The Galápagos Islands - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 417

There are options for longer and overnight treks to a few of the volca-
noes on the larger islands. There are also day-hikes available from
the main towns, specifically Puerto Ayora and PuertoMoreno. See Is-
land Excursions , page 400, for specifics on all-inclusive tours and Ad-
ventures , page 416, for information on hikes at each island.

Wildlife Viewing &
Photography
Adventure travel is about experiencing life through the
simple beauty of discovery, and this is epitomized in the
Galápagos Islands. Although activities abound, most peo-
ple come here for the overall experience, which includes
general wildlife viewing and photography. Tour guides say to bring a
roll of film per day. This may be enough if you are a less-than-
enthusiastic picture-taker. However, anyone with an interest inwild-
life and photography can easily shoot several times that amount. For-
tunately for those ill-prepared to snap tons of pictures, there is
usually an amateur photographer on boardwilling to sell an extra roll
(but don't count on it).

As you learn more about the wildlife, you may hear of some secrets to
help you take the best shots.

Photographers, especially, please take special
considerations to stay on the trails and be
respectful of your guides' requests. They do have
full authority to remove you from a tour.

On & In Water
Snorkeling & Swimming
Snorkeling is readily available on tours and is a highlight
for many visitors. The water remains a pleasant 72 ° F

(22 ° C) from January to April, but can drop to a chilly 64 ° F

C) throughout the rest of the year. Although the snor-
keling doesn't offer the sheer concentration of tropical reef fish as
found at the Great Barrier Reef, for example, the variety of marine
life is astounding. Nowhere else on earth can youwitness a rainbow of
tropical fish, awesome hammerhead sharks, giant sea rays, casual
sea turtles, and lightning-fast penguins all in the same place. For a
real treat, snorkel the shallows near a family of sea lions. They will

(18 °