EFFORTLESS SWIMMING PRESENTS
Galapagos Swim Experience
May 9-17, 2024
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime swim trip...
EFFORTLESS SWIMMING HAS BEEN Featured in:
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime SWIMMING JOURNEY
blending volcanic landscapes with breathtaking
underwater adventures
Ever dreamt of the ultimate aquatic escape, unlike anything you’ve ever known? The Galapagos Islands are your dream destination for this unparalleled voyage into a world that time has forgotten. Dive into an extraordinary vacation on this volcanic cluster nestled in the heart of the Pacific, with Effortless Swimming.
From navigating lava channels, gliding over hidden volcanoes, to sharing waters with graceful fish and other sea life, our Galapagos journey promises unforgettable moments. This is a swim expedition you’ll forever cherish.
You’ll also be joined by Effortless Swimming head coach Brenton Ford, who’ll be coaching you throughout the trip with underwater filming and analysis to improve your swimming along the way.
What's happening:
A once-in-a-lifetime swimming tour of the Galapagos Islands
Where:
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
When:
May 9th – 17th , 2024
Pricing and room options:
Single – $8400 USD
Twin-share – $6800 USD per person
(Limited to 15 swimmers)
Please note: If you are booking twin-share, we will place you with another swimmer of the same sex unless you are booking with a friend/partner please advise us after booking (each person must complete a separate booking)
What's included:
Accommodation
Airport transfers
Breakfast and lunches
All swimming and snorkeling
Hotel in Santa Cruz: Blu Galapagos (5 nights)
Hotel in Isabela: Iguana Crossing (3 nights)
What's not:
- Airfares
- Evening meals
- Drinks and additional activities
- USD$100 National Park fee (cash payment)
- USD$20 INGALA Transit Control Card (cash payment)
Itinerary
May 9th (Day One)
AM: Arrival in Baltra
PM: Check-in at Hotel Blu Galapagos
PM: Swimming from Blu Galapagos to Darwin Station Beach (1700 mts)
Start off the trip with a cruisy nearby swim before dinner, with underwater views of some of the island’s local sea life.
May 10th (Day Two)
AM: Underwater filming and analysis at Stadium Pool Payora
PM: Boat to Santa Fé with swims (minimum 3kms)
Today we go to Santa Fe island located to the Southeast of Santa Cruz. We will start our day with a swim along the coastline, where we will see many fish and sea lions. Then we will anchor in the amazing Barrington Bay for lunch, and finish our last day with one final swim, that will start in the bay.
Tuesday (Day Three)
AM: Transfer from Santa Cruz to Floreana
AM: Swimming in Floreana (2100 mts)
PM: Transfer from Floreana to Isabela
Accommodation at Iguana Crossing Hotel
Will go by a very comfortable catamaran (Element) to Puerto Velasco Ibarra. Today we can have lunch on board or in the small town, and continue in the afternoon to Isabela.
Floreana was the first island to be colonized by Ecuadorians in 1832 and is still volcanically active to this day. We swim here at a perfectly preserved coastline that is home to marine iguanas, Galapagos crabs and many species of birds dotted along the volcanic rocks.
Swimmers can find an underwater oasis of coral reefs and the marine species that are attracted to them, such as playful sea lions, colorful King Angel Fish, Balloon Fish, hawkfish, Yellowtail grunts, Tiger Snake Eels, White-tipped Sharks, Eagle Rays, amberjacks, wrasses, Hammerhead Sharks, and sea turtles. The rocky remains of the volcano create a haven for seabirds such as boobies, pelicans, and frigatebirds. Red-billed Tropicbirds nest in the crevices.
On arrival on Isabela we check into our accommodation. It is located on a beautiful sandy beach in a wonderful location. If the beach looks inviting a pre dinner swim can be taken and enjoyed. After some time to rest and relax we will meet for dinner at the hotel and explore our new town base and its options.
May 12th (Day Four)
AM: Swimming at 4 Hermanos (one islet) (1600 mts)
PM: Swimming at 4 Hermanos (another islet) (2200 mts)
This morning we will depart to Cuatro Hermanos (Crossman Islets), 4 islets on the eastern side of Sierra Negra volcano, where Puerto Villamil is located. The swim is along a wall where we will see many species attached to it, besides all the species that will swim with us, schools of fish and rays, and maybe even sea lions.
We will have time to snorkel, lunch on board, and then a second swim.
In the afternoon, we will have time to walk or run the beautiful beach at Puerto Villamil.
