Galapagos – A once in a lifetime experience
Wow what can we say – so many great National Geographical moments and photos. We saw lots of Sea lions, Blue footed boobies, Iguanas, Crabs, lizards, herons, pink flamingos, a few penguins, lots of fish and even a couple of whales and dolphins. Our itinerary on the catamaran Nemo II was :
- Day 1 Baltra / Bachas Beach
- Day 2 – South Plaza (sea lion beach) / Santa Fe
- Day 3 – San Cristóbal: Brujo Hill / Kicker Rock – Lobos Island
- Day 4 – Española: Suarez Point / Gardner Bay
- Day 5 – Santa Cruz: Highlands (Giant Tortoises) / Charles Darwin Station
- Day 6 – Floreana: Cormorant Pt. (stingrays and pink Flamingos)/ Champion Isle. & PO Bay (snorkeling off the beach)
- Day 7 Chinese Hat (wet landing walk – volcanic landscape) / – Bartolome (walk to light house at top)
- Day 8 – Black Turtle Cove – Baltra
On Sunday morning we left Quito Airport suites hotel at 6.15am after a good night’s sleep and were at the airport in 10 minutes. As soon as we entered the airport as planned Tony from the cruise company was there to meet us and guide us through the process. We were quickly through customs and had time to sit down for a pleasant breakfast before boarding our flight to the Galapagos. As we left Quito the mountains could be seen peaking above the clouds. The plane stopped at Guayaquil In Ecuador for 45 minutes where some people, mainly locals going to a football match departed and more, tourist for the Galapagos boarded.
We arrived at Baltra airport and after passport control and payment of the $100 park entrance fee we proceeded to luggage collection. Before the luggage could be collected it had to pass a K9 inspection. (Sniffer dog) checking for food produce. It is illegal to bring into the Galapagos fruit. Seed, meat etc as this could effect the ecological system that they protect. On leaving the airport we looked for our guide and soon found people from our boat Nemo II that was to be our home for the next week. The small group of other passengers assembled, 12 in total and we boarded a bus for a short trip to the port to board our boat. Whilst waiting at the port our guide, Marcos, started to point out animals of interest, We saw some colorful crabs and lizards.
We boarded Nemo II and after a short briefing meeting we were allocated our cabins, Barrie and I got cabin 1 on the main deck. There was one other cabin on the main deck all the others were down stairs which proved a challenge for 2 of our passengers as one young girl had a broken ankle and another passenger was with a stick to aid walking as he was recovering from a serious bike injury.
The cabin was as we expected small and we were glad we had made the decision to bring limited luggage with us but as least we had a double bed and no bunks to climb up like others.
After putting our belongs in the cabin we were given a nice lunch and an opportunity to meet our fellow passengers, an American family with 2 daughters in their 20’s, a German couple, a Dutch mother and daughter and two single men one in his 30’s from USA the other in mid 70’s from Australia.
After lunch we set sail for our first stop Bachas beach. The boat anchored up and then we all hopped on the dingy to take us to shore. We were taught that there were 2 types of landing a wet landing where you climb off into the water or a dry landing where you go straight to land. Each type needed different skills. This was our first attempt at a wet landing. We strolled on the sandy beach looking at crabs and iguanas. We were also lucky to see 2 pink flamingos.
Back on board we had the first of our daily briefing meeting including meeting the crew. After dinner we set sail for our overnight stop. Dinner was good but the sea sickness had got to me so we went to bed early.
Day 2- 1st morning we woke to a lovely outlook (South plaza) with rocky and feathery trees. On the shoreline we could hear and see sea lions in the distance. After breakfast we headed off for our first walk of the day and a chance to see lots of sea lions up close. We also did some Snorkeling off the beach. The island itself was amazing it was like another planet. On the 2nd island that day Barrie was so busy photographing Sea lions he missed the shark swimming past him.
The beaches were mainly golden sand which was not what we expected. The over all landscape in the Galapagos is generally like an alien planet with strange grey leafless tree and tall cactus plant. Some of the cacti are capable of growing up to 17 feet,
Most of the second day I avoided food as I was feeling ill however I was taking sea sickness tablets and fortunately by day 3 I was feeling much better and able to face food again.
Day 3,4,6,and 7 followed a similar pattern of Island landing and snorkeling on different islands. Each offered an opportunity to see sea lions, birds and also other animals close up and take wonderful pictures.
The only day that had a different routine was day 5. The previous night we had docked in Santa Cruz at the town. A few of our fellow passengers were only on board for 5 days and left us that morning for the airport. Instead of the usual dingy and walk we got a minibus that took us to the highlands where we had the opportunity to see giant Tortoises up close living in the wild. These tortoises can live to over 100 years old and continue to be fertile. After seeing the Tortoises we returned to the boat for lunch and then in the afternoon went back to town again to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here we were able to obtain more information about the area and animals and see the breeding programme of how they are working to maintain / increase the population of tortoises. Also resident at the centre is Super Diego, a 100+ year old tortoise who has 800 + children. Apparently at one time Diego was taken away from his female companions as the centre thought it was time for him to retire as a dad but he went into decline and started bashing his shell so they put him back with his lady friends.
On most days there were opportunities for snorkeling which Barrie participated in and was swimming with Sea lions and Sharks. I am not a confident sea swimmer and have not done much snorkeling so most times I went along for the ride but did not jump in the water. I did take the opportunity to snorkel off a beach one day and was able to experience the underwater sights including swimming with a sea turtle.
On our last morning we got up early at 5.30 for a final tour in the dingy before having breakfast and 7am and a departure for the airport at 8am. The week has been amazing and one with so many sights and experiences that we will never forget.
Wow! This all sounds and looks wonderful! Thank you for letting us hear about it and see it through your eyes.