EXPLORATION EXPEDITION
Ready for an unforgettable adventure?
Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Galapagos Islands, connecting with like-minded humans and experiencing some of the most incredible wildlife encounters the islands have to offer!
Be prepared to embrace the unexpected and create memories that will last a lifetime.
What?
Exploring
Conservation
Where?
San Cristobal,
Galápagos -
Ecuador
When?
TBC
Who?
14 pax (max)
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Latitud: 01°40'N 01°36'S
Longitud: 089°16' & 092°01'W
Located 1,000 km off the coastal region of Ecuador,
Galápagos has 13 large islands and 107 small islets. It has been considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1978 and is the second most volcanically active archipelago on the planet after Hawaii.
The abundance of nutrients is due to the unique condition where three main currents collide within the same area: El Niño, Humboldt, and Cornwell, making the Galápagos a pristine destination for species around the world and where Charles Darwin discovered the theory of evolution.
San Cristobal Island
Latitud: -0.82048935
Longitud: -89.4248179308574
The first island to have received the second voyage of HMS Beagle with Charles Darwin in 1835 and the home of frigate birds, Galápagos tortoises, red-footed gannets, blue-footed booby birds, marine iguanas, sea lions, and more.
The main places to visit include:
- La Loberia
- Playa Mann
- Puerto Chino
- Junco Lagoon
- Tortoise Reserve
Exploration Spots
Kicker Rock
Latitud: S -3.051275
Longitud: -78.205493
Best known as "Leon Dormido" or "Sleeping Lion" due to the position of the rocks forming a sleeping Sea Lion.
Kicker Rock is probably one of the most popular and biodiverse spots of the Galápagos Islands where you'll have the chance to encounter Scalloped Hammer Head Sharks and other species of Sharks such as Black Tips, Galápagos Sharks, Silky Sharks, and more.
MORNING - MID DAY TOUR
La Lobería
La Lobería, one of the most exquisite beaches on San Cristobal Island, provides a truly enchanting experience.
The adventure begins with a 900-meter trail, where you'll be captivated by the vibrant landscape and spot marine iguanas basking in the sun.
This trail leads you to a pristine 2.5-kilometer white sandy beach, complete with a natural pool teeming with wildlife.
Here, you can encounter marine turtles, sea lions, and an array of colorful fish, creating a perfect setting for exploration and wildlife interaction.
MORNING LAND TOUR
El Junco Lagoon & La Galapaguéra
As the largest natural freshwater reserve in the Galápagos Archipelago, located inside an extinct volcano crater, this place undoubtedly presents a unique yet spectacular sight.
A short 15-minute hike offers a view of the crater and the frigates bathing in the freshwater lagoon.
Exploring the highlands of the Galápagos Islands is a must, allowing you to not only relish the breathtaking views but also experience the distinct microclimate this area provides.
It's a welcome break from the sun and salty water! :)
On our way to el Junco, we will make a stop at La Galapaguera where you'll have the opportunity to meet the Giant Galápagos Tortoises.
EVENING LAND TOUR
CONSERVATION
Citizen Science in the Galápagos Islands
One of our first activities will be a visit to the Galápagos Science Center, where we’ll meet with Daniela, the founder of @cetacea.galapagos.program.
She will guide us through various conservation projects in the Galápagos Islands and teach us how we can contribute to citizen science during our expedition.
Daniela will also introduce us to their project on monitoring and identifying marine megafauna using specialized applications. This will enable us to collect valuable data on species such as whales, dolphins, and sharks.
The data we gather will be used by scientists to better understand long-term patterns in marine wildlife.
Additionally, your participation in this trip allows Ubuntu to donate a percentage of the final earnings to one of these important projects.
YOUR HOSTS
PARTNERS
CARRERA FREEDIVING SCHOOL
Founded by Ericka Carrera on March 8, 2022, Carrera Freediving School specializes in the comprehensive development of freediving students for levels 1, 2, and 3, and also students with disabilities.
It seeks to promote the sport in a safe & responsible way, but above all, to create environmental awareness in society and surrounding communities.
The school's vision is to encourage young people and adults to learn to hold their breath, complementing their lifestyles.
With more than 40 graduated students in Continental Ecuador and Galápagos, the goal is to create a culture where freediving is standardized, structured, and safe to help foster new jobs that support tourism and sustainable fishing.
ACCOMMODATION
You'll stay at the TONGO REEF HOTEL, 1.6 km from the San Cristobal Airport.
With a great location, Tongo Reef Hotel is close to some of the most popular spots and restaurants in San Cristobal.
It offers comfortable rooms equipped with their own bathrooms, AC, Wi-Fi, and hot water showers. Breakfast is also included.
You will be booked in double rooms. However, if you wish to have your own private room, please let us know in advance so we can sort it out for you for an additional fee.
Also, for this expedition, we will explore the Island aboard the "Mantarraya" yacht, owned by Diego, Tongo Reef owner.
TENTATIVE ITINERARY
Keep in mind:
- This is a summary of the full schedule we will have on the trip.
- Locations and activities may change depending on the weather and swell conditions.
Day 1
- Arrival at San Cristobal Island and settling into Tongo Reef Hotel (You will be traveling with a tribe member from Guayaquil, so don't worry about logistics. In case you come on a different schedule, we will arrange to pick you up at the San Cristobal Airport)
- Free time to enjoy the Island.
- Welcome dinner, where we will have the official presentation of the team and guests.
Day 2
- Early morning Departure to Kicker Rock boat tour
- Free afternoon
Day 3
- Early morning hike and snorkel at Playa la Loberia
- Free afternoon
Day 4
- Free morning to enjoy
- Tour to el junco and Galapaguera in the afternoon
- Goodbye Dinner
DAY 5
- Depending on your departure flight, you may have some free time in the morning to explore.
