Welcome to the Galapagos Adventure
Galapagos Islands Adventure From Land to Sea
11 Day Eco-Adventure ~Quito to The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Trip Dates: November 3rd-13th, 2026
Welcome to the Galapagos Islands Adventure
Over the years, Blue Waters Ventures has offered eco-adventures across the globe featuring unique wildlife encounters mostly while donning our mask, fins and snorkel. In the spring of 2025, Kim Powell, owner of Blue Water Ventures enjoyed a “bucket list” vacation to the Galapagos Islands. As our adventure unfolded, the absolute natural wonder of this remote volcanic archipelago, 500 miles from mainland Ecuador became vividly apparent.
No place on earth is quite like the Galapagos Islands as a snorkeling destination. Curious sea lions, comical Galapagos penguins, uniquely armored marine iguanas, graceful spotted eagle rays and massive green sea turtles are among the species we may encounter while snorkeling. Explore the intricate root system of a mangrove forest searching for the elusive Pacific seahorse while roosting frigatebirds are perched above us. From the mist shrouded highlands to the volcanic rocky shoreline, birding on Isabela Island is superb. Blue footed boobies, the endemic flightless cormorant, vermillion flycatchers and Darwin’s finches are among the feathered species we will encounter. While on Santa Cruz island, we plan to El Chato Ecological Reserve, a giant tortoise nature reserve established to help protect and perpetuate these critically endangered reptiles. Visiting the esteemed Charles Darwin Research Center, learn about Darwin’s arrival to the Galapagos Islands aboard the HMS Beagle in 1835. Darwin’s insightful observations of species encountered led to his theory of evolution by natural selection and the publication of his remarkable book in 1859, On The Origin of Species.
Join us as we explore the Galapagos National Park established to protect 97% of island landmass which equals 3000 square miles. Partnered with the Galapagos Marine Reserve an additional 50,000 square miles of ocean surrounding an intricate maze of islands is afforded protection.
To review our daily itinerary, please visit our Itinerary and also review our general health suggestions and swimming ability requirements at the More Info Link Please call Kim Powell at 831 345 2417 to discuss our program further.
Our Galapagos Islands Adventure begins in Quito, Ecuador on November 3rd where we will spend two nights. Flight information can be reviewed here: Getting to the Galapagos Islands Adventure We have planned an afternoon tour of Quito on November 4th. You may decide to skip the tour and rest up at our accommodating hotel near the Quito Airport.
On November 5th, we fly to Baltra Island, a gateway to the Galapagos Islands then overnight on Santa Cruz Island. From the moment we land, we will be immersed in natural wonders as our itinerary reveals. Our next stop is Isabela Island where we have secured 6 nights at a wonderful beach front hotel that serves as our base. You will secure your round trip flight to Baltra Island.
Isabela island is truly a jewel of the Galapagos, a biological treasure and the largest Island in the Galapagos archipelago. This extensive land mass was formed by the union of six shield volcanoes~ Ecuador, Wolf, Darwin, Alcedo, Sierra Negra, and Cerro Azul. The dramatic geologic formation of Isabela Island has created a distinctive sea horse shape, a species we hope to find while snorkeling. The pace on Isabela island feels slow, easy and authentic.
By basing from primarily one Island, we not only have access to the superb natural resources of Isabela, but we will feel the rhythm of life and gain a taste of the local culture. Literally a few minutes away from our accommodations is a fabulous snorkeling spot, beaches to explore or town square to visit. You will be given plenty of options during our “free time” including the option to relax back at our waterfront accommodations. As you will see on the links below, a live aboard program is far more expensive.
A vermillion flycatcher found in the highlands, Isabela Island
Trip Costs: $6375
Trip Price Includes:
Double occupancy accommodations in Quito and throughout the Galapagos, all meals except during airport transfers on Day 10-11, dinner on Day 1 or breakfast on Day 2. All boat and land transfers, licensed Galapagos guide and two Blue Water Ventures guides available 24/7, guided snorkeling, hiking and kayaking, scheduled cultural activities, museum visits, natural history lectures and all tips for our Galapagos hosts, guides and boat captains. All planned activities as described in the itinerary, $230 Galapagos Park entrance fees and permits.
The price does not include international round trip airfare to Quito, round trip flights from Quito to the Galapagos, any hotel or transfer arrangements outside of our itinerary, mandatory trip insurance for entry into the Galapagos, phone calls, unscheduled boat or taxi services, activities not described in the itinerary, wetsuit rentals, boogie board rentals, personal liquor or speciality coffees, airport departure taxes if any, meals in airports, excess baggage fees or a suggested tip for your Blue Water Ventures assistant guide ($125 per trip participant is recommended).
There are many outfitters offering trips to the Galapagos from live aboard programs to fully land based. We encourage you to explore your vacation options. Here are a few outfitters that we follow: Land Based One Option or Another Option and a Live aboard Option
We are thrilled that you are joining us on our first Galapagos Islands Adventure, from land to sea!
Until the Galapagos Penguin Greets us!
Kim Powell, MRPA
Owner, Operator & Naturalist
Blue Water Ventures
phone: 831 345 2417
www.bluewaterventures.org
Facebook
email: bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com
220 Kenneth St, Santa Cruz CA 95060
Swim Back to the Galapagos Islands
Blue Water Ventures
Naturalist-led field trips and adventures. We specialize in sea kayaking field trips for schools and adventures for women in the Monterey Bay, Baja, Belize, Tonga and beyond.
