Category: Galapagos

Are you looking for the adventure of a lifetime? If so, we are certainly specialists in such a thing here at Wildfoot Travel. Although we are renowned for the quality of our cruises, we can also help if you are interested in embarking upon a Galapagos camping experience. Let’s take a look at what you will have lined up if you opt for a camping adventure on the Galapagos Islands.

Choose our nine-day camping adventure and you will be able to snorkel with sea lions, explore the islands via public speedboats and camp right in the centre of the action. This experience can include visits to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre and the Charles Darwin Research Station, as well as the epic Sierra Negra volcano. You will pay less than you might have expected for this week-long trip, and if you want to indulge in a vastly rewarding fact-finding mission, you won’t be left disappointed.

After arriving in Quito on the first day, you will spend days two and three flying to Baltra Island, transferring to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz, where you will be able to explore the town at leisure, and then head off by speedboat to Floreana Island in the afternoon. You can then get yourself settled in the camp, where you can rent a kayak, swim or simply relax. Also included in this part of the trip is the opportunity to snorkel in Loberia and take in the majestic highlands.

On the fourth and fifth days, you will take a boat to Isabela Island and embark on visits to Flamingo Lagoon and the Tortoise Breeding Centre. You will also be able to hike the Sierra Negra Volcano for magnificent best views.

On days six and seven, you will transfer via speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island. You can pay a visit to Charles Darwin Station and walk to Tortuga Bay for kayaking, or just watch the marine iguanas coming in and out of the surf, visit the lava tunnels and stroll amongst giant tortoises. You will then be able to spend time in town with the group, bid farewell to the Galapagos Islands and fly back to Quito to enjoy a final night out.

Here at Wildfoot Travel, we pride ourselves on our unrivalled first-hand knowledge of all of the regions that we can guide you round. We are waiting to hear from you if you wish to embark on a thrilling Galapagos camping adventure, so why hesitate to embark on a trip that – for once – really does live up to the billing of ‘a journey of a lifetime’?

We can help if you wish to embark on the educational adventure of a lifetime with your family. How so? Well, here at Wildfoot Travel, we specialise in the very finest family friendly tours to the Galapagos.

That may seem to be a contradiction in terms – bringing your entire family to one of the remotest regions on Earth – but rest assured that with the Galapagos Islands steadily becoming more accessible than ever before, the leading operators are also able to provide travellers with all of the comfort and amenities that enable them to bring their entire family with them for the ride.

Indeed, we firmly believe here at Wildfoot Travel that the Galapagos region is the ideal destination if you are keen to educate your kids about the wonders of nature and the relationship between human beings and the natural world.

Our Galapagos tours are incredibly varied and allow you to not only get up close and personal with some of the most fascinating species from the natural world, but also engage in all sorts of activities including cycling, snorkelling, walking and surfing. You can even use our tours to unwind on the beach in an idyllic location – just the kind of thing that you would expect on a ‘normal’ holiday!

Our team possesses an exceptional knowledge of the Galapagos and their history and is here to help you to make the most of your tour. Kids are more than welcome on the cruise boats and will get many opportunities to partake in activities like kayaking and snorkelling.

Our eight-day itinerary is designed with families in mind and is perfectly suited to kids aged six and over. Popular things for families to do while on a tour to the Galapagos include taking a snorkelling trip to Isla Lobos to witness marine life like sea turtles and sea lions.

You will benefit from seven nights of B&B hotel accommodation when taking advantage of our Galapagos family holiday package, as well as a visit to the Interpretation Centre. Also part of the itinerary is a visit to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, a Tortuga Bay walk, a trip to the Charles Darwin Research Centre and snorkelling and swimming at Loberia. If all of this sounds good to you, why not drop us a line today to chat about your trip with a member of our expert team.

Wildfoot Travel is associated with Arctic Bound and Antarctica Bound, which were established more than 25 years ago. We help people to see the most spectacular regions of the world with their own eyes, so talk to us today if you are keen to embark on an out-of-the-ordinary travel experience that you and your family will never forget. Why wait any longer to get in touch?

