Have you ever wondered what is so special about the Galapagos islands?
The Galapagos Islands are amazing, and that is why thousands of people visit this archipelago every year: to experience everything it has to offer. A part of Ecuador and about 600 miles off the mainland, a visit here may be one of the most fun and memorable adventures of your life. But have you ever wondered what is so special about this trip? Read on to learn about some of the most fun activities and things you can do only in the Galapagos islands!
Walk Outside and Take Pictures of Incredible Wildlife
One of the most stunning and fairly unique features of Galapagos National Park is the wildlife there isn’t afraid of humans, and therefore relatively tame. This means you can get up close and personal with different bird life and land and marine animals. These may include blue-footed boobys, waved albatrosses, sea lions, marine and land iguanas, and large tortoises, among many more. You can take photos of these animals that you will be able to look back on fondly for the rest of your life. A few words of caution: make sure to stick to the trails and paths that your guide will always specify, and do not get too close to the animals. Big male seal lions don’t take very kindly to this, and you can put yourself and your group at risk if you get too close.
Snorkel with Penguins Close to the Equator
The Galapagos penguin is the only equatorial bird within its species, and the Galapagos Islands are the only place where you an see this creature. They’re also the only penguin species to be found in the northern hemisphere, and there are plenty of spots in the islands where you can snorkel and see these penguins dive for food at the same time. Most of them are found off Fernandina Island and Isabela Island.
Hike on a Lava Filled Volcano and Swim with Endemic Species
You can do this in other places, but this is a very special experience that is challenging to do in most other areas of the world, and can you swim with endemic species in the same way at the Equator anywhere else in the world? The volcano in question is the Sierra Negra volcano located on Isabela Island. The landscape is unusual and very unforgettable, and you will traverse muddy sections and rocky terrain, passing Darwin finches, Galapagos hawks, and mockingbirds are here. You can take a swim off your boat to make this experience truly unique.
AESU has an upcoming tour of the Galapagos islands, so visit our website to learn more!
Explore the World with AESU!
Are you ready to plan the adventure of a lifetime? AESU offers unique, thrilling travel programs for college students and young professionals at affordable rates. Each trip is action-packed and informal designed just for people your age. We are also able to create custom tours just for your group.
Experience an exhilarating adventure! New 2025 departure dates are now available at www.aesu.com. Check out our most popular trips: the Cosmopolitan and the Great Escape trips! If you have any questions or want help booking your next adventure, please contact AESU by calling 800-638-7640, or fill out the contact form found on our website. Follow AESU on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.