Are you an adventure junky? Do you love wildlife?
A Galakiwi land tour in the Galapagos keeps you busy hiking, biking, snorkeling and exploring the islands. We also show you the amazing wildlife that can only be found here. We don’t do cruises here, so when you are hungry, we take you to the best restaurants in the Galapagos. When you are tired, you stay in fun, local family-run hotels.
A Galapagos land tour with Galakiwi allows you the freedom to explore the islands in a different way, while benefiting the local economy and learning about the important conservation efforts being done to ensure the islands remain the wildlife paradise they are today.
What would you most want to experience on a Galakiwi land tour in the Galapagos?
12 – Learn about Lonesome George & Conservation in the Galapagos
Lonesome George Exhibit in the Galapagos
A famous symbol of the Galapagos, when Lonesome George died recently, his species of tortoise went extinct. Learn about the current conservation efforts in the Galapagos and what you can do to help make sure the islands stay as pristine as possible!
11 – Sleep in Small-Family Run Hotels
Small Hotels, Big Charm!
There is no better way to understand a place you visit than to chat with the locals! Stay in small-family run hotels and meet the interesting people that call the Galapagos home, without worrying about getting seasick on a rocking boat.
10 – Hike up an Active Volcano on Isabela Island
Success! On top of a Galapagos Volcano.
Sierra Negra volcano and Volcan Chico are highlights for anyone who loves hiking. Strange colours, stunning views and the chance to see some special Galapagos animals such as vermilion flycatchers, Galapagos hawks or land iguanas. One of the longest hikes available in the Galapagos!
9 – Enjoy some Traditional Ecuadorian Food
Llapingachos – A classic meal from Ecuador
Llapingachos, frittada and bolones are a few of the foods you can enjoy around the Galapagos. We also know where you can get some special crispy rice dishes, or the best fresh tuna steaks or coconut lobster. Don’t want the traditional? If you prefer pizza, sushi or a burger you’ll be surprised what you can find in the Galapagos!
8 – Snorkel or Dive with a Shiver of Sharks
Friendly Galapagos Sharks!
Hammerhead sharks, Galapagos Sharks, and reef sharks are abundant in the Galapagos Islands. Some of the places we snorkel and dive are deep water sites, where you can spot shivers of sharks! (You did know a group of sharks is called a shiver, right?)
7 – Go for a Sunrise Walk, or a Sunset Drink
Marine Iguana at Sunset – Can’t get this photo on a Galapagos Cruise!
Freedom! Since you’re not stuck on a cruise ship for 12+ hours a day, you can stick to your morning yoga/running routine, or evening reading/sundowner routine. How does an early morning paddle board session sound? Or perhaps you’d rather sleep in a bit, or go to bed early. The choice, and freedom, is yours.
6 – Kayak with Penguins
Yes, Penguins really are in the Galapagos Islands!
How many people do you know can say they have gone kayaking with penguins? The world’s most northern penguin species is often hanging out around Puerto Villamil, where we like to do some kayaking in the bay. Who wants a penguin selfie!?
5 – SUP & Swim with Sea Lions
What’s SUP Sea Lion?
If penguins aren’t your thing, how about curious sea lions? The juveniles are especially inquisitive and love checking out swimmers. Of course, sometimes they just want a free ride and may even jump up on your SUP if you leave it unattended!
4 – Travel with the Best Galapagos Guides
The Best Galapagos Naturalist Guides work with Galakiwi
There was a time when people thought the best guides were on cruise ships in the Galapagos. We know that isn’t true, as Galakiwi has an amazing team of Galapagos Naturalist Guides who happen to also be great storytellers, bring the history and nature of the Galapagos to life. In fact, one of our guides recently received the Top Conservation Guide in the World award!
3 – See Giant Tortoises in the Wild
A Hungry Hungry Tortoise!
Do you know the difference between turtles and tortoises? If not, come to the Galapagos to find out! The Galapagos Is famous for being home to the Giant Tortoises, which can live well over 100 years, and adapted differently on each island they’re found. You can see them on every island we visit, including wild tortoises on Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands!
2 – Bike through the Lush Highlands
Who wants to go for a ride?
Did you know the Galapagos highlands are a lush, green and somewhat tropical climate? Many fruits can be grown in the highlands, which are home to many different species than what you see along the coastlines. The best way to explore the highlands? By bike of course! You might even get to stop at an organic coffee farm!
