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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.

  • Kath Silvester, New Zealand - 10-day Galapagos Adventure, May 2017
    The x-factor with Galakiwi's tour, being land-based, is the insight you get into real life on the Galapagos. This was what lifted our trip beyond the expected 'trip of a lifetime' to see the natural sights of the Galapagos, to a really meaningful (though short!) experience in another country and culture.
    Kath Silvester, New Zealand
    10-day Galapagos Adventure, May 2017
  • Alison Gray, New Zealand - 6-day Land Galapagos Tour, March 2016
    We had a great land-based trip with Galakiwi -it as fun being ashore at night and wandering among the wildlife and with the locals in the street. And staying on an extra couple of days gave us time by ourselves but with full support from the Galakiwi team when we wanted it. The best of both worlds with a great professional approach. Thanks heaps as they say in NZ!
    Alison Gray, New Zealand
    6-day Land Galapagos Tour, March 2016
  • Jamie Jacobs, November 2015 - 10-day Galapagos Adventure Tour
    While I knew I would enjoy the Galapagos, the trip with Galakiwi became for me the highlight of our South American travels.
    Jamie Jacobs, November 2015
    10-day Galapagos Adventure Tour
  • Chi & Jay, New Zealand - Custom Ecuador & Galapagos Wedding Tour
    We just wanted to write a quick note to say a massive thank you to everyone in Galakiwi who have helped make this trip so memorable for us. Everyone had a great time and really enjoyed it.
    Chi & Jay, New Zealand
    Custom Ecuador & Galapagos Wedding Tour
  • Chris Urquhart, Canada - 10-day Galapagos Adventure Tour, June 2016
    We spent a month in South America and our time in the Galapagos was the highlight. There were new delightful surprises multiple times a day. Our guide, Pablo, shared his enthusiasm with us and kept us entertained with great stories and fascinating information each and every day. The land based tour from Galakiwi was definitely the right choice. We have spoken to others that took ship based tours and we feel that we made a great choice with Galakiwi. It was the trip of a lifetime!
    Chris Urquhart, Canada
    10-day Galapagos Adventure Tour, June 2016
  • Duly Lee, USA - Custom Galapagos Family Tour
    I had been planning a trip with my family for ages, and when the idea to go to Galapagos emerged, I thought what a better place to reunite with family and induce some very needed bonding opportunity. The fantastic natural setting was super conductive to this goal, but if it wasn't for GALAKIWI's immaculate service and attention it wouldn't have happened. So thanks to you guys for everything!
    Duly Lee, USA
    Custom Galapagos Family Tour
  • Larry Katz, USA - 10-day Galapagos Adventure Tour, December 2015
    We are three couples with different interests and abilities, but the trip was great for all of us. The activities were a blast, our guide was top-notch and everything went just as we had hoped. We really loved it and would highly recommend Galakiwi to anyone thinking of a land-based Galapagos trip.
    Larry Katz, USA
    10-day Galapagos Adventure Tour, December 2015
  • Rachel Mundy, New Zealand - Galapagos Biking Tour
    The Galapagos mountain biking adventure trip was an amazing experience. Having to dodge a giant tortoise in the middle of the road is not something that happens every day. A great way to see these beautiful and unique islands in a slightly more detailed way.
    Rachel Mundy, New Zealand
    Galapagos Biking Tour
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