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HIGHLIGHTS
A quick look about this trip!
DURATION
10 DAYS
COMFORT
LANGUAGE
RATING
  • Set sail to Bachas Beach and snorkel spots of sea lions and marine iguanas 
  • Snorkel with hammerhead and white-tipped reef sharks, and dozens of species of tropical fish 
  • Horseback ride, hike and snorkel on Isabela Island, explore the Sierra Negra volcano
  • Visit a tortoise breeding center on Isabela 
  • Explore the historic whaling community at Post Office Bay on Floreana and Devil’s Crown 
  • Snorkel with sea lions at Champion on the east shore of Floreana 
  • Spend the afternoon at the Charles Darwin Research Center 
  • Snorkel and hike North Seymour
  • Explore Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz Island
ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP
Primary: Hiking, Surfing, Snorkeling, Mountain Biking, Sea Kayaking
Other: Scuba Diving, Swimming, Wildlife, nature
$4695USD
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Galápagos Naturalist Sailing Multi-Sport

Explore the world that Charles Darwin visited in 1835 aboard a private yacht. Unique wildlife with no fear of humans abound in this sanctuary.
There's nothing quite like an adventure in Ecuador's Galápagos Islands. Blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, friendly sea lions, giant tortoises, Darwin’s finches, penguins, expansive beaches, lingering sunsets, gourmet cuisine and outstanding adventure— all await you on our private first-class catamaran sailing and multisport vacation in the Galápagos Islands. 
  
Enjoy exotic and abundant wildlife and unique, scenic locations—without the crowds as we island hop through the volcanic Galápagos Islands Archipelago on an 80-ft, 12-passenger, wide and stable catamaran. Days are spent swimming nose-to-nose with friendly and playful sea lions, snorkeling and kayaking with sea turtles and observing breath-taking marine, bird and wildlife. Additional Galápagos vacation activities may include horseback riding, hiking or surfing. Evenings feature plenty of time to lounge aboard our private yacht while savoring delightful regional cuisine prepared fresh daily by a talented chef.

Sailing through the Galapagos Archipelago is the ultimate way to see this incredible region. The shallow beam and spacious deck space on our wide and stable catamaran is noticeable to those who have spent time on traditional ships. The catamaran is equipped with twin diesel engines for efficiency but there is nothing more romantic and rewarding than being under sail in these turquoise waters. Sailboats leave a much smaller footprint on the environment and our unique itinerary seeks to minimize impact by allowing small and intimate groups to visit sites that are not on the main routes. The sailboat serves as a vehicle of access to the wonder of these enchanted islands. 

Our 80-foot, 12-passenger catamaran offers more space and luxuries than other similar boats during your exclusive national park tour. Mooring each night in different locations, our special permit allows guests to experience the best the Galapagos ha to offer. Island hopping by catamaran allows us to easily access places the bigger ships may not. Our small group size is far more intimate and allows us to spend time observing the wildlife and enjoying the active nature of our vacation rather than laoding and unloading from a cruise ship. 

Multi-Sport
Something for everyone! Increasingly popular with our repeat travelers, our multi-sport adventures are an easygoing way to explore; combining sailing and hiking with other fun-filled ativities that take advantage of the best this region has to offer. Activities on the Galapagos Naturalist Sailing Multi-Sprot include: sailing, snorkeling, hiking, sea kayaking, surfing, mountain biking and plenty of time for relaxing on your own agenda. 

Wildlife
Galapagos is one of those rare destinations where you become accustomed to being surprised. Nothing quite compare to the joy of observing animals in the wild here, or the sense of wonder and privilege felt while spending time with creatures that don’t run or fly away when human approach. Galapagos is home to man endemic animals, most of which are fearless because of their lack of natural predators. 

From the world’s only sea going lizards to flightless cormorants and penguins, flamingos, infalatable frigate birds, wave albatrosses, clownfish boobies, patriarchal giant tortoises, and 13 species of Darwin finches, you can enjoy thrilling encounters with animals – up close and in large numbers – who arre completely at ease among human visitors. 

There are xtraordinary opportunities ti swim with marine animals such as sea lions, fur seals, dolphins, and manta, eagle, and golden rays, as well as thousands of the 300 species of colorful fish. The more adventurous may relish the chance to snorkel with the friendly Galapagos sharks or even hammerheads and white-tipped reef sharks. Marine turtles and whales are commonplace and simply add to the magic. 

Ironically, no species has done more to upset the delicately balanced ecosystem of the Galapagos than Homo sapiens. Almost all extinctions of native species began with and followed the arrival of the first recorded visitor to the archipelago in 1535. The islands are now safeguarded by the Galapagos National Park Service and the Charles Darwin Research Station. 

