From swimming with playful sea lions to hiking through lava fields, the sense of wonder during my luxury Galápagos cruise was unparalleled. Every day brought a unique adventure in the varied islands. We explored the unique flora and fauna with expert naturalist guides, embarked on zodiac excursions, snorkelled with marine life, and walked across diverse landscapes.
Experience the extraordinary wildlife of the Galápagos Islands
Taking a wildlife tour in the Galápagos Islands was like walking in the Garden of Eden. The variety of wildlife we encountered was incredible. We stepped right over bird nests on the ground without disturbing them, sea lions didn’t move away as we walked by, and birds in the trees didn’t fly off – the wildlife has no fear of humans. Having been on African safaris throughout my life, it was a startlingly different feeling to not worry about scaring wildlife away; this was my real stand-out experience in the Galápagos.
I had so many wildlife highlights: the unforgettable thrill of snorkelling off powdery white beaches and being surrounded by playful sea lions swirling and darting around us. Hiking over red, crumbling lava fields where nesting frigate birds perched on guano-splashed shrubs, and blue-footed boobies circled on their ground nests. Watching the slow-motion movements of giant tortoises grazing in the green highlands of Santa Cruz. The awe-inspiring privilege of seeing the diverse wildlife up close, in its natural habitat. Another amazing experience was snorkelling in the mangroves of Black Turtle Cove, with its serene waters and diverse marine life.
"The thrill of snorkelling off powdery white beaches and being surrounded by playful sea lions swirling and darting around us was unforgettable!"
Thrilling island-based adventures
I enjoyed exploring the islands from the land as much as from the ocean. One standout place for me was South Plaza Island, where the vibrant orange bushes made it look as though the island was aflame.
We took an extraordinary hike to the top of Bartolome Island. After a steep climb, we were rewarded with panoramic vistas of the surrounding islands and our yacht far in the distance. And of course, there were the spectacular sunsets. Every evening, we would watch the sun dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the dramatic coastlines of the Galapagos Islands —an utterly mesmerising sight.
Exploring the Galápagos Islands on a luxury yacht cruise
I travelled on Ecoventura’s new yacht, Evolve, part of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux collection. They have three yachts in the fleet, Origin, Theory, and Evolve yachts, each named in homage to Charles Darwin’s scientific works. The yachts share the same layout, so it doesn’t matter which one you travel on. Shortly before departure they assign your yacht by matching like-minded guests, so that, for example, wildlife enthusiasts or groups of families travel together.
In terms of guest experience onboard, the crew was exceptional. Our guides, Fernando and Sophie, were incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Captain Jhon Feijoo and the lovely Maite, our go-to on the yacht, made sure every detail was perfect. Little touches like being greeted with hot chocolate after snorkelling made the trip even more memorable.
The onboard amenities onboard the yachts are second to none. We had a full-time concierge, the brilliant Joselyn de Los Santos, who attended to our every need. The yachts also feature a fitness centre, a sundeck with loungers and daybeds, a jacuzzi, and sustainably sourced, insanely delicious cuisine. One evening, we watched Chef Arturo demonstrate how to prepare Ecuadorian ceviche before indulging in a top-deck barbecue, one of the many culinary highlights of the voyage.
Culture of Quito and Ecuador’s cloud forest at Mashpi Lodge
If you have time to extend your adventure beyond your Galápagos cruise, I highly recommend a stop in Quito, Ecuador’s capital, where history and culture intertwine beautifully. I explored the city’s well-preserved colonial architecture and took a trip to the mystical cloud forest, home to a variety of species, including olinguitos, hummingbirds, and countless other creatures nestled among the dense flora.
I stayed at Mashpi Lodge and ventured on a river hike through the forest with an expert guide. At the end of the hike, I took a refreshing dip in one of the waterfall pools before riding the Dragonfly, Mashpi’s 1.25-mile-long aerial gondola. It is high up in the trees and quite scary, but it was totally worth the wobbly legs and butterflies – soaring over the forest canopy in an open-air basket is an exhilarating experience! You’ll see unique views of the forest from above which is a must-do for any nature lover.
Related articles
