We're thinking about this trip and were wondering about how much interaction you get with the animals and what the parks restrictions are in terms of interaction with them. (can you snorkel with, touch, get close enough for great photos,etc. ) I feel the main reason for this trip is the amazing variety of wildlife and was wondering what type of experience to expect. Please share your stories as well.

We toured the Galapagos with Celebrity (Xpedition) and had an incredible time interacting with the seals. They are extremely playful and provided memories that will last a lifetime. Also snorkeled with penguins, turtles and lots of fish, although the penguins were hard to get close enough to for decent photos. On land, the wildlife have virtually no fear of humans; providing excellent photo ops. I have hundreds of photos of the Galapagos if you're interested.

sceneisle, you actually responded to my previous post with a link to your photos and I just got a chance to look through them. Great photos! It looks like the sea lions are heading towards the camera and the iguanas are practically posing for you. Thanks for all the feedback.

The Galapagos is like no place else in the world. The animals have no fear of humans, and you can get as close to them as you want to. The sea lions kept laying down on our beach blankets and they would swim all around us when we were snorkling. You are not supposed to touch them, though, and the guides will be very strict about that. It's an expensive trip, but if you can afford it, go. It is a unique experience.

Our guides told us we must not get closer than 3 meters to the animals but they could come up to you.
My highlight was standing on the beach in foot deep water and having a young sea lion swim past me and tap my leg with his flipper. Young and old sea lions are very playful in the water and fun to watch.

You are right about the main reason for the trip being the amazing wildlife.

You'll get plenty of up close views and photos.

Park rules are strict. You must stay on the paths when there are paths. No wandering away from your group on your own. But there is no need to wander or stray from the paths because everything is right there.

For snorkeling, just be sure your boat offers several snorkel opportunties.

Touching any of the animals is not allowed and could be dangerous. I did have a young sea lion give my arm a nip-kiss while snorkeling. Another young sea lion sniffed my foot, touching my boot. But these interactions were not initiated by me.

There were also opportunities to snorkel with penguins. It was possible to observe them closely in the water and when they were on land and I was in the water. One penguin swim circles around my midsection.

You will have an outstanding time. I am planning Galapagos Trip #3.