Galapagos Islands Trips

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. This multisport trip includes hikes (up to 6-9 miles), rafting (2 hours with Class I-III rapids), optional mountain biking (6-8 miles), sea kayaking (3 hours), as well as swimming and snorkeling in ocean conditions.

Although not particularly strenuous, our hikes in Peru take place at moderately high altitude where trip members may tire more easily than usual. Hikes will be on-trail and may include some short, steep ascents and descents and climbing numerous flights of stairs at various ruins complexes. The two-hour rafting trip will include class I-III whitewater but is suitable for novices. The optional biking is on unpaved, sand and gravel roads with some rolling hills. Sea kayaking may include breaks for snorkeling. We will be engaged in activities for 3-6 hours most days.

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. There are a variety of activities including moderate hikes, mountain biking and sea kayaking. In general, the island hiking is moderate in both length and terrain. We are not moving at a fast pace as our primary objective is to take time to enjoy the wildlife. The biking on Isabela Island is on unpaved, sand and gravel roads with some small rolling hills. You can choose not to bike this portion. Sea kayaking is broken up with stops to take advantage of snorkeling opportunities.

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. It contains a variety of activities including moderate hikes (up to 3 miles), mountain biking (5-10 miles), Class III rafting for half a day, sea kayaking for 2-3 hours, and snorkeling. Participants should know how to swim and be comfortable in moving water (you will be outfitted with PFDs).

Hiking is moderate in both length and terrain; we are not moving at a fast pace as our objective is to enjoy the wildlife. The optional biking is on relatively flat, unpaved roads with some rolling hills. Kayaking is within protected bay waters. Rafting is on a class III river (guides may determine that an alternative class II river is more appropriate). Roads are curvy and boat transfers can be bumpy; those prone to motion sickness should consider bringing medication.

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. It contains a variety of activities including moderate hikes, mountain biking, and sea kayaking. Although not particularly strenuous, the entire hike in the Otavalo highlands is above 10,000' and, as a result, can be more tiring than expected. In general, the island hiking is moderate in both length and terrain. We are not moving at a fast pace as our primary objective is to take time to enjoy the wildlife. The biking on Isabela Island is on unpaved, sand and gravel roads with some small rolling hills. You can choose not to bike this portion. Sea kayaking is broken up with stops to take advantage of the snorkeling opportunities.

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Intermediate swimming and snorkeling skills are required. Participants should be comfortable hiking up to 9 miles over uneven, sometimes steep trails and mountain biking up to 10 miles on unpaved, sandy roads with some rolling hills. No trail maintenance, wildlife census or habitat restoration experience is required.

The longest hike is a 9-mile round trip hike on a gradually sloping trail with about 1,300’ of elevation gain. For the sea turtle research, volunteers will be snorkeling in relatively calm, but deep seas where you cannot see or touch the bottom. The snorkeling portion of this trip is required as it is a very important part of your volunteer responsibilities.

This trip is rated Easy Active [2]. This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in Zodiacs. Trip members will hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours round trip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist. Snorkeling activities will either be from the beach or from Zodiac in deep water.

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. There are a variety of activities including moderate hikes, mountain biking, and sea kayaking. In general, the island hiking is moderate in both length and terrain. We are not moving at a fast pace as our primary objective is to take time to enjoy the wildlife. The biking on Isabela Island is on unpaved, sand and gravel roads with some small rolling hills. You can choose not to bike this portion. Sea kayaking is broken up with stops to take advantage of the snorkeling opportunities.

This trip is rated Easy Active [2]. This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in Zodiacs. Trip members will hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours round trip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist. Snorkeling activities will either be from the beach or from Zodiac in deep water.