Galapagos Islands Sign Language Tour
Fun, Sustainable and all about Nature
Sustainable accessible tour for people who use sign language, their families and friends.
We aim to work mostly with eco-friendly hotels, lodges, restaurants, guides so we can spread the benefits of tourism to all members
Tours for people who use sign language are designed in small group basis, so clients can enjoy the activities, experiences in a safe, fun and accessible way. All of our suppliers focus on safety protocols
For sign language interpreters please contact us for specific information.
Highlights:
• Very close encounters with nature, including frigate birds, pelicans, blue footed boobies, marine iguanas, land iguanas, sea lions, marine tourtles, giant land tourtles, among others
• Snorkel at spectacular locations
• Discover Galapagos in a sustainable way by using cozy local services, suppliers and truly experiencing life at the Galapagos Islands
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Destination
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Departure
Starts San Cristobal airport / Finishes Baltra airport -
Dress Code
Casual, comfortable athletic clothing, hat -
Included
Activities and toursCertified bilingual guideFriendly accessible accomodationMeals mentioned in programPrivate transportation -
Not Included
Alcohol drinksInternational and national flightsMeals NOT mentioned in the programTipsTravel or medical insurance
1
Day 1: Arrive to San Cristobal island in Galapagos
Our Galapagos adventure begins with an aprox. 2 hours flight from Quito to San Cristobal island.
Galapagos islands are approx 1,000 km (600 miles) of Ecuador. You willl arrive just in time for a late lunch before we venture to the beach in search of wildlife at a place called La Loberia.
The Loberia is a known sea lion hang out and where we will be able to watch sea lions sun bathing, playing and vying for our attention. If you can’t wait to get in the water, this is your first opportunity.
As the sun sets, we’ll make our way back to town and get ready for a welcome dinner at a small cozy local restaurant.
Meals included (L - D)
2
Day 2: Snorkel at Kicker Rock
Snorkel at Kicker Rock
Today is all about the water, the shoreline and an amazing array of wildlife above and below the surface.
We embark the boat at peer early morning. We will be on a very comfortable catamaran, with a cup of fresh coffee or tea as we start our journey towards Kicker Rock.
We’ll cruise along the coast identifying shore birds like the Magnificent Frigate Bird and famous Blue-footed Booby.
As we arrive to Kicker Rock or Leon Dormido as it’s known by the locals to explore the final remains of a tuff cone rising over 143 meters out of the ocean.
The rock is home to a large population of Blue-footed Boobies and Nazca Boobies that have taken up residence on the ledges and shelves. From on board you can watch crabs scurrying along surface and see a magnificent wall of barnacles and sponges reveal themselves each time the tide recedes.
Below the surface, along the edge and through the channel of this drastic compact ash formation, we will be on the hunt for sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, chocolate chip starfish, and, with any luck, a Galapagos Shark or two.
Puerto Grande, a beautiful beach accessible only by boat, is our final stop for the day.
After lunch on board, feel free to spend your time swimming in the turquoise water, snapping photos of Kicker Rock in the distance, or simply relaxing on the boat.
Rest of afternoon we will have an educational visit the San Cristobal’s Interpretation Center – one of the best in the world.
We will learn about the history and mystery of the archipelago from its discovery and what makes it so special, to Charles Darwin’s visit and the present day efforts to protect this amazing World Heritage site.
Afterwards, there’s an optional short hike to an overlook of Kicker Rock, the town, and Tijeretas you may enjoy that offers great photo opportunities
Note: Wetsuits, fins, mask and snorkels are provided for you. If you prefer to bring your own, please do so. If you have a new mask it should be cleaned properly and used beforehand to make sure it isn’t going to fog up when you are on the hunt for that perfect underwater fish photo. If you wear glasses – you cannot wear your glasses with a mask. You can wear contacts or visit a dive shop to get a corrective lens mask if necessary.
Meals included (B - L - D)
3
Day 3: San Cristobal to Santa Cruz island + Tortuga bay
Today we take a speed boat between San Cristobal to Santa Cruz island.
The ride will take approx 2 hours. Depending on season, we may encounter some waves on the ride.
Usually July – November the ocean is choppy….So it is important to take medicine if you are sensitive to get sea sick.
As we arrive to Santa Cruz, we will check in hotel, have a good breakfast, change clothes and visit the Charles Darwin research station.
After a tasty lunch, we will walk for 2 km until we reach Tortuga bay, which is a beautiful wide beach located 2 km walking from town, admirning dry forest vegetation on they way.
Once at Tortuga bay we will admire marine iguanas and have a good walk on the beach.
There is the opportunity to go into the water for a very refreshing moment. Return to town at end of afternoon.
