October 3, 2013Read time - 3 minutesThe Galapagos are a 'Mecca' for wildlife enthusiasts and should be visited at least once in a lifetime. The variety of marine, land and avian species here is staggering. Visiting this natural wonderland will easily rank as one of the best trips I am ever lucky enough to go on. As I am passionate about marine life, I decided that the rainy season would be the most suitable time for me to go. Even though the risk of downpours is higher, the sea at this time of year is warm, so you can go snorkelling without the need of a wetsuit.In search of Galapagos AnimalsThe first snorkelling site at Plaza Island set the standard for the rest of the week. Here I was lucky enough to get the chance to swim with marine turtles, sea lions, marine iguanas, stingrays and white tip sharks, something that became the 'norm' as the week went on.The waters lapping the Galapagos Islands are full of delightful wildlife surprises. One of the most memorable highlights for me was a brief but close encounter with a Hammerhead shark, which was one of the animals I had been hoping to come across.Galapagos penguinTo be so close to this large predator was absolutely thrilling. But the most unexpected moment occurred while I was admiring an eagle ray; I turned around and found myself in front of a school of these beautiful creatures gracefully swimming past me like a flock of birds in slow motion. Absolutely magical.But life on land is just as exciting. Here I had the chance to admire giant tortoises, land iguanas, playful sea lions and many species of birds, including some that are endemic. Galapagos penguins, Darwin’s finches, blue and red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, Waved albatross, Magnificent and Great Frigate birds all frequent the islands and are easy to spot.Everywhere you look, thriving wildlife abounds. The rainy season had triggered the plants to burst into a flourish of verdant greenery on most of the islands. However, each island of the Galapagos has its own identity and Punta Espinoza was steadfastly refusing to go green, preferring instead to persist with a lunar landscape punctuated by a few cacti.Blue-footed boobiesGalapagos Cruise CrewThis island has a surreal feeling; it’s almost like being somewhere near Mordor in Lord of the Rings. This amazing trip would not have been possible without the experienced crew, an enthusiastic leader and the Cachalote – our wonderful two-mast motor/sailing vessel.The crew has been crossing the archipelago on the Cachalote for the last 9 years and their experience was clear to see. The captain has an excellent knowledge of routes, the marine geology of the area and the local weather patterns.Miguel and Angel the second and third in command are both extremely skilful with the Pangas (rafts with motor) and in spotting Galapagos wildlife. Nestor the engineer spends up to two hours at a time in the engine room - the noisiest and hottest (but also most important) room on the boat.Sailing around GalapagosWe were very well looked after on the boat. Pedro - the proficient chef - managed to whip together tasty three-course meals for 16 clients and seven staff three times a day, in a kitchen which is 7 x 4ft. Quite impressive! Richard - our steward - looked after the cabins, the bar and the table service all in an impeccable and efficient manner. He is famous for his bartending skills, particularly for producing refreshing Capirinas (alcoholic drink with cachaza and fresh limes) just in time for sitting on the deck to watch the sunset over the sea.And of course - the hero of the holiday - our aptly named leader, Darwin Alvarez. He is a young, passionate naturalist guide who shared his knowledge of the Islands’ geology, flora and fauna and human history and expertly explained the delicate equilibrium which allows this unique habitat to survive. He helped to make our trip to this magical place absolutely outstanding. I had reached my wildlife ‘Mecca’; it will be hard to beat. - Matteo Carri Exodus Web Sales ConsultantSee our trips below and experience Galapagos wildlife moments for yourself.
Galapagos: In Darwin's Footsteps 11 reviews A unique trek amid the volcanic Galapagos archipelago Walking & Trekking Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate Ages: 16+ 14 Days from £4,699 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Galapagos Wildlife Cruise - Cachalote Explorer 25 reviews The best of the Galapagos islands' scenery and wildlife Wildlife Activity level: Leisurely Ages: 16+ 17 Days from £8,099 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Galapagos Voyage: Back in Time - Premium Adventure NewPremium Wonderful naturalist guides an award-winning premium yacht make for a once-in-a-lifetime Galapagos adventure like no other. Premium Adventures Activity level: Leisurely Ages: 12+ 9 Days from £6,949 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Galapagos Voyage: Pirates & Darwin - Premium Adventure NewPremium Set sail on a once-in-a-lifetime voyage in the wake of Charles Darwin led by award-winning naturalist guides Premium Adventures Activity level: Leisurely Ages: 12+ 9 Days from £6,949 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Galapagos & Amazon - Cachalote Explorer 19 reviews Ecuador's contrasting ecosystems, from the Amazon jungle to the Galapagos archipelago Wildlife Activity level: Leisurely Ages: 16+ 15 Days from £6,999 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Galapagos Islands - Cachalote Explorer (Itinerary A) 24 reviews Sail around the Galapagos Islands by motor yacht Wildlife Activity level: Leisurely Ages: 12+ 10 Days from £5,199 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Galapagos Islands - Cachalote Explorer (Itinerary B) 1 review Sail around the Galapagos Islands by First Class boat Wildlife Activity level: Leisurely Ages: 12+ 10 Days from £5,199 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details