Land Based Galapagos Adventure Travel Multi-Sport

Most Galapagos Island visitors see them via cruise boats. But the best way to see the Galapagos Island animals, landscape and people is by taking a land-based tour. On today’s show, we learn what it is like, and what we will see and do on this exciting adventure. 

We will hike the volcanos, and snorkel the seas to see up close the amazing animals that inspired Darwin.  At night, while the crusie ships are out to sea, we get to see how the locals live (and eat:)   Discover the most intimate way to see the Galapagos Islands on both podcast shows (click the players below).  Immerse yourself in the history of the islands as we talk about the events and changes that made it to what it is now – from Darwin’s Origin of the Species to its declaration of being a national park.

A Galapagos Island adventure is a ‘must‘ for your Bucket List!

The podcast episode above showcases my affiliate Active Adventure’s small group adventure guided tour (email me for a $200 discount code!).  I had already spent a ton of money on my five month South America and Antarctica adventures, so I decided to see what it was like to travel the Galapagos independently.  So on the next two episodes, I talk about my Galapagos adventure as well as the pros and cons of going there independently versus on a guided tour.  Be sure to also check out my show on How To Choose a Tour Company so you make sure that you go with a company that aligns with your expectations.

Where are the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador, and are located about 600 miles/1000 km west of the coast near the equator..  If you can, fly in to Quito’s international airport, Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO).  Some Galapagos tours start in Quito, the capital, while others start in Guayaquil.  Quito is safer, and thus preferred.

When to Visit the Galapagos Islands

Since the Galapgos Islands are near the equator, the temperatures hold somewhat steady year ’round. Â But there is a dry season and a wetter season. 

Most people consider December to May to be the best time to visit the Galapagos for a pleasant mix of warmth, rain and sun which is driven by the El Nino current.   The waters and islands are warmer, and a refreshing afternoon shower is typical.  Land temperatures average 80 degrees F to 90 degrees F, and the water temps are about ten degrees cooler. January and February are the wettest months.  I went in January and had no rain.

June to November is considered the ‘cool’ season and is usually cloudy, cool and dry due to the Humbolt Current.  Land temperatures are 70 degrees F to 80 degrees F and water temps are about five degrees cooler.

While the air temperatures are pleasant to hot, the water, where you will be a lot in order to snorkel or dive to see the animals, is cool.  I recommend always renting a wet suit when it is offered.  While it may not be necessary in some shallow bays, for the most part, you will be grateful to have it.  Also, WEAR the life jacket.  The currents can be strong, especially around Kicker Rock, and you are often snorkeling in deep water.

Land Based versus Cruise Ship Based Galapagos Tour

Most people go on cruise ship based tours (whether large or small boat).  However, I believe that a Land Based Galapagos Tour is superior because the islands and communities come alive after dark, plus you excape the cruise crowds.  You will have more opportunities to meet locals after work, and overall, just get a better ‘feel’ of the islands.  In your free time, you can wander the harbor and laugh at all the sea lions lounging on the benches!

I recommend touring with my affiliate Active Adventures (email me for an exclusive $200 OFF Active Adventures Promo Code discount They won’t let me post online).  They offer small group tours where you hike, bike and/or paddle as you explore new destinations.  On their Galapagos Island land-based tour, you will do a lot of hiking and snorkeling – at a level 2-3 out of 5 difficulty rating.

How Long to Visit the Galapagos Islands

I recommend spending ten days (plus your travel to and from Quito, Ecuador) in order to visit all four inhabited islands – more time if you can.  Be sure to get the FREE Travel Planner to help you plan your trip.  Plus, you will get access to ALL Travel Planners, Packing Lists, Checklists and downloads, and the once a month newsletter (no spam promise/unsubscribe anytime).

Are the Galapagos Islands Safe?

The Galapagos Islands are safe.  But it is a good idea to check the US State Department website for updates.  In Quito, it can be smart to stay with your tour company, or at the least, use your street/city smarts as you would for any large city.  Watch your cell phone!

In the water, wear your life jacket when snorkeling.  Some of the currents were strong and the waters we snorkeled in were deep!

What Islands to Visit in the Galapagos : What to Do in the Galapagos

Try to visit San Cristobal, Floreana Island, Isabela Island, and Santa Cruz Island.  Each island has its own personality and appeal.  I also to a day trip to other remote islands to snorkel.

Bike through the lush highland cloud forest of San Cristobal.  Off San Cristobal, snorkel or scuba Kicker’s Rock and explore the remains of an underwater volcano, then hike to Frigate Hill Lookout.

Hike the highlands of the lightly populated island of Floreana.

On Isabela Island, kayak Isabela Bay, and check out marine iguanas basking in the sun and the blue-footed boobies sitting in pairs on the rock tops. Don’t miss the Sally Lightfoot crabs along the shore, or the rays and turtles in the sea.   Isabela Island is a wildlife lover’s paradise! The Tintoreras rock outcrop showcases many beloved creatures.

Also on Isabela, be sure to check out the tortoise research center!  Hike to the summit of Sierra Negra volcano.  A highlight of your adventure will be snorkeling Los Tuneles, an intricate network of arches and islets all formed from past lava eruptions.  Don’t worry:  the sharks don’t bite:)

On Santa Cruz Island, hike the cloud forest highlands and peek in the lava tunnels.  Make a point to  visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.  Don’t miss Los Gemelos on the Island; twin craters that are sink holes created when the volcanic roof of empty magma chambers collapsed from tectonic shifts and erosion over time. This area has a very different climate from other parts of the island and is surrounded by scalesia (scalesia pedunculata) forests, or €œbroccoli trees.

What Special to Pack for the Galapagos Island Adventures

Be sure to pack ‘reef safe’ sunscreen – AND be sure to apply liberally as you are close to the equator!  Also, pack a long sleeved sun shirt that has the holes for your thumb and a wide brimmed hat that protects your neck, too!

For the heat, you may want to pack a small squirt bottle that you fill with water to spritz yourself for evaporative cooling.

In hot weather, I prefer both long sleeved shorts and pants to keep the sun off!  Most people on my day boat tours fried in their shorts and short sleeved tops.  I wore long sleeved wicking hiking shirts and pants and was cool AND NOT BURNED!

Typical itinerary:

Why a Land Based Tour?

Most folks visit the Galapagos on cruise ships, but I recommend a land based tour because you will have a more intimate experience with both the land and its people.

Instead of sleeping on the boat each night, you’ll be in the local towns and eat and mix with locals. Obviously, since you are visiting several islands, even the land based tours have you moving about by boat. Going on a small group tour means smaller boats which also means you can get closer to cool bays and coves.

Going the Galapagos is a VERY popular Bucket List destination, so I have covered it on numerous occasions.  Here are some other shows to listen to for more insights and ideas:

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