Adventure to the Galapagos Islands & Ecuador
Getting to the islands always involves a stopover in Ecuador, I would suggest Quito, flights here go from London via Madrid or the USA. I choose the Madrid option and paid a very reasonable price with Air Europa in Business Class flying into Quito and back from Guayaquil. I was not sure what to expect with Air Europa as the fare was so reasonable in comparison to others, it was very good, comfortable business class seats good food choices and drinks. Whilst they use the normal airport lounges they were good and better than some of those at UK airports.
Quito - A lovely charming city and well worth a couple of nights. At 2850 it is the second highest capital city in the world, an old Incan city it has some well-preserved 16th & 17th Century churches and buildings. It was also a great place to visit the invisible Equator. There are 3 locations that claim to be middle earth - you can decide to visit all three!
The short 2hr 20 minute flight from Quito to the Galapagos island of San Cristobel Island with a short stop in Guayaquil was filled with excitement and flying over the islands it was interesting to see how far apart the 127 islands were. Some so tiny, there are 19 large islands and just 4 are inhabited, the excitement was building up to step off the plane and finally say I am in the Galapagos Islands seeing uninhabited islands teeming with wildlife , to sit on a pure white sandy beach on a uninhabited island in the middle of the pacific ocean with seals sunbathing next to me, one of the many memories I was to experience. The beautiful Silver Seas Origin Cruise ship was to be my home for the next 7 days, small and graceful , could this get any better! My first glimpse was from the zodiac that would become our transport to our twice daily excursions. On boarding she had the look of a private yacht, oh my have I a brought the right clothes! surely this was an expedition cruise so no time for dressing up? It was okay, the dress was smart casual in the evenings and during the day comfortable clothes, light jacket, sweatshirt, long trousers or 3/4 lengths, shoes for wet landings and dry landings.
Every evening a copy of the Silversea Chronicle was left in your suite with all the information needed for the next day activities, including what type of landing it will be, if you need wet landing or dry landing shoes and other essentials e.g. hat, suncream, back pack, water bottle and camera. If you are concerned about boarding the ship from a zodiac it is very easy, the aft of the ship has a marina, steps go down to the zodiac and a friendly arm from the staff to steady you and you are onboard and for your first boarding you are greeted with a welcoming glass of champagne to toast the start of this amazing adventure.
I have seen quite a few different cruise ships but the Silversea Origin was way above my expectations. Our large superior veranda suite with walk in wardrobe, large wet room and balcony area integrated into the suite and with-a touch of a button the window slides down so you can listen to the sounds of the waves with a glass of your welcome bottle of sparkling wine or from your stocked fridge which is refilled complimentary daily with your choice of wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks. In fact all meals, drinks and excursion are included in your cruise fare, so once onboard there is little to pay for. One of the first tasks is to try on your complimentary wet suit, yours for the week and to check and size your snorkel and mask (yours to keep). Silversea also provide you with a back pack and water bottle all essential items for the next week.
The daily activities include both easy and strenuous hikes, kayaking and snorkelling.
Silversea's Origin - Explorer lounge where every evening before dinner we meet for briefing of that's days activities and the next day's activities choices. Dinner is in either the Restaurant or Grill, food and service was amazing. After dinner it was back to the Explorers lounge for drinks or to the fire pit on the deck outside. Most evenings are low key though one evening there was music and dancing. After days out exploring early nights are needed for the 7am or 8 am start.
Islands visited Genovesa - what a perfect island to start our exploration. Powder white beaches, amazing birdlife not just a few but hundreds of birds, Great Frigate birds, Brown Pelicans, Red footed Boobies, Darwin Finches alongside Galapagos fur Seals and Sea Lions. Walking along deserted beaches and whilst you don't get any closer than 6 feet to any animal or wildlife because they don't see humans as predators they don't fly away.
Santa Cruz - Home to Charles Darwin’s Research Station and to the breeding programme for endangered giant tortoises. These and other projects are largely funded by the National Park fees paid by every visitor and entrance fees / donations. The islands need visitors to protect these islands, though visitors are limited as are the cruise ships, which cannot have more than 100 passengers. Also the majority of staff on board are either residents of the islands or Ecuador.
San Cristobal North Seymour Fernandina Espanola
