advance and is at extra cost**
Option 1 – VOLCANO HIKE (included in the price)
Early in the morning you will be picked-up by bus/taxi/chiva and driven towards the highlands: You will start a trekking (6 hours!) to the Sierra Negra and Chico volcano. The first stop on the hike is Sierra Negra Volcano which has the second largest active crater in the world: 10 km diameter. You will continue to walk towards Chico Volcano, which is a cone of Sierra Negra. You will walk through moon-like sceneries and have great views of nearby Fernandina Island and the north of the Isabela Island. This gives you an idea of how the islands looked at their creation. After walking back you will be moved by bus/taxi/chiva to a local farm which is also a tortoise reserve where lunch will be served. You will be back in the hotel around 3:30 PM , On the way down we will stop at the flamingo lagoon. Rest of the afternoon free.
Difficulty: MEDIUM
Option 2 – CABO ROSA TUNNELS: THIS OPTION HAS AN EXTRA COST!
If you prefer snorkeling over hiking this is a great opportunity. You can take the excursion to Cabo Rosa tunnels which is located about 1 hour boat ride south from the port. This is an amazing place where the volcanic activities created lava tunnels going under and over sea level. You can spot the penguins, blue footed boobies and you will have great snorkeling too! Food will be provided during the tour. Rest of the afternoon free.
Difficulty: EASY
Meals included: B/L/D
Day 4: ISABELA- SANTA CRUZ
In the morning you will visit the Tintoreras Islet near the port: There you can spot small Galapagos penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, and blue footed boobies and often you can even spot white tipped sharks in one of the channels. You will have a short hike and go snorkel nearby. After-wards you will continue with our private boat to Santa Cruz (2 hours). Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel and change to get ready for lunch and the afternoon program. After lunch you will walk to the Tortuga Bay beach to enjoy a last swim into the Galapagos waters and spot a huge iguana colony. The walk to Tortuga Bay is 3 km each way, passing through a giant endemic cactus forest.
Meals included: B/L/D
Difficulty: EASY TO MEDIUM DIFFICULTY
Day 5: BALTRA
In the morning you will reach the airport with a stop to visit a lava tunnel. Sometimes you can spot a Galapagos owl. The guide will accompany you until the airport. Check-in will be done by yourselves.
Meals included: B/-/
CATEGORY: Tourist Class
1305 USD per person
Single supplement: 183USD
CATEGORY: Tourist Superior Class
1530USD per person
Single supplement: 314USD
———————————
HOSTEL CATEGORY
Tourist class Hostels: San Cristobal Island – Algarrobos Hostel, Isabela Island – Iguana Hostel, Santa Cruz Island – Deja Vu
Tourist Superior Class Hostels: San Cristobal Island – Pimampiro , Isabela Island – Beach House, Santa Cruz Island – Villa Laguna
If these options are not available at the time of booking, we will find similar hotel with similar standard.
INCLUDED: all visits accompanied by a naturalist guide of the Park, meals mentioned, accommodation in double or multiple rooms, all transportation on the islands (boat, bus)
NOT INCLUDED: flights Quito- Galapagos -Quito 497,31 USD/ Guayaquil -Galapagos- Guayaquil 485,87 USD entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park 100 USD, Ingala Transit card 20 USD, all not mentioned in the program, travel insurance, Cabo Rosa 160 USD optional, 50 usd surcharge for Christmas.
Galapagos recommended packing list:
Health and travel insurance policies, scan all your documentation/tickets/passport and email them to yourself, Ziploc bags or dry packs to keep what you need dry (books, maps, documents, film) , pack towel (fast drying, ultra lite), toiletries** including strong sunscreen (high SPF, waterproof), biodegradable soap, shampoo, and toothpaste, feminine hygiene (tampons are especially difficult to find), a full prescription of a doctor prescribed antibiotic or any other medication you are currently taking, flashlight or headlamp, rechargeable batteries, camera and memory card (electronics are very expensive in Ecuador), Swiss army knife or similar multi-tool with scissors/knife, small binoculars, travel alarm clock, basic First Aid kit (for minor cuts, blisters, insect bites, muscle/head aches, diarrhea, and motion sickness, etc.), insect repellent (avoid repellents with strong concentrations of DEET), small backpack and money belt/pouch, large garbage bags (to be used as a pack liner or cover), reusable water bottle (such as NALGENE) , a travel lock, sun hat/visor, light rain jacket or rain poncho, lightweight, fast-drying clothing.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Meals: Meals are not “a la carte”, but menus. Please let us know any allergy/special diet you may have. Typical meal is soup, main plate with vegetables and rice, fresh made juice and a dessert. Coffee and alcoholic drinks are not included.