Flora
The plants of Galapagos are equally fascinating. Many species of indigenous Scalesia (“tree daisies”) as well as tree ferns, bromeliads, and orchids are found in the highlands. Giant prickly pear and candelabra cacti abound on the coast while tiny Brachycereus cacti grow on barren lava flows. Vivid morning glories and mats of bright red sesuvium blanket the shores. Galapagos also has its very own native species of cotton, tomato, pepper, guava, and passionflower. Many kinds of plants, particularly those belonging to the daisy family, have evolved into whole arrays of endemic species on the different islands, providing scientist with classic examples of adaptive radiation. 

Minimum Age: 10 Yrs
Day 1: Arrive in Quito, Ecuador
  • Upon arrival in Quito, you will take a short taxi ride to your hotel. Your hotel arrangements and flight details will be confirmed for you prior to departure.
Day 2: Flight to Santa Cruz and snorkel at Bachas Beach
  • After breakfast, take a taxi back to the airport for your flight to Galápagos. The domestic terminal is small but you will want to arrive at least 1.5 hours prior to your flight from Quito to Baltra (which is adjacent to Santa Cruz). Once in Galápagos, your guide will meet you at the terminal and take you to our yacht moored in the harbor. You’ll check in to your cabins and then regroup to enjoy a delicious lunch. Soon after we will sail to Bachas Beach where you will have an opportunity to unwind, explore the beach and test your snorkeling gear (which is provided for you). The name is Spanglish for "barges" which were wrecked offshore during World War II. A common first landing site, there is a delightful swimming beach and lagoon. This lagoon hosts great blue herons and small waders such as sanderlings and semi-palmated plovers. The beach is a nesting area for green sea turtles, especially November to February. The expansive white sands here are also home to sea lions and flocks of blue-footed boobies demonstrating their acrobatic dives. Pelicans, tropicbirds and herons may also be a part of the mix. Later in the day we’ll gather for the first in a series of congenial onboard dinners as we get to know our fellow travelers and navigate our way to Santa Cruz. (B, L, D)
Day 3: Surfing, hiking or biking—Santa Cruz Island and Charles Darwin Station
  • After a glorious oceanside breakfast, we will explore the island of Santa Cruz. This morning you have the option of hiking to Tortuga Beach for surfing or body surfing in the waves. We have both long and short boards available and your ROAM guide can teach you the basics of surfing. Once you ride your first wave you will be addicted! For those not up to a morning at the beach, we will visit Los Gemelos (the twins) and hike through the unique vegetation rich with birdlife. Biking may also be an option to explore the highlands. In the afternoon we will visit the world famous Charles Darwin Research Station where most of the efforts to protect and preserve the native flora and fauna are developed. The center also has giant tortoise rearing programs and is home to Lonesome George, the last of his species. Tonight we will dine while we navigate to Isabela Island. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Hiking and snorkeling—Isabela Island and Punta Moreno
  • Located on the western shore of Isabela, Punta Moreno is a place where the forces of the Galápagos have joined to create a work of art. Our exploration starts with a panga ride along the beautiful rocky shores where Galápagos penguins and shore birds are frequently seen. After a dry landing, the path traverses through jagged black lava rock. As the swirling black lava flow gave way to form craters, crystal tide pools formed—some surrounded by mangroves. These small blue lagoons are a magnet for pink flamingos, blue herons, and Bahama pintail ducks. Brown pelicans can be seen nesting in the green leaves of the mangroves. You can walk to the edge of the lava to look straight down on these pools including the occasional green sea turtle, white-tipped shark and puffer fish. We will have time to snorkel before lunch and then navigate to Urbina Bay.
  • Lying at the foot of Alcedo Volcano, south of Tagus Cove, Urvina Bay(Urbina Bay) is one of the best and the most recent examples of geological uplift in the Galápagos. Uplift occurs when the molten materials beneath the surface shift. In 1954 the shoreline was uplifted nearly 15 feet (4 meters). The coastline was driven three quarters of a mile further out to sea, exposing giant coral heads and stranding marine organisms on what was now on shore. A Disney film crew visited the site shortly afterwards and discovered skeletons of sharks, sea turtles and lobsters unable to find the ocean from the rapidly rising land. Schools of fish were found stranded in newly formed tide pools. Boulder-sized coral heads can be seen near the area that once was the beach. The uplifting of Urbina Bay was followed by an eruption of Alcedo a few weeks later. 
  • Seasonally Urvina Bay provides a nesting area for many of the Galápagos creatures. Female tortoises journey down from Alcedo to lay their eggs in the sand. Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants and brown pelicans nest in the area as well. The visit begins with a wet landing on the white sand beach. The difficulty of the route varies by season as the trail ranges from stark and easily passable during the dry season to mildly challenging requiring wading to pass during the rainy season. Visitors cross the uplifted region learning about this geological wonder, then reach the sandy area that was once the beach. Shorter visits return to the landing point on the same path, while longer visits continue past the coral heads and new beach. 
