Galapagos Experience

Hiiii Real Gappers, welcome to the Galapagos! We'll spend the first couple of nights of this epic adventure in the city of Quito in mainland Ecuador; when you arrive at Quito International airport you'll be transferred to your accommodation to get a good nights sleep. On day 2 we'll have an introduction- which is the perfect chance to get to know everybody and meet our in country Real Gappers!

After our little intro sesh, we'll transfer over to  Santa Cruz, which hosts the largest human population of any of the islands. Some of the highlights of your stay in Santa Cruz include:

• Visits to Los Gemelos and Primicias Ranch to observe Galapagos giant tortoises
• Tours around the Charles Darwin Station and Breeding Centre
• A trip to Tortuga Bay beach, one of the most pristine beaches in the Galapagos.
• The diverse marine life of Academy Bay
• Getting involved in conservation projects  

During the second week of our Real Gap Galapagos adventure we'll transfer via speedboat to the island of San Cristobel. The type of volunteer work you do will depend on the time of year, you are there but you will always be given plenty of time to explore these epic islands.

The final part of your Galapagos adventure unfolds on the picturesque island of Isabela.  Your activities here may include:

• Guided tours of the Isabela Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre and Wall of Tears
• A trip to the small island of Las Tinoreras, where you will get the chance to see penguins, sharks, pelicans and iguanas.
• Exploring the otherworldly landscape and lava formations of Volcan Sierra Negra and Volcan Chico.

If you do have anymore questions regarding our once in a lifetime trip, give our travel advisors a ring! They're always on hand to help out.

Week 1- Santa Cruz

Upon arrival into the awesome Santa Cruz you'll receive a warm reception at the canal prior to a visit to los gemelos and primicias ranch where you may get to watch Galapagos Giant Tortoise in the wild (please note this trip is not available during Christmas and New Year). The afternoon will include a visit to the Charles Darwin Station and Breeding Centre. Breakfast and hostel accommodation included.

Next day you will visit Tortuga Bay Beach, one of the most pristine white sand beaches in the Galapagos. In the afternoon or morning tour Academy Bay. During the trip you can observe the diversity of the underwater world and with a little bit of luck see some of the bigger inhabitants of the ocean, like marine turtles, white tipped reef sharks or manta rays. Breakfast and hostel accommodation included.

The following day starts with orientation in Pto Ayora and will get involved with conservation activities at the project at highland of the Island. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and volunteer house accommodation included.

Spend the day enjoying project work where you may have the opportunity to see large groups of wild tortoises. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and volunteer house accommodation included. The following day you Leave the project after lunch, and spend the night at the town. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and volunteer hostel accommodation included. And you have a further free day to explore the island or book extra tours.

Week 2- San Cristobal

Early afternoon, take the speed boat from Santa Cruz to San Cristobal. Upon arrival into San Cristobal you will take a taxi to your accommodation at the hostel in the town, no meals included.

For the next two days, you will be based in the Biological station helping out with Project work. This will vary according to the time you are there and will be discussed on arrival to the Island. Volunteer house accommodation included with three meals a day.
 

You will leave the Biological station in the morning after the group activity and then have the day free to explore the island. You will spent the night at a hostel and will need to prepare your own meals.
 

The next two days are yours, to explore or book more tours.

You depart from San Cristobal early morning 6:30am, going via Santa Cruz, to spend your next week on Isabella -one of the most pristine Islands of the Galapagos. Hostel accommodation included – no meals included.

Week 3- Isabela Island

Start off with a guided visit to the Isabela Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre and Wall of Tears - this wall was erected by convicts in the first half of this century when the area served as a penal colony. Many prisioners died during the work due to the arduous labour and harsh conditions and the construction earned its infamous name Wall of Tears or Muro de las Lagrimas. Breakfast, dinner and hostel accommodation included.

The next day, you're off to Tintoreras Islet Tour. From the Wharf you will board a speedboat that will take you for a ride around the bay or the small island of Las Tintoreras (white-fin sharks). Witness penguins, sharks, blue-legged piqueros, pelicans, iguanas and sea lions. There will be some time to snorkel (snorkel gear included) where you will be able to get a great view of the many different varieties of fish. Breakfast, dinner and hostel accommodation included.

Enjoy a tour of Volcan Sierra Negra and Volcan Chico on the third day. Admire the beautiful landscapes and different lava formations produced by the most recent eruptions. Breakfast, dinner and hostel accommodation included.

You then have a free day to explore the beautiful Island. Snorkel with sea lions at Concha Perla, lay on the beach, watch flamingos, or book extra tours. Breakfast, dinner and hostel accommodation included.

Your last day has an early departure to Santa Cruz to catch your flight back to Quito. Transfer not included but can be easily arranged by onsite staff. Night back included at the hostel in Quito