Dinner at cozy restaurant in town
Meals included (B - L - D)
4
Day 4: Gemelos + Ride Santa Cruz to Isabela island
Today we visit the highlands of Santa Cruz.
We will search for the giant galapagos tourtles in their natural hábitat.
As we get to the highlands of Santa Cruz, we will visit the lava tunnels called “Gemelos”. We will learn its formation and actually go inside these tunnels.
As we return to town, we chek out hotel and after lunch we go to the peer to catch our speed boat to Isabela island.
The ride also takes 2 hours, and it is very similar conditions as the ride San Cristobal-Santa Cruz.
Arrive to Isabela island around 17h00pm. Welcome to the most laid back of the islands. Check in at our hotel and we can have a walk around the bay, to have a sense of what the island atmosphere.
Dinner at local restaurant.
Meals included (B - L - D)
5
Day 5: Volcano hike + Bay tour
Today we take a good hike to Sierra Negra Volcano.
It is a very interesting hike as you go all the way up to the crater of the volcano.
As the hike continues the guide wille explain all different vegetation and nature. It has an amazing view once you are at the top of the crater.
After lunch we will have a tour around the bay in search of the Galapagos penguins. If lucky we will see some lying on the rocks or in the water. We will make a visit to Tintoreras, a place where we can see sharks from the land and make a short walk to see the sea iguanas nesting and reproducing area.
Meals included (B - L - D)
6
Day 6: Boat ride to lava tunnels
Today we will enjoy one of Galapagos highlights: the tunnels of Isabela.
The lava flows have build tunnels and arches all over the place creating a unique scenery.
The water is shallow, clear and calm. We can swim with sharks, sea turtles and hopefully see the famous sea horse.
In oder to get to this iste, we need to take a boat for about 45 minutes to get there, and the sea can be quiet strong on the way there, specially between months of September and October. Snorkel at this spot is amazing.
Return to town mid afternoon. Rest of afternoon / evening on your own to enjoy a beer, wine, juice at a local beach bar before sunset.
Meals included (B - L - D)
7
Day 7: Ride Isabela - Santa Cruz . Drive to Baltra airport
We take the early speed boat (7h00am) between Isabela and Santa Cruz.
As we arrive to Santa Cruz we take a taxi to the other side of the island (approx 40 minutes) until we reach Baltra island, where the airport is located. Flight back to Quito.
End of services.
There is the possiblity to arrange hotel in Quito in case you need an extra night to connect with flights. Meals included (B)
Make Your Own Memories
FEES –
The fees you are responsible for paying are as follows:
$20 INGALA FEE – CASH ONLY
This is a visitor control document used to track and moderate tourism and migration to the islands that was implemented in 2006 by the Galapagos National Park. This card is purchased at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil and will need to shown along with your passport upon entering the islands.
$100 PARK ENTRANCE FEE – CASH ONLY
This is payable upon entering the Galapagos. As per the National park website: ‘Funds from the entry tax for tourists are used to finance the conservation of biodiversity of flora and fauna, terrestrial and marine, and benefits the local community by improving basic services, education projects, sports, health, environmental sanitation, environmental services and services directly related to tourists.’ Learn more at the Galapagos National Park website.
BUDGET –
You are responsible for the above-mentioned fees and any meals not included in your tour package. A cheap meal is $3-5 and an expensive meal is $10-20. Beer, sodas, and snacks are $1-3. An emergency stash of cash is always a good idea – we recommend at least $200. All that’s left is souvenir money and a tip if you choose to leave one.
TIPPING –
10% is the typical tip in restaurants and is usually included in your bill as a service charge. For drivers, helpers, and crew during your trip, $5-10 a day is customary. For your leader, $8-12 per day per person is the norm. Tipping is in no way required and entirely at your discretion. It is however of great significance to those who have helped make your tour a success and a great way to express your appreciation for a job well done.
Group Leader & On-site Support
All of our trips are lead or co-lead by a certified Galapagos Naturalist Guide. Your guides will have a wealth of information about the islands, flora and fauna. They are locals to the islands and speak excellent English. .
Your Responsibilities & Fellow Travelers
Spending several days with friends, family and fellow travelers from around the world can be exciting and dynamic. At times, it can be a challenge. For the best possible trip, it is important that all passengers adhere to meeting times as a common courtesy. With a small effort on your part and some patience on behalf of your fellow travelers, we are certain that the tour will be enjoyable for all.
ABOUT THE TOUR:
- Galapagos is a program that combines a bit of nature, adventure and leisure. - It is an all-inclusive basis tour. Transportation, accommodation, certified bilingual guides on all tours, and activities included (meals according to program). - The hotels we have chosen for you are very cozy and work in a sustainable way - All activities are desinged in a way you can enjoy at its fullest
