Galapagos Land Based Tours | Royal Palm Hotel Tours

The recently built Royal Palm Hotel is a luxury land based option for those more susceptible to sea sickness and water movement sickness. It provides an in-depth exploration of the amazing natural world of the Galapagos Islands. You'll lodge in grand style throughout your stay at the five-star Royal Palm Resort on the island of Santa Cruz.

The Royal Palm is a unique secluded hide-a-way hidden in the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Islands in the heart of the Galapagos. Exclusive, spacious and tastefully designed, the Royal Palm was built to complement the natural paradise that surrounds it. Tour the wilderness where you'll discover the natural wonders of the islands including close up observations of the famed Giant Tortoises and intimate interactions with playful sea lions and pups while snorkeling along the stunning coast. From the Royal Palm you will explore Santa Cruz and other islands during the day and return to relax in comfort at night.

Tours Royal Palm Hotel

Below is a brief description of each tour. The hotel can also arrange custom made tours if you desire something special.

Charles Darwin Research Station (Closed on Sundays)

Visit the breeding center and Giant Tortoise pens located at Puerto Ayora, where you will witness the various stages of development of these world renowned, indigenous tortoises that can easily outlive us. While enjoying a close encounter with these impressive animals you will hear all about their fascinating life history and the story of “Lonesome George” one of the more famous island residents. Don’t forget to ask your guide to visit the interpretation center showing the natural history of the Islands.

• Tour duration from 2-3hours.
• An English speaking guide is included
• Round trip transportation included

El Chato: Free- Roaming Tortoises (Seasonal)

One of the best ways to find giant tortoises, rarely encountered in the wild, is by visiting a nearby privately owned cattle farm where these ancient reptiles come to search for water and juicy plants. Guided hiking, horseback and motor driven tours are all available, allowing you to get close to and quietly observe these peaceful animals, moving at their leisurely pace. The lush vegetation that attracts them is also home to several bird species, some of them unique to this area. A refreshment bar and clean toilets are available on site, as are a wide selection of rubber boots in case of muddy conditions. (socks and walking shoes are essential)

• Visit by horseback riding, tour duration 3-4 hours
• Transportation vehicle will be waiting until your return
• Visit by hiking, tour duration 4-6 hours
• Visit by motor vehicle, tour duration 1-2 hours
• On all tours an English speaking guide is included

Los Gemelos / Vicuna Hill

A specially guided visit to these nearby large twin pit craters, referred to as Los Gemelos, in the highlands of Santa Cruz. Weather permitting, our guests can choose to hike through the endemic Scalesia forest, a unique type of highland vegetation, where they will see a great variety of birds.
Motor driven transport is also available. Birdwatchers who would like to spend more time here can arrange a special tour to this interesting habitat.

• Visit by hiking and motor vehicle
• Tour duration 2 ½ hours
• An English speaking guide is included

Lava Tunnel In The Hotel Grounds

A quick but recommended visit to this spectacular geological work of art, allowing you to witness the dawn of this island around a million years ago, can be made by just hopping on one of our golf cars. Wander and climb your way through the cavernous lava tunnel via specially constructed bridges and stairways and be prepared for a surprise exit. Although electrical lighting has been installed, flashlights and safety helmets are provided for this guided tour. Non-slip walking shoes are essential. This visit can be organized at reception at any time of the day.

• Free of charge for our hotel guests

Beach (Swimming and Snorkelling)

Tortuga Bay

This spectacular white sand beach is situated about 35 minutes walking distance from Puerto Ayora. After walking through an arid aromatic palo santo forest surrounded by cactus and birdlife you reach a pristine,long, deserted, white sandy beach ideal for body surfing or stroll over to a small tranquil lagoon where you can swim and snorkel. Watch out for pelicans, white egrets, oystercatchers, blue herons and frigate birds or take a short walk over a National Park trail, to view marine iguanas and occasionally, blue-footed boobies. Walking shoes, hats and sunglasses are essential.

• Round trip transportation at your own expense and leisure
• Snorkel equipment is not included

Garrapatero Beach

Take a 35minute drive from the highlands, through the small villages of the agricultural area and down to the arid coastal zone of the island.
After walking along a 20 minute trail past opuntia cacti and palo santos trees you will reach one of the most exotic and beautiful beaches in the Galapagos Islands, offering a landscape of black lava bristling with pioneer cacti contrasted with shimmering white sand and a turquoise sea, safe for swimming. You can watch the blue-footed boobies and pelicans fishing in the bay, crabs scuttling into their burrows in the white sand and marine iguanas strolling along the beach, all from under the shelter of shoreline trees and bushes. Explore the mangroves or discover a small lagoon behind the beach where Bahama ducks and sometimes pink flamingos can be seen. Walking shoes, hats and sunglasses are essential.

By Motor Vehicle

• The taxi will leave you at the beach and a return time needs to be arranged directly with the driver.

