Galapagos Islands with Jeffrey James Binney

Dates

Feb 22–29, 2024

Group Size

14–20 Travelers

Duration

8 days, 7 nights

Activity Level

Adventure

About This Trip

Check off scuba diving from your bucket-list, on this 8-day journey that includes 6 incredible dives. You’ll also visit the Charles Darwin Research Center, El Chato Tortoise Reserve to see the giant tortoises and watch a trapiche in action at a sugarcane farm. For an additional cost, you have the option to include a hike and kayak or snorkel trip, to this adventure. An Open Water Diver certification is required. And as always...we'll be rehearsing a short trail dance to film & share with friends and family on social media! (optional) PLEASE NOTE: Media (photos/video) will be captured during this trip for use by JJB.life LLC's YouTube channels and social media accounts.
$3,595USD
$3,695USD
Feb 22–29, 2024
8 days
Trip Closed

Meet Your Host

Jeffrey James Binney
Jeffrey James Binney

Jeffrey James Binney is a Salt Lake City-based ultra runner, motivational speaker, & comedian. Jeffrey is best known for cringey social media videos of him dancing in gorgeous places and his ultrarunning docu-comedy film available on Amazon Prime, Once Is Enough.

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Trip Activities

  • Giant Tortoise Visit in National Park

  • Trapiche Experience

  • Charles Darwin Research Station Visit

  • 2 Dives in Floreana

  • 2 Dives in Santa Fe

  • 2 Dives in North Seymour Canal and Mosquera South

Optional Activities*

  • Hike to Tortuga Bay

*Add-ons available at checkout for an additional fee.

Included in Your Trip

  • Double occupancy in 3-star hotels

  • Local Guide throughout trip

  • All city transfers

  • Arrival airport transfer (until 5 pm on first day)

  • Departure airport transfer (morning of last day)

  • Roundtrip domestic flights to the Galápagos Islands

  • Full Scuba diving equipment

Not Included

  • International flights

  • Food and alcohol (except as noted)

  • Visas and travel insurance

  •  Airport transfers outside of designated times

  • Tips for Guides

What's included by Your Host

Informal Trail Dance Rehearsal (optional)

Informal Gathering
Today, we'll find some time to start learning the trail dance choreography for those who want to participate in a group IG/TikTok Jeffrey-style trail dance. On one of the last days, we'll film a group trail dance for everyone to share with friends and family on social media! Can we do this underwater? Only time will tell! haha

Informal Trail Dance Rehearsal (optional)

Informal Gathering
Today, we'll find some more time to keep learning the trail dance choreography for those who want to participate in a group IG/TikTok Jeffrey-style trail dance. On one of the last days, we'll film a group trail dance for everyone to share with friends and family on social media!

Film "Trail" Dance (optional)

Informal Gathering
Today, we'll find some time to film the group IG/TikTok Jeffrey-style trail dance. The final video will be posted to Jeffrey's account and will be made available for all participants to share with their friends and family!

Itinerary

*All durations are approximate

Day 1

Info

Welcome to Ecuador! TrovaTrip will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel where your diving adventure begins.

Airport Transfer

1 Hour

Airport Transfer

dinner

Welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included.

Hotel Selina Quito (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/1

Overnight in Quito.

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Day 2

Info

You’ll catch an early morning flight to the Galápagos, with a short layover in Guayaquil.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Domestic Flight

2 Hours

The flight to the Galapagos will make one stop in Guayaquil.

Giant Tortoise Visit in National Park

2 Hours

At the El Chato Tortoise Reserve, up in the highlands of Isla Santa Cruz, your local guide will show you the best spots to observe giant tortoises roaming free in their natural habitat.

Trapiche Experience

1 Hour

Visit a local sugar cane farm, for a demonstration on how sugar cane is processed and turned into alcohol using a traditional trapiche. The trapiche, or grinding mill, is used to crush and extract the sugar cane juice from the stems, and is either hand operated or horse driven.

Charles Darwin Research Station Visit

2 Hours

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. The station's visitor center and museums contain information about the islands and the conservation efforts to preserve its unique and diverse ecosystem.

Informal Trail Dance Rehearsal (optional)

Today, we'll find some time to start learning the trail dance choreography for those who want to participate in a group IG/TikTok Jeffrey-style trail dance. On one of the last days, we'll film a group trail dance for everyone to share with friends and family on social media! Can we do this underwater? Only time will tell! haha

Lobo de Mar (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/5

Overnight in Santa Cruz.

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Day 3

Info

Floreana’s dive sites have fascinating geological formations of rocky outcrops, small caves and soft seabed. This diverse terrain creates an excellent habitat for the varied marine life you will encounter on today’s dive. Please Note: Dive sites will vary depending on the day of the week and conditions. Due to boat capacity, the group will be split into two smaller groups, one departing in the morning and one at midday.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

2 Dives in Floreana

3 Hours

Floreana’s 3 diving sites have currents that range in intensity, from mild to stronger current, so rely on your guide who will suggest the area best suited to your level of experience. Marine life most common to this area are black striped Salema fish, red-lipped batfish, whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, green sea turtles, stingrays, eagle rays, and hammerhead sharks. Floreana is also a popular destination to snorkel and dive with baby sea lions - don’t be surprised if they take a liking to your fins!

lunch

Lunch on board is included.