- Departure
** Wildlife encounters are not guaranteed. However, be ready to be surprised by the unknown. Galápagos marine life always gives back.
WHAT TO BRING?
- Mosquito repellent (Lots of it!)
- Swimsuit - Rashguard
- Snorkeling gear will be provided but you can bring your own if you have. (Mask, snorkel, fins, etc.) Wetsuit available for rent.
- Cotton T-shirts - Waterproof/Windbreaker Jacket
- Sports shoes - Water/Rockproof sandals (extra socks!)
- Something warm to wear after the dive (Sweater and Sweatpants recommended)
- Sunglasses
- Hat for sun protection
- Drybag to keep personal items dry on the boat
- UV 50 sunscreen - Sunburn Cream
- Connectors in Galapagos type A and B 110V
- Allergy Medicine
- Seasickness medication if needed
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
- Accommodation 5 days 4 nights + Breakfast
- x2 Dinners (Welcome and Goodbye)
- 1 Boat Tour 360 (lunch included).
- Snorkel Equipment - Wetsuit for rent
- Transportation around the Island
- Professional photographer
- Daily snacks
- Ubuntu Kit
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?
- Air tickets
- For International Guests: Entrance to the PNG $200 USD & Exit from CGREG $20 USD
- Travel Insurance
- Gratuities/Tips for Guides
- Excess baggage fees
- Unspecified itinerary changes
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal Medical Expenses
- Professional cameras (we highly recommend bringing your own underwater photography gear or GoPros; No flash strobes will be allowed)
Mainland Ecuador Visit
Visiting these two projects, Conmar and Proyecto Sucre, plays a vital role in helping them advance their ongoing goals and continue their collaboration with the Ciriales community. These initiatives are dedicated to fostering a more sustainable lifestyle, with a deep commitment to protecting the surrounding ecosystems. By supporting these projects, we help them move closer to their vision of a sustainable future—one where the community is actively engaged in preserving their environment. Furthermore, they are dedicated to expanding coral planting efforts and integrating new technologies to ensure the long-term health of the ecosystem for generations to come.
TENTATIVE ITINERARY
DAY 1
- Arrival to Ayampe, Ecuador and settling into the Hotel
- Welcome dinner, where we will have briefing for the next day
DAY 2
- Early morning Departure to Ciriales where we will start our activity with Proyecto Sucre and Conmar
- Planting new corals in Sucre Islet
- Lunch with the Ciriales Community
- Return to Ayampe and Dinner
DAY 3
- Optional: Visit to Ubuntu Farm or Panama Hats project
- Lunch at Ayampe
- Return to Guayaquil
WITH PROYECTO SUCRE
We intend to always leave a piece of us in the communities of the places we visit.
Together we have the “Proyecto Sucre” Foundation, a project that focuses on working with local communities, by guiding them into a more sustainable way of living in harmony with the ecosystems they so much depend on as their main source of income.
This way, they will also become the protectors of these ecosystems by building solid and long-term foundations through our different pillars:
- Environmental Education
- Sustainable Tourism
- Waste Management
- Restoration of Ecosystems
- Introduction to Sports
- Sustainable Agriculture
WITH CONMAR
CONMAR (Conservación Marina Ecuador) is a marine conservation organization founded in 2021 by Marine Scientist Anni Borges, Oceanographer Santiago Menoscal, and Environmental Engineer Andrea Castillo.
Their mission is to educate and preserve marine ecosystems and Ecuadorian coastal resources through environmental education and science.
CORALLIUM
"Corallium” is the first coral restoration project in continental Ecuador. Currently, they have two nursery areas in 2 locations inside the Machalilla National Park.
The first location is Salango, which was installed in November 2021. Then, they started a nursery in Sucre Islet in July 2022.
They have around 3000 coral fragments between the two locations.
They have also started implementing a new out-planting methodology called "spiders", consisting of a rebar frame coated with sand, where the coral fragments are placed and grow on the structure, with the purpose of re-populating areas where the entire ecosystem has been destroyed.
During our visit, we will have the opportunity to plan our own spiders!! and contribute to this amazing project.
FAQ
CAN I BRING MY OWN PROFESSIONAL CAMERA?
Yes, you can. Two of our tribe members will have their professional cameras and will be more than happy to share some tips with you if desired.
what languages are we going to be speaking?
Spanish and English
How do i book flights to get to Galápagos?
Galápagos is part of the Ecuadorian Territory, so if you are flying from abroad, you'll have to book a flight to Guayaquil or Quito and then make sure your final destination is SAN CRISTOBAL, GALÁPAGOS, ECUADOR (SCY)
When booking your connection to Guayaquil or Quito, be aware that Galápagos flight schedules are limited. You might have to stay one night in Guayaquil (preferably)
What visa do i need to enter Ecuador?
It depends on Nationality, but the Ecuadorian government will usually allow visitors up to 90 days to stay in Ecuador; However, in the Galapagos, you can only stay up to 60 days per year.
Check the Ecuadorian goverment website for foreign affairs https://www.gob.ec/dpng/tramites/actualizacion-informacion-asociada-credencial-registro-turismo-continente-galapagos
What do I need to enter Galápagos?
Check the FAQ of the following page:
https://www.gobiernogalapagos.gob.ec/ingreso-a-galapagos/
are we going to be scuba diving?
We are not.
This is a snorkel based trip.
However, if you choose to remain in the Islands for a few days after the trip, we highly recommend you check out some scuba diving tours.
Do i need a covid vaccine certificate or PCR?
COVID vaccine certification or PCR is currently not needed to enter Ecuador or Galápagos.