iRISE ADVENTURE TRIPS
GALAPAGOS
iRISE ABOVE ISLAND HOPPING ADVENTURE
April 18 - 26, 2026
Located 600 miles off the mainland of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are a remote archipelago renowned for their unique and diverse wildlife, much of which is found nowhere else on Earth.
On the 13 main islands (only 4 of which are inhabited), you can expect to see iconic species such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, sea lions, and various species of finches, to name just a few! Due to the ongoing seismic and volcanic activity, as well as the isolated location, all these species have evolved to survive, which is what makes the Galapagos wildlife so extraordinary. On the iRise Above Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure, you’ll always be accompanied by WHOA Travel’s passionate local guides and naturalists who will be there to point out, explain, and add context to the wildlife you’ll be encountering in the Earth’s most interesting and diverse regions.
One of the many amazing things about the Galapagos is that there’s no bad time of year to go! The islands are situated at a point in the Pacific Ocean where three ocean currents collide, creating a unique area in the sea where warm and varying degrees of cold water meet. This creates a mild, equatorial climate, with few rain showers, warm temperatures, and clear skies and seas, making it ideal for spotting a wide range of wildlife.
Temperatures in the Galapagos typically range from 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C) throughout the year (although temperatures can vary depending on the specific island and elevation). Both seasons, dry (Dec-May) and warm (June-Nov), have their rewards based on which animals are active - basically, you can’t go wrong! Just remember, no matter the time of year, the Galapagos sun is no joke, so be sure to pack plenty of reef-friendly sunscreen!
If you choose to join this epic iRise Above adventure experience, on DAY ONE (Quito), we'll pick you up from Quito International Airport (UIO) and transfer you to a hacienda located on a private nature reserve, where you can enjoy birdwatching, explore nature trails, and visit an on-site archaeological tunnel.
In the evening, we'll kick off the fun with our special iRise Above Bienvenida Dinner and receive a briefing on the exciting adventure ahead!
On DAY TWO (Quito to Isla Isabela), we’ll start our iRise Above adventure by air, sea, and land! We’ll kick off the day with our flight to the Galápagos archipelago, specifically to Baltra Airport. On the way to Isla Isabela, we’ll stop for lunch in the Santa Cruz Highlands, and wildlife viewing will already be underway!
We’ll likely see Giant Tortoises, Cattle Egrets, and wandering Giant Land Iguanas with Finches perched on their backs, symbiotically picking ticks off for snacks (what good amigos)! After our meal—which, luckily, we won’t have to forage for—we’ll continue our epic journey, this time by speedboat, to our beachside hotel on Isla Isabela.
DAY THREE (Isla Isabela) of the iRise Above Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure is one of our favorites! We’ll snorkel at “Los Tuneles,” one of the world’s premier snorkeling destinations.
A 45-minute speedboat ride past the iconic Blue Footed Boobies and their larger relatives, Nazca Boobies, will take us to clear, calm waters that reveal stunning lava arcs and underwater tunnels.
These unique formations are a marine observer’s dream, filled with seahorses, sea turtles, and vibrant fish.
Everyone knows we love to hike at iRise Above, so on DAY FOUR (Isla Isabela), we’ll trek to the sulfur mines or the crater rim of the Sierra Negra Volcano, depending on conditions. Measuring 6 miles wide and 300 feet deep, Sierra Negra (or Black Mountain) is the second-largest volcanic crater in the world. After our hike, we’ll head to a locally-owned tortoise conservation reserve in the foothills for a BBQ lunch with the local celebrities…Giant Tortoises!
On DAY FIVE (Isla Isabela to Island Santa Cruz), a relaxed morning gives you plenty of time to soothe sore muscles from yesterday’s sea hike, exploring the pristine beaches and perhaps snorkeling at Concha de Perla or Pearl’s Shell Cove (home to sea lions, dolphons, marine iguanas, and turtles - oh my!).
In the afternoon, we’ll speedboat back to Santa Cruz and visit the renowned Charles Darwin Research Center, a hub for conservation efforts that protect and restore the islands' flora, fauna, and habitats. It was Charles Darwin's 1835 visit here that inspired his groundbreaking theory of evolution! You’ll have the evening free to explore and enjoy one of the fresh local seafood restaurants.
On DAY SIX (Isla Santa Cruz to Isla North Seymour), we will take a short morning boat ride to North Seymour Island, where, if we’re lucky, we’ll witness the captivating island’s inhabitants.
This island is home to more than 2,000 iguanas, which can often be seen relaxing on top of “cuddle puddles” that resemble the petrified lava surrounding them.
Look up, and you’ll be able to marvel at Blue Footed Boobies dancing and sky pointing, as well as the larger-than-life inflated pouches of male Frigate birds. No island trip would be complete without an afternoon snorkel, of course, accompanied by sea lions, since North Seymour is home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in the archipelago!
On DAY SEVEN (Isla Santa Cruz), we’ll visit one of the most beautiful beaches on the islands (and maybe the world), Tortuga Bay.
The stroll from our hotel will take about 45 minutes along an undulating cobblestone path, leading us to a pristine stretch of white sand and turquoise water that’s impossible to resist! We’ll practice ‘hanging 10’ with a surfing lesson at this famous surf spot. We also have the chance to kayak, sunbathe, or snorkel!
On DAY EIGHT (Isla Santa Cruz), we will return to the highlands for another amazing encounter with Giant Tortoises! We’ll not only observe these prehistoric-looking creatures in their natural habitat, but we’ll also contribute to the island’s conservation efforts by taking part in a locally managed reforestation project. In the evening, we’ll toast to the unforgettable journey we all shared at our farewell dinner in Puerto Ayora.
On DAY NINE (Isla Santa Cruz to Quito), after a last breakfast, we’ll catch a ride (and ferry) back to the airport for our flights out to Quito, bidding farewell to the incredible biodiversity that makes this archipelago an international treasure.
“The journey isn’t always about discovering new landscapes, but about discovering new layers within ourselves. Adventure strips us bare—and what remains is the truth of who we are.”
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iRISE ABOVE ISLAND GALAPAGOS HOPPING ADVENTURE
April 18 - 26, 2026