- Water: you can fill up water bottles in all the hotels each morning before going on the tour. Tap water is not drinkable!
- Transportation: is made by small speed boats between islands. Navigation times can be long (around 2h30) due to the distance between islands. We cannot control the ocean, if a swell comes in the ride can be bumpy, especially during the Garúa season (see below). If you are usually subject to motion sickness please bring parches or pills (you can also buy pills here). From experience, the parches are really effective!
- This is a pretty active tour, you need to be fit (be used to hiking and swimming). Specifically the volcano hike is demanding and the group cannot wait too long for slow hikers. If you have doubts that you cannot follow the volcano hike we recommend you to book the alternative Cabo Rosa tour. The issue is that you cannot be left behind on the tour to the volcano due to the National Park restrictions, the group has to be always accompanied by the guide.
- To make most out of the time spent on the Galapagos islands, early wake ups are scheduled. If you would like to spend some extra days on your own without itinerary we will be happy to help you to book extra nights before and/or after the tour.
- When on the 8 days tour, day 6 and 7 you’ll have different guides and boats from the first part of the tour. Sharksky has agents on each island who will be assisting you and the group.
- Accommodation is in nice, clean hotels/hostels with private bathrooms, hot water, Wi-fi. They are usually operated by the owner’s family members.
Day 1: SAN CRISTOBAL
We will pick you up on arrival at San Cristobal Island and bring you to the hotel. Get settled and get ready to enjoy a nice Ecuadorian lunch. Visit Loberia Beach: a beautiful beach with great snorkeling! During the snorkel you may find sea turtles, rays, sea lions and many species of colorful fishes. There is also a nice hike (optional) to a cliff where you can see many marine iguanas and birds such as, blue footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and frigate birds. After that we go back to the hotel to get ready for dinner.
Meals included: -/L/D
Difficulty: EASY
Day 2: SAN CRISTOBAL
Kicker Rock (León Dormido):It’s a volcanic tuff rock rising at 144 meters above the sea level. A beautiful snorkel site famous because of its rich marine life. You can spot there many tropical fishes, sea turtles, sea lions, rays, Galapagos sharks, white tipped sharks and if lucky, hammerhead sharks! Going around the rock with the boat you can spot nazca boobies, blue footed boobies and frigate birds. Lunch will be served on board and then we navigate back to port around 2 PM. The rest of the after-noon is free until dinner. You can use it for shopping or go and visit the interpretation center (entrance free), tijeretas, playa Carola and playa Mann. You meet for dinner with the whole group where the guide will give you the details for the next day.
Meals included: B/L/D
Difficulty: MEDIUM (snorkeling in open water)
Day 3: FLOREANA
Breakfast will be served at 6 AM in your hotel. Around 06:30 you will be picked-up at your hotel to go to the pier to depart around 7 am to Floreana. The private boat ride lasts for about 2,5 hours. Upon ar-rival, we visit the highlands, a place called “Peace Asylum” where the first colonists of the islands set-tled. The guide will tell you about the history of the colonists. During the short hike you will also spot Galapagos giant tortoises. Lunch will be served in the small village. After lunch you go snorkeling on a beautiful beach nearby the pier. Afterwards we will continue on the boat to Isabela Island (approximately 1,5 hour ride). Isabela is one of the youngest island which has still moderate volcanic activity (but it’s safe!). It’s a beautiful island with its port located near a clear bay and a long White Sandy beach. Upon arrival you will be picked-up by taxi/bus or chiva and will driven to the flamingo lagoon to spot these beautiful animals at sunset. (if time allows otherwise it will be re-scheduled throughout the stay in Isabela). Transfer to the hotel to get ready for dinner.
