The sea kayaking in the Galapagos is filled with opportunities for close yet unobtrusive encounters with coastal wildlife.  Turtles, sea lions, marine iguanas, frigate birds, blue footed boobys are just some of the possible sightings you could expect to have.  Young sea lions have been known to ride the bow wave of swifter paddlers.

When it comes to exploring the volcanic landscapes of the Galapagos, hiking is most often the only option.  We trek well beyond where most yacht based landings would allow you - from lava trails to Frigate Hill on San Cristobal, to the puffing fumeroles of Chico Volcano on Isabela.

On the Galapagos’s largest island, Isabela, we are able to call on the assistance of horses to take us to the perimeter of the world’s second largest volcanic caldera.  Volcan Sierra Negra is a spectacular feature of the islands, often active and a regular sighting place for wild tortoises.  The views from here are some of the best in the islands - both of the 6 x 5 mile wide volcanic rim and of the rest of the islands spread out across the Pacific Ocean beneath you.

The highlands of Santa Cruz  are some of the most densely vegetated parts of the islands, with moss laden forests and volcanic vents.  There are also a number of dirt roads here for which a downhill ride provides a refreshing windswept way to move without the need of an engine.  Speeds will need checking especially with the chance of there being a giant tortoise in your path.

Snorkelling is an often unsung highlight of a visit to the Galapagos and on this trip you will have many opportunities.  Los Lobos, a satellite to San Cristobal, is an excellent snorkelling location and one of the best in this volcanic archipelago for snorkelling with sea lions and hammerhead sharks.

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Price (2008) £1695 per person sharing for our group trips of 4 or more persons. Add £650 per person for departures for 2 persons Add £125 per person for departures for 3 persons Single supplement £159 Dates (2008) available throughout the year, but pre-arranged group trips available for join-in: Oct 23 - Nov 01 £100 discount Nov 11 - 20 (premium version - fully booked) Dec 18 - 27 Dec 29 - Jan 07 (*higher standard of accommodation - add £140 per person for private or group departures regardless of group size) Dates (2009) available throughout the year, but pre-arranged group trips available for join-in: Jan 25 - Feb 03 May 23 - Jun 01 Prices (2009) £1,790 per person sharing for our group trips of 4 or more persons. Add £650 per person for departures for 2 persons Single supplement £185 Important Facts  This experience is classified as Moderate to Energetic with around 2 to 4 hours paddling some days and small boat journeys between Galapagos islands of up to 2 to 3 hours per day. Accommodation  Comfortable hotel accommodation.  A premium version incorporates a higher standard of accommodation. The Kayaks and Canoes We use a combination of Prijon solid canoes and inflatable Sevylor's.  The former holds a better course at sea whilst the latter is easier for coming ashore.  All canoeing and kayaking activites are overseen by an American Canoe Association instructor.  Spraydecks are not used. Our prices include Return flights Quito-Galapagos 3 nights boutique hotel in Quito Meals as specified in the itinerary All transfers by land and sea Activities as indicated All guidance including American Canoe Association certified instructor for kayaking activities A year's free membership of the Galapagos Conservation Trust donated towards their Marine Programme. Our prices exclude International flights to Quito Galapagos National Park entrance fee - $100** per person to be paid in cash at the airport in Galápagos). $10** immigration tax payable before you arrive in Galapagos. International departure tax - $40.80** Drinks, tips. Travel insurance. (**correct at time of writing) Flights You can arrange your own international flights or Aqua-Firma can do this for you. Flight price guide: from £630 with KLM, Iberia, British Airways / American Airlines and Continental depending upon the time of year and seat availability.

Photographs kindly provided by Marcelo Meneses, Derek Lawson, Ralph Pannell and Alexis Mackleworth