Galapagos Naturalist Sailing & Multisport
Multisport in Ecuador with R.O.A.M.
Highlights
ROAM offers catamaran-based adventures as our experience tells us that sailing through this incredible archipelago is much more satisfying than being on a cruise ship. The shallow beam and spacious deck space on our wide and stable catamarans is noticeable to those who have spent time on traditional ships.
The cat 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 are more environmentally friendly and our unique itineraries seek 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 wonders of these enchanted islands.
Our large 88-foot, 12-passenger catamaran offers plenty of space and luxuries while doing an exclusive national park tour. Mooring each night in different locations, our special permit allows guests to experience the best the Galápagos has to offer. Island hopping by catamaran allows to easily access places the bigger ships may not. Our small group size allows us to spend our time observing the wildlife and enjoying the active nature of our vacation rather than loading and unloading from a cruise ship.
We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and always flexible schedule. Every trip is different depending upon the group, other trips in the area and sometimes the weather.
Full Description
ROAM’s Galapagos Multi-Sport Sailing Adventure features island-to-island kayaking, hiking, biking, surfing and snorkeling. This multi-faceted trip is the most intimate way to explore and experience the Galapagos Archipelago.
In 1835 Charles Darwin sailed on the British ship H.M.S. Beagle and visited the islands. His theory of the origin of species, which shook up the scientific world, was inspired by the evidence he found in this unique volcanic archipelago. The islands provide a living museum of evolutionary changes that profoundly affect all those who witness their splendor. In 1936 the Galápagos was declared a National Park to preserve its unique vegetation and wildlife. UNESCO declared Galápagos a World Natural Heritage Site in 1978 and subsequently a World Biosphere Reserve in 1985. Protection was further strengthened in 1994 with the creation of the Reserva Marina de Galápagos, which was recently extended to cover the 130,000 square kilometers within a 40-nautical mile radius of the islands making the Galápagos the second largest marine reserve in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
The archipelago is purely volcanic in origin and features beautiful volcanic formations not found on the mainland. The islands emerged from lava eruptions that came from the bottom of the ocean and rise as much as 2,600 feet above sea level. Lava from more than 2,000 craters has continually altered the terrain of this region. Currently the archipelago contains 13 large islands, 6 minor ones, and more than 40 islets. Some of the younger islands still have active volcanoes. Many variables, such as isolation, climate, altitude, and the texture of the land on the islands account for the archipelago’s distinct flora and fauna.
Wildlife
Galápagos is one of those rare destinations where you become accustomed to being surprised. Nothing quite compares 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 humans approach. Galápagos is home to many endemic animals, most of which are fearless because of their lack of natural predators.
From the world’s only seagoing lizards to flightless cormorants and penguins, flamingos, inflatable frigate birds, wave albatrosses, clownish boobies, patriarchal giant tortoises, and 13 species of Darwin finches, you can enjoy thrilling encounters with animals—up close and in large numbers—who are completely at ease among human visitors.
There are extraordinary opportunities to swim with marine mammals 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 Galápagos sharks or even hammerheads and white-tipped reef sharks. Marine turtles and whales are commonplace and simply add to the magic of these enchanted isles.
Ironically, no species has done more to upset the delicately balanced ecosystem of the Galápagos 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 Galápagos National Park Service and the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Flora
The plants of Galápagos are equally fascinating. In the highlands are many species of indigenous Scalesia (“tree daisies”) as well as tree ferns, bromeliads, and orchids. Around the coasts are giant prickly pear and candelabra cacti while tiny Brachycereus cacti grow on barren lava flows. Vivid morning glories and mats of bright red sesuvium can be found on the shores. Galápagos also has its very own native species of cotton, tomato, pepper, guava, and passion flower. Many kinds of plants, particularly those belonging to the daisy family, have evolved on the different islands into whole arrays of endemic species, providing scientists with classic examples of adaptive radiation.
History
Galápagos had no aboriginal inhabitants and was officially discovered in 1535 by Tomas de Berlanga, the Bishop of Panama, when his ship was becalmed and carried there by currents. During the 17th and 18th centuries, buccaneers and pirates used the islands as a staging post, stocking up on water and giant tortoises (which they stowed alive on board their ships for fresh meat) before carrying out raids on the South American coast. During the 19th century, whalers and fur sealers further exploited the islands. Galápagos was annexed by Ecuador in 1832 and small colonies were gradually established on several of the islands. In the 1930s several mysterious deaths and disappearances among the European community on the island of Floreana put Galápagos in the news. Most of the present-day inhabitants moved to the islands from the Ecuadorian mainland during the last 20 years. Until the Special Law for Galápagos was passed, the population was increasing at more than 8-percent per annum.
