Hike and Dive in the Galapagos Islands!
Visit the bucket-list destination of the Galapagos Islands on this week-long programme from Quito, Ecuador. This package focuses on hiking and diving and offers guests the chance to see hammerhead sharks, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, manta rays and much more! Time not spent in the water will be devoted to exploring the islands by foot. Take in the incredible views of the Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela Island – which is still active!
Diving & Hiking in the Galapagos Islands: Itinerary
- Quito: 1 night
- Santa Cruz: 3 nights
- Isabela: 2 nights
Day 3
Breakfast will be served in the morning before your guide takes you to Mosquera Islet. This is an easily accessible scuba diving site located between North Seymour and Baltra. At this site, it is possible to see sharks, turtles, rays, barracudas and tropical fish. There is even a chance that a playful sea lion might join you in the water! The currents are usually mild in this area and the maximum depth for this dive site is around 30 m.
Day 4
You will spend day four diving in Bartolome and Cousins. The underwater landscapes are incredible and there are even terraced steps which descend 30 metres before reaching a sandy bottom at 40 metres. These steps are covered with black coral so keep an eye out as this is a fantastic place to spot Pacific seahorses.
It is possible to see White Tipped reef sharks in this area as well as moray eels, green sea turtles and octopi. Sightings of hammerheads, manta rays, barracudas and other fish are also reported at these sites.
Day 5
The morning of day five will provide visitors with more free time to see Santa Cruz Island. It is recommended that travellers use this time to visit Tortuga Bay. This is a brilliant place to see a whole manner of wildlife, including marine iguanas and even Tintoreras sharks. Kayaking around the bay is well worth the additional cost (not included in price) as the water is very clear.
In the afternoon, you’ll be picked up from Puerto Ayora around 12.30. After lunch, you’ll head to Isla Isabela by speedboat. The journey will take around two hours and once you arrive, you’ll visit the Flamingo Lagoon. The night is free time and you can spend the evening as you wish.
Day 6
You’ll have breakfast early before heading out on a hiking excursion to the Sierra Negra Volcano. The volcano is located around 13 miles from Port Villamil on Isabela and can only be visited with a licensed guide. It has the second largest volcanic caldera in the world, measuring around 6 miles in diameter!
The journey to the hike starting point will take around 45 minutes by bus. Once your guide has explained the programme, you will set off! After passing the crater, you’ll head to Volcan Chico where you can walk on the lava flows and feel the hot air escaping from the ground. You’ll stop for a box lunch before heading back on foot to the start point. This trek is long (5-6 hours) and should only be attempted in suitable footwear.
Once you arrive back at your hotel, there will be an opportunity for a brief rest before heading to Concha Perla. At this location, you can either go swimming or snorkelling. In this area, it is possible to observe sea lions, starfish, sea urchins and sometimes even sea turtles!
Day 7
On your final morning, you will catch the speedboat back to Puerto Ayora where you’ll have breakfast. After the meal, you’ll head to the airport before catching your flight back to Quito.
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