Meals included: B/L/D
Difficulty: EASY
Day 4: ISABELA
On your 4th day you must choose upon booking between a Volcano trekking tour (land tour) or Cabo Rosa (water tour as a supplement)!
** spaces to Cabo Rosa are very limited that’s why it has to be booked in advance and is at extra cost**
Option 1 – VOLCANO HIKE (included in the price)
Early in the morning you will be picked-up by bus/taxi/chiva and driven towards the highlands: You will start a trekking (6 hours!) to the Sierra Negra and Chico volcano. The first stop on the hike is Sierra Negra Volcano which has the second largest active crater in the world: 10 km diameter. You will continue to walk towards Chico Volcano, which is a cone of Sierra Negra. You will walk through moon-like sceneries and have great views of nearby Fernandina Island and the north of the Isabela Island. This gives you an idea of how the islands looked at their creation. After walking back you will be moved by bus/taxi/chiva to a local farm which is also a tortoise reserve where lunch will be served. You will be back in the hotel around 3:30 PM , on the way back we will stop at the flamingo lagoon. Rest of the afternoon free.
Difficulty: MEDIUM
Option 2 – CABO ROSA TUNNELS:THIS OPTION HAS AN EXTRA COST!
If you prefer snorkeling over hiking this is a great opportunity. You can take the excursion to Cabo Rosa tunnels which is located about 1 hour boat ride south from the port. This is an amazing place where the volcanic activities created lava tunnels going under and over sea level. You can spot the penguins, blue footed boobies and you will have great snorkeling too! Food will be provided during the tour. Rest of the afternoon free.
Difficulty: EASY
Meals included: B/L/D
Day 5: ISABELA- SANTA CRUZ
In the morning you will visit the Tintoreras Islet near the port: There you can spot small Galapagos penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, and blue footed boobies and often you can even spot white tipped sharks in one of the channels. You will have a short hike and go snorkel nearby. Afterwards you will continue with our private boat to Santa Cruz (2 hours). Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel and change to get ready for lunch and the afternoon program. After lunch you will walk to the Tortuga Bay beach to enjoy a last swim into the Galapagos waters and spot a huge iguana colony. The walk to Tortuga Bay is 3 km each way, passing through a giant endemic cactus forest.
Meals included: B/L/D
Difficulty: EASY TO MEDIUM DIFFICULTY
Day 6: BALTRA
In the morning you will reach the airport with a stop to visit a lava tunnel. Sometimes you can spot a Galapagos owl. The guide will accompany you until the airport. Check-in will be done by yourselves.
Meals included: B/-/
Difficulty: EASY
CATEGORY: Tourist Class
1726USD per person with Kicker Rock, with Española 2010USD per person
Single supplement: 224USD
CATEGORY: Tourist Superior Class
1860USD per person with Kicker Rock, with Espanola 2140USD
Single supplement: 392USD
HOSTEL CATEGORY:
Tourist class Hostels: San Cristobal Island – Algarrobos Hostel, Isabela Island – Iguana Hostel, Santa Cruz Island – Deja Vu.
Tourist Superior Class Hostels: San Cristobal Island – Pimampiro , Isabela Island – Beach House Hostel, Santa Cruz Island – Villa Laguna.
If these options are not available at the time of booking, we will find similar hotel with similar standard.
INCLUDED: all visits accompanied by a naturalist guide of the Park, meals mentioned, accommodation in double or multiple rooms, all transportation on the islands (boat, bus)
NOT INCLUDED: flights Quito- Galapagos -Quito 497 USD/ Guayaquil -Galapagos- Guayaquil 485 USD entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park 100 USD, Ingala Transit card 20 USD, all not mentioned in the program, travel insurance, Cabo Rosa 160 USD optional, 75 usd surcharge for Christmas.
