Galapagos Activities: Hiking, Snorkeling, Diving, Kayaking, Photography

Hiking in Galapagos. In every Island, the visitor sites are made for on foot excursions, which can be from a few hundred meters up to one or two kilometers, and can last from one to three hours. In these hikes you will have one-of-a-lifetime opportunities to photograph the wildlife. The encounters with animals are from very short distances, which will produce all kinds of emotions inside of you, all this, inside the spectacular landscape of the Galapagos Islands.

The walks go through paths that have been marked by the Galapagos National Park; a qualified naturalist tour guide will always accompany you. Every rule from the National Park has to be strictly followed, and the guides will always advice you of these rules before and during every excursion. These rules are made to guarantee the protection of wildlife and to leave the least possible impact.

The tracks are, in some cases, tough and irregular, most of the time marked over sharp and rough lava, that heats up under the tropical sun, which is why we recommend the use of good sneakers, or if you like, Teva type sandals. Nonetheless, any effort you make will be worth for the experiences you will live, and you will end up captivated by the charm and magic of the Islands.

In case of wet landings, which are sometimes necessary over sandy beaches, in some cases with coarse coral or rocks, in these cases, the guide will advice to bring proper foot ware with which you can walk below surface and avoid to hurt your feet. A small backpack can always be helpful, where you could keep your camera and maybe the sandals. Fresh water will be provided for every walk, and clean towels for you to be able to swim in the sea freely.

Sea Kayaks

Sea kayaking. In almost every one of our ships we offer the possibility of taking a sea kayak, with which you can have much more fun on the areas that have been permitted its use. Only this way you'll be able to travel through the bends and inland waterways that usually hide surprises that otherwise will go unnoticed.

To get close to the rocks and the small, rocky islands, the beaches, and mangrove lagoons where there are no landing possibilities, and where you can also practice snorkeling, widens your possibilities of seeing the islands and its wonders .

Snorkeling

Snorkeling in Galapagos. To visit Galapagos and not experience snorkeling is to lose half of Galapagos enchantment and excitement. The archipelago is considered one of the most important destinies in the world for diving, and, according to many people, the best of them.

Most of the Islands have excellent submarine sites, so you will be able to do snorkeling almost every day. Young sea lions get close, in a playing attitude, and make all kinds of movements around you, almost touching you when they race by your side. Fish species of all kinds and colors inhabit these waters, sharing their environment with lobsters, corals, anemones, seaweed, sea stars, and thousands of invertebrates, among other animals that fill with life and color this exotic underwater world.

Penguins dive by your side, leaving a trail of bubbles, while in a different Island you may find yourself next to a Ray, which will pass next to you while moving it's wing like fins, and of course there will always be a curious sea turtle that will come near you to observe your moves, scaring off fish schools, which create a tunnel for her to pass through.

All this is just a slight resemble of what you will be able to see below these crystal clear waters. You don't need to be an expert swimmer to practice snorkel. In your Yacht there will be masks, snorkels and flippers available for you, with no extra charge in most cases. However as there is no guarantee on its condition, we consider that you might enjoy yourself more if you bring along your own equipment, to ensure a good fit. A wet suit is not really necessary from December to April, since the water in that period reaches 25°C or more. During the rest of the year, in which the temperature is around 18°C, sometimes even less, a 6mm wetsuit definitely will be very comfortable.

Warning: All water sports carry a certain amount of risk. The passengers that participate in these activities will do so under their own responsibility.

Scuba Diving

Hammerhead shark. Some of our ships are perfectly equipped for dive cruises, with which we offer 2 or 3 dives per day. In special diving sites, such as the northern islands Darwin and Wolf, we can offer 4 dives per day, if the conditions allow it. Also, if the conditions allow, we can arrange night dives. A normal diving cruise is alternated with land visits, especially to the most interesting places. In order to dive in Galapagos, the passengers need to bring along a health certificate that specifically allows the practice of this activity, also a diving license is required, along with a regulator, mask, flippers, wet suit and floating control vest (BCD). We will provide with bottles, air and weights. Our dive master guides are well trained, know the submarine Galapagos life and the natural environment, and are specially trained to look after your safety.

Warning: Even though there are places for beginners, in general, diving in Galapagos is a somewhat dangerous activity, because of strong currents, swell and cold waters, therefore, this activity is mostly recommended for experienced divers.

For more information regarding the climate conditions and the sea, diving courses, special cruises, what you need to bring, and any other information, please fill out our Contact Form

Photography

wildlife photography. The Galapagos Islands offer excellent opportunities of photography, even to the amateurs. The possibilities to get up to 2 or 3 meters off wildlife allow the beginning photographer to obtain acceptable pictures with any type of camera. But if you decide to get a good camera for your trip, do so with anticipation, in order for you to get used to your new equipment.

If you are a professional photographer or advanced in photography bring your favorite lenses and, if possible, two cameras to avoid lens change too often. An intermediate zoom is always a good choice, but avoid bringing too much equipment, because there are long walks to make, and it might be uncomfortable. Bring only what you can carry in your back pack, and remember to include plastic bags to protect your equipment during the boat trips and wet landings. More than once we've seen equipment damaged after a slip and a fall to the water. Always listen to your guide's recommendations.

An underwater camera is also a good idea. Please bring enough film and/or your digital camera with enough memory backup (3 film rolls per day might not be enough for a beginner)

Don't forget to bring also one or two batteries for reserve, because you will not find any of these things in the yacht and in town they are very expensive.

An indispensable accessory in Galapagos, for the amount of pictures it can take, is a notebook and tags for your rolls, in order to have it all documented and not have to face the problem of trying to remember the impossible once you get home. Reserve the space to write down the date, the name of the island and the species captured in each photograph.