1 – Photograph Iguanas, Boobies and More!
The iconic Blue-Footed Booby
Wildlife everywhere. Blue-footed boobies, lava lizards, marine iguanas and so many more unique creatures are found in the Galapagos. Many of them are endemic, found nowhere else! Every day your Galakiwi adventure tour gives you time to see and photograph these strange animals. Just remember to hashtag #galakiwi when you post them on Instagram!
For an entry into our Great Galakiwi Galapagos Giveaway contest, simply comment on this blog post, saying what you would most want to do or see on a Galakiwi tour in the Galapagos! Be sure to comment before January 1st, 2019 to be entered in the draw! Full contest details can be found here.
227 Comments on this post
This sounds like it would be the trip of a lifetime! So many wonderful things to do and see!
I really hope I get to see of these things in real life one day!! 😀 D
I would most like to swim with the shiver of sharks! What an amazing experience!
Oh my goodness I was going to comment on. My favorite but this all looks spectacular! My fav is perhaps the swimming with the sharks!
Looks Awesome
would love to experience this!!!!
#2 is suited for me but I would be thankful to do any and all of these. Hope I win the contest
Kayaking with peguins is now on my bucket list!!
i would love to kayak with penguins
On the topic of Ecuadorian cuisine… have you heard of chontacuros?? These are large beetle larvae that are eaten raw or skewered shish kebab style. Certainly not for the squeamish! I’m all for trying at least one 😀
wow, what a family adventure we would have
This would be an awesome experience!
Absolute dream-come-true adventure trip for me if I win! Thanks so much for the chance!
This would be such a dream come true
I would love this experience!
I would jump at the chance to do any of these things! I have always wanted to go here! Absolutely amazing!!!
Every one of these are awe inspiring! What an amazing place and what a privilege it would be to be able to visit there!
A trip to the Galapagos would be like every childhood dream coming true at once!
To see exotic wildlife of the Galapagos would be interesting. Biking, kayaking, swimming, hiking etc is the nice bonus.
KAYAK WITH PENGUINS!
this is making me want to go their. All that wild life, its like the little mermaid 😀
Lovely
This is so amazing! It would be fulfilling a lifetime dream of mine to be able to explore this fantastical land.
OMG those penguins!!!! i would love to kayak with them and see the sunrise/sunset
I want to try them all. Beautiful!
Going to Galapagos is a dream of mine! There is so much to do there and it looks beautiful!
So many species and such a unique place to visit. Your blog made it very appealing, thanks.
This trip has been on my bucket list for a long time. It all sounds amazing especially the water part.
Sounds like an absolute dream trip. Shane and I have been tossing around the idea of visiting for an anniversary celebration in the next year or two!
Wow, the Galapagos looks right up my street – abundant in rich vegitation and fabulous wildlife. Such a great place to explore – a once in a lifetime experience! Joy ?
Stunning country – and wonderful list of must-do’s!
Woah… the diving with sharks sounds like it’d be fun!
Wow! The Galapagos looks like an amazing place to visit! I love wildlife and nature.
I have been wanting to go here for such a long time! I was thinking probably the only way I would be able to go is to win a trip!!
Oh my goodness! We would love to dive here! Beautiful!
Kayaking with penguins looks AMAZING! I love all the wild animals and natural settings.
Its always been on my bucket list to go to these island. The wildlife you’d see would be second to none.
Amazing article.
A need to be there!!!!!
It would be wonderful to see while we still have wonders on this earth!
I would enjoy walking with the Giant Tortoises and swimming with the Sea Lions.
Amazing photos! I would love to SUP with a sea lion.
I SO want to kayak with penguins and swim with sea lions!
So much amazing stuff to do here. I think Kayaking with sea loins might be a favourite though 🙂
This is my dream trip!
swim with a “shiver” of sharks, first time I’ve heard that.
This is a phenomenal trip. I cant imagine what it would be like. I hope that I get to experience it one day.
SUP with Sea Lions? Yes, I’m down for that!
This would be a dream come true
WOah! This is a dream come true
This would be a trip of a lifetime. Has been on my bucket list for so many years. Swimming with Giant Tortoises and swimming with the Sea Lions.m seeing those lovely little penguins would be a highlight!!
