Effort: Moderate
Activities: Mountain Biking, Sea Kayaking, Snorkeling and Hiking
Lodging: Opuntia Waterfront Lodges in San Cristobal, Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands

This premium adventure tour provides abundant and incredibly close Galapagos wildlife encounters. You will snorkel waters alive with movement and color; kayak through clear tropical waters with sea lions, sharks, and sea turtles; trek over active volcanoes and lay on sandy beaches beside marine iguanas and sea lions. Combined with stellar guides and the unparalleled hospitality of the Opuntia Lodges, this tour adds up to the finest Galapagos adventure tour!

Opuntia Multiactive Adventure Highlights:

• Exclusive mountain biking route on Isabela Island
• See famous Lonesome George, the last living member of his giant tortoise subspecies
• Walk amongst Giant Galapagos Tortoises in the wild
• Sea kayak with sharks, marine iguanas, sea turtles, and sea lions
• Snorkel with a variety of species of sharks (including possibly the hammerhead shark), rays and tropical fish
• Hike the rim of the 2nd volcano caldera in the world and discover extraordinary lava formations
• Relax on sandy beaches amongst sea lions and marine iguanas
• Every step, peddle, and paddle of your journey is expertly guided by top-rated adventure and nature guides
• Support local communities through this sustainable program
• Enjoy the marvelous service, facilities, décor, and dining of the Galapagos’ finest hotels

DAY 1:  ARRIVE, HIKE, SWIM AND SNORKEL IN SAN CRISTOBAL

After a welcome lunch and orientation in a local restaurant, we head to the interpretation center to learn about the fascinating natural, geologic, scientific, cultural and social history of the Galapagos. We then continue on a short hike up to Cerro de Las Tijeretas. Along the walk, your guide will explain to you about the native and endemic vegetation as well as the birds and lizards you are bound to see. Tijeretas offers stunning views of both the land and the sea, and it is the point where Darwin first landed to the Galapagos. On the hill, there is a statue of the father of evolution, and the cove below offers some of the island´s best snorkeling.
On the return walk, we will pass by Punta Carola. Lay down next to sea lions and marine iguanas on its long sandy beach, swim, snorkel, watch the surfers on this world-class wave break, or do all of the above. Then head back for dinner in the waterfront restaurant of our beautiful hotel. Following dessert, we recommend you explore this tranquil port town and head to the end of the boardwalk to view the colony of many hundreds of endemic Galapagos sea lions. (L, D)

DAY 2: Sea Kayak and Snorkel the Coast, Isla Lobos and Kicker Rock

Take to the seas in kayaks! The morning is spent paddling exploring coastal bays and coves full of wildlife. You will see blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, sea lions and sea turtles. Upon reaching Playa Ochoa, we head away from the coast and on to nearby Isla Lobos. Here we will snorkel with marine iguanas, sea lions, and countless reef fish.

We then paddle out towards the open sea to reach Kicker Rock, two breathtaking rock massifs that jut out from the ocean. Above the waters, thousands of sea birds cling to its walls and below millions of fish call the rock home. In the channel between the two rock walls, you will find some of the best snorkeling in the islands. You will likely see spotted eagle rays, golden rays, Galapagos sharks, starfish, clams, and fish of every shape, size, and color. If you are lucky, you will also see hammerhead sharks! (B, L, D)

