Galapagos
These remarkable volcanic islands are unique in the world for the richness and variety of their wildlife. Hugely influential to Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, a visit to the Galapagos is a once-in-a-lifetime experience of nature at work.
Formed by a combination of volcanic activity and uplift in the last 15 million years, the Galapagos were first used by pirates and buccaneers as a hideaway, and have only had permanent inhabitants since the 19th century due to the harsh conditions and lack of easily-obtained water.
Whether you stay on board a comfortable boat or opt for an adventurous safari you’ll see some of the most exciting wildlife on the planet, which due to the relative lack of predators shows no fear and is easily approached by visitors. Several species are unique to the islands, including giant tortoises, fur seals, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins (the only penguins to live on the equator) and vampire finches.
The islands’ marine life is breathtaking. There are some excellent snorkelling sites where you can swim with playful sea lions and see dolphins, penguins, rays, sea turtles, and even whale sharks (the world’s largest fish) in their natural element.
Highlights
Here are some of our Galapagos highlights
Wildlife
With few natural predators, Galapagos wildlife are easily approached by visitors. Some species are unique to the islands, including giant tortoises. Many have heard of (the now late) Lonesome George but there are other species and various breeding programs in place.
Unique beaches
There are some stunning beaches in Galapagos and quite varied from idyllic white sand and coral to black lava. They are often deserted, save a few sealions, unless they are already out in the turquiose-blue water having fun with snorkellers.
Island cruising
Arguably the best way to visit the Galapagos Islands is to take a cruise. There are many different boats sailing around the enchanted islands from yachts to catamarans to cruise ships with guided visits to various islands made by panga boats.
Our trip was amazing. We were so impressed with how organised everything was, it really was ridiculously easy for us. At every point there was someone waiting who knew exactly where we should be going, what we needed etc.
I know that most people go to the Amazon before Galapagos, which I understand, but for us I preferred the order in which we did it. I think I would have been wishing the time away waiting to head to Galapagos, and our kids thought that the wildlife experience was just as good. On that point, we were really lucky. We finished Galapagos snorkeling with hammerheads, Galapagos and white tip reef sharks. We also got to swim with penguins, sea lions, turtles and so many fish. We are generally spoiled at home in terms of snorkeling/diving but this was incredible. At Napo, in the Amazon, we got to see the giant river otters hunting, carrying their young and generally messing around which was incredible. So at the risk of waffling on, our wildlife encounters were incredible and not just for the twitchers in the family.
The respective accommodations were excellent. We were very lucky on our boat that we were with a lovely family. Given that it was so small, it would have been a very different experience if they weren't so lovely. The guides we had were all very knowledgeable and friendly.
It really was a holiday of a lifetime for all of us.- ET