If you’re a nature enthusiast looking for something completely different, you must plan a trip to the Galapagos Islands. It’s like an untouched island paradise where you can sit on gorgeous beaches, snorkel with the fish, and be face-to-face with exotic animals anytime during your stay. When planning your trip, consider these incredible outdoor adventures that allow you to enjoy the splendor of the islands without interfering with the natural habitat.
1. Behold The Beautiful Beaches
When it comes to the prettiest white sand beaches in South America, you can’t go wrong on the Galapagos Islands. You can sit on the whitest sand and watch the waves roll in. One of the go-to beaches is Tortuga Bay Beach, a vast beach with space to sunbathe and swim in gorgeous turquoise waters. Also, look up the beach on Bartolome Island, where you can snorkel and swim or just relax on the sand near volcanic formations.
The best time of year to visit the beaches is between December and May because that’s when the ocean conditions are clear and the weather is warm. When you visit any beach, the key is to leave it how you found it. Never leave trash behind, stay on the beaten path, and don’t disturb the wildlife. That’s the best way to preserve these incredible places for future generations.
2. Go Snorkeling
Visit during the peak season, and you can enjoy incredible snorkeling in the clearest water you’ve ever seen. You can dive down and see coral, plant life, sea turtles, and more.
There are some special places to visit for the best snorkeling, including Devil’s Crown, where an eroded volcanic crater is home to lots of marine life, including reef sharks. If you want to see more exotic sharks, head to Kicker Rock. While there, you might get the chance to spot a hammerhead shark.
3. Sustainable Water Adventures
The great thing about this island paradise is that you can enjoy many of the activities you’d do at your beach back home, but with a gorgeous background. Before participating in any activity, check with local officials to ensure it’s allowed. Also, keep the health of the environment in mind.
If you play in the water, do so as sustainably as possible. For instance, one activity many tourists enjoy is hopping on a boat or jetski and cruising along the shore. However, maintain a safe speed because an excessive wake can create waves that erode the shoreline. Know your route to avoid shallow water, which may have dense vegetation that is often a habitat for fish.
There’s also the opportunity to go canoeing and kayaking and get an up-close look at the coral and wildlife. Just be sure to stick to designated areas when paddling to avoid harming nearby wildlife habitats. You could also buy a ticket for a cruise and tour the islands with a ship captain who knows exactly where to go.
4. See The Wildlife
The wild thing about visiting the Galapagos Islands is that you’ll have the chance to share the beach with some of the most 
beautiful and exotic wildlife on the planet. There are sea lions, marine iguanas, flamingos, pelicans, and more. You never know what you’ll see. There are also specific islands you can visit to see certain animals. If you’re a penguin fan, stop by Isabela Island, Fernandina Island, and Santiago Island; you’ll have a great chance to see them in their natural habitat.
Many of the islands are home to incredible tortoises. Go to Santa Cruz Island, and you can see a vast giant tortoise reserve. This is the home to the largest living tortoise species, the Galapagos Giant Tortoise.
5. Explore With Tech
One of the great things about visiting the Galapagos Islands is that you can enjoy life your way. For example, tech enthusiasts can head outdoors and play GPS-based augmented reality (AR) games. These are fantastic interactive activities. A mobile app enables you to interact with virtual items wherever you are. It’s a great way to explore the islands. You could also use nature observation apps to learn more about each animal and plant species you come across.
Or, take out your high-tech camera and snap some amazing nature shots. The great thing about the Galapagos Islands is that every shot comes out perfectly because it’s so beautiful.
6. Volcano Trails
No nature enthusiast’s trip to the Galapagos Islands would be complete without hiking an incredible volcano trail, such as the Sierra Negra Volcano Trail. It’s over 12 miles long — pack proper boots and poles because, some of the time, you’ll be walking on lava mud. Go with a guide, and they’ll point out areas of interest you don’t want to miss.
