Adventures Around Espiritu Santo: Kayak, Snorkel, Hike and Beyond!

During our island stay, we had the awesome experience to tailor each day to our interests and what the weather was doing. Guided by the exceptional Hugo and the skillful Panga driver Omar, they helped us plan out each of our three days, to maximize our adventure. Each day we had about 2-3 different activities packed in. However, if travelers are looking for something more relaxed, the guides and staffa re more than happy to leave free time for you to relax at camp, read a book or get a tan while enjoying the view form your towel.

Our days on the island began with a thrilling exploration of the island's diverse landscapes. Hugo crafted a custom itinerary that perfectly aligned with our interests, being very active adventurers. His expertise and deep knowledge of the island's ecosystems ensured that every moment was filled with discovery and action. We started our first day kayaking along the rugged coastline of Isla Espiritu Santo. The crystal-clear waters allowed us to marvel at the vibrant marine life beneath us as we glided through the gentle waves. Another evening, Hugo led us through secret mangrove waterways, where we spied out many varieties of heron and frigate bird, as well as spotted dolphins and even a manta ray in front of our kayak bow.  The kayaking adventures provided an intimate look at the island’s hidden treasures. 

Snorkeling was another highlight of our trip, and we were able to snorkel every day on the island. We explored various beaches and even had the incredible opportunity to swim alongside the playful sea lions at Sea Lion Rocks early in the morning on our second day on the island. We planned to wake up early to get there before any of the commercial day-tour operators arrived, and had the whole area to ourselves. The sea lions were as curious about us as we were about them, making for an exhilarating underwater experience! I was excited and a little nervous about how close they wanted to be.  Hugo's guidance ensured we had the best snorkeling spots, and Omar skillfully maneuvered the Panga to always get us there swiftly and safely. 

Our exploration didn’t end in the water. Each day we ventured into the island's interior, hiking along its canyons and ridgelines. The trails were challenging but rewarding, offering panoramic views of the island’s rugged beauty, as well as the stunning surrounding cobalt sea. Hugo shared fascinating insights about the island’s geology and history as we trekked, connecting us even further with our surroundings. 

Throughout each day, we were well-prepared for all adventures that came our way. Every morning when preparing for the day, we were reminded to always bring our hiking shoes, shoes suitable for wet landings, bathing suits, sunscreen, camelbacks, and small backpacks as well as our bag of snorkel gear and fins. This preparation allowed us to seamlessly transition between activities all day long and fully enjoy each experience without missing out on a last minute opportunity.
Birding enthusiasts would also find Isla Espiritu Santo to be a paradise. Hugo pointed out various bird species and their unique behaviors all throughout our trip. The island’s avian life added another layer of intrigue to our explorations.

Our adventure on Isla Espiritu Santo with Hugo and Omar was a remarkable blend of thrilling activities and serene moments. Their expertise and passion for the island made our experience truly memorable, and we left with a deep appreciation not only for them, but for the natural wonders of this extraordinary destination.