Wild Earth

An isolated group of volcanic peaks that sit astride the equator, oceanic in nature yet only a short flight from the South American mainland and we leave behind the hustle and bustle of Quito exchanging it for the timeless pace of the Galapagos. We board our modern and well appointed vessel that will transport us to another world, a world that operates on evolutionary time, a land where the wildlife is still in charge.
    Within hours we are ashore on wildlife covered islands, giving way to Blue-footed Boobies as they dance through courtship and stepping around sleeping Sealions. Everyday in the Galapagos brings something new and different, heading ashore early we have maximum time with the wildlife and the magical early morning light to ourselves. Espanola in the south is a special island in a group of very special islands, we swim with Sealions in the azure waters while ashore Waved Albatross dance their ungainly dance, golden beaks clapping out a rhythm like no other. Time in Puerto Ayora gives the opportunity to visit the world renowned Charles Darwin Research Centre and also travel to the mountainous interior where we enter another and greener world.
    Sailing to the west coast of Isabella, the largest island in the Galapagos, the sea is cooler and it is here that the iconic Penguin and Flightless Cormorant of the Galapagos occur, feeding in the rich cool waters of the Humbolt Current and resting along the shoreline. Beneath the waves there is the opportunity to enter the world of the Cormorants and Marine Iguanas, watch as these unique reptilians graze beneath the surf. Fernandina offshore from Isabella is free of introduced predators and stepping ashore we are greeted by masses of wildlife much as Darwin must have experienced it during his visit aboard the Beagle. Crossing the equator we arrive at Genovessa, another island with amazing wildlife, but of a more tropical nature as Frigate birds, and Boobies crowd every available space. Tropical fish life abounds in the warm sheltered waters of Genovessa and excellent snorkeling opportunity.
    Our final days are spent exploring the central islands with the endemic Galapagos Fur Seal, more finch species, another chance to swim with the Penguins and a final zodiac cruise amongst the mangroves of Black Turtle Cove. Returning to Quito, Ecuador’s capital we have a day excursion to the Otavalo, located north of Quito in rural farmland and the site of a large farmers market.