Lobo de Mar (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 2/5

Overnight in Santa Cruz.

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 4

Info

Wake up bright and early and prepare for today’s dive! Please note that dive sites will vary depending on the day of the week and conditions. Due to boat capacity, the group will be split into two smaller groups, one departing in the morning and one at midday. Overnight in Santa Cruz

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

2 Dives in Santa Fe

3 Hours

Today, you’re going to Santa Fe. There are two separate dive sites and a variety of marine life. Exploring ‘La Cueva’ or ‘The Cave’ offers an exciting array of sea life from the colorful schools of fish swimming in and out, to the friendly and inquisitive sea lions. The second spot has a little more current and therefore more chances to see Galapagos sharks, rays, turtles and hammerhead sharks. Santa Fe generally has a relaxing current with shallow dives, making it an excellent site for beginners.

lunch

Lunch on board is included.

Lobo de Mar (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 3/5

Overnight in Santa Cruz.

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 5

Info

It’s your last day diving in this paradise! Please note that dive sites will vary depending on the day of the week and conditions. Due to boat capacity, the group will be split into two smaller groups, one departing in the morning and one at midday.

breakfast

Included breakfast at hotel

2 Dives in North Seymour Canal and Mosquera South

3 Hours

Today’s dive will take you to North Seymour Canal and Mosquera South, both areas are ideal for all levels of experience. The terrain of North Seymour Canal consists of a series of naturally formed, gradual steps, from the island shoreline, down 26 feet to a rugged reef descending almost 60 feet to the soft seabed. Here, you will have the opportunity to swim with whitetip and blacktip reef sharks and encounter Galapagos green turtles, the only species that nests on the Galapagos archipelago. This area is teeming with an abundance of sharks and other colorful reef fish. The reef is also an excellent place to see the elusive camouflaged octopus! Mosquera is a sand and rock islet in the channel between North Seymour and Balta islands and is a popular gathering place for sea lions! Diving here is similar to Seymour until you reach the vast sandy ledge and rock drop off at around 68 feet. At this level you’ll be treated to schools of magnificent rays and sharks which are often seen in this area. The soft sand on the ocean floor is home to the Galapagos garden eels, who sway back and forth, in dance-like movements as they feed on plankton drifting by in the current.

lunch

Lunch on board is included.

Informal Trail Dance Rehearsal (optional)

Today, we'll find some more time to keep learning the trail dance choreography for those who want to participate in a group IG/TikTok Jeffrey-style trail dance. On one of the last days, we'll film a group trail dance for everyone to share with friends and family on social media!

Lobo de Mar (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 4/5

Overnight in Santa Cruz.

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 6

Info

Enjoy a free day to explore! There is still a lot of natural beauty to see, so make sure to ask your guide for recommendations or sign up for the optional visit to Tortuga Bay.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Hike to Tortuga Bay (optional)

2 Hours

Your 45 minute hike will take you to stunning Tortuga Bay, whose white sandy beach and turquoise water is home to marine iguanas, pelicans and a variety of seabirds. At an additional cost, you’ll have the option to go kayaking or snorkeling, for the chance to view sea turtles, rays, sharks and other marine life.

Lobo de Mar (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 5/5

Overnight in Santa Cruz.

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 7

Info

It’s time to say adios to the Galápagos and make your way back to the mainland! You’ll fly back to Quito and check into your hotel, where you’ll have the afternoon to do last-minute exploring or shopping.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

dinner

Farewell dinner at a local restaurant is included.

Film "Trail" Dance (optional)

Today, we'll find some time to film the group IG/TikTok Jeffrey-style trail dance. The final video will be posted to Jeffrey's account and will be made available for all participants to share with their friends and family!

Hotel Selina Quito (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 7/1

Overnight in Quito.

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 8

Info

Until next time!

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Airport Transfer

1 Hour

Airport Transfer

Show DetailsHide Details

Physical Activity Level:Adventure

These trips are great if you want to get moving. These itineraries may include scenic hikes and/or exercise. A moderate level of fitness is required to enjoy these trips.

Cancellation Policy

We get it—life happens. Here's how cancellations work depending on where you're at in the process:

Spot Pending

100% refundable
Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.

Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip

Partially refundable + credit towards a future trip
You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment.

Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip

Non-refundable
At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind

We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events—from illness to emergencies—that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

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FAQ

Traveling with TrovaTrip

What's it like to travel on a Trova Trip?

Trova Trips are curated group travel experiences designed to help you see the world, meet new people, and connect over shared interests. Each trip is hosted by a community leader you know and trust, and run by professional local Operators who handle the logistics. Expect meaningful experiences, authentic activities, and a like-minded group to share it all with.

What's the difference between the Host, the Operator, and Trova?

