Opuntia Naturalist Explorer

First Class

6 Day / 5 Nights

Why we recommend

Dive into the wonders of the Galapagos on this 6-day adventure, perfect for nature lovers, adventurers, and history enthusiasts alike. Hike volcanic craters on Isabela, snorkel with marine life at Kicker Rock, explore the historic Wall of Tears, and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Experience diverse landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich history across San Cristobal, Isabela, and Santa Cruz islands!

Galapagos Multisport Itinerary ,
Galapagos Multisport Adventure Tour

Arrival in San Cristobal, visit Interpretation Center, Hike and Snorkel at Darwin Bay

We travel on a morning flight to San Cristobal Island and continue to our Galapagos hotel for a delicious lunch and a short trip overview...

Our Galapagos tour begins at the local Interpretation Center to learn about Galapagos’ unique wildlife, geology, natural history, and social dynamics. We walk to Frigate Hill over lava rock trails. Along the way, your naturalist guide will talk about the Galapagos cotton, palo santo, acacia, and cacti all around you. You´ll spot blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, herons, gulls, warblers, mockingbirds, and finches among the vegetation and sea cliffs. In addition to unique endemic species, this allows for marvelous views of the rugged coastline that surround the sleepy town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. We stop for a refreshing snorkel and swim at Carola Beach, where sea turtles, sea lions, and marine iguanas roam freely. After a gorgeous sunset and dinner, we explore the friendly and laid-back town, taking a stroll down the boardwalk to admire the immense colony of endemic Galapagos sea lions. Overnight at our San Cristobal hotel. (L, D)

Interpretation Center

The Galápagos National Park Interpretation Centre features interactive exhibits exploring the history and biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands...

In this fascinating educational experience, enjoy a self-guided walking tour that highlights the relationship between nature, humankind, and conservation.

Animals
Darwin´s Finches

Dry
Hiking

Darwin's Bay

A coral beach with a 750m trail leads through vibrant seabird colonies...

Discover a Red-footed Boobies Colony on the cliffs while Nazca Boobies, Great Frigatebirds, and Mockingbirds create a lively display, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.

Animals
Frigatebirds, Galápagos Sea Lion, Red-footed Booby, Marine Iguana, Blue-footed Booby, Nazca Booby

Wet
Hiking
Snorkeling
Dinghy Ride
Kayaking

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

This harbor town, the Galápagos capital, features the Natural History Museum's rich exhibits of wildlife and artifacts and a Galápagos-themed mural-adorned Cathedral...

Discover Pepe, the Tortoise, the museum's sole live inhabitant, in this charming and unique destination.

Animals
Galápagos Sea Lion

Dry
Hiking

Wildlife and Snorkel along the Northern Coast – San Cristobal Island

An incredible snorkeling adventure is waiting for us! Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock), two breathtaking rock massifs (tuff cones) that jut out from the ocean...

Above the waters, thousands of sea birds cling to their walls, while millions of fish swim under the surface. The channel between the two rock walls is home to some of the best snorkeling in the islands. You´ll probably see spotted eagle rays, golden rays, Galapagos sharks, starfish, clams, and fish of every shape, size, and color. You might even see hammerhead sharks! After a full day of exploration, we head back to our lovely Galapagos hotel, for an exotic dinner and relaxed evening. (B, L, D)

Leon Dormido

Kicker Rock's striking twin rocks host a thriving seabird Colony and offer exceptional diving ...

Discover reef fish, Hammerhead, and Galápagos Sharks, with occasional sightings of Rays and Green Turtles, making it a must-visit underwater wonder in the Galápagos.

Animals
Blue-footed Booby, Shark

Dry
Dinghy Ride

Discover Beaches, Lagoons, and Islets in Isabela Island

After breakfast, we take a short flight to Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos, and one of the most volcanically active spots on the planet! Our highlight today is one of the most scenically diverse walks in the Galapagos...

We´ll visit “El Muro de las Lagrimas” (Wall of Tears), a towering wall of lava rocks built for no other purpose than to keep the prisoners distracted from the madness of isolation during the time Isabela was a prison colony. We continue along white sand beaches, an alluring poison apple forest, a lava tube, and dark mangroves and brackish lagoons. The area is filled with giant tortoises and birdlife including flamingos! After lunch, we explore the magical Tintoreras, a set of small islets filled with hidden coves and beaches. Home of the endemic and adorable Galapagos penguin as well as reef sharks, sea turtles, and sea lions. At the end of the day, we retire to our waterfront hotel, Iguana Crossing, to relax in its infinity pool, hot tub, or neighboring white sand beach. After a superb dinner, feel free to take a stroll down beach or hit the sand streets of this idyllic beach town. (B, L, D)

The Wall of Tears

Isabela's Wall of Tears reflects its penal Colony past (1946-1959), built by prisoners under harsh conditions...

Climb nearby stairs for stunning views of the wall and landscape, and explore remnants of a WWII USA base foundation.

