One Great Company - Two Great Choices
ROAM has two unique Galápagos trips to choose from. Both are 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 cats are 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. On both trips, the sailboats serve as a vehicle of access to the wonders of these enchanted islands.
The Multisport Adventure features our 52-foot, 8-passenger catamaran and features island-to-island kayaking, hiking, biking, surfing and snorkeling. This multi-faceted trip is the most adventurous way to explore and experience the Galápagos Archipelago. Traveling from port to port we access a variety of islands and places for both land and water-based exploration. Living aboard the yacht allows us to engage in as much sea kayaking and snorkeling as we like, yet have time to visit a number of land-based destinations for biking, hiking, horseback riding and even surfing.
Our larger 88-foot, 12-passenger catamaran offers more 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. In both cases, 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. (Important: The itinerary is subject to change as it is dependent on weather and participants’ ability. Our daily distances can fluctuate depending on weather, activities, and National Park notices) The following is a sample of what your trips might be like.
Naturalist Sailing Sample Itinerary | Multi-Sport Sample Itinerary
Galapagos Multi-Sport Photo Gallery
Find out what past participants have said about this trip on the ROAM blog.
Galapagos Multi-Sport Adventure Travel Planner
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Because of the Galapagos’ famed natural history and remarkable creatures, these remote islands are revered the world over. In an effort to protect and preserve these “enchanted isles” that literally changed the world, access is restricted and regulated. On this sailing adventure, our special permit allows us to visit these protected sites. We plan to visit at least two sites per day (2-3 hours each) where participants will explore on foot and by snorkel.
Day 0 (the day before your trip) - Arrive Quito, Ecuador
Upon arrival in Quito, you will take a short taxi ride to your hotel. ROAM will make your hotel arrangements for you.
Day 1 - Transfer and flight to Santa Cruz
Today you will fly to Baltra. Once in Galápagos, your guide will meet you at the terminal and take you to our yacht moored in the harbor. You’ll check into your cabins and then enjoy the first of many delightful meals. Soon after we will sail to Bachas Beach where you will have an opportunity to unwind, explore the beach and test your snorkel gear. The expansive white sands are 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 afternoon we’ll dine onboard and navigate our way to North Seymour.
Day 2 - Snorkel and hike North Seymour & South Plazas
This morning we will take our dinghy (locally known as a panga) to explore North Seymour. Some of our landings may be dry or wet so your guide will let you know what to expect. Once ashore, we will take a scenic loop around this uplifted island. There are tremendous opportunities to see and photograph magnificent frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, marine iguanas and gulls. This island has great examples of the endemic vegetation, Palo Santo and Optunia cactus. Snorkeling at North Seymour affords the chance to see hammerhead and white-tipped sharks, eagle and golden rays, and dozens of species of tropical fish and marine invertebrates.
Dining on board as we transfer to South Plazas we will prepare for another exploration to visit a sea lion harem and bachelor colony. The rugged cliffs are inundated with sea birds like the Audubon shearwater. Tonight we sail to Espanola.
Day 3 - Espanola Island – Gardner Bay and Punta Suarez
After breakfast we will visit Gardner Bay, whose white sandy beaches demonstrate the continual erosion power applied by the sea. However it is at Espanola’s cliffs that the full force of water can be seen as a natural blowhole frames these ocean forces in a visual spectacle of dynamic beauty. At Punta Suarez, we see more sea lions, colourful subspecies of marine iguanas, blue-footed and nasca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds and the most impressive, the waved albatross.
Day 4 - Hike, snorkel and explore Floreana
Floreana is named after Jose Flores, the first President of Ecuador, during whose administration the government took possession of the archipelago. It is also called Santa Maria after one of the caravels of Columbus. It has an interesting human history and was one of the earliest islands to be inhabited. Since the 18th century, whalers have kept a wooden barrel at Post Office Bay that served as a mail drop for boats bound for Europe and America. We’ll snorkel at Devil’s Crown, a half sunken crater before stopping at Punta Cormorant. This unusual brown beach is littered with greenish olivine crystals. Floreana’s natural history is also intriguing as pink flamingos and green sea turtles nest here (December to May) along with the "joint-footed" petrel, a nocturnal sea bird, which spends most of its life away from land.