Sometimes you want to treat your family to an experience that they will never forget, away from the bustling crowds of the obvious touristic cities and back into the heart of nature. If you are currently trying to find the perfect destination for your own little explorers, why not take them to a destination where nature is right under their noses, on a Galapagos family cruise?

Ecuador’s spectacular Galapagos islands offer a seemingly primordial environment, where humans can interact with a whole host of inhabitants including rare birds, iguanas, giant tortoises and sea lions. The islands are extraordinarily well preserved and the animals that live there show no fear of people, making it the ideal place to teach your family about the importance of nature and conservation.

With itineraries that are designed for fulfilling exploration of some of the best wildlife regions on the islands, you can rest safe in the knowledge that the Galapagos experts are leading you through locations that your family will be talking about for the rest of their lives.

Although many may not consider the Galapagos islands to be a family friendly destination, our especially designed cruises here at Wildfoot Travel have been tailor made to ensure that family members of all ages can take part in some truly once-in-a-lifetime activities. Along with the on-board entertainment, the tours of the Galapagos encompass all manner of fun-filled activities.

There really isn’t anything like leaving the beaten path and enjoying the peace and quiet of an island paradise, with activities like snorkelling, kayaking or simply paddling in the pristine waters adding an extra layer of family fun!

When you consider just how few opportunities most of us have to see animals such as giant tortoises and sea lions in their natural habitats, a Galapagos family cruise is the perfect way to create these memories and experiences for your little ones. As you walk among the colonies of birds and animals, you will be able to explore a world that is in stark contrast to the busy cities and modern holiday destinations that many of us have become accustomed to – and jaded by.

Why not try something a little different on your next break and revel a once-in-a-lifetime trip with your family to the islands that really do showcase the best of the natural world?

The Galapagos Islands… legendarily remote, famed for their plentiful endemic species that had scarcely encountered human beings prior to Charles Darwin’s visit in 1835. Today, the isles remain a grand frontier of nature, with a meagre 26,000 human population across their 8,000 square kilometres.

However, paradoxically, this is not a corner of the globe with a lack of things to do. Indeed, here are just five of our favourite Galapagos multi activities here at Wildfoot Travel.

1. Snorkelling

The Galapagos beg to be discovered underwater, a whole new world opening up when the visitor dons the snorkel and flippers that can be rented nearby.

Whether you dive beneath the surface while on board a cruise or on a day boat excursion, you can expect to see little less than the greatest feast of marine life able to be experienced on planet Earth, encompassing turtles, sealions, marine iguanas, parrotfish, puffers and sharks.

2. Kayaking
   

If you want to be there on the water surface near one of the islands as rays and turtles break cover and in order to get the best vantage point for spotting cliff-nesting birds, you really can’t beat kayaking, which is often available from our cruises at no additional cost.

3. Walking
   

Even those who stick to dry land, however, are in the perfect position to get up-close and personal with rare and mysterious birds, trees, cactus and plants. Walks are possible on both the populated and uninhabited islands, although any on the latter must be in the company of an official guide.

4. Cycling
   

Fans of Galapagos multi adventures can scarcely miss the opportunity to rent a bicycle and ride to the lava tunnels and giant tortoise reserve in the highlands, or take on one of the many other cycling trails around the island of Santa Cruz.

5. Sailing
   

There is a real sense of adventure to sailing around the Galapagos, with yachts and sailing boats able to be chartered for a day or longer. However, with visitors not being permitted to land on any of the inhabited islands or even many parts of the main islands without an official guide in attendance, you will also need to plan your journeys carefully in advance.

Visit the section of the Wildfoot Travel site that is dedicated to Galapagos multi activities to discover the full range of activities that we have available on our trips to this truly remarkable area of the Pacific Ocean.

When it comes to Galapagos cruises, Wildfoot Travel sets the standard. We offer a range of packages to those wishing to explore the fascinating Galapagos islands and can cater for those on a budget as well as travellers with more to spend.

