If you join the morning flight from Quito, included in your package, you'll meet your SwimTrek guides at Baltra Airport. Here your luggage will be collected, and you'll board a bus for a short 10 minute ride to the Itabaca Channel before taking a short 10 minute water taxi across the channel. Once on Santa Cruz Island, you'll board another bus to officially start your Galapagos adventure.

We'll travel for around 60 minutes to the highlands of Santa Cruz, where we'll disembark from the bus and enjoy lunch on a private ranch. Our guide will then lead us on a walk through a stunning forest filled with ferns, sedges, and miconias. Keep an eye out for giant tortoises in their natural habitat.

Next, we'll explore one of the area's many lava tunnels. This short walk through the tunnel reveals the impressive results of a powerful volcanic eruption from millions of years ago.

Once we reach Puerto Ayora, you'll have time to explore the town, visit the Darwin Center, and enjoy some delicious coffee—your last chance on land before setting off. If time allows, we'll complete an evening acclimatisation swim before boarding the yacht. We'll enjoy a sunset drink while discussing the week's plans and then have dinner on the yacht in the harbour. Overnight, our vessel will motor towards Isabela Island, setting the stage for the incredible journey ahead.

After breakfast, we'll head out on our support boats to Los Islotes Cuatro Hermanos (Four Brothers Islands), a group of rocky islands rising out of the Pacific Ocean off Isabela’s east coast. These islands offer stunning underwater vistas and some of the archipelago's more adventurous swims.

Our swim routes feature caves and tunnels with starfish and sea urchins lining the cliff edges, and you might spot the rare Galapagos fur seal resting on ledges. Amongst the abundance of tropical fish, the islands are also known for their local manta ray population. There are good opportunities to see white-tipped reef sharks, Californian sea lions, and sea tortoises during these swims, making for an unforgettable aquatic adventure.

The swimming options here are so varied that we bring lunch with us to make sure we don’t miss a thing. Throughout the day, you'll have the opportunity to snorkel as well as swim, as the seafloor is teeming with life. You might find yourself staring at penguins or coming face-to-face with the most playful and delightful Galapagos native: the sea lion!

After a full morning, we'll return to Isabela and visit the tortoise breeding center. You'll also get to see flamingos and watch the sunset from a local beach bar before heading back to the boat for dinner. Tonight, we will have the first of our talks, a chance for you to learn more about the area we are exploring.

Overnight, the boat made its way toward the west side of Isabela, Punta Moreno. For those who need a refresh, we'll have a pre-breakfast swim, perfect for waking up your body and getting ready for the full day ahead. After a tasty breakfast, we'll board our support vessels and head out for a coastal swim - marine life is abundant here! After the swim, we'll have lunch and rest on the boat.

In the afternoon, we'll enjoy a panga ride to visit Elizabeth Bay. The trip will begin in a cove surrounded by red mangroves, where we'll observe sea turtles, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, brown pelicans, and sea lions. Keep an eye out for Galapagos falcons flying overhead and schools of pompano and mahi-mahi swimming below. This area is amazing due to its rich marine and terrestrial fauna and its unique and beautiful landscape.

For those who want to explore further, we'll be able to disembark and take a late afternoon walk on Moreno, across the broken lava. After this visit, we'll return to the yacht for dinner and rest over this evening’s educational talk from our naturalist guides.

The boat will continue up the west coast of Isabela Island. Our morning stop will be at Urbina Bay, where you'll have the opportunity for a walk and a swim/snorkel. Urbina Bay is located at the eastern base of the Alcedo volcano, with a path of about 3200 meters connecting it to the beach. After a beach landing, we will cross through the coastal zone, traversing sand, rocks, lava, corals, and plant formations. Here, you can see large land iguanas, giant Galapagos tortoises, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, pelicans, and marine iguanas.

Lunch will be served aboard the boat as we sail up the coast toward Tagus Cove. Here, we'll have the chance to undertake one of our longer swims, following the shoreline of Tagus Cove. In the early afternoon, we'll hike to the top of the cliff to a viewpoint overlooking Lake Darwin, a saline lake.