By Boat

• Round trip transportation at your own expense and leisure
• Anchored at Garrapatero your yacht awaits you at your convenience

Academy Bay (Half Day Tour)

Once onboard a private chartered boat at the main dock in Puerto Ayora, the captain takes you out of the bay towards the lighthouse at Punta Estrada to view swooping blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, herons and frolicking sea lions. Continuing into Shark Bay you can spot rays and sea turtles and observe white-tipped reef sharks. At the entrance to Academy Bay, off a small islet, you will have the opportunity to join a colony of playful sea lions in the water and perfect your “sea lion rolls.” Snorkel equipment, life vests and chilled drinks are provided onboard.

• The itinerary can be changed subject to weather conditions and special request by the guests
• Round trip transportation at your own expense and leisure

Boat Tours (Full Day Tour)

Typical itineraries offered are:

• Bartolomé Island
• North Seymour Island and Bachas,
• South Plaza Island and Punta Carrion

There are several motor yachts navigating these extraordinary islands daily which provide an excellent way to discover this wildlife paradise.
All boat tours include lunch and certified naturalist guide/s accompanying passengers ashore to explain the natural wonders of the islands. Cost per person varies from $90 to $150 depending on the size and level of service of the motor yacht.

These are very popular tours and it is advisable to book as early as possible. All boat tours are subject to availability of seats and tour itineraries are subject to change at short notice, according to local weather conditions. We will make every effort to make suitable alternative arrangements for you should last minute changes arise.

Kayaking

Pelican Bay

Enjoy a fantastic 2-3 hour tour starting from Pelican Bay, towards the lighthouse at Punta Estrada, visiting the various bays with your own private English speaking guide. Stop for a swim or snorkel to discover the beautiful marine world of Galapagos. This is a unique experience and enjoyable for young and old alike.

• It includes Round trip transportation and guide.

Itabaca Canal/Caleta Tortuga Negra

Take a guided kayak tour into the mesmerising world of this specially protected area of mangrove lagoons where you will view closely blue herons, lava herons, egrets and other shore and lagoon birds as you soak up the profound tranquility and timelessness of the Galapagos. As you penetrate the depths of this fragile ecosystem you will be surrounded by turtles and fleets of golden rays as other discoveries await you.

On the way back to the dock, snorkel in the protected waters of the Canal amidst shoals of surgeonfish, wrasses and parrot fish, tropical angelfish and pop-eyed blennies perched on boulders near the surface where you will be observed by the odd sunbathing sea-lion. Waterproof walking shoes are recommended for the beach visit.

• Tour duration 4-6 hours
• Transportation vehicle will be awaiting your return
• Box lunch and snorkel equipment included

Mountain Biking

The bike routes up in the highlands are quite varied and so are their difficulty levels and landscapes. To begin the adventure, private transportation will take you to the highlands of Santa Cruz. The two main routes are: (1)El Garrapatero, most of the ride is downhill on moderate terrain (gravel and small rocks). Right behind the beach, there is an amazing brackish water pond where pin tail ducks, common stilts, and even flamingos can be observed. (2) From the highlands ride about 8 miles on paved and dirt roads of medium difficulty. Arrive at the El Chato Tortoise Reserve and then take a 45 minute hike within the reserve. In addition to the giant tortoises, look for flycatchers, gallinules, rails and Darwin’s finches.

• Mountain bikes and helmets are available
• Previous mountain biking experience is highly recommended
• Transportation vehicle will be awaiting your return

Scuba Diving

Diving off the islands provides an exceptional experience as the wonders of Galapagos also extend underwater and you will have some of the most exciting diving you have ever had in your life. We can organize daily scuba trips using specialist diving companies that supply all equipment, an English speaking experienced dive master who will give a comprehensive pre-dive talk whilst the boat is underway, then lead and accompany small groups underwater. Also, assistant boat crew will help you kit up and enter/exit the water safely and hand you your photographic equipment. A toilet, covered area and dry storage areas are available onboard. A packed lunch and drinks are included as well as transport to the dive boat when located at Baltra.

Recommended local diving companies, based in Puerto Ayora offer several itineraries, subject to local weather conditions. Excellent dive sites are Gordon Rocks, the islets of Floreana, Bartolomé, Cousins, North Seymour or Mosquera. Some dive sites allow for guest pick up directly from the hotel to the dock at Baltra, while others require a 20 minute transport to the diveshop and small pier at Puerto Ayora. Beginners can take classes or restrict themselves to the tranquil waters of Academy Bay.
Check with reception in advance, on the availability of dive boats and itineraries.

• Details of tours are available upon request

Tour With Private Plane

A small airline company, called EMETEBE, supplies regularly scheduled air services to the islands of San Cristobal and Isabela where airstrips are available. We can arrange to charter a plane for a maximum capacity of 9 people, to offer you a superb and unforgettable view over the Galapagos Islands and volcanoes.

• Guides and tours on these Islands can be arranged