Great question! Each plays a key role in bringing your experience to life:

  • The Host is your community leader who brings the group together, fosters connection, and perhaps leads a workshop or two. They're there to bring the vibes, not the logistics. That's the Tour Operator's job.
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In short: The Host brings the vibe, the Operator runs the trip, and we make it all happen. Read more about who does what here.

I'm nervous to book. How can I feel more confident?

First, let us say—it's totally understandable, and you're not alone! Travel can feel intimidating, but we built Trova to take the guesswork out of group travel and earn your trust every step of the way:

    • Every trip is run by licensed Tour Operators with vetted local Guides.
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    • Itineraries are clearly outlined so you know what to expect, including activity level, example accommodations, and what's included.
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    • We always recommend travel insurance for extra peace of mind, whether you're traveling with Trova or solo. It can cover medical issues, lost luggage, or even cancellations.

We know it takes trust to book a trip with new people, and we're here to make sure you feel ready, supported, and excited!”

Can I book solo?

Absolutely! As of 2025, almost 84% of TrovaTrip Travelers go solo. (And yes, we may be a little biased, but we think group travel is one of the best ways to meet new people!) You'll have your own bed and the option to book a private room on most trips. Plus you'll be traveling with others who are just as excited to explore and connect.

What if I need to cancel?

We understand that life happens. Our cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility while balancing the logistics of group travel:

  • Spot pending100% refundable. Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.
  • Spot confirmed with 91 or more days before your tripPartially refundable + credit towards a future trip. You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment. 
  • Spot confirmed with 90 days or fewer before your tripNon-refundable. At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure–Invest in Peace of Mind
We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events–from illness to emergencies–that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

What's included in the trip cost?

Most trips include accommodations, daily activities, ground transportation, some meals, and a dedicated local Guide. Because Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Each trip page breaks it all down for you.

Will I have free time?

Yes! While we pack in incredible experiences, most itineraries include built-in free time so you can relax, wander, or check out personal must-sees.

What do the activity levels mean?

Every trip has a physical Activity Level from 1 to 5 so you can find the right fit for your travel style:

  • Level 1 – Relax + Unwind: Minimal movement (spa days, beach lounging, local markets)
  • Level 2 – Low-Key Movement: Light, easy-paced activity (snorkeling, boat tours, gentle hikes)
  • Level 3 – Moderate Activity: Ready to move (multi-day hikes, skiing, camping)
  • Level 4 – Get Your Heart Rate Up: More intense movement (long hikes, biking, active days)
  • Level 5 – Extreme Adventure: High-adrenaline travel (challenging hikes, dives, technical climbs – experience may be required)

You'll find the Activity Level clearly listed on each trip page, and a more in-depth explanation of each level here.

Who can I contact with more questions?

Our support team is here to help! Visit trovatrip.com/company/contact-us to reach out. You can expect to hear back within 2 business days, but probably sooner—our Trova elves are pretty speedy!

Accommodations

What does "or similar" mean next to the accommodations?

When we say “or similar,” it means the hotel listed is an example of what you can expect—not always the exact spot you'll be staying. Sometimes Operators adjust accommodations due to seasonal availability or group size. But rest assured: the quality and comfort will match what's shown.

Why would the accommodations change from time of booking?

Flexibility allows Operators to choose the best-fit accommodations closer to your trip—based on availability, logistics, and what works best for the group (like the number of Travelers and room configurations). This ensures a smooth experience without sacrificing comfort or quality.

Finalized hotel info is typically shared about 30 days before departure in your Traveler Portal, along with your final itinerary.

Trip Operations & Compliance

Who actually runs my trip, and how does Trova keep things safe?

Your trip is operated by licensed, certified Tour Operators who manage all trip logistics and safety—from accommodations and local Guides and day-to-day logistics. All trips comply with local legal and regulatory standards. We vet each Operating partner carefully so you can travel with confidence.

Who do I talk to if I have questions about safety or compliance?

If you have any questions about safety protocols or trip compliance, reach out to us at safety@trovatrip.com. We're here to help.

General Travel Questions

Do I need any documentation to travel?

It depends on where you're headed. Though it is not a universal requirement, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This ensures Travelers have sufficient time to return home even if their visas are extended or if unexpected circumstances arise. 

Some destinations may also require a visa. Check our visa page to consult your country's travel resources.

Do I need any vaccines?

It's always best to check with your healthcare provider or a travel doctor before your trip. You can also visit the CDC website (or your local government's travel health resource) for destination-specific vaccine guidance. Health and safety first!

Are flights included in the trip cost?

Because our Hosts and Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Some trips include internal flights (like a short domestic hop), and those details will always be listed on the trip page if applicable.

Can you accommodate my dietary needs?

We’ll do our very best! Our Operators aim to accommodate dietary restrictions, though availability varies by destination. For example, some places offer plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices, while others might be quite limited. The earlier you let us know—through your trip form or by contacting our support team—the better we can prepare. Once you arrive, be sure to remind your local Guide about any allergies or restrictions so they can help you enjoy your meals safely and comfortably.