Galápagos recommended packing list:
Health and travel insurance policies, scan all your documentation/tickets/passport and email them to yourself, Ziploc bags or dry packs to keep what you need dry (books, maps, documents, film) , pack towel (fast drying, ultra lite), toiletries** including strong sunscreen (high SPF, waterproof), biodegradable soap, shampoo, and toothpaste, feminine hygiene (tampons are especially difficult to find), a full prescription of a doctor prescribed antibiotic or any other medication you are currently taking, flashlight or headlamp, rechargeable batteries, camera and memory card (electronics are very expensive in Ecuador), Swiss army knife or similar multi-tool with scissors/knife, small binoculars, travel alarm clock, basic First Aid kit (for minor cuts, blisters, insect bites, muscle/head aches, diarrhea, and motion sickness, etc.), insect repellent (avoid repellents with strong concentrations of DEET), small backpack and money belt/pouch, large garbage bags (to be used as a pack liner or cover), reusable water bottle (such as NALGENE) , a travel lock, sun hat/visor, light rain jacket or rain poncho, lightweight, fast-drying clothing.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Meals: Meals are not “a la carte”, but menus. Please let us know any allergy/special diet you may have. Typical meal is soup, main plate with vegetables and rice, fresh made juice and a dessert. Coffee and alcoholic drinks are not included.
- Water: you can fill up water bottles in all the hotels each morning before going on the tour. Tap water is not drinkable!
- Transportation: is made by small speed boats between islands. Navigation times can be long (around 2h30) due to the distance between islands. We cannot control the ocean, if a swell comes in the ride can be bumpy, especially during the Garúa season (see below). If you are usually subject to motion sickness please bring parches or pills (you can also buy pills here). From experience, the parches are really effective!
- This is a pretty active tour, you need to be fit (be used to hiking and swimming). Specifically the volcano hike is demanding and the group cannot wait too long for slow hikers. If you have doubts that you cannot follow the volcano hike we recommend you to book the alternative Cabo Rosa tour. The issue is that you cannot be left behind on the tour to the volcano due to the National Park restrictions, the group has to be always accompanied by the guide.
- To make most out of the time spent on the Galapagos islands, early wake ups are scheduled. If you would like to spend some extra days on your own without itinerary we will be happy to help you to book extra nights before and/or after the tour.
- When on the 8 days tour, day 6 and 7 you’ll have different guides and boats from the first part of the tour. Sharksky has agents on each island who will be assisting you and the group.
- Accommodation is in nice, clean hotels/hostels with private bathrooms, hot water, Wi-fi. They are usually operated by the owner’s family members.
Day 1: SAN CRISTOBAL
We will pick you up on arrival at San Cristobal Island and bring you to the hotel. Get settled and get ready to enjoy a nice Ecuadorian lunch. Visit Loberia Beach: a beautiful beach with great snorkeling! During the snorkel you may find sea turtles, rays, sea lions and many species of colorful fishes. There is also a nice hike (optional) to a cliff where you can see many marine iguanas and birds such as, blue footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and frigate birds. After that we go back to the hotel to get ready for dinner.
Meals included: -/L/D
Difficulty: EASY
Day 2: SAN CRISTOBAL
Kicker Rock (León Dormido): It’s a volcanic tuff rock rising at 144 meters above the sea level. A beautiful snorkel site famous because of its rich marine life. You can spot there many tropical fishes, sea turtles, sea lions, rays, Galapagos sharks, white tipped sharks and if lucky, hammerhead sharks! Going around the rock with the boat you can spot nazca boobies, blue footed boobies and frigate birds. Lunch will be served on board and then we navigate back to port around 2 PM. The rest of the afternoon is free until dinner. You can use it for shopping or go and visit the interpretation center (entrance free), tijeretas, playa Carola and playa Mann. You meet for dinner with the whole group where the guide will give you the details for the next day.
