Swimming with Sea Lions, Galapagos
Few experiences in the world compare to swimming alongside sea lions of the Galapagos Islands.
These curious and friendly marine animals are known to interact with snorkelers and divers, often darting playfully through the water and showing off with flips and spins.
One leaped out of the water over my wife and swam over to me, as if to say, “What did you think of that?”
Sea lions are only a small part of a Galapagos adventure. See the world’s oldest living reptiles, the rare blue-footed booby, and landscapes that look like they were dreamed up by Doctor Seuss.
What makes this a great group experience?
Tortoises, boobies, and iguanas, oh my! The Galapagos Islands have animals, plants, and habitat unlike anywhere else on earth. A bucket list trip on steroids for families or friends exploring together.
Where to Stay
While there are no large villas directly within the Galápagos Islands, nearby Costa Rica offers excellent alternatives for big families and groups.
With Liberia Airport close by, connecting flights to Quito or Guayaquil make reaching San Cristóbal or Baltra straightforward.
The Flamingo’s Nest above Potrero Bay has 6 bedrooms and sleeps up to 16 guests.
It’s just a short walk from Playa Flamingo’s bone-white sands and turquoise shallows—perfect for all ages. It’s also a handy hub for that flight connection to the Galápagos.
The infinity pool, perched high on the terrace, gives you sweeping jungle and ocean views that feel like something out of a movie.
Inside, it’s fun without fuss: a boho‑beachy living area opens into spots for every mood—there’s a cinema room, table tennis, a bar by the dining table, and even a private chef‑ready outdoor kitchen, which makes mealtime feel like part of the experience.
For something a little more tucked away, Papagayo Paradise on the Papagayo Peninsula offers an elegant yet relaxed setting for up to twelve guests.
The villa is spread across two beautifully separated spaces—a main house and a guest house—so there’s room for everyone to gather as a group while still having quiet corners for downtime.
Outside, the terraces face the Pacific with a private infinity pool, a Jacuzzi, and an outdoor kitchen that make it easy to slip into vacation mode from the moment you arrive.
Families and groups will love starting the day with coffee overlooking the ocean and ending it with a barbecue as the sun goes down.
Inside, amenities include a cinema room for movie nights, a wet bar with a pool table for casual fun, and even a gym and sauna. Here we can arrange anything from private chefs and massages to canopy tours or surf lessons.
Liberia Airport is only a short drive away, with flights connecting through Quito or Guayaquil—the gateways to the Galápagos.