Day 5 - Sail to Sante Fe and Charles Darwin Station
Santa Fe is located approximately half way between San Cristobal and Santa Cruz and has some of the archipelago’s largest cactus. It has a protected bay that provides beaches for sea lions and ample snorkeling sites boasting colourful fish in large numbers. After lunch we will sail on to Santa Cruz and visit Puerto Ayora, the archipelago’s busiest port. Here 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.
Day 6 - Snorkel & hike at Bartolome and Puerto Egas
The view of Bartolome surrounded by shallow blue waters, with Pinnacle Rock as the centerpiece is absolutely stunning to say the least. We’ll carefully examine mangrove and dune vegetation before we slip into the warm seas for snorkeling. You may see penguins, rays and even sharks among the countless reef fish. Puerto Egas on Santiago Island has a wonderful hike to ash cliffs that have been eroded into fantastic shapes. The main feature here is a series of lovely grottoes that provide habitat for the Galapagos fur seals.
Day 7 - Rabida and Sombrero Chino
Rabida’s rust red beach is an unusual feature in the Galapagos landscape. Sea lions are found here in large numbers, as a lagoon behind the beach is a large attraction. Stilts, pintail ducks and flamingoes also favour this lagoon. Snorkeling at Sombrero Chino, a small volcanic island near Santiago, will reveal neat pockets of reef fish in tight aggregations. The rocks are covered with less conspicuous but no less abundant life. Rainbow wrasse, barnacle blennies, saber-tooth wrasse and many others eke out a living around this old island.
Day 8 - Caleta Tortuga Negra and the airport in Baltra
After another delightful breakfast, we take our panga into Black Turtle Cove on the north end of Santa Cruz. The cove prohibits motorboats so we row the dinghy into its tranquil body of water. A number of small passageways through the mangroves lead us to countless schools of rays, green sea turtles and many white-tipped and Galapagos sharks. 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.
Day 9
Flights home.
Day 0 (the day before your trip) - Arrive Quito, Ecuador
Upon arrival in Quito, you will take a short taxi ride to your hotel. ROAM will make your hotel arrangements for you.
Day 1 - Transfer and flight to Santa Cruz
Today you will fly to Baltra (which is adjacent to Santa Cruz Island). Once in Galápagos, your guide will meet you at the terminal and take you to our yacht moored in the harbor at Puerto Ayora. You’ll check into your cabins and then enjoy the first of many delightful meals. Soon after we will sail to Punta Estrada and Bahia Divine, a calm shallow bay where hundreds of fish, rays and sometimes sharks can be seen while snorkeling. Hiking along the rocky coastline you will see massive cactus and hundreds of marine iguanas while colonies of blue-footed boobies, tropicbirds, herons and pelicans soar by the jagged cliffs. Later in the afternoon we’ll dine onboard and navigate our way to San Cristobal Island.
Day 2 - Snorkel and sea kayak Leon Dormido
This morning we will take a speedboat to snorkel and swim around Leon Dormido, the jagged remains of an old tuft cone whose flanks are covered with sea birds and sea lions. Also known as Kicker Rock, this volcanic formation serves as nesting place for frigate birds, blue-footed and nasca boobies. There are great opportunities to see hammerhead and white-tipped sharks, eagle and golden rays, and dozens of species of tropical fish, clams, starfish, and marine invertebrates. We will lunch and swim at a pristine beach known as Puerto Grand and in the afternoon we’ll visit Isla Lobos. This national park site is home to two large sea lion colonies and if conditions are right, we’ll have an opportunity to swim and snorkel with the playful pups. If time permits, we’ll hike nearby Frigate Hill for splendid views of the coastline and the main port. After cocktails on the boat, we will dine in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and enjoy the town’s scenic boardwalk.
Day 3 - Snorkel, swim and hike San Cristobal
After breakfast we will drive to El Junco lagoon - the only natural source of fresh water in the islands. Here frigate birds feed on the fish in the lagoon and soar on valley thermals. There are also large numbers of land birds such as Darwin’s finches and mocking birds. We’ll enjoy an easy hike through Cerro Verde, a small traditional village, and walk to Puerto Chino. This pristine beach will be the perfect spot for a laidback morning where you can snorkel, swim, bodysurf or simply relax. After lunch, we will head to La Loberia to watch a local sea lion colony, snorkel and possibly surf (advanced surfers only). At dusk we will start back to Puerto Baquerizo to join the yacht. Dining on board we will set sail to Floreana Island. Tonight we’ll serve desert on the front netting while we scan the dramatic night skies and watch the bioluminescence.
