ADVENTURE TRAVEL GALAPOGOS
To go straight to Adventure Travel Galapogos vacation specials, see the tour companies below:
If you are up for an exciting vacation, you're going to love the adventure travel to Galapagos. Unpredictable and extraordinary, the Galapagos Islands are the perfect backdrop for
all the adrenaline pumping activities that you could dream.
When you go to the ocean, if you are the one kicked back in the lawn chair or if you are the one nestled under a sombrero
taking a siesta when traveling in Mexico, this daring trip is not for you. This exciting Galapagos vacation is about in your face adventure!
The Galapagos islands are located in the eastern Pacific Ocean off the west coast of South America. With Ecuador to
the east and the Cocos Island to the north, they consist of 15 main islands, 3 smaller ones and 107 rock islets. Since Galapagos
sits on a hotspot, volcanoes are quite common.
So what is there to do in Galapagos? Well this is why it is called adventure travel Galapagos. Typically, the customized adventure vacations include activities such as
scuba diving, hiking, and getting back to nature with the unique assortment of wildlife. But-that's not all.
The most adventuresome will want to combine activities to experience it all from sea kayaking, snorkeling,
mountain biking
and horseback riding to swimming with the wildlife and exploring volcanic areas.
The main language of Galapagos is Spanish so you will want to brush up on some basic words and maybe bring along a
cheat sheet. Group adventure tours are a fun option especially for those who don't know Spanish at all plus they are
going to know all the hot places to go and things to do.
Adventure Travel Galapagos: Water
Talk about adventure kayaking! Galapagos is certainly not your average paddle! In fact, there is a new twist
to the venture, at the present only a select few companies have permits allowing for sea kayaking in the Galapagos due to
a complex political situation between the Galapagos National Park authorities and the Ecuadorian government. That is expected
to be resolved in 2012 but if you plan to go with a paddling outfitter, you will want to be sure they have permission granted.
Sea kayaking takes you through turquoise waters along lava channels through blue lagoons, sandy white beaches and whisper
quiet coves.
But don't stop there! Snorkeling in Galapagos is among the best in the world. Experience the wonders of the
ocean where the underwater wildlife will take your breath away.
Perhaps the best thing is the exotics come to you bringing life to the term "swimming with the dolphins"and
the sea lions and the penguins and the list is endless.
Angelfish, manta rays, reef sharks and marine iguanas are just a few of the marine life animals gracing the seas that you
may encounter in your underwater adventure.
The waters along most of the islands coastland are crystal clear with mild
temperatures year round with the exception of the month of December. It's still a good idea to bring along a wetsuit although
there is a good chance you will never need it. For gear, all that is necessary is a pair of fins, a mask and a snorkel.
The Isla Bartolome is one of the best spots to snorkel as the water is just about perfect all the time and you are likely
to see the widest variety of fish and other marine life and the visibility underwater is awesome.
Surfing is a hot activity in Galapagos. Great wave breaks and obstacles to dodge such as sea lions offer just the challenge real adventure seekers are looking for. Near Puerto Ayora, La Ratonera and Bazan (near the Charles Darwin Research Station beach) are excellent locations to hang ten. Tortuga Bay is good as well and several breaks can be found off the west side of the Isle of Baltra.
Scuba diving off the Galapagos Islands is world class. The currents are strong so it is not an adventure for just everyone. It is best to have some experience under your belt before jumping in. The water beneath can be cold from July to October and somewhat murky from January to March but the tropical fish you will most likely encounter cannot be matched. Hammerheads, whale sharks, manta rays and sea horses are some of the aquatics that frequent these waters.
Adventure Travel Galapagos by Land
Adventure Travel Galapagos: Land Sports What about hiking? The unusual combination of wildlife and natural wonders make exploring the Galapagos Islands like no
other experience available anywhere else on earth. Because there are few predators in the area, the exotic wildlife are,
as a rule, fearless. Therefore you will be able to observe these creatures in their own habitat, doing what they normally do. You will want
to bring a camera along for sure.
Galapagos is loaded with hotspots which are places in the earth's crust where lava arises with a huge eruption
from beneath the ocean's floor. Trek from spot to spot, checking out the wildlife along the way!
Explore the lava tubes which are underground tunnels that were formed by the solidifying of the outside skin of molten
lava flow. The lava flow came to a halt but the molten lava inside and kept emptying out of the solid skin which as a result,
formed tunnels.
The village of Bellavista just north of Puerto Ayora is one of the best places to explore the lava tubes. Since
they are on private property, you do not have to have a guide and the land owners even provide information, flashlights and a
guide if you want one.
