When we launched our Galapagos SUP tours, Galakiwi was the first to offer a multi-island dedicated paddling trip in the Galapagos Islands.

Many people have asked: What is it like stand up paddleboarding in the Galapagos? 

The short answer is: a lot of fun!

Curious travelers want to know: What can I see on a stand up paddle board? How hard is it to SUP in the Galapagos? Do I need to have paddleboard experience? What is the weather is windy or sea is rough? What islands can I SUP at?

Where do we SUP in the Galapagos?

As with all activities in the Galapagos Islands, tour operators need permits for things like paddleboards and kayaks. There are specific areas that visitors are allowed to paddle when with a certified naturalist guide.

Santa Cruz Island stand up paddleboarding

Around Santa Cruz we have multiple SUP locations on our 10-day Galapagos SUP Tour. This includes at Tortuga Bay and Devine Bay, which offer different scenery and paddling experiences.

Isabela Island stand up paddleboarding

With the town of Puerto Villamil right on the waterfront, it is easy to access a huge beach for SUP fun at Isabela Island. Our guides love paddleboarding, and are always eager to take a group out for a beautiful sunset SUP here, or let you try some SUP surfing! Isabela Bay offers great SUP fun, with close encounters with a lot of inquisitive Galapagos wildlife!

San Cristobal Island stand up paddleboarding

With numerous small beaches allowing easy water access throughout Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, there are many SUP spots at San Cristobal. One of our favorites is going along the waterfront to Ochoa Beach. A nice, longer paddle out to Tijeretas / Darwin Bay is a bit of a workout, but well worth the effort. Depending on conditions, we pick different launch locations to maximize what we can see, while keeping it fun for everyone.

Galakiwi SUP tours in the Galapagos islands feature the above three islands, for both our 10-day Galapagos SUP tour, and our 6-day Galapagos SUP tour.

We can always create a custom Galapagos SUP tour as well, if you want to spend more time on one of these islands, or perhaps add paddling time at Floreana Island too!

How hard is it to SUP in the Galapagos Islands?

For the most part, a SUP trip in the Galapagos Islands isn’t more challenging than paddling rivers or lakes at home.

Does it help to have SUP experience already? Sure! But it is not 100% required. We’ll give everyone some basic lessons, and we have a variety of paddleboards that can be a bit more stable/forgiving for novice paddlers.

Most paddles are scenic and do not last for hours, so while you will get some exercise, you’ll also get to enjoy great scenery and wildlife.

if weather does get rough with big swells, or high winds, then we will seek out sheltered bays where possible, or change the timing of activities based on weather. 

If you get tired – you’re always with your private Galakiwi guide, and if you feel like taking a SUP break one day, let us know ahead of time and we can arrange a kayak for you instead! We’ll stop sometimes and sit on our boards to watch sea lions frolic in the water too!

What will I see on a SUP tour in the Galapagos?

A lot! Be sure to bring a waterproof action camera like a GoPro, or at least a waterproof case (and floatation device!) for your phone.

Guaranteed sightings includes fascinating scenery. Ranging from high bird cliffs to long, white sandy beaches and tropical vegetation.

For wildlife, sea lions commonly come to check us out, while blue-footed boobies and pelicans may be flying and fishing around us. Other animals we often spot under our boards include sea turtles, Galapagos penguins, eagle rays, and of coarse lots of fish.

Wildlife options vary by SUP location, and we’ve even been lucky to SUP with playful dolphins! As with every kind if Galapagos trip, each time we go out, something new or different is likely to happen.

You won’t get bored on a Galapagos SUP tour, but we’ll make sure you’re not too exhausted to enjoy your vacation time either! Ready to go paddling? Contact us about a SUP trip to the Galapagos.

We hope to see you soon!