Visitors begin their experience at the San Cristobel or Baltra airports after travelling from the Ecuadoran mainland. They then board cruise boats (which can take the form of catamarans, sailing boats or yachts) carrying between 16 and 20 people. National park tour guides offer a valuable insight into the history of the islands, and meals and excursions are available alongside transfers to and from the airport. Visitors can also travel on large luxury vessels that offer a world-class experience.

The islands are heavily associated with Charles Darwin, who discovered wildlife unique to this part of the world before writing his iconic book, The Origin of the Species. The volcanic islands offer lava fields, lagoons, clear blue waters and craters. The islands’ wildlife put them among the nature lovers’ most sought-after regions. Some of the species that you may come in close contact with include sea lions, turtles, iguanas, blue & red footed boobies, frigate birds and reef fish..

Our La Selva Amazon Ecolodge & Spa + Galapagos Luxury Cruise Packageis for you if you wish to explore this magical part of the world in style. You’ll find yourself sailing in luxury onboard Ocean Spray, Cormorant or Petrel for a number of days and nights after unwinding in sumptuous surroundings in the La Selva Amazon Ecolodge and Spa. You will also get the chance to see the Amazon rainforest up close and personal. All transfers are included in the price and you will end your trip by enjoying three nights in an idyllic Quito hotel.

We have unrivalled knowledge of the region and you can get in touch with us at any time if you require any in-depth information on making the most of your adventure. Our relationships with some of the most prominent cruise operators and adventure trip providers in Galapagos and Ecuador have helped us to become one of the leading players in our field.

You can count on Wildfoot Travel to deliver the South American trip of a lifetime, so get in touch with our expert team today to learn more.

You can catch sight of much of it on a diving trip in the Galapagos Islands.

The Galapagos Islands are actually part of the South American country of Ecuador, but they lie 563 miles away from the western coast of Ecuador’s mainland and consist of over 20 islands, with the result that there is no shortage of sea to enjoy. And, of course, by “enjoy”, we don’t just mean looking at the water – we also mean diving into it!

A stay in the islands arranged by Wildfoot Travel can include time strapping on the vital diving equipment before disappearing under the water to get close to fish, turtles, rays and even sharks. Want to take a day trip to the sea from one of the main islands or sail to a range of promising dive locations using a live-aboard boat? We can make either a reality.

Actually getting into the sea can be the only option for seeing much of the fascinating Galapagos marine life, and it’s certainly worth the dive, as the animals you could see dolphins, lobsters, crabs, corals and starfish. At certain times of the year, you can also check out migrating whales and even whale sharks.

Expert dive masters

Indeed, certain times of year can be better for seeing particular underwater wildlife than others, which begins to explain why you are likely to much appreciate the expert dive masters that you can turn to during your diving trip at the Galapagos Islands. These are qualified divers who can point out which diving locations have which attractions, and also ensure your safety through, among other practices, warning you what dangers lurk where.

We hardly have sufficient space in this article to go into the finer details of the amazing feasts for the eyes that are in store on a Wildfoot Travel diving trip at the Galapagos Islands. We urge you to read more of the relevant sections of the Wildfoot Travel website to learn more about diving adventures!

Although there are no direct flights to Galapagos from Europe there are a number of airlines providing routes to Ecuador, with the main airports of Quito and Guayaquil being the most popular and accessible. From Ecuador you can then catch a short flight to Baltra or San Cristobel and begin your Galapagos adventure.

Alternatively, many travellers choose to use a stop-over in Ecuador as a chance to explore this wonderful country. At Wildfoot we believe that any trip to the Galapagos Islands should include, at the very least, a trip to Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. If you have come all this way you may as well see as much of what that this intriguing part of the world has to offer as you can!

Quito sits over 9000 ft above sea level and is a town rich in Spanish colonial architecture, including the opulent gold church of the Jesuits. The old town of Quito is itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site and being dramatically situated so high up in the Andean foothills the town is a must see for photographers and lovers of spectacular views and awe-inspiring scenery. Quito has a warm and relaxed traditional Ecuadorian Sierra culture and is packed with colonial monuments and architectural treasures, all of which can be soaked up via a ride on the famous TelefériQo – an exhilarating sky tram ride up through the Pichincha Volcano to the top of Cruz Loma. The Equator is also only 45 minutes’ drive from Quito so you will have the perfect opportunity to test out the famous theories of peculiar happenings associated with the Equator.