  • Other highlights of this site include marine iguanas, some of the largest land iguanas in the islands and Galápagos Cotton, an endemic plant which historians believe the Incas brought to the islands, while naturalists theorize it floated across from Peru. Tonight we will dine en route to Tagus Cove. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Snorkeling at Tagus Cove and Fernandina Island Punta Espinoza
  • Tagus Cove is situated directly east of Fernandina Island on the west coast of Isabela Island. It is a beautiful, well-protected cove sheltered by the shoulders of two volcanic craters and has been used as an anchorage for over 300 years. A nature trail here ascends through the typical dry vegetation zone and offers spectacular views of Darwin Lake, a saltwater crater lake, and the long narrow inlet that appears to connect with it. At the top of the trail it is possible to observe the different vegetation zones, catch a glimpse of Darwin and Wolf volcanoes, and observe Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants and pelicans. We will have an opportunity to snorkel before sailing to Fernandina.
  • Fernandina Island is the youngest and most active volcano in the Galápagos, with eruptions taking place every few years. The flat lava of Punta Espinosa offers a stark and barren landscape, but here flightless cormorants build their nests on the point, sea lions sprawl on the beach or play in the tide pools and large numbers of marine iguanas dot the sand. We also will have the opportunity to compare a`a and pahoehoe lava types here. After dinner we’ll navigate to Santiago. (B, L, D)
Day 6: Hiking and snorkeling—Santiago Island, Puerto Egas and Espumilla Beach
  • A visit to Puerto Egas begins with a wet landing on the dark sand beaches of James Bay. Here we walk along the rocky coast giving visitors the opportunity to view some of the Galapagos Island's best tide pools. Sponges, snails, hermit crabs, barnacles and fish including the endemic four-eyed blenny can be seen. The walk also presents a variety of shore birds, marine iguanas, sally light foot crabs and sea lions. 
  • There are two interesting excursions at Peurto Egas. The first is a short walk from the landing site to the site of one of the Galapagos’ first entrepreneurial endeavors. For decades salt was extracted from a local salt crater. The industry was abandoned in the 1950’s leaving behind a variety of rusted old machines and parts of buildings. The trail follows the path once used by wagon trains to the crater cone. The steep trail is easy, but can often seem one of the hottest hikes in the islands. Feral goats prune the arid vegetation, which lines the trail. The goats feed on any leaves within reach leaving little left for the endemic island creatures. Bird lovers will be delighted with the opportunity to catch a glimpse of one of Darwin’s finches, the endemic Galapagos hawk, or colorful vermillion fly catcher. The crater rim presents an incredible vista. Salt water seeps into the crater creating small salt lake and the sun evaporates the water, leaving the salt that many have tried to mine without success. Looking away from the crater are the older lava fields which support the vegetation and the younger desolate black lava fields. 
  • The second excursion is to fur seal grotto. Fur seals and sea lions can be seen swimming in the rocky lava ringed pools. This is the best opportunity we have to see and swim with fur seal, which were once hunted near to extinction for their coast. The Galapagos Fur Seal is the smallest of the fur seal found in the southern hemisphere, and now compare in numbers with the sea lions. During the day they hide from the hot equatorial sun in shelves or caves of the rocky lava cliffs. At night they feed on squid and fish, avoiding the sharks – their natural predator. The crystal clear water, volcanic bridges, fur seals and sea lions make this a magnificent place for swimming and snorkeling. 
  • Visitors who now come to Espumilla Beach come in search of birds rather than water. A short walk inland takes visitors through a mangrove normally inhabited by common stilt. Sea turtles also visit these mangroves to nest. Beyond the mangrove is a brackish lagoon where flock of pink flamingos and white cheeked pintails can be seen. The trail makes a loop heading over a knot into a sparely forested area then back to the beach. Along the way those with watchful eye may spot a variety of Darwin finches or a vermillion fly catcher. Once back at the beach visitors may have the chance to swim or snorkel, time permitting. 
  • Less than an hour north of Puerto Egas, Buccaneers Cove served as a safe haven for pirates, sailors and whalers during the 18th and 19th century. Anchoring in the protected bay they were able to make much needed repairs to their ships while other men went ashore to stock up on salt, tortoises, fresh water and firewood. Several years ago, ceramic jars were found at the bottom of the bay, the discarded cargo of some mariner from years gone by. Inside the jars were supplies of wine and marmalade. Few boat stops at Buccaneers Cove today, though many cruise at a slow speed giving visitors the opportunity to view the steep cliffs made of tuff formations and the dark reddish purple sand beach. This dramatic landscape is made all the more impressive by the hundreds of seabirds perched atop the cliffs. Two of the more recognizable rock formation known as the “monk” and “elephant rock”. A large population of feral goats now frequents Buccaneers Cove and this portion of Santiago. The National Park Service has fenced off part of the area to protect the native vegetation from the destructive eating habits of this introduced species. A wet landing on the large coffee colored sand beach is just north of the prized fresh water supply the once attracted pirates and whalers. Later we will have dinner and head on to Rabida. (B,L,D)+
