The Galapagos Islands are a series of 13 islands and smaller islets and islands located over 900km from mainland Ecuador in South America.
The presence of human living on the Islands is minimal, leaving the natural wonders to flourish unlike anywhere else in the world, with the islands themselves forming a national park, a biological marine reserve and an Ecuadorian province. Best of all, a trip to the Galapagos Islands also means you can enjoy a wealth of holiday activities!
Cruise Galapagos
Keen to cruise Galapagos? Luxury cruises around Galapagos are an ideal way to make the most of this diverse landscape. You can choose from magnificent cruise ships to first class boats, catamarans, sailing yachts and even diving boats. Out on the water, you will have uninterrupted views of the spectacular scenery as well as witnessing sea-lions, turtles, penguins and even whales (if the time is right) and various other sea creatures enjoying their natural habitat.
Diving the Waters
The Galapagos boasts a wonderful marine life and trips to the Galapagos Islands would not be complete without a taste of what life is like beneath the surface. If diving is on your agenda, expect to see dozens of fish, turtles, eels, hammerhead sharks, manta rays and the marine iguanas that the province is famous for. The westernmost island, Pristine Fernandina, along with Isla Darwin and Isla Wolf provide some of the best diving spots in the Galapagos.
Snorkeling
If you don’t want to go too far below the surface, then snorkeling is also a great option during your trip to the Galapagos. Plenty of sea creatures frolic just below the water so you’ll have a splendid chance at seeing some manta rays, swordfish and moray eels amongst the schools of fish when snorkeling off Mosquera and Seymour, not to mention some of the most vibrant coral on the planet.
Galapagos Hikes
If you prefer your trip to the Galapagos to remain on land, you’ll find some excellent hiking options available. A stroll along Tortuga Bay beach, for instance, is a lovely, hilly walk where you’ll find yourself surrounded by idyllic oceanic scenery, cacti plants, laval lizards and mockingbirds. If you’re up for something more challenging, head out to the Galapagos National Park or join a hiking tour to visit the local volcanoes.
Bird Watching at Galapagos
Galapagos is also known for its wide range of bird life and, bird watching here is wonderfully embraced. Expect to see many birds unique to Galapagos including the Galapagos dove, the Galapagos Martin, the waved Albatross, Darwin’s finches, penguins and boobies.
Charles Darwin Research Station
The Charles Darwin Research Station on Puerto Ayora is an educational way to complement the natural scenery and outdoor activities during your trip to the Galapagos. Headed by a team of more than 200 scientists, educators, research volunteers and support staff, this centre is vital in preserving the naturally wondrous beauty of the Galapagos Islands and here you can learn about the incredible ecology of Galapagos, as well as come face to face with the giant Galapagos tortoises in the walk-in tortoise enclosure.