There are a number of Ecaudor land based trips available which take in all of these remarkable sights and are a fantastic way to start off, or complete, your once in a lifetime trip to the Galapagos Islands.

At Wildfoot we are approved British Airways appointed operators and our team of travel experts are experienced in finding the very best air packages for our customers to a huge variety of destinations throughout the world, so if you need any information on getting to the Galapagos or exciting things to do along the way please feel free to contact us and we will be delighted to help.

For many of those who stop off here, by water is exactly the experience, but here at Wildfoot Travel, we are equally delighted to be able to offer a complete range of land based itineraries on the Galapagos.

Whilst we will always maintain that the Galapagos Islands are very much made for exploring by boat, we also appreciate the preference of some of those who travel with us to keep their feet firmly on dry land. This is why we offer the opportunity to stay on just one or two of the islands, transferring between them by speedboat or light aircraft as and when necessary.

With Wildfoot Travel, you may choose a seven day package incorporating a stay at Galapagos Safari Camp, the perfect stop-off point from which to tour the islands of Santa Cruz and Isabela, taking in the giant-tortoise reserve and lava tunnels as well as the luxury Safari Camp itself. Those with families with children over six years old, meanwhile, often opt for our eight day family package that encompasses everything from time at the Charles Darwin Interpretation Centre to an Isla Lobos snorkelling trip for seeking out marine life such as manta rays, sharks, sea turtles and myriad colourful fish.

Then, there are those travellers who would instead like to pack as much activity as possible into a much shorter break – those who would especially appreciate our four day package staying at the opulent Finch Bay Eco Hotel in Puerto Ayora. This package gives travellers the chance to visit the Charles Darwin Centre and take in birdlife and marine iguanas at Tortuga Bay.

A world of thrilling and stimulating adventure waits to be discovered through land based itineraries on the Galapagos Islands, put together by established experts in wildlife and adventure travel, and with the most competitive deals on offer thanks to close working partnerships with the leading Galapagos adventure trip providers. Visit Wildfoot Travel today to get a taste of just some of the land based itinerary packages that we can offer, and don’t forget that if you prefer, we can tailor-make your perfect itinerary just for you.

So, what are the five things that you simply must snap on your next Galapagos photo adventure?

Birds

You simply can’t expect to find anywhere in the world that offers richer birdlife than the Galapagos, around 170 species having been spotted here. From the endless variety of finches that enchanted Charles Darwin, right through to red and blue footed boobies, pelicans, penguins and albatross, this corner of the globe is a paradise for bird photographers.

Mammals & Marine life

Amazing giant tortoises and the iconic land and marine iguanas, with no fear of humans, abound and if you have ever wondered what occupies the depths of the sea, the abundant marine wildlife of Galapagos will give you a fair few answers. Turtles, crabs, whales, dolphins, sharks, rays… they are all represented, some of them only being visible to divers and snorkelers, so you will need to be prepared to get your feet wet!

Weather

One of the things that so captivates many photographers about Galapagos is the astonishing clarity of the local air, but there’s so much more about the islands’ climate that adds atmosphere and interest to the pictures taken here – from the sometimes dense fog to the frequent drizzles and cold winds that characterise the cooler months.

Natural scenery

Any Galapagos photo adventure will inevitably take in the islands’ diverse land and seascapes – after all, as a backdrop to the region’s spectacular wildlife and towns, they are as unavoidable as they are breathtaking, especially the volcanic landscapes, more reminiscent of the surface of the moon! You won’t run out of them, either, across the 18 main islands, three smaller islands and 107 rocks and islets.

Major towns

Yes, even the Galapagos have them – although ‘major town’ is defined slightly differently in this legendarily remote part of the world, with even the most populous town – Puerto Ayora – having a mere 12,000 inhabitants. The darker side of history is represented here too with the remains of a notorious prison colony on Isabela. Urban landmarks combine with rural landscapes to make for some similarly stimulating and oft-overlooked photography opportunities.