Galapagos’ Nature is amazing. You’ll constantly feel you’re in paradise, where Earth is in its major expression and in its most natural state and underwater.
Nevertheless, Galapagos’ magic exceeds its land and continuous on and underwater. You won’t like to miss what’s happening there.
There’s a whole new world that only exists in a few corners of the Glove. The second world’s marine reserve is one of them.
Dive under the sea, underwater
Diving and being under water may be one of the most exciting and unforgettable experiences you may have here. You’ll feel you can touch your favorite animals, even if you are two meters away at least.
You’ll be able to choose between a single or multiple days diving excursion. For many, scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands is a lifetime ambition. The Pacific Ocean west of South America has long been a favorite for underwater addicts, but this small group of volcanic islands off the coast of Ecuador elevates diving to another level.
Yet very few are able to offer almost every big name of the underwater world, all in a single place in pristine and natural conditions. The Galapagos Islands are one of these rare areas. Dive spots in the Galapagos feature an unparalleled diversity of marine life, due in some part to the region being a meeting point of a number of ocean currents.
Be prepared to catch a sight of the world’s only marine iguana, the Galapagos Penguin, coral beds holding tunas, manta rays, and hammerhead sharks, marine turtles, sea lions and more. The itinerary may include various spots around Santa Cruz, Santa Fe and Bartolome Islands. Don’t forget to have your Diver’s Licence(PADI) at hand, so it’s required for all this kind of excursions.
Some say that the best season to visit the Galapagos or an ideal time, is between January and May when the air temperature is warm and the weather more reliable, and when encounters with Mantas and Hammerheads are particularly common. But no matter when you travel, the sea journey will be exceptional.
Paddle a kayak
One of the activities that became popular these years is kayaking. Nowadays it’s the first option when tourists want to practice sight seeing and get as closer as they can from sea wolves, iguanas and colorful tropical fish.
You don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy this sport. The technic needed to use the paddles are relatively simple and easy to learn. Don’t feel panic if you don’t feel confident with swimming, you will wear a life jacket so you enjoy the journey all way long.
You’ll get into unreachable zones from land or for big ships, what will allow you to admire the landscape from the inside.
Given the occasionally choppy waters and the fact that your hands are going to constantly be busy with the paddles, there’s a high chance you might drop your camera or phone in the water. If you have a GoPro camera or any other similar model with a waterproof feature, feel free to take it with you, but always keep it tethered to yourself, just in case!
It’s amazing what you feel when you see a sea turtle swimming below your kayak. It’s magical!
Cruises over the sea
With options for all budgets, you can choose from luxury cruises to some cheaper ones. The opportunity to sail several days across the sea and over the wild life under ocean, will give you a total different view.
A qualified guide will go with you in order to guarantee your safety. The guide will be the best to take you closer to what surrounds you. What’s the history behind what you’re seeing, will get you closer to the islands’ heart.
Vivencial fishing
Are you the kind of people that enjoy calm in the middle of the sea? Well, in order to preserve the territory, ‘sport fishing’ is not legal. Sport Fishing is a sensitive and rather contentious issue here in the Galapagos. However ‘vivencial fishing’ is permitted subject to licensing and regulations set by the Galapagos National Park.
The essential distinction of Vivencial Fishing is that it can only be offered by fishermen of the Galapagos. Further regulations include: Maximum size and power of the boat, sharks and rays shouldn’t be targeted and can only be practiced between 5:00am and 7:00pm.
You can enjoy all the thrills normally associated with Sport Fishing but only on a boat and with an licensed operator. You can fish Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo and other species. Exciting!
No matter which activity you choose, always remember to wear a t-shirt, put sunscreen and drink water. The sun at the equator is really strong and burns the skin faster than at other latitudes. Safety always first.
The sea is waiting for you. Dive in!