This might be as natural as the world gets when you can see the animal world in its natural state without fear of mankind. I think that is the elevator pitch to describe the trip.
We chose to travel the islands by water rather than a land-based trip. We worked out that we would be able to see and do more in the week that we had. The only way you are allowed to see the Galapagos is through guided tours. After an extensive search we booked with Tip Top Cruises. They provide small group tours with experienced, knowledgeable english speaking guides at a price point that our travel agent back home said was excellent.
Boarding Tip Top IV, a newly refitted 40 meter cruise boat at Santa Cruz Island after being met by our guide, Felipe Whittmer and taken out to the boat dock by bus, we smelted the salt air of the turquoise and deep blue sea of the Pacific for the first time. We were fortunate enough to have Felipe Whittmer, the grandson of the company’s found as our guide. Very knowledgeable, eager to accommodate and easily approachable.
The itinerary would take us to the more remote, uninhabited islands where Filipe would keep us interested and active with hiking, kayaking and snorkelling expeditions surrounded by wildlife. We were informed that our bags were already in our cabins and, with a refreshment in hand that anchor was lifted and we set off while Filipe gave us an orientation about the trip.
First Stop, Baltra Island. Only a short ride from the harbour, Baltra is a small island where we took a shot excursion to get our first look at iguana’s, sea turtles, blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and seals.
The animals are not afraid of human presence so it was interesting to get so close to them without seeing them disappear. At times I was unable to use a telephoto lens as the animals were too close to photograph.