Galapagos Island Tour - Galapagos Islands Sights and Activities

Dancing though evolution

Not surprisingly, the Galapagos Islands don't fit the mold for luxury travel. Steep treks and choppy seas suit outdoor adventurers more than socialites comfortable shopping Fifth Avenue or sipping lattes at street side cafés. But if more than 600 miles of undeveloped coastline and wildlife watching, along with snorkeling and diving, get your engine revved up, get ready to have fun.

Crystal clear water, colorful reefs and brilliant varieties of fish punctuate the days here. Great hikes up volcanic mountainsides, sea kayaking, mountain biking and horseback riding round out the rest of each day. We're pretty sure Galapagos is just another way to say an adventurer's paradise.

Islands to See

• Santa Cruz Island - The center of tourism and one of only four islands that offer overnight accommodations. Start here and plan the rest of your vacation at one of the tourist bureaus located on the island.
• Bartolomé - 200 steps lead to an extinct volcano. An excellent place to capture spectacular volcanic landscapes on film.
• Cerro Dragon - Home to iguanas that don't live anywhere else in the world.
• Genovesa - The best place to spot red-footed boobies as well as frigates.
• Española - Home to blue-footed boobies and their infamous mating ritual.
• Isabela - Dramatic landscapes that feature Darwin's Volcano, Tagus Cove and Wolf Volcano, the highest peak in the chain of islands.
• Fernandina - Watch marine iguanas hug and cuddle to warm up after a swim or the unique flightless cormorants dry their wings in the sun.
• Rabida - With its red-sand beach, this island offers the best chance to swim with the world's only tropical penguins.

Diving

• Scuba Iguana - Located in Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island, Scuba Iguana brings you to the best diving spots in the islands and offers PADI scuba certification courses.
• Sub-Aqua - The oldest dive center in the Galapagos Islands, in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, offers comprehensive tours and courses lead by a certified commercial diver, oceanographer and naturalist park guide.

Cruises

There are so many tours and companies offering cruises, it truly boils down to which islands you care to see. Four classes of boats exist, so know your budget and your needs before signing on the dotted line.

• Economic - Sketchy boats with non-English-speaking crew and guides, below-par food and no private sleeping quarters or bathrooms.
• Tourist Class - Guides speak some English and private rooms are available; air-conditioning and hot water are hit and miss.
• First Class and Luxury - English-speaking guides, private cabins, hot water and air conditioning.