Adventure Travel Galapagos: By Boat Still at a loss for adventuresome things to do in Galapagos?
Take a boat ride around the islands or better yet,
a cruise. And not just any cruise. There are cruises available that offer such activities as exploring the islands, hiking, diving and even a
flight back when the tour is over.
The word "Galapagos" literally means "saddle" in Spanish. So saddle up for a horseback ride through the Ecuadorian
terrain and experience the Islands like the Spanish settlers did long ago.
Adventure Travel Galapagos: By Horse
The National Reserve Pululahua offers fantastic horseback adventures. Located about 40 miles north of Quito, you must
travel to the horses by jeep. From the Reserve, mountain horses are available to take you through absolutely stunning
and breathtaking views of the landscape including an ancient volcanic crater, mineral avalanches and a view of Andean
agriculture on your way up the forest clad mountains to the most fascinating panoramic views you could hope for.
Other horseback riding attraction spots are the highlands of Santa Cruz, the Isabella Islands and or course, the beaches.
Unless you siesta through your entire visit, you cannot go wrong no matter what you choose to do in Galapagos.
Be it hiking, water sports, horseback riding or any other activity on the long list of things to do on the Islands, your
trip to Galapagos is sure to be the adventure of a lifetime. Adventure Travel Galapagos is definitely worth it!
BUDGET GALAPAGOS - AN AMAZING TRIP ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET
Experience the Galapagos Islands like royalty on the budget of a pauper! This
Budget Galapagos tour will
put you in the lap of luxury without costing a king's ransom. Come on...your
yacht awaits you!
While on the Islands, a Local Naturalist will be your guide as you get upclose and personal with amazing animals
and exotic sealife. Tour the sparkling ocean waters surrounding the Islands in a motorized yacht and even sleep aboard the
craft in your own cabin.
Explore the sparkling ocean waters the adventurous way, through snorkeling, swimming and diving and discover
the incredible creatures of the ocean and wildlife on land as well.
Visit Genovesa Island, home of the old imploded volcano where you will see not only the
volcanic cliffs that rise from the ocean's floor but the Boobies and Frigate birds that frequent them as well.
Brought to you by G Adventures , this package comes in your choice of a 6, 7 or 10 day stay and is a small group setting with no more that 16 people so
you truly get a more personal experience.
GALAPAGOS AND ECUADOR: LIVING THE LEGEND
Live the legend if by land or by sea! The Galapagos and Ecuador package brought to you by
Friendly Planet Travel allows
you to experience both fascinating countries by land AND by sea!
By land you will discover the Islands and Ecuador as well. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, meet the locals and explore the
ancient ruins in places like Quito, Baltra, North Seymour Island, Punta Cormoran, and San Cristobal Island.
While touring the sea, you will cruise around the Galapagos Islands aboard the Glapagos Legend
on a 5 star expedition-
style craft with spacious and luxurious cabins designed with your comfort in mind.
This adventure vacation is truly one of a kind with the best of both worlds, land and sea and the price is every bit
as unbelievable as well.
GALAPAGOS FOR THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME
If you are up for an exciting vacation, you're going to love an adventure trip to Galapagos.
When you go to the ocean, if you are the one kicked back in the lawn chair or if you are the one nestled under a sombrero
taking a siesta when traveling in Mexico, this trip is not for you. This exciting Galapagos vacation is about in your face adventure!
The Galapagos islands are located in the eastern Pacific Ocean off the west coast of South America. With Ecuador to
the east and the Cocos Island to the north, they consist of 15 main islands, 3 smaller ones and 107 rock islets. Since Galapagos
sits on a hotspot, volcanoes are quite common.
So what is there to do in Galapagos? Typically, the customized adventure vacations include activities such as
scuba diving, hiking, and getting back to nature with the unique assortment of wildlife. But…that's not all.
The most adventuresome will want to combine activities to experience it all from sea kayaking, snorkeling,
mountain biking
and horseback riding to swimming with the wildlife and exploring volcanic areas.
The main language of Galapagos is Spanish so you will want to brush up on some basic words and maybe bring along a
cheat sheet. Group adventure tours are a fun option especially for those who don't know Spanish at all plus they are
going to know all the hot places to go and things to do.
Talk about adventure…kayaking in Galapagos is certainly not your average paddle! In fact, there is a new twist
to the venture, at the present only a select few companies have permits allowing for sea kayaking in the Galapagos due to
a complex political situation between the Galapagos National Park authorities and the Ecuadorian government. That is expected
to be resolved in 2012 but if you plan to go with a paddling outfitter, you will want to be sure they have permission granted.
