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What Makes Galakiwi Different?

We are a direct operator

There is no middle man - it's just you and us.  That means you will pay less and have a direct line of communication.  By working directly with our clients, we are able to keep our cost low and pass that savings on to you.  We don't staff an office full of telemarketers, we don't do paper advertising and we have little overhead.  And - when we chat - you'll be talking to Laura, Tim or Crystal.   

Been there, done that

We've been at this since the start of land-based touring in the Galapagos Islands and have had plenty of time to work out the kinks, build relationships, and anticipate the challenges of working in an archipelago off the coast of a third world country.  Our experience and tenacity mean you get an incredible itinerary that runs smoothly and are connected with the some the best guides in the industry. 

On the ground support

We live and work in the islands and in Ecuador - not another country.  Our office is in the islands.  Our house is just up the street.  That means someone is nearby if the need arises and we are up to date and on top of things.  And unless we are back home visiting family, that someone will be us.

Relationships

Being able to work on the islands on a day to day basis allows us to build and maintain better relationships with the businesses we interact with to make this type of tour possible.  We work hard to keep our ties strong to ensure our clients receive the best there is on all counts.    

We know

Restaurants go out of business before a guidebook can be published, visitor sites temporarily close, and the sea lions are more playful at 'this' beach.  We make it top priority to be privy to all the happenings so we can make any adjustment necessary to ensure you experience the best of Galapagos.

We offer land-based adventures

Being on a land-based tour has a number of advantages - like having a nice stable bed to crawl into each night after the day's activities.  It also offers the opportunity to get "off the beaten track" and experience the islands on a more intimate level.  Relaxing sunset strolls, a quiet coffee in a local cafe and a refreshing pre-dinner caipirinha at the beach bar are just a few of the benefits.

Sustainable Responsible Ecotourism and all things green...

Whatever you want to call it, we do our part and try to help you do yours.  We support the community in which we operate by utilizing local hotels, restaurants, guides, drivers, divers, captains, and crew - you name it.  We strive to reduce waste by using reusable containers and refillable water bottles.  We support community endeavors and organize volunteer projects.  We are always looking for ways to give back and to improve the environment and culture in which we operate. 

By joining us on any of our adventure tours you are directly contributing to the people of the Galapagos Islands. In doing so, you are providing the Galapaguenos with a sustainable income reducing the need for illegal fishing and other activities that can be environmentally destructuve.  You are providing inspiration for the locals to be the conservationist needed to maintain the delicate ecosystem and you are contributing to the ongoing preservation of a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Are you swelling with pride yet?  Read more about our Green Operator practices.

How can you help us in this journey?

Don't forget your water bottle. 

Turn your air conditioner off when you leave the room.

Save your long, steamy showers for home.

Read about Green Travel - what it is and how you can do it.

And of course, you can always donate money to one of the many available conservation projects or education processes in the islands.

  • Krista Whitley - 10 day Galapagos Adventure Tour - May 2024
    Pablo (our guide) is the Steve Irwin of Ecuador and Karen at Galakiwi offered 24/7, 365 concierge customer service. Truly an exceptional experience from booking to completion that left our family with new life long friends. I cannot recommend Galakiwi highly enough!
    Krista Whitley
    10 day Galapagos Adventure Tour - May 2024
  • Melanie Eustace - 6-day Land Galapagos Tour, January 2024
    A big thank you to the team at Galakiwi for making my holiday in the Galapagos the most incredible experience I could have ever wished for. I thought I had missed out completely when my flight from Miami got canceled but Laura rescheduled everything in Ecuador for me and arranged for me to catch up with my group without missing out at all. Pepo our guide did a superb job and every day was even better than the one before, except the last one when we had to go home ?. From beginning to end every single member of the Galakiwi team was incredible. I couldn't recommend this 6-day Galapagos holiday or Galakiwi highly enough. I will treasure all the wonderful memories of the Galapagos.
    Melanie Eustace
    6-day Land Galapagos Tour, January 2024
  • Murray - Family Tour - 2023
    I would give this trip six stars if I could. This was my second trip with Galakiwi, the first having been with a small group of adults none of whom I knew before the trip. This trip, I requested a custom itinerary for myself, my adult daughter and her husband, and their bright and very active kids aged 7, 10 and 12. The staff did a great job seeking out activities suitable for us, some of which I'd done previously and some I had not. We were even able to book a surfing session. Pablo Valladares was our guide on the first trip and I requested him for this tour because of his outgoing personality, encyclopedic knowledge about the islands, and obvious deep love for the place where he lives. I cannot recommend Galakiwi highly enough. In addition to all the above, Galakiwi offers a land based tour so you sleep in a hotel every night and not on a boat. What could be better?
    Murray
    Family Tour - 2023
  • Michele Lemay - Galapagos Private Customized Tour - Feb 2023
    Galakiwi provided our 7-person group with outstanding, professional services throughout the 13-day customized tour. From the expert advice during the pre-trip planning to the booking experience, the efficient on-site logistics, the exceptional, highly knowledgeable guides, and the excellent family-run quality hotels, everything was perfect. It was the experience of a lifetime that our group had dreamed of. Galakiwi is a superb team all around.
    Michele Lemay
    Galapagos Private Customized Tour - Feb 2023
  • Kurtis Siegle - 10 day Galapagos Adventure Tour - May 2023
    I learned so much and had so much fun! It was an adventure I will never forget!
    Kurtis Siegle
    10 day Galapagos Adventure Tour - May 2023
  • Alex W - Customized Family Tour 2023
    This was absolutely the trip of a lifetime! We booked a private tour with Galakiwi for our family of 6 - mom, dad, grandma, and three kids ages 7, 10 and 12. From the moment we arrived we were completely taken care of. With three kids we didn't have to worry about getting from one point to another. But more importantly, we were shown the most extraordinary places and wildlife. We hiked a volcano, surfed, and snorkeled with sharks and giant sea turtles and sea lions! Our guide Pablo was so caring and related to everyone in our group so well. He made changes as needed in the itinerary to give us the best experience every day. And he taught us so much. He truly loves these islands and the plants and animals who live there, and his enthusiasm and curiosity were infectious. We felt like we were being let into a secret garden that only Pablo knew about. Our only regret is that we didn't stay longer! There is so much to see and do.
    Alex W
    Customized Family Tour 2023
  • Heidi - 10 day Galapagos Adventure Tour - 2023
    Galakiwi is the way to Go-lapagos! Super organized, anticipating every move and connection in a well choreographed professional manner. Great gear was at our disposal, excellent food served by all of their partner restaurants and caterers. Pepo and Paulo were excellent local guides that we all felt lucky to have lead our adventure, They provided clear insight on the fragile ecosystems that are the gems of the Galapagos and explained Ecuador's cautious development of sustainable tourism in the region. Special visits to the Tree House, meeting their moms and Tim's kids on the last day made it a truly special visit.
    Heidi
    10 day Galapagos Adventure Tour - 2023
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