Latin America
The Galapagos offers close wildlife encounters—from blue-footed boobies and sea lion colonies to giant tortoises that move slowly across arid highlands. But the islands are only part of the story. The Galapagos Marine Reserve spans an area nearly six times larger than the landmass of all 21 islands combined.
Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands offer so many unique experiences for travelers. From encounters with wildlife unbothered by humans to the varying geological features from island to island, there is so much to see and learn.
Galapagos Islands
The most memorable part of my Galapagos trip, without question, was the snorkeling. Initially, I was a little scared of this element of the trip because I’m not exactly a fish in the water, but the instruction of the expert guides, safety equipment in the water, and buoyancy of the wetsuits made the experience stress-free.
Travel Tales
“We loved so many things that occurred during our visit to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, but I will share a few. Our first night aboard the Petrel, we moved from San Cristobal to Espanola. When we awoke in the morning, there was a sea lion on the top deck.
Conservation
Travelers can be overwhelmed by the incredible wildlife and breathtaking vistas of the Galapagos Islands. WWF was curious to hear about the perspective from people who have experienced the “enchanted islands” for years as opposed to days.
Travel Tales
“Please don’t change your watches,” said our expedition leader Giancarlo Toti, as we stood around the baggage claim at the steamy San Cristobal airport in Ecuador. “While we are in the Galapagos, we are going to stay on mainland time.” I contemplated the rationale of such a request. “Not change our watches?”
Conservation
In a place as remote as the Galapagos Islands, I expected to encounter a pristine wild habitat, nearly unspoiled by human activity. I was rewarded with such an experience, snorkeling with dozens of sea turtles in Tagus Cove and hiking among volcanic tuff cones on Isabela Island.
Nature & Wildlife
Many travelers venture to the Galapagos in search of the famous blue-footed booby. I was no exception. I couldn’t wait to see the bright blue feet I’d only seen in photos.
Conservation
In Part 1 of my interview with Executive Director of the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA), Matt Kareus, we discussed the organization’s mission and role in the Galapagos, and we took a dive into the implications of climate change for the archipelago.
Galapagos Islands
In our last article in a series of Galapagos Islands fun facts, we learned about “enchanted” islands born of fire, as well as who discovered them and other interesting facts about the national park and island geography.
Galapagos Islands
There is absolutely nowhere else in the world where you can experience such incredible nature, wildlife and educational opportunities than in the Galapagos Islands.
Nature & Wildlife
At the end of June I had the amazing opportunity to travel with Natural Habitat Adventures to the Galápagos Islands. As you might imagine, it was the trip of a lifetime – and not just for the incredible wildlife sightings and beautiful landscapes.