May 13th (Day Five)
AM: Swimming at Tortuga Island (4600 mts)
After breakfast, we depart Puerto Villamil, Isabela’s main town, towards Tortuga island. This is the remains of an ancient, eroded volcano, where we will see a variety of seabirds that rest and nest here, as well as some marine iguanas and sea lions. The wind and wave action eroded the volcano to a protected cove, where we will have a swim and will come across a few marine species.
PM: Tortoise Breeding Center, Muro de Las Lagrimas
After lunch, we will walk through brackish-water lagoons in route to the Tortoise Breeding Center.
May 14th (Day Six)
AM: Tours Los Tuneles (beautiful place):
Today we have a different activity. After breakfast we will board a speed boat that will take us to Los Tuneles (The Tunnels). This is one of the most spectacular places to snorkel in Isabela. Water is not deep, it is calm and quite clear. A marine sanctuary. A series of lava flows produced unique geological formations, a series of arches and tunnels, above and below the water, where a large number of endemic species live. The entrance by boat to this place is not deep, but the waves can be strong. Therefore, the access is not always feasible.
PM: (14:30) Transfer Puerto Villamil to Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz)
May 15th (Day Seven)
AM: Swimming in Pinzon (5000 mts)
PM: Swimming in Daphne (1350 mts)
This morning our journey takes us to uninhabited Pinzon and Daphne islands. We will swim around those islands to enjoy a large number of marine life. We will have lunch on board and then have time for snorkeling, to enjoy the experience even more.
When we return to Puerto Ayora, you have time to relax.
May 16th (Day Eight)
AM: Underwater filming and analysis at Stadium Pool
AM/PM: Visit/ Swim Playa El Garrapatero
The Garrapatero Beach is a must-visit destination, thanks to its crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sand. Located on Santa Cruz Island, this beach offers breathtaking views and the opportunity to observe nature in all its splendor.
Whether you’re interested in exploring the diverse fauna that roams around or just want to spend the day relaxing under the sun, or even take a good 3-kilometer swim, round trip within its bay, this beach has something for everyone.
May 17th (Day Nine)
AM: Check-out and departure to Baltra
After breakfast, we will depart the hotel by bus, taking you across the island and Itabaca Canal until the airport, where we will say good-bye before you take your return flight.
SWIM CAMP Gallery
“Welcome to the Galapagos Islands!”
The Galapagos Islands are an oasis for people who want an active holiday destination to explore a place of incredible beauty…that time forgot.
We look forward to welcoming you there in May 2024!
Hotel Lobby: “Welcome to Thanyapura!”
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Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend flying in on the morning of the 9th to allow time to get through immigration and to transfer to the hotel. If you would prefer to arrive a day early, our first hotel is Blu Galapagos and we recommend booking either directly with them or via a hotel website.
Because we have limited space available on the boat the Galapagos Swim trip is purely a swimmers-only trip.
There will be two swimming groups during the trip which are supported by a boat and a kayak. We have a minimum requirement for swimmers attending the trip to be able to complete 1km in 25 mins.
Breakfasts and lunches are covered during your trip. Dinners are on you, offering a chance to discover local eateries at your leisure and we will have opportunities for some special group dinners during the trip.
Typically, dinner prices vary between $25-$35 for set menus or buffets, with soft drinks at $1-$2 and beers at $2-$4. Keep in mind, some dining spots may only take cash, so it’s good to have some on hand.
For health reasons, we advise sticking to bottled water for drinking and even brushing your teeth in the Galapagos. Both hotels provide water refilling stations for your convenience.
Each swim varies between 1700m-5km with the average distance being 2km.
Blu Galapagos to Darwin Station – 1.7km
Sante Fe – 3km
Floreana – 2.1km
4 Hermanos #1 – 1.6km
4 Hermanos #2 – 2.2km
Tortuga island – 4.6km
Pinzon – 5km
Daphne – 1.3km
Playa El Garrapatero – 3km
Cancelations 120 days before the camp begins are refundable, minus the $800 USD non-refundable deposit. After this, bookings are transferable to another swimmer but not refundable, however we will do our best to help find someone to take your spot if you cannot make it. Therefore if we are able to fill your spot on the trip, you will be reimbursed for the full amount less the $800 USD non-refundable deposit.
Bookings can be made directly through the payment on this website. If booking a twin share room, BOTH swimmers must book a spot separately. Payments are spread across 5 months.
If you are booking twin-share, we will place you with another swimmer of the same sex. However if you are booking with a friend/partner please let us know after booking. Each person must complete a seperate booking.
Have other questions?
Call us in Australia on 1300755088 or contact us here.
Cancellation policy – Because most clinics sell out, we require 7 days’ notice if you can’t attend the clinic.