Sea kayaking takes you through turquoise waters along lava channels through blue lagoons, sandy white beaches and whisper
quiet coves.
But don't stop there! Snorkeling in Galapagos is among the best in the world. Experience the wonders of the
ocean where the underwater wildlife will take your breath away.
Perhaps the best thing is the exotics come to you bringing life to the term "swimming with the dolphins"…and
the sea lions…and the penguins..and…the list is endless.
Angelfish, manta rays, reef sharks and marine iguanas are just a few of the marine life animals gracing the seas that you
may encounter in your underwater adventure.
The waters along most of the islands coastland are crystal clear with mild
temperatures year round with the exception of the month of December. It's still a good idea to bring along a wetsuit although
there is a good chance you will never need it. For gear, all that is necessary is a pair of fins, a mask and a snorkel.
The Isla Bartolome is one of the best spots to snorkel as the water is just about perfect all the time and you are likely
to see the widest variety of fish and other marine life and the visibility underwater is awesome.
Surfing is a hot activity in Galapagos. Great wave breaks and obstacles to dodge such as sea lions offer just the challenge real adventure seekers are looking for. Near Puerto Ayora, La Ratonera and Bazan (near the Charles Darwin Research Station beach) are excellent locations to hang ten. Tortuga Bay is good as well and several breaks can be found off the west side of the Isle of Baltra.
Scuba diving off the Galapagos Islands is world class. The currents are strong so it is not an adventure for just everyone. It is best to have some experience under your belt before jumping in. The water beneath can be cold from July to October and somewhat murky from January to March but the tropical fish you will most likely encounter cannot be matched. Hammerheads, whale sharks, manta rays and sea horses are some of the aquatics that frequent these waters.
What about hiking? The unusual combination of wildlife and natural wonders make exploring the Galapagos Islands like no
other experience available anywhere else on earth. Because there are few predators in the area, the exotic wildlife are,
as a rule, fearless. Therefore you will be able to observe these creatures in their own habitat, doing what they normally do. You will want
to bring a camera along for sure.
Galapagos is loaded with hotspots which are places in the earth's crust where lava arises with a huge eruption
from beneath the ocean's floor. Trek from spot to spot, checking out the wildlife along the way!
Explore the lava tubes which are underground tunnels that were formed by the solidifying of the outside skin of molten
lava flow. The lava flow came to a halt but the molten lava inside and kept emptying out of the solid skin which as a result,
formed tunnels.
The village of Bellavista just north of Puerto Ayora is one of the best places to explore the lava tubes. Since
they are on private property, you do not have to have a guide and the land owners even provide information, flashlights and a
guide if you want one.
Still at a loss for adventuresome things to do in Galapagos? Take a boat ride around the islands or better yet,
a cruise. And not just any cruise. There are cruises available that offer such activities as exploring the islands, hiking, diving and even a
flight back when the tour is over.
The word "Galapagos" literally means "saddle" in Spanish. So saddle up for a horseback ride through the Ecuadorian
terrain and experience the Islands like the Spanish settlers did long ago.
The National Reserve Pululahua offers fantastic horseback adventures. Located about 40 miles north of Quito, you must
travel to the horses by jeep. From the Reserve, mountain horses are available to take you through absolutely stunning
and breathtaking views of the landscape including an ancient volcanic crater, mineral avalanches and a view of Andean
agriculture on your way up the forest clad mountains to the most fascinating panoramic views you could hope for.
Other horseback riding attraction spots are the highlands of Santa Cruz, the Isabella Islands and or course, the beaches.
Unless you siesta through your entire visit, you cannot go wrong no matter what you choose to do in Galapagos.
Be it hiking, water sports, horseback riding or any other activity on the long list of things to do on the Islands, your
trip to Galapagos is sure to be the adventure of a lifetime.
Now that you have a little description of the Islands and what they have to offer, you can read through
some of the packages available from some top tour agencies to narrow down your search.
The Active Galapagos package from Intrepid Travel  is a fantasy come true for water and wildlife lovers.
If you want an adventure packed experience that includes hiking, scuba diving, snorkeling and swimming with exotic
marine life, this is one trip you will not want to miss. Read more...
Budget Galapagos is an amazing tour brought to you by Discovery Adventures (G Adventures). Choose
between 6,7 or 10 day trips led by an expert Naturalist Guide. Snorkel and swim the glistening crystal waters
and explore the wonders of the island then spend your nights in a cozy cabin overlooking the ocean. Read more...
Experience the best of both Ecuador & Galapagos
by land and by sea
with Friendly Planet Travel's
adventure tour. Read more...
Tour Groups
Viventura Specialty: South America
Friendly Travel Plant
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