Each island is unique in its own way. Some islands are deserted, have prominent volcanos, others contain wide lava fields and yet some are low lying sandy lands. Many of the islands have a unique diversity of wildlife which is how and why Darwin made his observations.
Day 2 brought us to Genovesa where we anchored in Darwin Bay. A couple of shore excursions allowed us to spot our first Darwin Finch. This uninhabited island presented us with grey and red footed boobies that don’t reside on Baltra.
An overnight cruise to Santiago’s James Bay we woke up to a beautiful sunrise and an invitation to enjoy a cooling snorkel after a shore excursion across the lava beaches.
The journey was not repetitive as we were entertained by Sally Lightfoot crabs and Galapagos Lava Lizards. Being right on the equator it does not take the sun long to heat up the day.
The sand was too hot to walk on barefoot by 11 AM and shade, although difficult to come by, was a welcome reprive, as were our snorkelling excursions. Plenty of sun block, a wide brim hat and long sleeves were necessary attire.
Our 7 day cruise brought us around Isabela Island with a visit to nearby Fernandina then down to Floreana before arriving at our departure point on Santa Cruz. Each day opened our eyes to something new and exciting.
The crew aboard Tip Top IV could not have been more accommodating. As I got to know the crew and they got to know me I felt a kinship develop where I didn’t seem like just another tourist. Departing our home of the week I felt like I was leaving something so special and remembered what Fillipe had said to me in his parting words: “You may leave the Galapagos but the Galapagos never leaves you.”
Adios Galapagos.