The Galapagos was not on my hot list of travel destinations. We knew people who had gone and seemed to enjoy it- but their photos of people standing on rocks looking through binoculars were not overly inspiring. Travel sites promised superb birding, Giant Tortoises, Darwin finches, Darwin’s discoveries, iguanas, more Darwin, more birds. Very educational. Yawn.

We are often asked how we pick our destinations. We long ago learned that the best source of information is other travelers. Everybody knows Iceland is fantastic- so on that trip we asked one of the expedition team who had been almost literally everywhere for his favorites. He said without hesitation – South Georgia Island. So, when planning our trip to Antarctica we made sure our itinerary included that remote and amazing place. You can read more about that on this earlier post.  On the Antarctic trip, one of the most common suggestions was the Galapagos. That started the investigation.

Travel sites provided options to consider and past travelers added personal experiences. That led us to Quasar Expeditions a small, well regarded expedition cruise company. They have 2 ships – the 32 person Evolution and the 16 passenger Grace– Princess Grace of Morocco’s honeymoon yacht. It is all inclusive- includes guides, all food, beverages (yes that means booze), in country flights and so on. They also arrange a variety of extensions- we chose some time in Quito and the rainforest, but you could do Machu Pichu or Patagonia as well as other options in Ecuador. Everything was well organized and executed.

So here we are. Our itinerary, Called Footsteps Back in Time, took us through the Eastern Islands. In January the weather was warm without really being hot and the water temperatures were comfortable- especially in a wet suit. Our day started when cruise director Reuban woke us to music, initiating the scramble to the magic coffee machine then to breakfast. Meals were sometimes inside sometimes out, at long communal tables. Most were buffet style. There was always a good selection and dietary needs were handled capably – there were options for a gluten free/dairy free guest, a separate plate if needed. But with lots of fresh produce, an omelet station, seafood at lunch and dinner it often was not needed. No one went hungry.

After adequate fuel we headed out on the pangas to our first stop of the day usually a hike of some kind. A few hours later we were back onboard to struggle into our wet suits for snorkeling. We have snorkeled but are hardly expert. There were a few guests who fit that category, some total novices, most in between. The guides made sure everyone felt comfortable, their gear fit properly and provided options like inflatable supports if needed. It wasn’t unusual to have a guide look at your mask and say, no that’s not right, and get another option for you. A wet suit is a wonderful thing- it keeps you buoyant and insulates well; but getting in and out of the thing was one of the hardest activities of the day. The first day as we were fitted one young man spent about 20 minutes pulling, tugging and grunting only to be told he had it on backwards. Ohhhhh….

Each site featured something different- tropical fish of different kinds- but sea turtles, rays, sea lions, hammerhead sharks were frequent. On a basic level, snorkeling is easy- you just float along and look.  The guides and a few others would dive down into the depths- we gratefully accepted their shared photos and videos! Air drop is a wonderful thing!

Then back to the ship- the hot tub was very popular after snorkeling, drying off, then lunch.

After repositioning to a new location, allowing a few hours rest, we were off again for a few hours- another landing, hike and more wildlife and scenery.

Then back to the ship for sunset happy hour.

Next time: more of what we saw.