Enjoy it to the fullest
There are so many things to see in the Galápagos Islands. You could spend an entire week and not get bored at all. There are so many reasons why people should visit the archipelago and enjoy every little thing it offers. Grab the things you need, include a camera and set out to explore the Galápagos Islands. However, keep in mind that not all locations can be visited without a Naturalist Guide.
Hiking
Yes, usually booking a tour to the Islands means a lot of walking through the tourist sites. There are different types of walks, some including up to 3 hours in length where you will undoubtedly appreciate the wildlife and beautiful landscapes of the Archipelago. Bring comfortable shoes of your choice because some roads can be difficult to walk on. Remember the Islands are mostly made up of volcanic residues!
Paddling
There are options for a more calm activity, you can try the new Stand Up Paddling trend (SUP). There are numerous calm bays in which you can paddle and also enjoy the beach. The Northern Coast of San Cristobal is popular for SUP. Sometimes visitors will notice some iguanas and sea lions basking in the sun as they get into the water to paddle.
Some sea lions may want to join you in the cool water and swim very close to your board. Don’t worry, they won’t collide with you. It’s so much fun to exercise while watching the playful sea lions and taking in the breathtaking views of the Archipelago.
Snorkeling
In Galápagos, many of the tours include snorkeling, which is the best way to see the incredible underwater marine life. Even from your boat, you can see some peculiar sea lions and penguins observing you approach them. There will also always be fish and corals to add color to your pictures.
It is a wonderful and simple way to enjoy the marine wildlife while also letting the sun warm your back. Every snorkeling excursion in the Galapagos Islands will be a breathtaking experience. Even so, from our point of view the best snorkeling spots in the Galapagos are Prince Phillip’s Steps, Devil’s Crown, and Punta Espinosa.
Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving is definitely an unforgettable experience! By doing this activity you’ll see so many marine species up close, but remember, you cannot touch any Galapagos living creatures. Imagine swimming alongside schools of rays, observing their gentle movements and patterns up close along with green sea turtles trying to eat some algae from the rocks.
Kayaking
A kayaking tour is an excellent method for experiencing the mangrove forest and its enormous amount of wildlife. It’s incredible how these plants can grow in salty water and still support such diverse flora and fauna! Going through the mangrove forest, you will undoubtedly confront large numbers of insects, frogs, snakes, and lizards.
Mountain Biking
Biking, like trekking, is an excellent way to explore the Galapagos Islands. You’ll basically cover more ground in less time. Bike to the Cerro Mesa on Santa Cruz or the Wall of Tears on Isabela Island, for example. Take a short break whenever you come across a Giant Tortoise or an Iguana, or simply enjoy the spectacular views from the top of the hills. After touring around on your bike, you can stop to watch the sunset or eat something.
