Why Galapagos is Different from Other Beach Destinations
With sea lions lounging in the sand, turtles nesting close to the water, and marine iguanas wandering around the islands, saying Galapagos is very different from other beach destinations is definitely an understatement. Usually, when you look into traveling to any beach destination, you think of simply lying on the shore, the waves crashing, and you have a cocktail in hand, but Galapagos is so much different. Read on to learn more about why these Enchanted Islands are unlike any other beach destination in the world.
Photo: Sealion from the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are a Protected National Park
Unlike most other beach destinations, the Galapagos are so much more than a lay-on-the-sand-all-day-and-go-wherever-you-want beach destination; 97% of these Islands are protected by the Galapagos National Park.
Conservation and preservation are the top priority for this place, as there are tons of animal and plant species that only exist in the Galapagos that have not been influenced by humans for millions of years.
When exploring the protected remote sites throughout the Islands it is required to have a Naturalist guide with you at all times in a group no larger than 16 people. These guides are specially trained and certified by the Galapagos National Park and must be residents of the Galapagos Islands in order to work there.
Photo: Sea seal
Galapagos is a Destination for Everyone
When you think of some beach destinations, they may not be kid-friendly due to crazy partying or may not cater to all different types of travelers.
However, the Galapagos Islands are for everyone! You, your kids, your group of friends, your grandparents, your great-grandparents, everyone will enjoy this paradise. Even if you’re traveling solo, it’s the perfect place to escape the world and reconnect with yourself.
There are so many activities and types of tours to choose from, and the Galapagos weather is perfect year-round to do anything. Swim in the crystal clear waters with the wildlife, walk along the beaches, hike into the Islands, climb volcanoes, kayak through the gentle waves, paddleboard with sea turtles, snorkel to see thousands of tropical fish, deep dive to see sharks, and so much more; there really is something for everyone!
Learn in Galapagos
Although other beach destinations simply offer sun and sand, Galapagos offers so much more. You will learn so much, without realizing it, and it will be fun too! See mating dances, evolution in action, and get up close and personal with the fearless wildlife.
Learn about how different tortoises evolved on each island to have a different shell shape and how animals migrated here and adapted to the harsh conditions of the Islands. You will learn about geology, but in an exciting way, as you walk up and around the volcanoes that created these islands. Discover how Darwin navigated the Galapagos and even about how we as humans have such a great impact on the environments we inhabit.
You will learn so much about the environment and just life in general with as little as one week (or more) in this amazing place!
Photo: Sea turtle
Escape the World in Galapagos
Galapagos is truly an escape; I haven’t met one traveler who visited the Islands that said they were excited to go home, the general consensus is that everyone wants to stay and live among the animals in this well-functioning ecosystem.
You will visit amazingly remote sites (but don’t worry, we will always have contact with the outside world if there is an emergency) and you will feel like you have the whole world to yourself. When you visit Galapagos you can really escape, relax, and reconnect with yourself, your loved ones, and the beautiful environment we have around us.