GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

The Galapagos Islands and its marine reserve were declared a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO. They’re also recognized as one of the top seven places in the world for snorkeling and scuba diving. Here visitors share the ocean with whales, giant rays, swordfish, hammerhead sharks, sea lions and more.

SNORKELING IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

While many visitors are enamored by the amazing endemic species of wildlife found on land in the Galapagos Islands, many more are stunned by the beauty and wealth of the marine life here. A truly astounding place, the Galapagos Islands is a marine paradise, where the underwater wildlife is like no place else in the world. You can swim with the Galapagos penguins; the only equatorial penguins found in the world, or snorkel with dolphins, sea lions and marine iguanas, as they gracefully swim the waters of the Pacific in search of food.

HIKING

Few to no places are open to free hiking in the Galapagos, though you can find a few adventure trails on San Cristobol and Santa Cruz. We recommend, though, for all hikes, to go with a Galapagos adventure guide. The Galapagos guides can point out the fascinating details of the islands, turning a beautiful activity hike into an encyclopedic experience.

BIRD WATCHING

A total of 140 species of birds have been registered in Galapagos. About half of the resident birds cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. The islands are a bird watcher's dream -- especially if you're set on seeing and identifying all 13 Darwin Finches (endemic to the islands), the waved Albatross, the flightless Cormorant and countless other jewels of the islands. Bring your highest magnifying binoculars and best camera lenses.

SURFING

The Galapagos also has world class surf. Wavehunters’ focus is the island of San Cristobal where there are more than a half-dozen outstanding waves, at least 4 of them world class, 2 of which are square tubes with Hawaiian power. San Cristobal island is unique because it picks up BOTH North and South Pacific swells equally well. (Note, there are other waves on other islands in the Galapagos but most of them are closed off due to park regulations and access is difficult to impossible).

KAYAKING

Travel the Galapagos Islands with sea kayak paddle in hand. Like other travelers, you'll marveled at these islands with their oceanic geologic origins, rich sea life, diverse wildlife and intriguing natural history - all of which are unique on this planet. Our Galápagos Island Sea Kayak, Snorkeling and Hiking Adventures allow you to discover them under your own power. We leave the crowds of visitors and the well-worn paths behind to enjoy the peace of walking and paddling our way through this island paradise.