Galápagos: give the wildlife room

Turquoise water and dark volcanic shores make the Galápagos an easy place to dream about. The more useful question is how you want to experience it. Build the trip around time to observe, with a guide who can explain what is happening beyond the photograph.

The Charles Darwin Foundation recommends using tourism services authorised by the national park and exploring with an authorised specialist guide. Before committing to an itinerary, ask which visitor sites are included, how much time is spent ashore and what happens if conditions change. A long list of island names tells only part of the story.

On walks and while taking photographs, keep at least two metres from wildlife and follow any greater distance required for the activity or by your guide. Do not touch or feed animals. Stay on marked trails and leave shells, rocks and plants where they belong. Bring a zoom lens if you want a closer frame.

Leave room in the day to watch quietly. An animal moving through its own surroundings is the experience; getting nearer is not the goal. The strongest memory may be the moment you put the camera down and simply paid attention.