Day 7: Rabida Island and Sullivan Bay
  • One of the special features of Rabida Island is its remarkable red color, which is a result of the high percentage of oxidized iron in the composition of lava. Here we will witness the nine varieties of finches and also large-billed flycatchers and brown pelicans. Greater Flamingos can be seen in a small salt-water lagoon and there is a beautiful colony of sea lions. The main attraction of Sullivan Bay is the broad pahoehoe or rope lava flow. It is one of the most incredible places to compare the lava flows and their characteristics. After dinner we move on toward Genovesa. (B, L, D)
Day 8: Hiking volcanoes—Genovesa Island, El Barranco and Darwin Bay
  • Genovosa is also known as the Bird Island. El Barranco, or the Prince Phillip Steps, requires a demanding walk up a steep cliff, where tropicbirds, red-footed boobies and other nesting seabirds can be found. We follow the trail through a palo santo forest to a storm petrel colony passing boobies and great frigate bird along the way. Darwin Bay is the caldera of a collapsed volcano and has a small coral beach where we can land for an easier walk. This will allow for stunning views from the cliffs and an opportunity to photograph the amazing bird life such as swallow-tailed gulls, red-footed booby, nazca booby, large ground finch, large cactus finch, sharp-billed ground finch, small marine iguanas and great frigate bird. Tonight we navigate to Daphne. (B, L, D)
Day 9: Daphne Major and Baltra
  • Birdlife abounds as the morning sunrise lights up the pink skies. Soon after, reality sinks in that it is time to leave this island paradise and make our way to the airport at Baltra. Tonight you may choose to regroup with other travelers in Quito for a farewell dinner to share memories and laughs before retiring to our overnight accommodations. (B)
Day 10: Departure
  • After an early breakfast at the hotel, take a taxi to the airport to catch flights home or get ready for your next adventure in Ecuador. (B)
Overall Rating
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STOAK from Anchorage, AK
The Islands and wildlife were spectacular. The food was wonderful. The crew was gracious, attentive and fun. The boat was the perfect size; the number of clients were limited such that we all became friends. The OARS guide was constantly playing with our children, jumping off the boat and snorkeling with them and still attentive to everyone's needs. The naturalist guide's knowledge, from geology to genetics, biology and animal behavior, was complex and extensive yet he tailored his explanations to the clients and answered questions to the level of clients knowledge. He was entertaining and loved his work. I can't think of anything else I could have asked for except more time.
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Jaclyn from Windsor, CO
The Galapagos Naturalist sailing multi sport was our second trip with OARS. We did Mystical Peru with OARS and did not think it was possible to top that trip. Well it was...the Galapagos trip was the most amazing experience. We sman with sea turtles, sea lions and sharks all at the same time. Who gets to do that??? We were aboard the NEMO II and the service/accommodations were top notch. The Naturalist, Jimmy, was outstanding. He truly loves to teach and loves the subject matter. Although the trip is very educational, there was enough fun and adventure mixed in that we had no idea how much we were learning until we got home. I can't say enough about the professionalism of all members of OARS. For anyone who goes on this trip, you must go to the optional trip "the tunnels"...what a thrill!!!
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TRIP INCLUDES
  • Skilled professional guide service 
  • Fully crewed sail boat with English speaking Ecuadorian naturalist 
  • 2 nights lodging in Quito / 7 nights lodging on catamaran (based on double occupancy) 
  • Meals as detailed in the itinerary 
  • All activities and equipment as outlined in the itinerary 
  • Round trip flights from Quito to Galapagos
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • Transportation to/from Quito, Ecuador
  • Pre- and post-trip accommodations and meals 
  • Meals not covered in the itinerary 
  • Quito airport transfers 
  • International airport departure tax $40.80 US per person, cash only 
  • Galapagos Immigration Card: US$10 per person, cash only
  • Galapagos National Park entrance fee US$100 per person, US$50 per child under 12, cash only 
  • Visas (not required for US and Canadian citizens) 
  • Single supplement -by choice or circumstance ($2000)
  • Insurance of any kind, including travel and mandatory medical and evacuation insurance
  • Cost of medical immunizations
  • Alcohol and beverages
  • Items of personal nature (a complete packing list will be provided)
  • Gratuities
CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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