Having just returned from the Galapagos Islands it is good to reflect on the wildlife and itineraries for Galapagos tours. Put simply the wildlife exceeded my expectations! On land you are almost tripping over a good variety of bird species and of course marine iguanas. Sea lions, fur seals, turtles and that Galapagos icon, the giant tortoise can all be seen. However, it is underwater that these remote Pacific islands are most amazing. With only a few snorkelling adventures to record previously the underwater world was just phenomenal. The sea in places was a thick fish soup, penguins caught and ate fish in front of my eyes, as in a dream I got to swim with green and hawksbill turtles and had sea lions playing around us. Below were sharks and a variety of rays. It was unforgettable. The opportunities for photography were numerous and the season just right to give some cloud to what can often be a deep blue sky.
I would always recommend at least a week cruising the Galapagos Islands and to choose the itinerary carefully. Nature enthusiasts should try to reach Fernandina and Isabela, islands often not included by some vessels as being too far from the main ‘circuit’. Each island has specific characteristics and you should talk to us to determine your style of Galapagos cruise. In the meantime here are a few images of my recent Galapagos tour and I will try and post a diary of the tour to the website in due course.