At Lake Darwin, you’ll notice it doesn’t contain any fish and has only a few lifeforms due to its high salinity. The area is thought to have experienced an explosive volcanic eruption in the past, as evidenced by the large number of volcanic rocks of varying sizes. Among the most common are small, almost perfectly spherical balls known as "lapilli" or petrified.

After exploring, we will return to the yacht for dinner and relaxation whilst listening to the day’s presentation.

Today is packed with exciting activities, including three swims! In the morning, we'll head to Fernandina Island, the third largest in the archipelago. We'll swim along the northeastern coast of the island, past Espinosa Point. Punta Espinoza is renowned for its large colonies of marine iguanas and its unique fauna, including species such as the flightless cormorant, the Galapagos penguin, and the Galapagos falcon. During our swim, we'll have the chance to swim with marine iguanas, large colonies of sea turtles, and, if we're lucky, even with beautiful seahorses.

After lunch and a bit of rest, we'll head to the 'mouth' of the seahorse at Punta Vicente Roca. This beautiful, protected bay features two coves filled with clear turquoise water. Here, we’ll swim in an area where we can see the remains of an ancient volcano, now home to blue-footed and Nazca boobies as well as the flightless cormorant.

But wait, there’s more. Just around the nose of the seahorse is the Equator. We’ll stop here and swim across the equator, a truly unique experience. This accomplishment will be rightly celebrated with a fiesta and party on the boat during dinner.

An overnight sail takes us back to the east side of Isabela and to two new islands: Santiago and Rabida Island.

In the morning, we'll hike and snorkel around Puerto Egas. Puerto Egas is a black sandy beach located on the west side of James Bay, northwest of Santiago Island. The site gets its name from Mr. Héctor Egas, who attempted to exploit the area's salt resources but failed due to the lower price of salt elsewhere in the country. The hike along the rugged coastline, especially during low tide, will allow us to observe many marine species, such as iguanas relaxing on the rocks and sea lions resting in the tidal pools. We'll have the opportunity to snorkel near the beach of Puerto Egas and enjoy a marine landscape quite different from previously visited locations.

After another delicious lunch, we'll head to Rabida Island, a small island just south of Santiago. The sand and rocks here are red due to the porous nature of the volcanic material and oxidation by the sea breeze. We'll swim along the red sand beach, where the area is also home to a large flock of flamingos.

We finish the day back on the boat for dinner and the evening’s presentation.

Overnight, we’ll take a short sail to the south side of Santiago. Here, we'll swim along the channel that separates Santiago and Sombrero Chino. In this area, we'll swim with penguins, sharks, rays, and unique species of Pacific fish, while also observing the fascinating geological features of lava tubes and flows.

Lunch today will be a barbecue on the top deck of the Anahi, offering a relaxing and scenic break

In the afternoon, we'll visit our final new island. Now on the east side of Santiago, we'll head to Bartolome, known for its iconic Pinnacle Rock, a distinctive volcanic formation that rises dramatically form the sea. We’ll swim on the protected south side of the island opposite the pinnacle, in the islands famous crescent shaped beach, the nestling site for green sea turtles. In the evening, we'll come together as a group to share our stories from the week over our final group dinner.

Today is our final day and we squeeze in a final morning swim before breakfast and a farewell. Once we disembark from the boat, we will transfer you to Baltra airport for your return flight to Quito, included in your package.

We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

The ocean swims on this trip can present challenges but are also extremely rewarding.

Swim Schedule

This tour varies from trip to trip because of the regulations set by the Galapagos National Park. For conservation reasons, the amount of time we are allowed in the water will sometimes determine our swims rather than what is listed below. Due to the unique nature of this tour and the abundance of wildlife, we will undoubtedly be stopping to look at marine life which may affect the distances swum. As a rough guide, we plan to undertake the following swims:

Swimming Conditions

The Galapagos Islands is one of the most diversified ecosystems anywhere on Earth. The variety of sea life is staggering, with sea lions, sea turtles, manta rays and penguins to name but a few. Swimming in the Galapagos is an unforgettable experience, however, you need to be aware that certain marine life such as jellyfish, sharks, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims. All of our swims are carried out under the approval of the Galapagos National Park, who control the areas from where we can operate. In the areas that we swim, there is a long history of snorkeling and swimming, so sea life is used to human interaction. If you suffer from anaphylaxis please consult the office prior to booking.