Meals included: B/L/D
Difficulty: MEDIUM (snorkeling in open water)
Day 3: FLOREANA
Breakfast will be served at 6 AM in your hotel. Around 06:30 you will be picked-up at your hotel to go to the pier to depart around 7 AM to Floreana. The private boat ride lasts for about 2,5 hours. Upon arrival, you visit the highlands, a place called “Peace Asylum” where the first colonists of the islands settled. The guide will tell you about the history of the colonists. During the short hike you will also spot Galápagos giant tortoises. Lunch will be served in the small village. After lunch you go snorkeling on a beautiful beach nearby the pier. Afterwards you will continue on the boat to Isabela Island (approximately 1,5 hour ride). Isabela is one of the youngest island which has still moderate volcanic activity (but it’s safe!). It’s a beautiful island with its port located near a clear bay and a long White Sandy beach. Upon arrival you will be picked-up by taxi/bus or chiva and driven to the flamingo lagoon to spot these beautiful animals at sunset. (if time allows, otherwise it will be re-scheduled throughout the stay in Isabela). Transfer to the hotel to get ready for dinner.
Meals included: B/L/D
Difficulty: EASY
Day 4: ISABELA
On your 4th day you must choose upon booking between a Volcano trekking tour (land tour) or Cabo Rosa (water tour as a supplement)!
** spaces to Cabo Rosa are very limited that’s why it has to be booked in advance and is at extra cost**
Option 1 – VOLCANO HIKE (included in the price)
Early in the morning you will be picked-up by bus/taxi/chiva and driven towards the highlands: You will start a trekking (6 hours!) to the Sierra Negra and Chico volcano. The first stop on the hike is Sierra Negra Volcano which has the second largest active crater in the world: 10km diameter. You will continue to walk towards Chico Volcano, which is a cone of Sierra Negra. You will walk through moon-like sceneries and have great views of nearby Fernandina Island and the north of the Isabela Island. This gives you an idea of how the islands looked at their creation. After walking back you will be moved by bus/taxi/chiva to a local farm which is also a tortoise reserve where lunch will be served. You will be back in the hotel around 3:30 PM , on the way back we will stop at the flamingo lagoon. Rest of the afternoon free.
Difficulty: MEDIUM
Option 2 – CABO ROSA TUNNELS:THIS OPTION HAS AN EXTRA COST!
If you prefer snorkeling over hiking this is a great opportunity. You can take the excursion to Cabo Rosa tunnels which is located about 1 hour boat ride south from the port. This is an amazing place where the volcanic activities created lava tunnels going under and over sea level. You can spot the penguins, blue footed boobies and you will have great snorkeling too! Food will be provided during the tour. Rest of the afternoon free.
Difficulty: EASY
Meals included: B/L/D
Day 5: ISABELA- SANTA CRUZ
In the morning you will visit the Tintoreras Islet near the port: There you can spot small Galapagos penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, and blue footed boobies and often you can even spot white tipped sharks in one of the channels. You will have a short hike and go snorkel nearby. Afterwards you will continue with our private boat to Santa Cruz (2 hours). Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel and change to get ready for lunch and the afternoon program. After lunch you will walk to the Tortuga Bay beach to enjoy a swim into the Galapagos waters and spot a huge iguana colony. The walk to Tortuga Bay is 3 km each way, passing through a giant endemic cactus forest.
Meals included: B/L/D
Difficulty: EASY TO MEDIUM DIFFICULTY
Day 6: UNINHABITED ISLAND
To complete the tour, you will visit one of the completely uninhabited islands such as Bartolomé, Seymour, Plazas or Santa Fé. Each one has its own character and species (Seymour, Plazas and Santa Fe have endemic species of land iguanas, Bartolomé has penguins and amazing views). You will be picked-up at the hotel early morning. Note that you will be traveling with other people/guide than you were on the tour, as those day tours have restrictions and just a few boats have the permission to go there. The tour consist in reaching the Itabaca channel by bus (except for Santa Fe which is south), and then board a yacht to navigate to the islands. After hiking and snorkeling you will have lunch on board. You are usually back late afternoon.
Meals included: B/L/D
Difficulty: EASY (except for Bartolomé where the hike is uphill a bit longer than other hikes, to reach the top)
IMPORTANT: Due to the restriction of the National Park we cannot guarantee before booking which island you will be visiting this day.
Day 7: UNINHABITED ISLAND
Today you will visit another island: different to the previous day of course. Hike and snorkel, back to port late afternoon.
