and swimming — yes, swimming! — — Bay Area News Group readers have enjoyed some spectacular vacations here and abroad in recent years. And they’re shared their adventures and travel tips along the way so you, too, can get out there and, say, explore or . Now a Concord reader is sharing her adventures on the Galapagos Islands.

Read on for details, then find more travel inspiration at . Concord resident Sylvia Rodriguez’s recent trip to Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos archipelago offered adventures of every variety, including a few amusing ones. “Chilling with a seal is a typical experience when lounging anywhere near water,” Sylvia says.

“Swimming pools that are off limits to the public do not deter a lazy seal.” “The Galapagos is an ocean paradise for divers. If you don’t dive, there are many other options, such as snorkeling and island hopping — and (it’s) home to the world’s biggest turtles.

” Related Articles The Galapagos felt very safe, even as a solo traveler, she says. “You can stroll the town into the evening and not worry about a thing except which place to stop for happy hour.” “The land/dive package was provided by Galapagos Travel Center.

Off-island excursions were easily accessible: A guide would pick you up at the hotel to take you to the pier or to the animal sanctuaries. This is a must for (any) nature lover’s bucket list.”.