Galapagos Multi-Sport Adventure
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Overview
Leave the crowds, cruise ships, and well-worn paths behind and spend time with your family actively exploring the Galapagos Islands. Snorkel around mangroves teeming with marine life at Whale Bay, hike Sierra Negra Volcano and visit the Wall of Tears. Looking for something leisurely? The calm beaches at the bay of El Garrapatero await.
See Giant Tortoises in the Wild
Quite possibly the most famous inhabitant of the Galapagos, you’ll find the Giant Tortoise lumbering around protected fields looking for food to snack on.
Hike and Snorkel on Santa Cruz Island
Keep an eye out for blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigatebirds, sally lightfoot crabs, and albatrosses on land and snorkel with marine iguanas, sea lions, and fur seals in the water.
Surf the Island’s Swells
Jump onto a board and into the water for a surfing lesson in the calm, serene waters of the Galapagos Islands— the perfect place to learn.
Explore Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands
Spend your entire trip on these two islands to discover the fauna and flora in-depth, gaining a real understanding of the two largest islands in the Galapagos.
Kayak in Academy Bay and Hike the Santa Cruz Highlands
Kayak across Academy Bay in Puerto Ayora alongside sea lions and hike in the Highlands sharing trails with the giant tortoises.
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Itinerary
Day 1
Quito
Days 2-3
San Cristobal Island
Hike to Tijeretas
After lunch, we’ll embark on a hike to Tijeretas, a scenic viewpoint showcasing the beautiful coastline. Keep your eyes open for frigatebirds as often a frigatebird nesting colony can be found here.
Manglecito Beach Camping
Located about one hour northeast of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno by catamaran boat, the campsite at Manglecito will be our home as we explore the nearby attractions of Kicker Rock and Isla Lobos (Sea Lion Island). Our attentive staff will greet us with refreshments and guide u to our cozy tents equipped with cots, mattresses, and lights. This is ideal for the family that enjoys camping and wants to get off the beaten path and discover the Galápagos in a different fashion.
Kicker Rock Snorkeling
Take a trip out to Kicker Rock, the remains of a volcanic lava cone eroded by seawater over thousands of years. We’ll snorkel between the steep vertical cliffs for an unforgettable experience!
Free Afternoon at Campsite
Returning in the afternoon, you’ll have the option to relax on the beach, indulge in leisurely walks, delve into a good book, or partake in kayaking and paddle boarding in the bay.
Days 4-6
Isabela Island
Wetlands & Tortoise Breeding Center
You will visit the Tortoise Breeding Center, an initiative of the National Park for the conservation of Isabela’s tortoises.
Explore Puerto Villamil
After lunch in a local restaurant, explore all Puerto Villamil has to offer. It boasts stunning white sanded beaches to watch the sunset from – a memory the whole family will cherish.
Sierra Negra Volcano Hike
You’ll hike to Isabela’s enormous Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most active in the Galapagos Islands. Sierra Negra has the earth’s second-largest active volcanic caldera whose rim can be seen, and its imposing presence is a stunning reminder of the Galapagos Islands’ volcanic formation.
Friends Across Borders (FAB)
This is an opportunity for the whole family to get involved! American kids become acquainted with new Ecuadorian friends and learn some Spanish or play a rousing game of “futbol” (soccer). Ecuadorians have great rhythm so ask your “amigos” to teach you the tomato dance!
Chocolate Tasting
Get ready to taste the final product of thew best chocolate on Earth. Ecuador raises some of the best beans in the world, and your tour leader will share with you their knowledge about history and other intriguing facts about chocolate. During this tasting, you will try different types of this delicacy produced in different origins and will notice the difference among them.
Surf Lessons
Learn how to ride the waves on one of Isabela’s most beautiful beaches.
