by M. Sparga

Created on: June 13, 2009

One of the best things about a family visit to the Galapagos Islands is that wildlife appeals to any age. Animals are fascinating to observe, especially in their natural habitat, for family members ranging from young children to senior citizens. And what better place to take in amazing vistas, exotic landscapes, and unique animals than in a place where the animals aren't skittish around humans?

The sea lions of the Galapagos Islands seem to enjoy hamming it up for the tourists. Mockingbirds and finches seem curious about their human visitors, hopping in the branches and posing for photos along the expedition trails. Land iguanas fight each other for territory in plain view of eager amateur photographers, and blue-footed boobies and frigate birds happily nest right next to the tourists' path. The Galapagos Islands are an unforgettable destination for any adventurous family, including one that spans over multiple generations.

The archipelago is located right off the coast of Ecuador along the equator, so the climate is consistently warm and humid. Kids can enjoy spending time on the beaches of different islands that each have a different color of sand. There's pale sand, reddish brown sand that looks like clay from far away, and dark gray sand that resembles the solid volcanic rock of the younger islands. Family members who love marine life can snorkel in some of the clearest ocean water you will ever find, teeming with schools of fish, hungry sea birds and sea lions, and graceful, peaceful sea turtles. The water is cool and refreshing pretty much year-round.

Also, both budding astronomers and experienced stargazers will be floored by the awesome beauty of the Galapagos Islands' night sky. There is very little light pollution there, so with the naked eye you can see many more constellations than you most likely can back at home. All ages can appreciate the wonder and fascination of gazing up into a night sky patterned with stars.

Avid hikers in the family can check out some of the islands' high volcanic hills with breathtaking views where you can see other islands in the distance. And family members of all ages can enjoy an easy hike halfway into a vast lava tunnel or a stroll through the grassy, shady fields of a giant tortoise reserve on Santa Cruz island. Many of the islands have fairly flat hiking trails, such as Seymour Island, a huge nesting ground for blue-footed boobies and frigate birds.

Photographers young and old can come away with

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