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THINGS
TO DO
Snorkeling
Snorkeling in the Galapagos is unmatched as shimmering aquamarine
bays are packed with schools of brilliantly colored fish; slick-bodied
penguins dart by you. And as always, there are the sea lions: Piled
up on beaches by the hundreds, they snooze in the sun. Mothers tend
pups; bachelor bulls protect their territory, while the kids play
in the water.
Scuba
Diving
Diving conditions here are dictated by a confluence of six different
oceanic currents, the predominant being the Humboldt, which runs
up the West Coast of South America from Antarctic. This convergence
of deep ocean water patterns brings an incredible mixture of sea
life to the Galapagos. The minimum of Open Water Diver certification
is required and your logbook showing that you have made some dives
within the previous 12 months. In addition you must bring a medical
certificate showing that you are fit to dive. Sea conditions can
include strong currents and open, cold waters.
Sea Kayaking
Galapagos is a place where you can paddle by playful sea lions;
glide above white-tipped sharks; watch Blue-footed boobies plummet
into the sea. Without a doubt, one of the most intimate ways to
experience the Galapagos Islands is by kayak.
Surfing
A number of beaches near the Red Mangrove Adventure Inn offer a
great selection of surf and sand. The captivating Tortuga Bay beach
has waves of impressive magnitude; Surfer magazine raved about the
waves of the Galapagos in an article in 1997. The best season is
from December to May; especially February during the hot humid season.
Windsurfing
You can take the power of the wind in these enchanted islands and
cruise into the blue bays and waves with the marine life that populates
the sea there.
Galapagos
Islands Bird Watching
Compared to the mainland this zone has fewer bird species, but the
birds it does have are fascinating, unique, and strangely tame.
The various endemic Darwin's Finches are world famous and the seabird
colonies provide amazing opportunities to observe courtship and
breeding at closer range than you'd imagine. Some species, such
as frigate birds, breed all year, while others are most active during
the dry season, which is from April to early December. Also unique
to the islands is the world's only colony of Waved Albatross (apart
from a few breeding pairs on Isla de la Plata, off the Ecuadorian
coast). These birds have the amazing ability to spend years out
at sea without ever touching land. Albatross colonies are active
mid-April through December.
Shore
excursions
The shore excursions can be an incredible part of your Galapagos
adventure. All the hiking trails are easy and most take around 1-2
hours. Walking these trails will help you to appreciate and understand
how unique the Galapagos ecology is. Generally these excursions
are more informative with a naturalist guide, who can point out
those tiny details in nature that you might yourself miss, and can
do this in at least three different languages. Most of the island
hikes are not too rigorous and comfortable walking shoes are sufficient.
Sandals are great for wet landing excursions.
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