Kayaking in the Galapagos can be an amazing experience. You get to enjoy the beauties of the islands from a distance and at the same time have close encounters with marine life. Despite how magical the experience may sound, not everyone turns into a professional kayaker as soon as they hit the water. Like everything in life, it requires practice and a little dexterity. But fear not: we hereby present you with some very useful tips that will help you make the most of your first kayaking experience in the Galapagos.
Safety First
Before getting on your kayak, make sure you are wearing your personal life jacket. These are always available to all our guests aboard Yacht La Pinta. No helmets are necessary since they are only needed when kayaking on rocky waters.
Given the occasionally choppy waters and the fact that your hands are going to constantly be busy with the paddles, there’s a high chance you might drop your camera or phone in the water. If you have a GoPro camera or any other similar model with a waterproof feature, feel free to take it with you (but always keep it tethered to yourself, just in case!). Don’t hesitate to ask your guide to take a picture of you from the safety of the dingy or the boat.
Also, before getting on the kayak, remember to wear plenty of sunscreen lotion. We recommend you wear a t-shirt if you don’t mind getting it wet. It will definitely protect your back and shoulders. The sun at the equator is really strong and burns the skin faster than at other latitudes. A hat and sunglasses are also recommended. You can check all the necessary items you should bring to your vacation in our Galapagos packing list.
- A properly adjusted kayak allows for greater comfort and more efficient paddling. Think about maintaining 3 points of contact at all times: The small of your back is tight against the bottom of your seat. Sit in the cockpit and adjust your rear so that you’re sitting up and not completely hunched.
- The balls of your feet braced against the foot wedges. Adjust your feet so that your knees are slightly bent.
- Your bent knees are in firm contact with either side of the cockpit. Once you’re on the water, this is how you’ll control the side-to-side motion of the boat (if you should experience any).
In finding your comfortable position, don’t wedge yourself too tightly into the boat. Your body should be snug enough to give you control of the kayak, but loose enough that you can exit smoothly if the need arises.
Got It! When Do I Start Kayaking in the Galapagos?
On Yacht La Pinta you’ll get to jump in the waters throughout the islands pretty much every day if you’re up for it. Kayaking in the Galapagos will be reserved for specific days and are also entirely optional.
All three of our Galapagos Island Tours on Yacht La Pinta offer kayaking!
