Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime retreat to the enchanting Galápagos Islands, a place where nature's boldest dreams come to life. This immersive experience invites you to expand your sense of awe, rekindle your connection with the natural world, and deepen your own creative and spiritual vitality.

Through mindful exploration, daily practices of movement and reflection, and up-close encounters with the islands’ otherworldly wildlife, you’ll find inspiration in every trail and tidepool. Whether you’re snorkeling beside sea lions, journaling on a lava rock ledge, or meditating to the rhythms of the ocean, this retreat offers a rare chance to experience both outer adventure and inner stillness.

Each day on the islands unfolds like a tide; steady, surprising, and full of life. Here’s a glimpse into the rhythm of our retreat:

You awaken to the sound of birdsong and sea breeze, the scent of salt air drifting through your window. A gentle morning movement session welcomes you into your body, followed by a fresh, nourishing breakfast made with local ingredients. You feel both grounded and open, ready for the day’s adventure. Guided outings take you to a nearby island where blue-footed boobies dance and marine iguanas sun themselves on the rocks. You snorkel in crystalline waters, watching sea turtles drift by like ancient dreams. Our naturalist guide shares stories of evolution, adaptation, and the wild intelligence of these lands. We return in time for lunch and a bit of rest, maybe a hammock nap, a journal entry, or a casual chat with new friends before gathering again in the golden afternoon light for a creative or contemplative practice. This might be a circle of storytelling, a guided meditation, or a reflective prompt inspired by the landscape. There is no pressure to perform, only space to be. Dinner is a celebration of fresh seafood and island-grown produce, shared over laughter and clinking glasses. As the sun sinks into the Pacific, we close the day with deep appreciation for these beautiful islands and the magic they hold.

where wild wonder meets inner stillness

galapagos: Trip of a lifetime

aug 26 - Sept 2 OR sept 3 -10, 2026
Starting at $5650

This bucket list adventure includes:

* 7 nights accommodation in our favorite boutique hotels in the Galapagos islands. One has a pool, all are oceanfront, and all have a well appointed onsite restaurant and bar.

* All transportation within the Galapagos Islands throughout the retreat, including: air tickets, ferries, private boat tours, and drivers for our excursions

* Private services and daily activities and excursions, exclusively for our group

* Private bilingual adventure and naturalist guides, who are local to the Galapagos

* All adventure gear for our guided excursions: kayaks, snorkeling gear, wetsuits

* Three guided snorkeling experiences, where we'll have the opportunity to swim among sea lions, sea turtles, penguins, rays, and yes: maybe even docile sharks! The sea life in Galapagos is like none other anywhere else in the world: these are truly bucket list snorkeling experiences!

* Guided hike in a sanctuary for giant tortoises, where we'll get to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat

* Sea kayaking with our naturalist guide through tranquil waters. We'll have the opportunity to view multiple bird species endemic to Galapagos Islands, including blue footed boobies, frigate, cormorant, albatross, and many others

* Hike to a secluded beach, where we can enjoy the pristine waters and likely view giant marine iguanas, one of many species we'll likely encounter found only in the Galapagos

* Daily breakfast, snacks, lunches, and dinners, with the exception of lunch and dinner on your two Choose Your Own Adventure days. We'd be delighted to share with you our favorite local restaurants and craft cocktail bars!

* Daily group practices, including yoga, meditation, and introspective exercises inspired by the islands, led by highly experienced facilitators, teachers, and coaches Carrie and Kelly

* Individualized and group support throughout our journey

* Two Choose Your Own Adventure days, during which you can enjoy the islands at your leisure. Maybe you'd like to arrange a scuba dive off a neighboring island. Maybe you'd like to nap by the pool or take a stroll on the beach.

* Gratuities for our guides and all support staff, including primary and secondary guides, drivers, boat captains, and others we'll encounter throughout our time in the Galapagos). This is an important way we can support the individuals that take care of us, as well as contribute to the local economy. Previous retreat participants have expressed that having gratuities included is a tremendous value, as it provides the opportunity to simply enjoy each experience and excursion, without worrying about whom to tip and how much. This is a minimum $250 cash value to you.