Day 4 - Hike and explore Floreana
On Floreana Island we will visit Puerto Velasco Ibarra, the smallest town in the Galapagos with a population of around 80 people. Floreana is named after Jose Flores, the first President of Ecudaor, during whose administration the government of Ecuador took possession of the archipelago. It is also called Santa Maria after one of the caravels of Columbus. It has an interesting human history and was one of the earliest islands to be inhabited. Its natural history is also intriguing as pink flamingos and green sea turtles nest here (December to May) along with the "joint-footed" petrel, a nocturnal sea bird, which spends most of its life away from land.
Today, travel up to explore the highlands where pirates and whalers used volcanic caves as hiding places. We’ll visit some giant tortoises that are being reintroduced to the island and in the afternoon we’ll hike and snorkel in a calm bay famous for sea turtles. After a delicious bbq dinner on shore we’ll navigate our way to Isabela.
Day 5 - Horseback ride and hike on Isabela Island
Isabela is the largest Island in the archipelago, formed by the merger of six shield volcanoes—Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra, and Wolf. All but one remains active, making this island one of the most volcanically-active places on earth. From the main center, Puerto Villamil, we head up to the highlands for a horseback ride or hike of about 6 miles (9 km) on irregular terrain until we arrive at the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano. Sierra Negra is the second largest caldera in the world. From this spot you have a fantastic view of the 6- by 5-mile caldera, the other volcanoes, and the Perry Isthmus. After a picnic lunch, we will trek along a lava trail to volcan Chico a smaller cone of Sierra Negra where we often see fumaroles and are guaranteed an incredible landscape from the top. Tonight we will stay in some quaint beach hotels in Puerto Villamil and watch the sunset from Beto’s Bar before dining at a local eatery.
Day 6 - Snorkel, hike, and surf on Isabela
After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, we’ll take some high-speed pangas to a magical place known as The Tunnels. Here we will explore an incredible labyrinth of lava rock that has flowed into the ocean and created a natural aquarium and nursery. We’ll hike around and see nesting sites, sharks and sea turtles before indulging in one of the trip’s best snorkeling experiences. After lunch we’ll have options to explore tintoreras grotto, a small channel in between lava flows, where we usually find marine iguanas, white-tipped reef sharks, colonies of sea lions and a Galápagos penguin population that loves to swim with us.
Isabela is also home to muro de las lagrimas, a wall of lava rocks made by inmates from an old penal colony established on the island. Other attractions include the local mangroves and salty lagoons featuring the mangrove finch that is native to Isabela. Keep an eye out for the American oystercatchers, herons, flamingos, and many other shore species. To finish our day we can relax on the miles ofwhite sand beach. ROAM keeps a few long boards on Isabela Island for those who want to try their hand at surfing the friendly beach break waves. Tonight we’ll dine onboard before sailing to Santa Cruz Island.
Day 7 - Hiking, biking and exploring Santa Cruz
After another delightful breakfast, we will transfer to Los Gemelos, a pair of craters (sink holes) in the middle of the Scalesia zone. Scalesias are endemic trees only found in Galápagos and they create a great nesting area for Darwin’s finches as well as many other land birds such as flycatchers and doves. From here we’ll hop on our mountain bikes for a downhill ride to Los Túneles where we will spend time hiking through the darkness of these magnificent, thrilling and enormous empty lava flows. We’ll lunch at a private tortoise reserve before touring the property to see these massive creatures. Later we will have the option to hike into Tortuga Beach, one of the national park’s most spectacular white sand beaches. One can body surf or surf (short boards) or hike to a scenic lagoon that is home to flamingos, herons, grebes, stilts, and other shore birds. A lovely portside dinner will complete our day and some may even indulge a night on the town in this charming but lively village.
Day 8 - Darwin Centre and flights to Quito
No visit to Santa Cruz Island would be complete without a visit to 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. After this visit you will be transferred to your flight back to Quito. Overight Quito (ROAM will organize your hotel).
Day 9
Flights home.
