All the documentaries I\u2019d seen on the Galapagos Islands inferred that it\u2019s one of the foremost wildlife experiences on the planet. Friends and family members who had travelled there only reinforced this. It was time to experience these famous islands for myself so, along with my family and some friends, we took at Galapagos cruise,\u00a0 joining National Geographic Lindblad\u2019s Islander, an expedition ship with a capacity of just 48 guests. There are also a number of other expedition cruise companies in this region.<\/p>\n
These isolated volcanic islands are a province of Equador, lying about 1,000kms off its coast. Whichever way you come at it, it\u2019s a haul. From Guayaquil, Ecuador, we fly to Baltra Island, board the ship and before too long, head off on our first adventure \u2013 North Seymour Island via zodiac. The wildlife\u2019s impact on us is strong and immediate. Just minutes after hitting the shore, a blue-footed booby poses for us on a rock, fur seal pups bask in the sun, land iguana\u2019s are everywhere and we see dozens of bird species \u2013 too many to name. Special mention to the frigate male with its red chest puffing out to attract a female!<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a general rule on the Galapagos that tourists are not allowed within 6 feet of the wildlife. Problem is, the wildlife didn\u2019t get the memo and doesn\u2019t abide by the rule so expect to get close \u2026 real close \u2026 too many different and extraordinary species.<\/p>\n
Over the week we snorkel, trek, paddle and witness the very best this archipelago has to offer. The list of the wildlife we see first hand is extensive and brings with it the best possible boasting rights! There is no single highlight to mention \u2013 every activity or viewing brought its own wow factor.<\/p>\n
We couldn\u2019t fault any aspect of the cruise either. The staff\u2019s knowledge, enthusiasm, and willingness to assist were simply outstanding. A real plus was their genuine passion for conservation and that care-factor can\u2019t help but rub off on you. The food on board is varied, healthy and good quality. Our basic level cabin was more than comfortable. The activities, the planning, overall organisation and logistics all worked seamlessly. I could go on and on\u2026 and on\u2026 but the best thing to do is to go see this special part of the world for yourself.<\/p>\n
The Galapagos Islands is one of the greatest places on the planet to get your fix of wildlife. Just remember the 6 feet rule \u2013 even if the wildlife doesn\u2019t!
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\nBlue Dot Travel<\/b>\u00a0is an authorised agent for a number of expedition cruise companies and can book you on any one of their Galapagos Island tours or other itineraries.<\/p>\n
Photos & story by Brett Goulston<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
All the documentaries I\u2019d seen on the Galapagos Islands inferred that it\u2019s one of the foremost wildlife experiences on the planet. Friends and family members who had travelled there only reinforced this. It was time to experience these famous islands for myself so, along with my family and some friends, we took at Galapagos cruise,\u00a0 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3830,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"gallery","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[257],"tags":[442],"class_list":["post-3823","post","type-post","status-publish","format-gallery","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-americas","tag-galapagos","post_format-post-format-gallery"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n