So much to do; But mainly want to see the huge tortoises.
my dream come true
To be able to enjoy those beautiful sunrises and sunsets would be magical! I can’t wait to learn about the conservation efforts and to experience the food!
Would love to do them all
So beautiful
This sounds amazing. Hiking up an active mountain, small family run hotels, snorkelling, kayaking the food. All of it.
I would love to swim with Sea Lions!! Thank you so much for the chance!!
Wow, such a beautiful place!! I wish I could live there. Look at all the wild life and nature. What a dream!!
Looks amazing!
Sea lions, turtles and food sound great. Thanks for the chance ?
Seeing all of the animals in their natural habitat would be amazing. Trip of a lifetime!
Would love to try Ecuadorian food!
This looks amazing — as a photographer, this is a dream trip!
As a senior, I would love to go and absorb the zen atmosphere. The small hotels would be ideal.
l LOVE IT – and would do Machu Picchu while near there. Thanks for the opportunity
Solitaro George and the Conservation Efforts are at the top of my list!
Photograph all the wildlife that I can possibly see.
I love to do all the attractions with my family
Wow! So many great things to see and do. I can’t wait to visit!
I would certainly love staying in a locally owned hotel. Better than any chain.
Hard to pick one but I would love to swim with the shiver of sharks! What an amazing experience!
Looks like so much fun!
Wow … simply, wow. This is #1 on the bucket list for both me and my wife!
All of these activities look amazing! Dream trip!
Are you an adventure junky? Do you love wildlife? Looks like you don’ t even have to be in those categories to have the time of your life on a Galapagos Land Tour
I would love to see the giant tortoises in the wild and photograph them.
I’d love to go there
Would love to hike up a volcano!!!
The wildlife, the food, the amazing guides and staff. Can’t go wrong with Galakiwi!
ok this already blew my mind i thought you camp in a tent ahahah wow like im impressed i dont know why i didnt think there was a hotel o my gosh i want to go so bad
The Galapagos is my #1 bucket list item!
Looks like such an incredible experience . What a gorgeous place . Would love to see all the different wildlife .
This is the trip my wife and I have been saving for!
I would love to try some of the local cuisine!!
The Galapagos Islands are an amzing place. I am just learning the scuba dive and I would love to go there and snorkel and dive.
Oh yes!
I’m up to all of them except… swimming with sharks.
Galapagos is on my bucket list!!
I would absolutely love to snorkel off the Galapagos Islands! Talk about a dream come true!
Visiting the island sounds amazing. 🙂
Meeting the guides sounds awesome! I’d love to know more about what it’s like living in the Galapagos and how people adapt to living lightly with such amazing wildlife!
This sounds like such a fun eventful opportunity!!
This looks like such a fascinating and unique place to visit!
It would be amazing to see diverse the ecosystem is there. I would enjoy very much experiencing this once in a lifetimr opportunity with the love of my life…
I find marine iguanas fascinating.
Going to the Galapagos would really be dream come true. I love animals so much. I’m intrigued by the food, though. Sounds delicious!
I would love to do them all, especially swimming with sharks again. We had such an amazing time 10 years ago and even got engaged on these amazing islands. Since then we have got married and had 2 children with names linked to these islands as we loved it so much 🙂
One of my absolute favourite trips and would LOVE to go back!!
When I went to the Galapagos, I had just starting dating my now husband. I brought him back a statue of Solitario George – such a sad story!
Looks amazing!!!
The most interesting thing for me is to bike through the lush highlands.
I am DREAMING of swimming with sea lions!!
Wow, so many adventures to do! It would be such a blessing to win this, and I have never really been on a vacation in my life and I’m 59 years old. I have entered hundreds of of contests to win a vacations and have not hit on a one of them, but this one would be the best one I have entered!
Wow, so many adventures to do! It would be such a blessing to win this, and I have never really been on a vacation in my life and I’m 59 years old. I have entered hundreds of of contests to win a vacations and have not hit on a one of them, but this one would be the best one I have entered! You guys have to fix the thing that says duplicate, because this is not a duplicate.
This looks like an amazing trip. Would love to swim with the sharks. And do everything else of course!
All of these look so fun!
Oh my! I think I would have to bike through the highlands. I’m an avid cyclist, but I’ve never biked anywhere like Galapagos before!
I would love to see giant tortoises in the wild among many other things, thanks for the chance
Sounds fun. I need a vacation.
