Excursions & Wildlife of the Eastern Islands

The Galapagos Islands offered an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature through a variety of active adventures. Every day was packed full of variety and every minute was maximized by our guide and crew. From kayaking in pristine waters to snorkeling with vibrant marine life, hiking through unique landscapes, and cruising in Zodiacs, there was always something for everyone on board, and for the adventurous like my mom and myself, many ways to explore. Here’s a closer look at the activities and the wildlife we saw along the way!

Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Most days, weather permitting, we took advantage of brand-new double kayaks and paddleboards that the Sirius was equipped with. Paddling along the coastlines of locations like Gardner Bay on Española Island and Santa Fe allowed us to get up close to the stunning scenery and wildlife, while getting in some upper body exercise and up close and personal with the beautiful water.
Duration: Typically, we spent about 1-2 hours on the water, exploring shallows and shorelines.
On these outings, we came up close to  sea lions basking on the rocks or even playing with our kayaks. marine iguanas munching away on the tops of rocks or swimming like miniature alligators in the ocean, were also common as we would glide through the clear waters. For those looking to truly immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Galapagos in a quiet setting, kayaking is a fantastic option.

 

 

Shore Landings and Hiking
In addition to water activities, daily hikes provide an opportunity to explore the Eastern islands’ unique and volcanic landscapes. Typically, there were 1-2 two hiking opportunities each day, providing both wet landings and dry landings.
Preparation: Sturdy sandals are recommended for wet landings. Bring a pair of hiking shoes as well for when you hit the shore, as the volcanic terrain can be tough to walk on with open toed shoes; towels are provided for drying your feet and changing your shoes on land.
Highlights:

• Day 1: Started off with a bang by immediately heading out for a dry landing at Isla Lobos after our on board safety talk, where we walked amongst blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas right away.
• Gardner Bay: Enjoyed a beach hike where sea lions were lounging on the sand and in the surf and marine iguanas dotted the landscape.
• Floreana Island: Visited the "first post office in South America" - a barrel that Darwin would leave his specimen samples in to be picked up by passing ships, now utilized as a postcard mailbox for travelers who search for other postcard left behind that can be delivered to recipients close to their hometowns.
• Hike to Punta Cormorant, where we were able to see dozens of flamingos in their natural habitat.
• Santa Fe: Experienced a hike surrounded by dozens of Land iguanas, showcasing the unique biodiversity of the islands and watched a stunning sunset from land before returning to the ship.

 

 

Snorkeling Adventures
Snorkeling was also typically an activity we did at least twice a day. This gave us the chance to explore the underwater counterpart to the land we had just experienced on our walks and hikes. Each session lasted between 1-2 hours and included options for both shallow and deep-water snorkeling.
Gear: You’ll be fitted for a wetsuit and fins that will be yours for the duration of your cruise, ensuring comfort while you dive into the vibrant marine ecosystem.
Notable Snorkeling Spots we visited:

• Devil's Crown: A must-visit for snorkeling, where we encountered sharks, rays, sea turtles, and a dazzling array of fish in the stunning cobalt blue waters. A strong current here requires that you follow your guide diligently.
• Gardner Bay: We spotted seven sea turtles during our snorkel here as well as many playful sea lions while swimming alongside schools of colorful fish.
• Floreana Island: An other extremely cool shallow water snorkel spot, where we were able to swim among white-tipped reef sharks

 

 

Zodiac Cruising
Zodiac cruising offers a fun (and mostly dry) way to navigate the waters around the islands. These small, sturdy inflatable boats allow for quick access to remote areas of the islands that do not allow landings and provide excellent opportunities for birding. Expect to spot seabirds, marine life, and unique geological formations as you zip along the coastline. Zodiac excursions complemented our kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling experiences, creating a well-rounded exploration of the Galapagos.

 

The Galapagos Islands provide an incredible array of activities that allow you to engage with nature in a profound way. Whether you’re kayaking in serene waters, hiking among fascinating wildlife, snorkeling with vibrant marine species, or cruising in a Zodiac, each experience contributes to an unforgettable adventure in this extraordinary ecosystem.