Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis
The Galapagos Islands are both a marine wildlife lover’s dream and a haven for photography, the outdoors and nature – a place to snorkel in beautiful calm bays, oceans and even cenotes (natural underground sinkholes filled with water) Heaven.
Here you can swim with whale sharks, giant tortoises or marine iguanas; hike through bizarre lava formations or hike along wild and spectacular beaches and coastlines; hang out on the sand with sea lions or take a boat trip for some There are no lodgings or outer islands with many tourists.
Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis
Blue-footed boobies show off her feet
The variety of wildlife here is as varied as anywhere else. You have a large number of species only found in Galapagos, and since the island has few natural predators, the wildlife is very docile and undisturbed by human visits.
At the top of the list are blue-footed boobies, named for their bright blue feet, which pride themselves in a playful dance reminiscent of the goofy walk of Monty Python when males try to attract females. You can see them with their newly hatched chicks during the breeding season on North Seymour Island and at the Isabela and Santa Cruz attractions.
Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis
Colorful Sally Lightfoot Crab, Isla Santa Cruz
Marine life abounds in the Galapagos. You’ll see Sally Lightfoot Crabs (supposedly named after a Caribbean dancer) on just about every neighborhood and coastal path. They eat the dead skin of marine iguanas and are known as the gatekeepers of the food chain here because of their tendency to scavenge and their willingness to devour anything. Their brightly colored shells act like light magnets against the black volcanic rocks they frequent.
Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis
Cruises in San Cristobal Bay
You can take an all-inclusive Galapagos cruise, where you’ll receive personalized treatment and even be accompanied by a professional naturalist and guide throughout the day to make the most of your visit. A cruise will also take you to some of the more remote islands where there aren’t many tourists. The three main islands (Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristobal) have onshore accommodation, so for the outer islands, you’ll have to stay on board.
Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis
Your Own Island: Cycling on Santa Cruz Island
Alternatively, you can base yourself on land and save money by doing an overland excursion on your own with no schedule and still time on the beach, and choose your own day trip to take a boat to some closer island. However, if the more popular tours (like North Seymour) are fully booked, you may not have a seat. Either way, there are miles of empty beaches for biking traversal and hiking trails. No matter how you do it, wildlife encounters are going to be epic.
Photo credit to Metropolitan Touring
wonders of the sea
travel Will take you to the most pristine bays to snorkel and dive with sea lions, turtles and other rich marine life. While parts of the Galapagos can be cold and windy depending on the season (the Galapagos has an extremely unique tropical and semi-arid climate), you will always find white sandy beaches and wonderful turquoise water, Reminiscent of the Caribbean Sea. .
Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis
Sea Turtle Crossing, Santa Cruz Island
Galapagos giant tortoises rule most tourists’ must-see wildlife lists. El Chato is a 12-hectare private reserve on Santa Cruz Island, open to the public, where you can come face-to-face with giant creatures in their natural habitat. Even better, if you don’t feel like visiting, you can reach the reserve by bike. Most tour operators also include El Chato as part of any itinerary.
Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis
Turtles are the kings of the jungle in the Galapagos
The largest Galapagos tortoises can weigh up to 1,000 pounds (though 400-500 is more normal) and typically live more than 100 years. There are more than a dozen different surviving species spread across the ten islands of the archipelago. Turtles interact well with tourists and are very happy with the presence of humans, especially in island reserves, where they don’t have to worry about predators.
You’ll even occasionally see one or two of Darwin’s famous finches riding on the backs of turtle shells. These little birds have an interesting interrelationship with sea turtles, as they clear their skin of ticks and parasites, all in exchange for an easy, free meal.
Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis
Surprise Pelicans!
Wildlife is the star of the Galapagos Islands. You’ll find sea lions sitting at the feet of fishmongers at the market, barking like contented dogs when unsold cuts fall on them. Pelicans, marine iguanas, and pretty much every other species seem to congregate, or at least not quarrel. And on the more touristy islands (that is, the three islands with accommodation), you’ll even see sea lions sleeping on bar stools during happy hour!
Photo credit to Metropolitan Touring
social distancing with sea lions
Whichever way you choose to come and go, you’ll take home a treasure trove of memories, more photo collections, and the chance to experience wildlife up close.
Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis
Just you and the iguanas: Tortuga Bay
The possibilities for visiting the Galapagos Islands are endless.go on an adventure together yacht leveling tower Where Santa Cruz II, Expedition ships have been awarded the Safe Travel Seal by WTCC (World Travel and Tourism Council).Or choose a land-based experience and settle down sparrow bayA secluded eco hotel on the beach in Santa Cruz Island.
Whichever way you go, one thing’s for sure, there’s a lot of solitude, social distancing, and rejuvenation here just for you, your loved ones, and maybe some marine iguanas or sea lions.