Days 7-8
Santa Cruz Island
Giant Tortoise Sanctuary
Drive to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island and stop at a private farm that conserves pristine, native, and endemic vegetation for the habitat of the giant Galapagos Tortoise
Lava Tunnel
To continue exploring the volcanic origins of the island, you’ll take a 10-minute drive to the entrance of an immense lava tunnel. The tunnel measures over 1,300 feet, and you can walk through the full length of it to the other side.
Navigate the sea with a local fisherman
See the Galápagos from the unique perspective of a local fisherman! First visit the sandy beaches of Bahia Ballena, an ocean inlet where Galapagos sea lions and marine iguanas bask on lava rocks. Depending on sea conditions and your interest in fishing, the crew can practice catch and release fishing from these rich waters.
Whale Bay (Bahia Ballena) Snorkeling
You’ll enjoy a unique snorkeling adventure near the beaches of Bahia Ballena. Swim around mangroves that provide food for king angel fish, damselfish, barberfish and surgeonfish.
Day 9
Depart
Depart Santa Cruz for Quito
In the morning, head back to Baltra for your flight back to mainland Ecuador. Once in Quito, connect with your international flight home.
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Dates & Prices
2025 Dates
02/22-03/02
Adult $7890Teen $7890Child $7690Internal Air $800
03/22-03/30
Adult $7890Teen $7890Child $7690Internal Air $800
04/19-04/27
Adult $7890Teen $7890Child $7690Internal Air $800
06/28-07/06
Adult $7890Teen $7890Child $7690Internal Air $800
07/19-07/27
Adult $7890Teen $7890Child $7690Internal Air $800
08/09-08/17
Adult $7890Teen $7890Child $7690Internal Air $800
12/20-12/28
Adult $8090Teen $8090Child $7890Internal Air $900
Additional Info
Small Group Supplement
A supplement may apply to smaller groups. Please contact a Travel Consultant for more information.
Single Supplement
Single supplement starts at $1,800.
Alumni Discount
If you are a returning Thomson guest, please subtract $500 per family from these prices.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. We’ve received great feedback about Travel Guard – you can learn more about the benefits of travel insurance there.
Price Includes
All entrance fees, accommodations based on two to a room, land transportation, private bilingual guide throughout, all meals, bottled water and snacks in the vehicle.
Guaranteed departure. Small group surcharge may apply. Call us to discuss age recommendations for each destination. Prices are subject to change.
- Hotels
Wyndham Quito
The Wyndham Quito Hotel boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center and a refreshing indoor pool. Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi and relax in your spacious, modern room equipped with a flat-screen TV.
Albemarle Hotel
This hotel features a beautiful garden with a swimming pool, and each of the large rooms has tiled floors, wood-beamed ceilings, a luxurious marble-accented bathroom and either sea or pool view. Other amenities include air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
Angermeyer Waterfront Inn
The Angermeyer Waterfront Inn on Santa Cruz Island offers is perfect home base for your Galapagos Family Adventure! Choose from comfy rooms equipped with air conditioning, a TV, a minibar and cozy beds for a restful night’s sleep after exploring the islands. The property overlooks the stunning Academy Bay – imagine waking up to the ocean breeze and spotting sea lions playing in the water from your own private terrace! The hotel offers a delicious breakfast buffet served right on the waterfront patio.
Manglecito Campsite:
This eco-friendly campsite puts you right on the beach, footsteps from the sand and turquoise waters. Listen to the symphony of nature – exotic birdsong by day, calming waves by night. This campsits prioritize sustainability to minimize impact on this precious environment. It’s the perfect way to connect with the unique wilderness of the Galapagos Islands!
Thomson Family Adventures will attempt to adhere to this itinerary and its hotels as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or availability) may necessitate changes in the accommodations.
Starts at
$3590
Duration
8 days
Activity Level
Active
Active trips revolve around multi-sport activities that keep your family outside and having fun! Your family will spend more time interacting with the elements and exploring than sitting on a beach or inside of a museum. These activities are not always physically demanding but they can be and do require a basic level of fitness.
- Hotels