* Extraordinarily beautiful natural beauty, deep connection, the opportunity for personal growth and transformation…and as always, fun surprises to delight you along the way!

* Thorough support prior to our trip, including thorough pre-retreat preparation guide to support you in having an easeful retreat experience; packing list; recommendations for arranging flights; insider’s tips, and more!

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That’s a lot of goodness! What’s NOT included?

airfare
2 lunches and 2 dinners (we have restaurant recommendations; just ask!)
any additional excursions or services you may choose to arrange on your two free days
extra drinks, snacks, and alcohol
travel insurance (highly recommended for unforeseen needs while traveling , to protect your investment)
overnight in Quito if required to accommodate flight times (we will provide detailed recommendations to maximize ease with flight schedules)
Galapagos Park entrance fee ($200 cash upon entry to the islands)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get there?

While we will provide detailed recommendations regarding timing, there are a couple of different options. We will begin our time in the Galapagos on San Cristobal Island (SCY airport code) and complete retreat in Santa Cruz (GPS airport code). You may find it easiest to book flights from your departure city to Quito, Ecuador (UIO airport code) and separately book flights to and from the Galapagos. It sounds like a lot, but don't worry: we'll walk you through it each step of the way!

I'm not actually that into yoga. Can i still come?

Absolutely! We are after all, "not your average yoga retreat!" All activities, including yoga and meditation, are optional. And, we offer practices to delight a range of levels, even including folks who have never stepped foot on a yoga mat. While we begin most days with a yoga and meditation practice, we certainly don't spend all day on the mat. You’ll be provided with a detailed itinerary, so you can decide what you’d like to participate in, and what you’d like to skip

I’m a solo traveler and don’t know any of the other participants. Can I still come?

Yes! Absolutely! Many of our retreat participants are solo travelers. Since all rooms are double occupancy, you’ll have the opportunity to share a beautiful ocean-view room with a new friend. Rooms can be arranged either with one queen bed for a couple, or with two twins for solo travelers. While you may begin the retreat on your own, you’ll leave with a community that very much feels like family.

what is the physical activity level of this retreat?

This retreat offers a higher degree of active adventure. We will be walking, snorkeling, kayaking, and getting into and out of boats most days. "Choose Your Own Adventure" days offer the opportunity to either add more activity, like hiking or biking, or to relax by the pool or beach.

What do I do on "choose your own adventure" days?

The short answer: whatever you want! We will provide vetted recommendations for activities and restaurants. If you're feeling adventurous, you might hike to a volcano, or book an extra snorkeling trip to a neighboring island. You may also find you'd like to simply nap by the pool, or take a swim on any of the beaches accessible from our hotels.

What happens after I reserve my spot?

We do a happy dance and welcome you to the Explore & Expand family! And then, we send you an email with a link to our personally curated resources to support you in preparing for this bucket list experience.

I have another question! What should I do?

Email us! We’re happy to help.

reserve now

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You Don't just have to take our word for it

Carrie and Kelly put together a perfect itinerary of activities through this wonderful week; from the excitement of climbing (including a suggestion for how each group member could best be supported which was so thoughtful), to the humbling time spent with majestic elephants in a truly ecological sanctuary putting these noble animals first, to the well-prepared yoga sessions. As someone who had never tried yoga nor meditation before, I was a little anxious, however the facilitators subtly ensured that each movement was from a place of comfort, then made more complex for those who wanted more. It really did appeal to all abilities and experience. More than anything, Carrie and Kelly understand people. Everything they do puts this week-long family first. Every need is catered for, every worry carefully listened to and kindly dealt with. The result was a truly life-changing experience and some new friends who occupy the warmest part of my heart. Thank you, keep doing what you do, you are both phenomenal people and I’m so grateful for this experience.