Guests prone to sea sickness might wish to bring along sea sickness tablets. Some easy ways to ward off nausea are: ensuring you are well rested; avoid screen time; get plenty of fresh air; look off at the horizon; move closer to the middle of the boat, where the motion of the sea will be reduced.

Walking Conditions

A number of walks are included in this itinerary and may be on uneven ground. We ask that you are comfortable walking on varied surfaces and for at least 40 minutes. Please wear appropriate footwear.

Walking Distances

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 14 people with two swim guides, two naturalists, and eight crew.

Boat Support

The trip will be split into a maximum of three groups based on speed, each of which will be accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort.

Extra Activities

Your week is already packed with activities, but if you want to add more before or after your trip, our customer team can connect you with our partners to arrange additional excursions. Please contact our customer team: info@swimtrek.com.

Snorkelling equipment and kayaks are also available on the boat for any non-swimming guests.

Equipment to bring along with you

For your basic, essential packing list, please visit our Packing List page on the website. For additional, location specific items, please see the information below.

SwimTrek will provide water and electrolytes at every location and refill your bottles.

Due to the archipelago’s location on the equator, the sun can be very strong and we strongly advise that you bring a rash vest and swim leggings or shorts with you.

We recommend you bring your own snorkel and mask to use during the trip. If you like to explore whilst swimming and do not want to slow the swim down, we suggest using a swim snorkel and nose clip.

Please note there is a limit for checked luggage on all flights to Baltra, normally 20kg per person.

All flights to the Galapagos Islands are from mainland Ecuador, normally starting in Quito (airport code UIO) and then stopping in Guayaquil Airport before flying on to Baltra (Seymour) (airport code GPS). Due to arrival and departure times, it is often necessary to stay overnight in one of these cities during transit.

• Your package includes an inbound flight from Quito (UIO) to Baltra (GPS) in the morning of Day 1 of your trip.
• Your departure time from Quito will be approximately 0700am and the flight takes around 4 hours. If you are staying in Quito, you will be able to arrange a transfer from your accommodation to the airport with your hotel
• Your package also includes a return outbound flight from Baltra (GPS) to Quito (UIO) in the morning of Day 8 of your trip.
• Your departure time from Baltra will be approximately 1200pm and the flight takes around 4 hours. Should you need onwards travel, our partners in Galapagos will be able to assist but it will be at your own expense.

The exact flight times will be confirmed nearer your departure date as this is booked directly with our partner in Galapagos.

Changing flights

Your flights are included in your package. Should you wish to change your flights, you will be required to book your own flights between Quito and Baltra at your own expense. You must inform the customer team at info@swimtrek.com of your travel plans and you must be at Baltra airport for the start of the trip at 1000am on Day 1. The trip will finish at 1000am on day 8 so please ensure you do not book any flights before mid day, 1200pm on day 8.

If you have any questions about extra flights, additional nights, or excursions, please contact our customer service team at info@swimtrek.com. They will connect you with our partners in Galapagos to assist with your needs.

Please note there is a limit for checked luggage on all flights to Baltra, normally 20kg per person.

Your accommodation for the week will be our private yacht, catamaran Anahi. With two parallel hulls creating a more stable base and a group size of only 14, this spacious yacht ensures a comfortable and relaxing stay. The yacht features two upper deck double-bedded cabins and five main deck cabins, each with windows offering stunning views of your surroundings. All cabins are en suite with air conditioning and The yacht offers a number of twin or double cabins but these are subject to availability. There are a limited number of single supplement rooms which are also subject to availability, please contact our customer service team at info@swimtrek.com who will be able to assist with your request.

