Category: Galapagos Travel Articles

Snorkeling and Diving Day Trip One of the most sought after sites in Galapagos, Kicker Rock, also known as León Dormido, is the remains of a volcanic cone, eroded by the sea across hundredths of years. It is the eroded cone of an extinct volcano in the shape of a sleeping lion which earned it the name, Leon Dormido. Above the water, the monolithic rock formation towers over 500 feet above the Pacific Ocean and is home to various Blue-Footed Boobies, Frigatebirds, California Sea Lions, Red-billed Tropicbirds.  Ever wondered why this site is one of the most seeked after snorkeling hot spots in the Galapagos? Well, its locations and unique ecosystem makes it an underwater paradise.   If visting San Cristobal, here's a short account on what to expect on a Kicker Rock Galapagos Snorkeling or Diving Day Trip.  Where is Kicker Rock located? Kicker Rock is located approximately 2 hours northwest from San Cristobal and northeast from Puerto Baquerizo. The site can only be visited by boat, and visitors must be accompanied by a guide at all times. One you arrive the location, you will find in front of tow walls of compacted volcanic ash, that towers up almost 500ft from the ocean floor. This spot is home to many birds, and you can often spot Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and tropicbirds. But the true magic and beauty occurs below the surface. The natural erosion of this ancient cone has formed a channel between the rocks that produces the perfect habitat for Galapagos Sharks, Whitetip Sharks, Large Rays, Pelagic and Reef Fish, Sea Turtles, Sea Lions. You can only wonder what a great snorkeling site such ecosystem makes.   Kicker Rock is mostly known for the white-tipped reef sharks that inhabit the area and swim across the small channel in between

There is no single best way to see the Galapagos. A cruise takes you to remote islands with the least time in transit, a land-based trip gives you flexibility and a hotel bed every night, and day tours from Santa Cruz let you see iconic sites like Bartolomé on a shorter budget. This guide compares each option so you can choose the Galapagos tour that fits your time, budget and travel style. See Galapagos cruises & pricesLet’s talk about your trip Galapagos cruise vs land-based tour at a glance CruiseLand-based / island hoppingDay tours from Santa Cruz Best forWildlife lovers who want to see the most islandsFamilies, flexible travelers and tighter budgetsShort stays or adding iconic sites to a hotel stay Islands you can reachRemote islands such as Genovesa, Fernandina and EspañolaInhabited islands plus nearby uninhabited onesBartolomé, North Seymour, South Plaza, Santa Fe and more Time on the waterNavigation mostly at nightSpeedboat transfers between islands by dayUp to about 2 hours each way Where you sleepCabin on boardHotels in townYour hotel in Puerto Ayora SeasicknessCan be an issue on rough daysEasier, you sleep on landCrossings can be choppy FlexibilityFixed itinerary and departure daysFully customizablePick the days and islands you want Budget guide (per person)About US$1,800 in Tourist Superior to US$5,000+ on luxury yachtsHotel plus tours; usually lowerUS$175 to US$400 per tour When a Galapagos cruise is the best choice A cruise is the most complete way to see the archipelago. Ships sail mostly at night, so you wake up at a new visitor site every day with a naturalist guide, meals and snorkel gear included. Access to remote islands and wildlife you cannot reach on day tours More visitor sites per day and less time in transit Everything organized: guide, meals, activities and snorkeling Fixed itinerary and departure days Small

Things to do in Isabela Galapagos - a suggestion of the best day trips from Isabela So, you’re traveling to Isabela Island in Galapgos soon. Lucky you! Isabela is one of the most beautiful of the inhabited islands in the Galapagos archipelago. From hiking in petrified lava of an active Volcano to snorkeling with white-tipped sharks, Isabela Island easily holds the quintessential Galapagos natural beauty.  If you are planning to explore Galapagos with a hotel-based itinerary, then you spend the night at Puero Villamil. From here, you can arrange several day trips. Laid-back and filled with wildlife, Isabela is a must visit during your Galapagos trip. So, to make things easier, here’s a quick guide of the best things to do in Isabela Galapagos. Take a look!   1. Snorkel at Los Tuneles aka. Cabo Rosa, of course! This is probably one of the most beautiful sites in Isabela and definitely a must-do. Located at the south west of Isabela, it takes about 45 min by speed boat to get to Cabo Rosa. This spot is ideal for snorkeling and observing wildlife. You will first take small hike at the tunnels, natural lava formations and home to nesting blue-footed boobies, sea lions and colorful marine life (the water at this site is crystalline). A trip here also includes a snorkeling stop nearby where you can spot sea turtles, manta rays, sting rays, white-tipped sharks and tons of fish. Los Tuneles is surely one place not to miss; it is a essential hotspot for Galapagos wildlife.   Trip Duration: 4 - 5 hours Requires Guide: Yes CHECK OUT THIS MUTI DAY TRIPS OF GALAPAGOS FOCUSING ON LOS TUNELES - CABO ROSA   2. Kaya to Tintoreras Islet and observe white tipped sharks This small islet is inhabited by a wide variety of wildlife,