Top 10 Highlights from A Galápagos Islands Adventure: A Student's Perspective

By Max Notley, Guest Contributor | Participant in Global Family Travels' Galápagos Student Adventure

The Galápagos Islands are one of the world's most extraordinary destinations for wildlife, conservation, and adventure. During my educational journey with Global Family Travels, I experienced everything from snorkeling with sea lions and sharks to exploring ancient lava tunnels, volunteering on a conservation project, and learning why these remarkable islands inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Counting down from ten to one, these were the Top Ten Highlights that made my Galápagos Islands adventure so memorable.

10. Exploring the Lava Tunnels on Santa Cruz Island

On our first day in the Galápagos Islands, we explored the lava tunnels on Santa Cruz Island. Walking through the underground tunnels was an amazing experience, and it was crazy to think they were formed by flowing lava thousands of years ago. The tunnels were unreal, and seeing them firsthand helped me understand how volcanic activity shaped the islands over time. It was the perfect introduction to the unique landscape of the Galápagos.

9. Seeing Giant Galápagos Tortoises Up Close

Later that same day, we visited a Giant Galápagos Tortoise preserve. I learned about the conservation efforts used to protect these incredible animals and how important they are to the Galápagos ecosystem. Watching them slowly move around their habitat was both relaxing and fascinating. Seeing such an iconic species in person was something I’ll never forget.

8. Visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station

After getting a close-up look at the wildlife, we visited the Charles Darwin Research Station. During his five-week visit to the Galápagos Islands in 1835, Charles Darwin observed that isolated islands featured unique variations of similar animals. These observations eventually helped shape his theory of evolution.

Visiting the research station helped me better understand the scientific importance of the Galápagos Islands. It also made sense why the islands are so carefully protected and why there are strict rules about interacting with wildlife.

7. Playing Basketball with Local Students on Santa Cruz Island

We also had the chance to play pickup basketball with locals on Santa Cruz Island. It was a completely different experience from sightseeing because it allowed me to connect with people through sports. Using my limited Spanish, we organized a game.

Even though it wasn’t part of the itinerary, this definitely earned a spot on my list. Despite the language barrier, the game was friendly, competitive, and a great reminder that sports can connect people no matter where they come from.

6. Touring a Sustainable Farm in the Galápagos Islands

The next day, we visited a sustainable farm that focused on both plant cultivation and bamboo production. We sampled different plants and herbs while learning about environmentally friendly farming practices.

Sustainability plays a major role in life on the Galápagos Islands. I was surprised by how many uses bamboo had, especially for house construction. Several people in our group even brought home handmade bamboo cups as souvenirs. It was a unique way to see how conservation and everyday life go hand in hand on the islands.

5. Kayaking Around the Galápagos Islands

That afternoon, we kayaked along the coastline, taking in the beautiful scenery while spotting Blue-footed Boobies perched nearby. The upper-body workout of kayaking combined with the peaceful surroundings made the experience both relaxing and adventurous.

I even captured a video of one of the birds repeatedly diving into the water to catch dinner. Watching wildlife behave naturally in such an incredible setting made this one of the most enjoyable parts of the trip.

4. Traveling Between Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal Islands

Early the next morning, we boarded a ferry from Santa Cruz Island to San Cristóbal Island. The ride turned into an unforgettable part of the trip—for both good and bad reasons.

Some people got seasick because of the rough waves, but I enjoyed the incredible ocean views and the feeling of traveling between two remote islands in the Pacific Ocean. It made me appreciate just how isolated and special the Galápagos Islands really are.

3. Snorkeling with Galápagos Sea Lions

Later that day, we snorkeled in a lagoon filled with sea lions. This was one of the most exciting wildlife encounters of the entire trip because the sea lions swam incredibly close to us and seemed playful in the water.

Experiencing animals in their natural habitat like that was amazing. Sea lions were everywhere on the islands. During the day, they would stretch out on park benches as if they owned the place, reminding me of an old man relaxing with a newspaper. At night, the sounds of barking sea lions echoed across the beaches, creating a soundtrack that became part of the Galápagos experience.

2. Participating in Conservation at Los Petreles Reserve

On the second-to-last day of our Galápagos Islands trip, we visited Los Petreles Reserve, which is managed by the Jocotoco Foundation.

This experience gave me an even greater appreciation for the conservation efforts taking place throughout the Galápagos. We hiked through the highlands of San Cristóbal Island, observed native bird nests, and even helped remove invasive blackberry plants as if we were weeding a garden.

Contributing, even in a small way, made the experience much more meaningful than simply learning about conservation in a classroom.

1. Snorkeling at Kicker Rock

My number one highlight of the entire trip was snorkeling at Kicker Rock near San Cristóbal Island on our final day in the Galápagos.

The underwater scenery was unbelievable, and being surrounded by marine life made it feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We swam alongside sharks and sea turtles, saw schools of colorful fish, and even spotted sea urchins and starfish resting against the rocks below.

The massive rock formation rising out of the ocean was just as impressive above the surface as it was below. Looking into the deep blue water around Kicker Rock made the experience feel even more dramatic. It was the perfect way to end my time in the Galápagos Islands.

Final Thoughts on My Galápagos Islands Adventure

Looking back, every day in the Galápagos Islands offered something completely different. Whether I was exploring lava tunnels, seeing giant tortoises, kayaking, playing basketball with local students, or snorkeling with sharks and sea lions, every experience taught me something new.

The trip gave me a greater appreciation for wildlife, conservation, and the importance of protecting one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. More than anything, it reminded me that travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about learning from them. The Galápagos Islands are somewhere I’ll always remember, and I’m grateful I had the opportunity to experience them firsthand.

This guest post was written by Maxwell Notley ’27, who traveled with Global Family Travels on a Galápagos Learn, Serve & Immerse Student Expedition.

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