Exploring Paradise

Situated in the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Islands boast wildlife and landscapes found nowhere else on Earth

- Debbie Wright

When my daughter Kaitlin called to askif I wanted to travel to the Galapagos Islands, I thought what a wonderful way to celebrate my retirement.

We arrived in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, on May 8, where we had time for a quick nap as we were leaving at 3:30 a.m. to fly to the island of Baltra. Greeted by our guide, who stayed with us for the whole tour, we took a ferry to the island of Santa Cruz, where we headed to board our charter boat, the Eden Yacht. We were travelling with a group of 14 other travellers from all over the world. Right upon arrival, we immediately saw a spotted ray in the water, as well as a brown pelican and a blue-footed booby.

After introductions and lunch, our first tour was back on shore at the El Chato Nature Reserve, where we were walking among the Galapagos giant tortoises. These gentle giants were munching on mangos as we walked about. We also travelled underground in a lava tunnel where it was much cooler than the 25°C above ground. This tunnel was very interesting as it had a lava tube inside it. Back on the boat for dinner, the following day’s itinerary was discussed and we set sail for Floreana Island.