DAY 3: MOUNTAIN BIKE THE COASTLINE AND EXPLORE TINTORERAS ISLETS

After breakfast, we take a quick plane ride over to Isabela Island, the largest island in the archipelago and one of the most volcanically active places on earth. Upon arrival, we embark on one of the most scenically varied bike rides in the Galapagos. We will start out along a sandy beach, before continuing onto mangroves, and then to a lava tunnel, followed by a shady and wonderful smelling poison apple forest before cutting away from the coastline and entering the territory of hundreds of Galapagos tortoises. We will then climb up to a stunning lookout point before continuing on to the Wall of Tears - a historic site that dates back to when Isabela was used as a penal colony. The prisoners built the wall with lava blocks and had no other purpose than to keep them distracted from the madness of isolation. Along the way, we will be on the lookout for the mangrove finch (endemic to Isabela Island) flamingos, herons, american oyster catchers and other shore birds.
In the afternoon, we explore for wildlife among the bay´s many small islets. The key species we search for here are white-tipped reef sharks and Galapagos penguins. At the end of the day, we retire to the gorgeous Hotel Iguana Crossing. Relax in its infinity pool, hot tub, or white sand beach it calls its front yard. After a gourmet dinner, feel free to take a stroll down the seemingly endless beach or down the sand streets of this idyllic beach town. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Volcano Hike

Do your day packs and prepare yourself for a walk into a world of recent geological history. Hike through the highlands while taking in the gorgeous vistas until you arrive at the rim of Sierra Negra volcano, an active caldera which last erupted in October of 2005. We hike along the rim of this colossal 6x5 mile-wide (9x8 km) lava-filled crater before continuing our hike into the caldera of Volcan Chico. In Volcan Chico, you will explore incredible lava formations and puffing fumaroles. Take in the endless hues of reds, blacks, oranges, and yellows that make up this otherworldly landscape. In the late afternoon, we return to the coast to enjoy our last evening on Isabela.
Spend your last afternoon in this lazy beach town relaxing on its stunning beaches and soaking up the island-life atmosphere. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Tortoises, Pirates, Lava Tunnels, and Volcanic Craters

After an early breakfast, we take a fast boat to Santa Cruz Island. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins. We then head to the highlands to find the giant tortoise in its natural habitat. It is truly an honor to hike amongst these fascinating giants, who can live to be over 175 years old. We will also encounter other highland wildlife such as finches, egrets, pintail ducks, frigate birds and hopefully the brilliant vermillion flycatcher. We will then explore the area´s lava tunnels. As we explore these underground formations, your guide will tell you stories about pirates hiding Inca gold in these volcanic caves. We then carry on to two of the island’s deep volcanic craters. The hike is through a forest of endemic scalesia trees draped with ferns and epiphytes. We will also be on the lookout for the short-eared owl. Enjoy a free evening to explore the excellent restaurant and nightlife options Galapagos´ largest town has to offer.   (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Kayak w/ Sharks in Lava Wall Channels / Hike to Tortuga Bay

After breakfast, we explore Punta Estrada and Divine Bay by sea kayak. We paddle through serene turquoise waters that meander through towering lava channels walls. Below the clear waters, you will likely see rays and white-tipped reef sharks. You can also paddle right up to the fearless red-billed tropic birds, blue-footed boobies, herons, sally-footed crabs and marine iguanas perched along the cliffs.

After lunch we take a 40 minute hike to Tortuga Bay through a unique dry forest. Along the hike, you will find many birds and interesting plants. When you reach the beach, you will hardly believe your eyes, as words can fail to describe its beauty. Take time to relax on its fine sands or in its azure waters. Return to Puerto Ayora to enjoy your last evening on this island full of fantastic dining and nightlife options. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Return Flight

Today, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, we learn about the ongoing conservation efforts on these enchanted islands we have spent the last 7 days exploring. The Research Station rears endemic Galapagos plants, land iguanas and giant Galapagos tortoises for educational, scientific and conservation purposes. Here, we can compare the diverse evolutionary paths of the various giant tortoise subspecies from different islands.
Transfer to nearby Baltra Island for our return flight to the mainland. (B)

B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner

Included:Accommodations; all meals as described; all safety and adventure equipment; experienced English-speaking adventure guide; knowledgeable bilingual Galapagos naturalist guide; all inner and inter-island transportation (vehicle and boat)

Not Included:Airfare to and from the Galapagos; entrance fee to Galapagos National Park; restaurant & hotel beverages; tips

**PLEASE NOTE**This itinerary may change without notice due to changes in weather or national park policy.