Includes:
- Professional guide service
- Fully crewed sail boat with naturalist
- 7 nights lodging on catamaran (based on double occupancy)
- 8 days of activities
- R/T flights from Quito to Galápagos
- All meals outlined in itinerary
- All activities, transfers and expedition equipment
Excludes:
- Flights to/from Quito, Ecuador
- Accommodations in Quito (ROAM will arrange them on your behalf)
- Excess baggage charges
- Single supplement
- National Park entrance fee $110 US per person, $60 US per child under 12 (cash only)
- International airport departure tax $31.50 US per person
- Insurance of any kind, including travel and mandatory medical and evacuation insurance
- Alcoholic beverages, Items of personal nature (a complete packing list will be provided)
- Gratuities
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 (Saturday) - Arrive 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 approximately two weeks prior to departure.
Day 2 (Sunday) - 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.
Day 3 – Surfing, hiking or biking - Santa Cruz 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 each 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 Centre 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.
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 Galapagos have joined to create a work of art. Our exploration starts with a panga ride along the beautiful rocky shores where Galapagos 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. This is a magnet for small blue lagoons, pink flamingos, blue herons, and Bahama pintail ducks. Brown pelican 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.
Day 5 – Snorkeling at Tagus Cove and Fernandina 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 Galapagos 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 Galapagos, 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 the aa and pahoehoe lava types here. Dinner at night and navigation to Santiago
Day 6 – Hiking and snorkeling - Santiago 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 Puerto 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 Darwins finch, the endemic Galapagos hawk, or the colorful vermillion flycatcher.
Reaching the crater rim presents an incredible vista as you are able to see this extinct volcano whose floor has sunken below sea level. Salt water seeps into the crater creating a small salt lake. The sun evaporates the water, leaving the salt that many have tried to mine without success. Looking away from the crater are the older orange lava fields supporting vegetation including the palo santo trees and the younger desolate black lava fields.
The second excursion is to a fur seal grotto. Fur seals and sea lions can be seen swimming in the rocky lava ringed pools. This is the best opportunity guests have to see and swim with fur seals. Fur seals were once hunted to near extinction for their coats. The Galapagos Fur Seal is the smallest of the fur seals found in the southern hemisphere, 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, which are their natural predator. The crystal clear water, volcanic bridges, fur seals and sea lions make this a magnificent place for swimming and snorkeling.
Day 7 – Rabida 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 also the large-billed flycatchers and brown pelicans. Here a small salt-water lagoon where greater Flamingos can be seen and 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. Dinner at night and navigation to Genovesa.
Day 8 – Hiking volcanoes - Genosa - Barranco - Darwin Bay
Also known as bird Island, El Barranco, 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. Dinner at night and navigation to Daphne.
Day 9 –Daphne 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 we will regroup in Quito for a farewell dinner to share memories and laughs before retiring to our overnight accommodations.
Please note: guests flying home on Delta may depart this evening from Quito
Day 10
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.
About The Operator:
R.O.A.M.
Headquarters:
Nelson, BC, Canada
Established:
January 1986
After working the rivers and coastlines in Canada, United States, New Zealand and Australia, we founded a wilderness rafting and kayaking operation called Rivers & Oceans Unlimited. For more than 15 years R&O facilitated first class expeditions throughout Western Canada and Alaska. In 1999, we changed to the R.O.A.M. umbrella, which better reflects the mountainous nature of our travel and began to carefully develop a variety of international locales.
Although we are still a small family-owned operation, ROAM has facilitated trips for O.A.R.S., Mountain Travel Sobek, GORP, American Express, World Wildlife Fund, Butterfield & Robinson and Virtuoso, to name a few. Our style of trips has revolutionized the adventure industry in a positive manner as we’ve continually raised the bar for levels of service and creativity.
From the inception of R&O to the foundation of R.O.A.M., we have been the industry leader in providing the best guides, gear, and highest level of service and comfort without compromising the integrity of the locales we visit. We encourage you to contact about our trips so you can make a date for an adventure of a lifetime.
We are committed to the preservation of North America’s wilderness habitat. Our excursions are designed to promote an understanding of the delicate ecosystems that make our province unique while preserving their fundamental integrity. We ask participants to share our concern for the environment by practicing low impact touring in this sensitive area. ROAM operates on a “no trace” policy meaning we travel in a self-contained manner, carrying in what we require and carrying out all garbage and human waste. We believe the survival of the natural environment and the wildlife it supports depends on establishing an economy beyond simple resource harvesting. Our goal is to immerse our clients in vast natural beauty that, in turn, supports eco-tourism as a viable, economic choice.