The Galápagos Islands can only be likened to a dream. If you were to transport yourself back to a childlike state of imagination and pick all the most special creatures to accompany you on a desert island, the Galápagos Islands are it. This is one of those remote island destinations that hardly seemed real to me as I wrote essays on its explorer and it’s animals in my school years. It was a true thrill to visit this magical oasis on a family trip this Thanksgiving holiday. Certainly a trip that reminded me of all we have to be thankful for on this still beautiful planet.

Bartholomew Island

EXPERIENCE 

Ahh, where to begin! Experience is what this trip is all about. It is a bit difficult to get to this destination, though that’s likely a good thing since excessive tourism could ruin a place like this. The level to which the National Park protects the island and their resources is quite impressive. We arrived via Balta and took a ferry to the main city of Puerto Ayoras on Santa Cruz. Almost immediately we were greeted by pelicans and finches.

Sea Lion of Galapagos

We stayed on Santa Cruz all of our nights in the Galápagos Islands and made day trips from here. We hit South Plaza, Santa Fe, Bartholomew and Santiago. On these islands we enjoyed the natural beauty of fresh lava fields, crystal clear blue waters for snorkeling, cacti lined hikes, lonely white sand beaches and warm sunshine. That being said, animals and time spent with amazing ones are the highlight of this trip. On our day tours through the islands, we managed to see penguins, marine iguanas, land iguanas, pink flamingos, sea lions, sea turtles, blue footed boobies, giant tortoises and countless other birds, tropical fish and lizards. The most special animal encounters for me were the marine iguanas of Tortuga Bay and snorkeling belly to belly with sea lions near Santa Fe. 

Ray of the Galapagos

The Charles Darwin Research Center was not open for our visit due to renovations, this would have been a nice place to see the baby tortises. While staying on Santa Cruz, be sure to check out the fish market in the town center as well as the street market where local restaurants set up a “night market” of sorts serving fresh fish and langoustine in the streets.

We spent our final day in the islands exploring the highlands of Santa Cruz. This was a fun day of checking out the lava tunnels and meeting the giant tortoises that roam the islands. We encountered most of these 15o year old creatures at the Reserva El Chato. From here we stopped at the volcano crater of Cerro Mesa to take in the view.We also visited a beautiful beach called el Garrapatero to conclude this day. Here we enjoyed a solitude white sand beach and saw the only two pink flamingos of our trip. This beach also offers kayaks for rent. Someday if I return, I’d love to camp in the enchanted intertwined wood canopy at this beach.

Walk to Tortuga Bay

STAY

While in the Galapagos, we set up camp on the main island of Santa Cruz where the majority of the population resides. We decided this would be a better arrangement for a family trip than being trapped on a live aboard cruise ship- a little freedom when traveling as a family for a week is always welcome. We stayed at the Isla Sol in Puerto Ayora. This hotel was modest but nice and in perfect proximity to the port and restaurants. We were able to utilize the restaurant, bar, pool and wifi of the Hotel Solymar across the street as part of our accommodation as well since the two establishments are owned by brothers.

Sea Lions of Galapagos

EAT

I was very impressed with the food in Santa Cruz and throughout our stay among the islands. For breakfast, a modest hotel fare of eggs, cereals and fresh fruits sufficed along with the Ecuadorian coffee. The day boats cooked beautiful multi-course hot lunches for us daily. My favorites included fresh tuna and curry chicken. In the evenings we enjoyed dinners in Puetro Ayora. We checked out several restaurants: Sol y Mar Restaurant, Isla Grill, Garrapata, Il Giardino and Manzanillo. All the restaurants we tried along the main strip were tasty and focused on the local catch. We indulged in some of the best food I’ve experienced in South America including shrimp, ceviches, langoustines, and well prepared vegetables.

Crab of Tortuga Bay

This was truly a special trip for me. One, because of the memorable opportunity to travel with my sister and parents. Two, because of the wonderful animal experiences I had while here. I can see myself revisiting this destination one day to share with new new eyes. If I do that I’d like to add Isabela Island and the Charles Darwin Research Center (baby tortoise hatchery) to my list. 

Galapagos Vegetation

Penguin Near Pinnacle Rock