I’d like to share a few things that are left with me from the trip:
- Most significantly, I was totally unprepared for the most remarkable thing about the Galapagos – the total lack of fear/concern among the species with respect to humans. The greatest challenge was NOT touching them or stepping on them. Of course, this is prohibited by law, but it was amazing. I literally was within feet of a penguin, staring at him for as long as I chose. I showed photos of Linda talking to the sea lion pups – we saw them come right up to her as she spoke. Amazing!
Other highlights:
- Snorkeling with sea lions (and have them come up to you), and giant sea turtles (and having to do my darndest to NOT run into them).
- Watching the courtship rituals of the various birds: a) the goofy blue-footed boobies would go through this entire routine, raising one foot, then another, then his tail, as the female would seem to ignore him. Then he would circle over, land, and start all over again; b) the amazing courtship ritual of the giant Albatross. It reminded me of tangos I’d seen in Buenos Aires; c) the hooking up of the Frigatebirds. The males would sit in their nests they’d built and blow up their bright red neck sacks. The females would fly overhead and pick out the male they were most impressed with. I never imagined that we would get to see all this. I felt privileged to do so
- The animals with their young and newborns. The sea lion pups were adorable, as was watching the mothers with their young. Also, watching the female Frigatebirds feed their young by taking their heads completely into their own head. (see the photos).
- The iguanas were so abundant and fascinating in all their colors – some bright orange, some red, some green and red, some black, some brown. Wonderful!
- Sitting in a field full of giant land tortoises, sitting within feet of some, watching them methodically graze the grass.
- Mesmerized by the colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs – couldn’t photograph them enough…
- The variety of the islands themselves - from recent volcanic islands to vast fields of volcanic rock, to green jungles.
- As the environment is closely regulated there, we saw few other travellers. Our own ship had only 18 guests – from all over the world.
* Finally, the cruise experience was over-the-top. The ship, M/Y Grace, the former honeymoon ship of Princess Grace of Monaco, was gorgeous. Three times a day we had our wonderful meals served to us outdoors on the back deck. We had scheduled activities (walks, snorkeling) at least twice a day, and our rooms were typically serviced 3-4 times a day. The two naturalists onboard were the best we’ve encountered. We have had two trips with Quasar Expeditions (Patagonia and Galapagos), and they are, by far, the best trips of our lives. If you ever have the opportunity, I encourage you to look into these trips – and with this company.
-I hope you enjoy the photos. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed being there and taking them. Every one holds a wonderful memory.
Schedule of stops (with images):
9/26: San Cristobal blue-footed boobies, seals&pups
9/27: Espanola seals, iguanas, Galapagos Hawk, Crabs, boobies, dancing albatross, blowhole; seal underwater
Gardner Bay: underwarter seal, frigates flying
9/28: Floreana: underwater seals, turtles
929: Santa Cruz: butcher by sea, walk thru town, tortoise preserve
Santa Cruz: bachus beach: flamingos, sally crabs, heron, iguanas
9:30: Sombrero Chino : penguin, baby seals, iguanas. Linda and seal
10/1: Rabida: iguana on red rock, starfish, oystercatcher, seals on red beach, underwater manta ray, fish
Sullivan Bay: sharp lava field, tower
10/2: Bartoleme: underwater: turtle, lobster, starfish, tower, walk up glacier on steps
0/3: Santa Cruz: mangroves, turtles mating,