Looks like total relaxation!
Seeing the Galapagos Islands is such a bucket list item for me, all 12 things look amazing; well except the sharks, they are kind of scary.
Awesome!
I would love to scuba dive with the sharks!
I would love to go, looks amazing!
the hotel looks so cute!!
This sounds like an awesome way to get out of my comfort zone and explore!
I may have missed something but I am wondering on which island the tour takes place. I am surprised at the degree of human civilization i.e. hotels & coffee plantations.
Wow, visiting the Galapagos islands sounds like the adventure of a lifetime. 😀 But certainly worth more than a single visit.
OMGosh! This trip would be a dream come true! I’d like to try all of these things!
There are so many cool things to do there. I would love to see the giant tortoises.
I would love to do all of these things. Thanks for the opportunity.
would love to snorkle there!
looks incredible!
Would totally love to do this! Looking forward to it!
would love to get some great pics
That sounds wonderful so it’s hard to choose which sounds best! I love the idea of touring an organic coffee form and SUPing with seals!
WOW!!!!
I would love to see the Blue-footed boobies and stay in a small local hotel.
great list – never knew about most of these 🙂
I Would most like to see the Giant Tortoises
This entire adventure sounds exciting! However, I am most excited about seeing the penguins!
Dream trip of a lifetime. I would suspect that this trip is on the bucket list of 1000’s of people!
I’m ecuadorian but I’ve never visited Islas Galápagos, I would like to go!
Beautiful! This is one of my dream destinations. I hope to travel to the Galapagos someday
wowww looks AMAZING!
The Galapagos are marvelous — the trip of a lifetime!
I absolutely love travel, photograpghy, and an super passionate about wildlife conservation! I feel going to the Galapagos Islands would truly be a once in a lifetime opportunity. The Galapagos has been on my bucket list for such a long time. The Galapagos has so many amazing species! Turtles as old as dinasours, penguins, seals, booby birds, the list can go on forever! The biodiversity in the Galapagos is truly incredible. Getting the chance to see all the animals and wildlife in their natural habitat and roam around would truly be so inspiring and life changing. Also the fact I could do it with a company who is eco friendly is very important to me which you are! I love to hike, snorkel, and bike ride! Hiking a volcano would truly be an amazing experience. I love to adventure an be active!
My daughter Nicki Pollack and I have always wanted to go to Peru and the Galapagos together! We love going off the beaten path and seeing all the amazing wildlife and nature and engage in culture when we travel! It would be a dream come true to do this bucket list trip for us!
This would be my dream trip! I love photograpghy travel and am super passionate about wildlife conservation!
All of it really! But I’ll mention snorkel or dive with a shiver of sharks! Normally the thought of sharks while I’m swimming absolutely terrifies me!! So as long as this is safe…
Absolute must see! we love seeing wildlife and adventuring!
Sounds like an amazing bucket list destination for sure! Can’t wait to go!!
Galapagos has been on my bucket list – would be a dream trip. So many things to do
Galapagos has been on my bucket list. So many things to do – would love to climb the volcano
Would love to visit here one day soon
I love all the animals! The volcano tour sounds awesome and the food looks yummy too!
Race the tortoises on their own track – vroom, vroom
this would be an amazing trip
I love adventure! All these things look great but I would especially love to taste some yummy Ecuadorian food!!
Every part of it is such an experience. Dining at the night market, the family-run hotels, and especially the sights and wildlife!
how great a trip
A trip of a lifetime…climbing the volcano is a must
LOOKS AMAZING! WHAT AN ADVENTURE!
Its all looks amazing! I would love to do even half of these things but I would definitely love to snorkel and see the wildlife in this beautiful place.
Absolutely Amazing!!!!
It has long been my dream to walk in the footsteps of Charles Darwin. My Nikon at the ready, I’m eager to get close-ups of blue-footed boobies, sea lions and giant tortoises. For the sharks, I’ll use a telephoto lens. 😉
Going to the Galapagos Islands has been on my bucket list since middle school – it was called Jr. High then lol!
Thanks for the detailed list of things to do! I will get there one day and explore everything on the list!
I would love to visit here one day, the wildlife is amazing!
So many wonderful things to do!
