Galapagos Islands People & Culture
Snorkelling & Diving
The Galapagos Islands is considered one of the top diving destinations in the world. Surrounding the islands is a protected marine area spanning 40 nautical miles.
The best time to dive is during the December to May months, where the water temperature is between 20-25oC. Contrary to expectations, the water will still be fairly cold and a wet suit will be necessary. It is possible to make arrangements to rent your equipment with several different diving operators. Among the sights are active volcanic vents, sharks, sperm whales, manta rays, marine iguanas and penguins.
Since the scuba diving in the Galapagos is more advanced, many people opt instead to snorkel around the area. One of the most popular areas for snorkelling is Bartolome Island.
The Galapagos Islands is considered one of the top diving destinations in the world. Surrounding the islands is a protected marine area spanning 40 nautical miles.
The best time to dive is during the December to May months, where the water temperature is between 20-25oC. Contrary to expectations, the water will still be fairly cold and a wet suit will be necessary. It is possible to make arrangements to rent your equipment with several different diving operators. Among the sights are active volcanic vents, sharks, sperm whales, manta rays, marine iguanas and penguins.
Since the scuba diving in the Galapagos is more advanced, many people opt instead to snorkel around the area. One of the most popular areas for snorkelling is Bartolome Island.
Last edited Mar 4, 10 4:10 PM. Contributors:
Isla Espanola, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
beaches, snorkeling, wildlife, colored marine iguanas, albatross, lava lizards, gulls, boobies, finches, gulls
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Isla Campeon, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
swimming, snorkeling, beaches, wildlife: sea lions, sharks etc.
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Most boat cruises will include meals, and there are also restaurants in the main towns. Popular dishes include ceviche, seco de chivo (a goat stew served on rice), chupe de pescado (a fish and vegetable stew) and seco de pollo (stewed chicken with rice and avocado).
Last edited Mar 5, 10 12:17 AM. Contributors:
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
After landing in Baltra (Airport) you can take the free shuttle to the canal - takes about 5 min.
Cross the canal by ferry (50 cents) and take there a bus to Puerto Ayora - about 45-60 min. (1.80 USD)
Cross the canal by ferry (50 cents) and take there a bus to Puerto Ayora - about 45-60 min. (1.80 USD)
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Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Angelique is highly recommended for 4 or 8 day cruises. Lovely refurbished wooden sailing boat with great food and comfy ensuite cabins.
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Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
We had a wonderful 8-day trip around the islands.
But at the end we were told by our guide how much we should tip the crew (and it was a lot!!!) They put for each of us envelopes with our names on our beds.
That was too much, so we decided to tip all in only one envelop without names. That way everybody could tip anonymusly.
But at the end we were told by our guide how much we should tip the crew (and it was a lot!!!) They put for each of us envelopes with our names on our beds.
That was too much, so we decided to tip all in only one envelop without names. That way everybody could tip anonymusly.
Good tip?
(0)
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Another day trip could be a walk to the Tortuga Bay.
A one hour walk (5km) west from Puerto Ayora on a marked and cobbled path trough a forest of the Prickly Pear Cactus. Start at the west end of Charles Binford; further on there is a gate where you must register, open 06.00-18.30 daily. Take drinking water and something to eat and do not go alone though there are many joggers. Also take care of the very strong undertow at the main beach. There is also a small sheltered bay without any major waves to the west hidden behind Red Mangroves, this is the swimming area and a nice spot for relaxing.
A one hour walk (5km) west from Puerto Ayora on a marked and cobbled path trough a forest of the Prickly Pear Cactus. Start at the west end of Charles Binford; further on there is a gate where you must register, open 06.00-18.30 daily. Take drinking water and something to eat and do not go alone though there are many joggers. Also take care of the very strong undertow at the main beach. There is also a small sheltered bay without any major waves to the west hidden behind Red Mangroves, this is the swimming area and a nice spot for relaxing.
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Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
In Puerto Ayora I can suggest a trip to "Las Grietas". A hidden place to swim.
After a short ride with the water taxi to Playa Estrella you pass the Finch Bay Hotel in the front on the beach and walk then around 3 km over igneous rocks.
Las Grietas is a appr. 50 meters long and 20 meters deep hole with very clear water and fantastic color. It is fed with both salt and fresh water.
After a short ride with the water taxi to Playa Estrella you pass the Finch Bay Hotel in the front on the beach and walk then around 3 km over igneous rocks.
Las Grietas is a appr. 50 meters long and 20 meters deep hole with very clear water and fantastic color. It is fed with both salt and fresh water.
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The official language in Ecuador is Spanish, though English will be spoken on major tourist regions.
Last edited Mar 4, 10 1:37 PM. Contributors:
