The Galapagos Islands is a protected national park in Ecuador, South America. As such, the islands limit the number of visitors they can accommodate at any time. This means that you can take your time to enjoy the incredible sites and wildlife on the islands, try their local dishes, and learn about their history and cultural influences, among others.
Here are seven fun things you can do on the Galapagos Islands.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling involves getting close to sea wildlife like sharks, eels, rays, etc.
Unlike scuba diving, snorkeling does not require any training or experience. However, you will be thoroughly briefed on the conditions surrounding snorkeling before you get started.
There are many snorkeling sites around the Islands you can visit if you are a strong swimmer. If you aren’t, simply visit the off-shore sites you can easily walk to.
Galapagos Islands’ snorkeling sites include Kicker Rock near Cristobal and Devil’s Crown off the coast of Floreana,
Hiking
Visitors are not allowed to explore every part of the Galapagos islands, due to its national park status. There are, however, many places you can go as a visitor. If you are looking to hike the stunning terrain of this island, the park marks the places you can go with set trails.
You can hike to the top of the Sierra Negra, the world’s second-largest volcano caldera, to see blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and marine iguanas. You can also hike across beaches and mangrove estuaries.
Sea kayaking
Similar to snorkeling, you don’t need any experience to try sea kayaking.
The Galapagos Islands allow you to explore stunning beaches, mangrove estuaries, and secret coves while sea kayaking. And if you paddle through the Pacific Ocean, you may come across sea creatures like sea lions and Galapagos penguins.
Note that you need permission from the Galapagos National Park before you can go sea kayaking.
Scuba Diving
If you want to dive deep into the waters of the Galapagos islands, suit up and go scuba diving. However, you need to have sufficient experience or training to do this. If you don’t, you can sign up for a scuba diving course (PADI) on the islands.
Mountain biking
The Galapagos Islands provide the ultimate cycling adventure due to its incredible cycling trail. You can participate in intermediate and advanced cycling tours of the island if you desire. You can also participate in endurance challenges and fun rides across the park.
Surfing
If you are an avid surfer, you can surf on some of the Islands’ beaches. However, check the rules guiding surfing before you hire or buy a surfing board.
Visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station
Here, you can learn about the islands’ natural history and the conservation research they conduct. You can also learn about the famous giant-tortoise breeding program and meet some of these tortoises.
Conclusion
The Galapagos Islands are an incredible tourist site that holds numerous exciting attractions for its visitors. Although its main attractions are its thrilling wildlife and beautiful nature, it provides many fun activities, like snorkeling, bicycling, and scuba diving.
The Galapagos Islands are one of the most unique places to visit in the world. So, ensure you make the most of your visit by seeing all the places you should see and partaking in the numerous fun activities.
