An Unforgettable Week in the Galápagos Islands
After an incredible time exploring Quito and the Mashpi cloud forest, the next chapter of our journey was about to begin. On Saturday, January 10th, we flew from Quito, making a quick stop in Guayaquil to pick up more passengers before landing on Baltra Island in the Galápagos. That’s where we picked up my husband’s family.
A short bus ride brought us to the shore where our vessel awaited. We boarded the ship, settled into our small but cozy cabin, and prepared for a week of unparalleled adventure.
Day 1: Santa Fe Island and a Feisty Sea Lion
On our first full day, Sunday, January 11th, we visited Santa Fe Island. It was an immediate immersion into the wild wonders of the Galápagos. We were greeted by lounging sea lions, stoic marine iguanas, and a variety of sea birds. During a hike, I found myself chatting away to the sea lions, only to have one turn and start following me a bit too closely! While backing away to avoid getting nipped, I tripped over a rock and ended up with a few bruises. It was a clumsy start, but an unforgettable first encounter.
Day 2: Blue-Footed Boobies and Sea Turtles on San Cristobal
On Monday, we visited San Cristobal Island, and it did not disappoint. We finally saw the iconic blue-footed boobies in all their glory. The beach was gorgeous, and I took the opportunity for a swim. Though the guides were understandably cautious and called me back when I ventured too far out, the experience was magical. I had the chance to swim with gentle sea turtles and saw countless colorful fish along the way.
Day 3: Kayaking and Post Office Bay on Floreana
On Tuesday, Floreana Island offered another day of new experiences. We started by kayaking along the coast, which was an amazing way to see the island from a different perspective. Later, we landed at the famous Post Office Bay. This historic spot has been used by sailors since the 18th century. The tradition is to leave an unstamped postcard and sift through the pile to find one you can hand-deliver. While our own postcard eventually arrived via the US Postal Service (thanks to someone adding a stamp!), we picked one up to deliver to a family in Port Washington, Long Island. We finished the day with a Zodiac ride and more snorkeling.
Day 4: Mangroves and Marine Life on Isabela
Wednesday brought us to Isabela Island, the largest in the archipelago and home to six active volcanoes. We took a Zodiac boat through the serene mangrove system of Elizabeth Bay. The calm, clear water allowed us to spot an incredible array of marine life, including graceful stingrays, sea turtles, and even sharks gliding beneath us.
Day 5: Giant Tortoises and Culture on Santa Cruz
Our visit to Santa Cruz on Thursday was a real treat. We explored Puerto Ayora, the largest human settlement in the islands, and visited the headquarters of the Galápagos National Park Directorate and the Charles Darwin Research Station. The highlight was seeing the giant tortoises. They were everywhere—some were tiny, while others were bigger than me! It was mating season, so we witnessed a lot of natural behavior. The entire ship’s company enjoyed lunch at a lovely local restaurant, and we even had time for a little shopping in the upscale boutiques. Afterward, a bus took us to a sugar cane plantation where we explored an area with even more tortoises.
Day 6: Española’s Christmas Iguanas
On Friday, we visited Española, the oldest island in the archipelago. Its unique wildlife was fabulous to see, including the famous “Christmas” iguanas, which display brilliant red and green coloring. Of course, more sea lions were there to greet us on the shores before we took a final Zodiac ride around the island in the afternoon.
The Long Journey Home
Saturday, January 17th, marked the end of our island exploration. After breakfast, we headed back to Baltra and the airport to begin our journey home. We stayed overnight at the Wyndham Quito hotel near the airport, which was surprisingly luxurious, with a pool, sauna, and spacious rooms. The trip home started at 4 a.m. the next morning with a flight to Miami, then New York. It was a bit of a travel disaster on American Airlines, with a four-hour delay in Miami followed by a two-hour wait for our luggage in New York.
It was a long and exhausting two days of travel, but it was a small price to pay for the incredible sights and once-in-a-lifetime experiences we had in Ecuador and the Galápagos. Every moment was worth it.
