2026 MSSE Galapagos Expedition
Interested in joining us? Register by March 15!
Galapagos Trip Dates: Monday, June 8 - Thursday, June 18
Please schedule your travel so that you arrive in Quito by noon on the 8th.There is a required online pre- and post-trip component
Estimated Cost: $4200- $4800*
*Costs will vary depending on the total number of participants.Course Syllabus
View the 2026 Galapagos Expedition Syllabus for an overview of course policies, grading criteria, learning outcomes, and other important details.
Exclusions
Students will be responsible for covering the following additional expenses:
- International airfaire
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel in Quito on arrival
- Any meals not included in the itinerary overview
- Participants must be affiliated with MSU and registered for at least one credit for the summer semester. This course may be taken for 1-3 credits. Please note that tuition and fees associated with course credit registration are not included in the estimated trip cost.
Highlights
● Discover Kicker Rock – snorkel alongside sea lions, spot blue-footed boobies, and maybe even encounter sharks and rays beneath the towering cliffs.
● Snorkel at Tintoreras with reef sharks and turtles.
● Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and Interpretation Center.
● Hike to the massive caldera of Sierra Negra volcano.
● Explore UNESCO-protected wetlands and breeding centers on Isabela.
● Kayak through mangroves and calm bays.
● Observe giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and other endemic species in the wild.
Itinerary Overview
| DAY | ACTIVITIES | LOCATION |
|
(travel day) |
Various: Departures (flights arranged by participants) |
/ |
|
1 (June 8) |
Various: Arrivals on own |
Quito |
|
2 (June 9) |
Morning: Breakfast; Alambi Reserve for hummingbird viewing; Mindo Cloud Forest guided walk and orchid gardens Afternoon: Packed lunch; cacao production along Chocolate Road Evening: Frog symphony experience |
Mindo |
|
3 (June 10) |
Morning: Breakfast; morning Mindo Cloud Forest guided walk Afternoon: Group lunch; Mitad del Mundo; briefing Evening: Free |
Quito |
|
4 (June 11) |
Morning: Breakfast; fly to San Cristobal Afternoon: Group lunch; snorkeling at La Loberia Beach Evening: Group dinner |
San Cristobal |
|
5 (June 12) |
Morning: Breakfast; Kicker Rock boat excursion with lunch Afternoon: Beach time Evening: Free |
San Cristobal |
|
6 (June 13) |
Morning: Breakfast; Interpretation Center; hike to Cerro Tijeretas Viewpoint Afternoon: Packed lunch; service learning Evening: Free |
San Cristobal |
|
7 (June 14) |
Morning: Breakfast; speed boat to Santa Cruz Island; Highlands Primicias Ranch to see giant
tortoises and lava tunnels Afternoon: Packed lunch; swimming at Las Grietas Evening: Free |
Santa Cruz |
|
8 (June 15) |
Morning: Breakfast; boat to Isabela Island; wetland area: Giant Tortoise Breeding Center
and Flamingo Lagoon. Afternoon: Group lunch; excursion to Las Tintoreras with lava walk and snorkeling Evening: Group Dinner |
Isabela |
|
9 (June 16) |
Morning/Afternoon: Breakfast; Sierra Negra Volcano hike with packed lunch |
Isabela |
|
10 (June 17) |
Morning: Breakfast; coastal kayaking excursion Afternoon: Group lunch; boat to Santa Cruz Evening: Free |
Santa Cruz |
|
11 (June 18) |
Morning: Breakfast; Charles Darwin Research Station Afternoon: Flight to Quito Evening: Departures (flights arranged by participants) |
/ |
Tour Map
