We decided to book one way flights to Baltra, and organise a last minute cruise in Puerto Ayora the main town on Santa Cruz island to give us a better chance of getting a deal. The tour agents showed us details of some nice fancy boats with availability that were at least double what we wanted to pay.
Karl who we met in Mindo had already tipped us off about a 16 berth catamaran called Solitario Jorge which although basic was clean, relatively new and the food was good. So we got an 8 day cruise on that boat leaving within a couple of days. In addition to the cruise we spent 4 nights on Santa Cruz and 2 nights on Isabela which gave us time to see a good selection of land and sea wildlife and the varied landscapes throughout the islands.
Whimbrel
Lava Lizard
Marine Iguana
Galápagos Sea Lion
Greater Flamingo
Galápagos Dove
Is it just me or at a quick glance does it look like John has his hand on his neighbour’s knee??
Stingray
Blue-Footed Booby
Magnificent Frigate Bird
Swallow-tailed Gull
Galápagos Penguin
Bryde’s Whale
John thought better of sitting next to this sea lion after it let out a roar/snarl of disapproval when he got a bit too close.
Galápagos Land Iguana
Blue-footed Booby and chick
Galápagos Sea Lion
Juvenile Sally Lightfoot Crab
Grown up Sally Lightfoot Crab
The only underwater photos we took are below and are stills from video footage on an old GoPro. Not the best quality but gives an idea of some species we saw.
Pacific Green Sea Turtle
Blue-Chin Parrot Fish
Razor Surgeon Fish
Eagle Ray
Sea Lion
Humans?
Galápagos shark (have been known to bite!)
Bad pic but that is a real Hammerhead Shark!
Us!
That’s our boat on the right.
Our fellow passengers, 8 nationalities and a fun group.
How excited was I to see the Giant Tortoises!
Above and below is the Sierra Negra volcano crater, the 2nd largest in the world at 10km wide.
We did a hot sweaty 16km hike into this amazing landscape.
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The following images are ones that didn’t make the Editors cut (Because she’s bossy).
I have been given permission to add them so everyone can hopefully get the feeling we did. It’s bloody amazing in the Galapagos!!
Regards, down trodden photographer….
Amazing photos!
Wow! you have surpassed yourselves on the photography front. What an amazing trip. My favourite bit so far…..
Definitely a destination you might enjoy Lisa.x
Fantastic photos. A more vivid image for me though is John with his hand on that blokes knee whilst sporting some very short shorts and smiling proudly surely due to that very big thing between his legs….
One of those photos taken just as a snap but turn out to be quite amusing!
Wow amazing photos. Xx
Incredible photos and experiences. We’ve a burst main outside our office today, everywhere is flooded, the penguins would love it!
Fi
Here’s hoping you won’t be needing a wetsuit and snorkel to get into work! Hope you are both well.x
Amazing photos. We already longing back and miss your company.
Will follow your fantastic trip
Take care! /Johan&Britt
Just fantastic ! David Attenborough ear your heart out !
Certainly is an amazing place, sure you would enjoy it too.xx