Please note, due to the allocated cabins, we are not able to immediately offer bookable shared cabins for solo travellers. However, we want to ensure we can offer you the best opportunity to join us, so if you are a solo traveller and interested in our Galapagos Explorer trip, please contact our customer team at info@swimtrek.com

For more information about our vessel for the week, please follow the link to our Liveaboard Accommodation Page

Should you wish to book additional nights before or after your trip, please contact our customer service team at info@swimtrek.com. They will connect you with our partners in Galapagos to assist with your needs.

All meals within the itinerary are included, including lunch and dinner on day 1. A water refill station will be available upon arrival in Baltra and additional beverages available on the bus journey on day 1.

All water, tea and coffee on the boat are included. Soft drinks are included throughout the day and alcoholic drinks included at dinner*.

Your onboard chef will create a menu for the week based on local supplies and the dietary requirements of the group. You can look forward to a first-class selection of food, featuring a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, locally sourced poultry, fish, and seafood, as well as rice and pasta dishes. Additionally, where possible, they will include traditional Ecuadorian dishes for you to enjoy. If you have any specific allergies, please ensure you update your profile accordingly.

A maximum of four soft drinks per person, per day and a maximum of one bottle of house wine or two beers per person per day at dinner. Any additional drinks will be at your own expense

It is possible to bring your own drink on board however this will incur a corkage charge. For more information, please visit our food and drink page on the website.

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website.

Money, extra expenses and tipping

The local currency is US dollars and cash bills should be in good condition and small denominations as it is often difficult to change $100 and $50 bills on the islands. There are ATMs on Santa Cruz Island and at Baltra Airport, however, once we board the vessel, there will not be another opportunity to withdraw cash, so we recommend that you withdraw enough cash for your stay there before leaving.

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, a $200 Galapagos National Park entrance fee per person must be paid in cash, which is not included in your package. This money is used to conserve and restore the land, water, and animal populations, and to educate the human population about conservation efforts throughout the islands. Please note that this fee must be paid before you reach the area of the airport where ATMs are available, so you will need to bring cash with you on your flight.

Please note, on the boat, cash or card is accepted (except American Express), however debit or credit cards have a minimum spend of USD $50.00.

Tipping is part of the culture in the Galapagos Islands and an important part of earning a living for local workers. Your SwimTrek package includes daily tips for your local boat crew and Galapagos Naturalist Guides who will accompany you on all your swims and excursions. All other tips throughout your stay in the Galapagos are at your own discretion.

Responsible travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel page on the website.

Our partners in The Galapagos are also passionate about ensuring they contribute to the preservation of their environment. Sustainability and social responsibility are at the core of their operation. They actively contribute to various projects that align with making a positive impact on the environment, local economy and the communities they interact with. Examples of this include supporting a reforestation fund at the Yacuma Ecolodge private reserve, which encompasses 270 hectares if protected land.

The vessel prioritises hiring local professional and supports initiatives such as the Galapagos Special Education Center To minimize the environmental footprint, the yacht is equipped with desalination plants to reduce fresh water consumption and sewage treatment plants to manage waste effectively. Anahi’s Mission is to “Leave a lasting positive legacy and to safeguard the beauty of the Galapagos Islands every day”.

Passport and visas

Visitors to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands require a full passport that should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Most nationalities, including citizens of the European Union, the US and Canada, do not require a visa to enter Ecuador (unless the expected length of stay is longer than 90 days in one year).

Non-residents of the United States travelling via the US should ensure they leave enough time between connecting flights and meet US visa entry requirements and visit: esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and it is important that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference.

For further information, please visit our Travel Insurance page on the website.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

Here at SwimTrek, we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However, we ask that you read our Travel Health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions.

Internet Access, Electricity and Travel Plugs

There is no Wi-Fi available on the boat so you will be able to enjoy a fully off grid, immersive experience. Should you need internet access, we suggest you purchase a 3G SIM card to use during your stay in the Galapagos, however we cannot confirm the reliability due to the remote locations we will be travelling. Our partners will be able to assist you with this in location at the airport

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit www.worldstandards.eu.