Animals
Lava Lizard, Darwin´s Finches, Galápagos Hawk

Dry
Hiking

Tintoreras Islet

Las Tintoreras, near Puerto Villamil, boasts a white-tip Shark Colony resting in lava canals and offers snorkeling in their unique habitat...

You can also relax on sandy beaches where Sea Lions bask, making this one of Isabela’s most stunning visitor sites.

Animals
Galápagos Sea Lion, Galápagos Shark, Marine Iguana, Galápagos Penguin, Green Turtle

Snorkeling
Dinghy Ride

Active Volcanoes and Geological History on Isabela Island

After breakfast, we drive up to the highlands until the end of the road...

We grab our daypacks and hike into a world of recent geological history. We´ll admire incredible views of the surrounding volcanoes and sea. Volcan Sierra Negra is the second-largest active caldera on the planet! You´ll walk along the rim of this enormous 30-square-mile crater while feeling the heat of the earth´s energy. We continue our hike into the caldera of Volcan Chico, an otherworldly landscape with endless hues of oranges, reds, blacks, and yellows. Puffing fumaroles and spectacular lava formations are all around us. After a day on what seems like another world, we return to paradise on earth. Spend your last afternoon relaxing on Isabela´s stunning beaches and soaking up the island-life atmosphere. (B, BL, D)

Sierra Negra Volcano

Sierra Negra, a vast shield volcano on Isabela Island, is home to the saddleback-shelled Sierra Negra Giant Tortoise...

Ascend through lush highland vegetation to its summit for breathtaking views of the lowlands, offering an unforgettable natural experience.

Animals
Darwin´s Finches

Dry
Hiking

Chico Volcano

Volcán Chico, on Sierra Negra's northeast flank, features 1979 lava flows for exploratiog...

At 860m.a.s.l., visitors enjoy breathtaking views of Isabela and Fernandina volcanoes, making it a must-visit spot for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Animals
Lava Lizard

Dry
Hiking

Tortoises, Lava Tunnels, Pirates, Sinkholes, and Endemic Forests in Santa Cruz Island

After breakfast, we take a speedboat to Santa Cruz Island. We look out for whales and dolphins on the way! Upon arrival we head to “El Chato”, a natural habitat in the Santa Cruz highlands, home to the giant tortoise...

These massive prehistoric giants can live over 175 years! We´ll also see pintail ducks, finches, frigate birds, egrets, and hopefully the vermillion flycatcher – a red jewel of a bird. Walking to some incredible lava tunnels, we´ll continue our natural history tour by exploring these caverns where pirates dwelled and – so legend says – hid Inca gold! We continue to “Los Gemelos”, two deep volcanic sinkholes at the top of the island. We continue through a forest of endemic scalesia trees, and we´ll be on the lookout for the short-eared owl. The trees are covered with ferns and epiphytes that exude an almost eerie atmosphere. Towards sunset we retire to the Angermeyer Waterfront Inn Galapagos Hotel. Expect fine pampering at this first-class waterfront guesthouse privately nestled in the bay. The beautiful Galapagos hotel offers magnificent views of the bay, coastline, and town. (B, L, D)

Santa Cruz Highlands

Discover a reserve where giant Tortoise thrives, grazing peacefully and cooling off in mud baths...

This serene habitat invites exploration with its lush greenery and hidden lava tunnels, offering visitors an unforgettable glimpse into the Galápagos' remarkable natural wonders.

Animals
Galápagos Giant Tortoise, Frigatebirds

Dry
Hiking

Twin Craters

Los Gemelos, twin volcanic craters in Santa Cruz's highlands, contrast sharply with the dry coastal lowlands...

The highlands, cloaked in mist during the garua season, benefit from abundant moisture, sustaining vibrant, lush vegetation and creating a captivating natural landscape.

Animals
Darwin´s Finches, Vermilion Flycatcher, Mockingbird

Visit Santa Cruz island’s Charles Darwin Research Station and Return Flight

The Charles Darwin Research Station awaits us after breakfast. We´ll learn about the ongoing conservation efforts...

The research station rears endemic Galapagos plants, land iguanas, and giant Galapagos tortoises for educational, scientific, and conservation purposes. We´ll compare diverse evolutionary paths of the various giant tortoises from different islands. We transfer to Baltra Island for our return flight to the mainland. (B)

Charles Darwin's Station

The Charles Darwin's Research Station (CDRS) leads Galápagos conservation through scientific research and education...

Visitors can explore natural history exhibits and witness the tortoise breeding program, learning about efforts to preserve the islands’ unique ecosystem and wildlife for future generations.

Animals
Galápagos Giant Tortoise, Frigatebirds, Galápagos Sea Lion, Land Iguana, Marine Iguana

Dry
Hiking

Baltra

Baltra Island, the gateway to the Galápagos, features a unique flat volcanic landscape and a rich history as a former US airbase...

Explore wildlife like land Iguana and Frigatebirds while enjoying scenic routes to nearby islands and breathtaking adventures.

Animals
Land Iguana, Darwin´s Finches

Dry
Hiking

Rates

Accomodation

Price per person

Starting from

US$ 2,690

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