This sounds like the trip of a lifetime. I would love to take in all the scenery and wildlife on the different islands. I want to do everything listed above! Sounds like a dream come true. I hope I get to do this 🙂
this place is def in my bucket list!! so georgeous
I wanna do it all but especially the snorkeling
I’d love to bike through the Highlands!
So cool! Hope I can go some day.
Conservation and wildlife protection is so very important to me. It is my dream to experience first hand the beauty and diversity of the Galapagos.
I would do all these ! Dream trip
I have always wanted to visit the Galapagos Islands ?
I would go to relax and enjoy my day!!!??
Looks very beautiful!!!!
Wow! I’m adding this place to my bucket list!
This tour looks like so much fun!! ?
WOW! Want to do it ALL!!!
Dream trip
Amazing once in a lifetime experience. My kind of wonderful!
My son is in Veterinarian School, he desperately wants to go to Galapagos!!!!
I would like to Kayak with the Penguins
I have always dreamed of seeing the amazing animals on this special island
This has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember!
Hopefully I’ll get to raise more awareness about sea turtles!
Looks absolutely amazing!
This is on my Bucket list!
WOW SO COOL
Sounds like a dreamy experience
Looks like HEAVEN on Earth. Hope to one day be there!
This would be a dream come true!
Wow, it would be a vacation of a lifetime to go to the Galapagos! I love the kayak with the penguins!
Looks like the trip of a lifetime! PS Pick me!
Swim with the sharks? Awesome
I’m in my first year of Veterinarian School at Texas A&M (gig em) and would LOVE to go here. It’s been a dream since I was a kid!
Wow! I have wanted to go for a very long time, but this made me even more determined. Wonderful article.
Omg, it looks beautiful and so many things to see and do! I think I’d love most to Kayak with Penguins!! So cool!!
Looks incredible. Would be a bucket list trip of a lifetime!
I have wanted to see those giant tortoises for over 45 years since a college professor went to the Galapagos and did a slide show in class.
Hiking the active volcano sounds awesome!
This would be the trip of a lifetime. I would really love to climb a volcano, then try some Ecuadoran food. And exploring the area, and learning about the beautiful animals and plants there, would be awe-inspiring. I’m a teacher and I could bring back so much information for my students (and myself, too!)
This is the kind of experience I need in my life! I really hope I get the opportunity! I don’t think I want to snorkel or dive in shark infested waters though. Everything else looks great.
Looks awesome
This must be an amazing place to visit!
This would be a dream trip for me – all twelve activities!
I’d love to see penguins in the wild and taste that food!
I want to do this all! But especially I want to see Giant Tortoises in the wild.
It would be interesting to see the various species that inspired theory of evolution
My friends are going to this country which is why I am checking out your site. It sounds great.
Galapagos looks like the most AMAZING place in the world with the most AMAZING things to experience!!
I would want to kayak with the penguins, but al lof the activity ideas look amazing.
I would love to see the giant tortoises! I have a student that loves all things tortoise and he would be very excited to see photos of me with them or near them!
Wow
A bucket list trip indeed! Would love to see all the wildlife.
Had a great time there. Need to go back.
I am defenetly ready to do all this when i win
The bike tour sounds like the best!
This is so beautiful and full of amazing tips! I hope that I get to experience the beauty of the galapgos!
Wow, all that looks so amazing!
I would love to swim with the sharks!!
My dream would be hiking and seeing new creatures on the island
This trip is now on my bucket list!!!! All this is amazing and I would love to go someday!
Very informative, thanks!
What an incredible place and an amazing culture to experience!
Your land tours sound amazing! Thank you for the inspiring ideas in your blog posts. I would love to see an Ecuadorian cooking class with locals incorporated into one of your tours. I would also love to have land and water photography workshops where I could learn how to capture the personality and beauty of the creatures and people of the Galapagos. Would love to take a tour with Galakiwi one day!
always wanted to go, hope to win.
This would be a great trip !
I want to see the turtles – this has been on my bucket list for most of my life
Wow, something for everyone, my dream trip.
This would be a dream come true
Wow amazing trip. Fingers crossed
I’m ready to take on Items 1 – 12 (except perhaps #8 – not sure about diving with sharks…). A friend of mind visited Galapagos Islands a few years ago and to this day continues to rave about what a fantastic trip it was!!
My wife now has her heart set on visiting The Galapagos Islands one day. Looks like a wonderful and unique travel experience!
I would love to kayak with the penguins.