This experience was so much more than a vacation. Visiting the islands, with our guides Sophia, Walter, and Alex, was like having your favorite college professors along. All three of them grew up on the islands, and have passionately studied multiple topics. They gave us detailed briefings on the history, geology, geography, oceanography, weather, biology, wildlife, and plants of the Galapagos. They were very personable, humorous, and energetic on excursions. The guides were just as excited to see the animals as we were! Alex was assigned to those of us who were just learning to snorkel. He was especially kind and patient with us newbies and got us up and running with the rest of the groups quickly. Sophia was the youngest guide, but she by no means lacked knowledge. When out snorkeling with us, she would dive down with her camera and take pictures and videos of the sea life to media share with us later. Walter had the best ways of explaining and imitating animal behavior. Be sure to ask him to do the iguana head-bob!