Meals included: B/L/D
Difficulty: EASY (except, again, Bartolomé)
IMPORTANT: Due to the restriction of the National Park we cannot guarantee before booking which island you will be visiting this day.
Day 8: BALTRA
In the morning you will be picked-up at your hotel and transferred to the airport to catch your flight to the mainland.
Meals included: B/-/
CATEGORY: Tourist Class
2385USD per person
Single supplement: 314USD
CATEGORY: Tourist Superior Class
2777USD USD per person
Single supplement: 548USD
HOSTEL CATEGORY:
Tourist class Hostels: San Cristobal Island – Algarrobos Hostel, Isabela Island – Iguana Hostel, Santa Cruz Island – Deja Vu.
Tourist Superior Class Hostels: San Cristobal Island – Pimampiro , Isabela Island – Beach House Hostel, Santa Cruz Island – Villa Laguna.
If these options are not available at the time of booking, we will find similar hotel with similar standard.
INCLUDED: all visits accompanied by a naturalist guide of the Park, meals mentioned, accommodation in double or multiple rooms, all transportation on the islands (boat, bus)
NOT INCLUDED: flights Quito- Galapagos -Quito 497,31 USD/ Guayaquil -Galapagos- Guayaquil 485,87 USD entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park 100 USD, Ingala Transit card 20 USD, all not mentioned in the program, travel insurance. Cabo Rosa 160 USD optional, diving at Kicker Rock San Cristobal 100 USD, surcharge for Christmas 125USD.
Galápagos recommended packing list:
Health and travel insurance policies, scan all your documentation/tickets/passport and email them to yourself, Ziploc bags or dry packs to keep what you need dry (books, maps, documents, film) , pack towel (fast drying, ultra lite), toiletries** including strong sunscreen (high SPF, waterproof), biodegradable soap, shampoo, and toothpaste, feminine hygiene (tampons are especially difficult to find), a full prescription of a doctor prescribed antibiotic or any other medication you are currently taking, flashlight or headlamp, rechargeable batteries, camera and memory card (electronics are very expensive in Ecuador), Swiss army knife or similar multi-tool with scissors/knife, small binoculars, travel alarm clock, basic First Aid kit (for minor cuts, blisters, insect bites, muscle/head aches, diarrhea, and motion sickness, etc.), insect repellent (avoid repellents with strong concentrations of DEET), small backpack and money belt/pouch, large garbage bags (to be used as a pack liner or cover), reusable water bottle (such as NALGENE) , a travel lock, sun hat/visor, light rain jacket or rain poncho, lightweight, fast-drying clothing.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Meals: Meals are not “a la carte”, but menus. Please let us know any allergy/special diet you may have. Typical meal is soup, main plate with vegetables and rice, fresh made juice and a dessert. Coffee and alcoholic drinks are not included.
- Water: you can fill up water bottles in all the hotels each morning before going on the tour. Tap water is not drinkable!
- Transportation: is made by small speed boats between islands. Navigation times can be long (around 2h30) due to the distance between islands. We cannot control the ocean, if a swell comes in the ride can be bumpy, especially during the Garúa season (see below). If you are usually subject to motion sickness please bring parches or pills (you can also buy pills here). From experience, the parches are really effective!
- This is a pretty active tour, you need to be fit (be used to hiking and swimming). Specifically the volcano hike is demanding and the group cannot wait too long for slow hikers. If you have doubts that you cannot follow the volcano hike we recommend you to book the alternative Cabo Rosa tour. The issue is that you cannot be left behind on the tour to the volcano due to the National Park restrictions, the group has to be always accompanied by the guide.
- To make most out of the time spent on the Galapagos islands, early wake ups are scheduled. If you would like to spend some extra days on your own without itinerary we will be happy to help you to book extra nights before and/or after the tour.
- When on the 8 days tour, day 6 and 7 you’ll have different guides and boats from the first part of the tour. Sharksky has agents on each island who will be assisting you and the group.
- Accommodation is in nice, clean hotels/hostels with private bathrooms, hot water, Wi-fi. They are usually operated by the owner’s family members.