Exploring The Galapagos Islands And The Voyage Of The Beagle
There are adventurous travelers and there are travelers who really enjoy being pampered more than a great adventure. I have vacationed the complete spectrum, I have pinched pennies while vacationing in Gatlinburg Tennessee and stayed in a very expensive vacation home with a private maid in Saint Jean de Luz, France. I will admit that the vacation home with a private maid was a nice way to experience France.
But, I am an adventurer at heart probably born from my days as a kid where I grabbed a fishing pole or net and waded creeks and ponds to see what was there. My favorite type of travel is where you see things up close and personal with exposure to the people, culture and wildlife. This might require you to hop on a rubber landing raft and land on a beach where no one lives or it might require you to reach down and pet a whale. Adventurers run between 8 and 98 years old generally.
Galapagos Aboard The National Geographic Islander
This is a 10 day trip. There is an accompanying article which describes a great four day trip. We will be traveling with a cruise company called Lindblad Expeditions.
Lindblad is similar to a couple of the other small cruise companies because their focus is on teaching you more about unique locations. You will enjoy the commentary of Galapagos experts as you explore the unspoiled region aboard ship. You will also use their Zodiak inflatables and kayaks to see the action at water level.
This is a wonderful itinerary for someone who wants to enjoy the magic of the Galapagos Islands and the great explorers who proceeded you.
Day 1: Arrive in Guayaquil in the evening and arrive at the Hotel Hilton Colon.
Day 2: Fly to Galapagos in the morning and board the National Geographic Islander. You will visit Baltra for you introduction to Galapagos wildlife.
Day 3: Visit Bartolome and Santiago with beautiful lava and golden sand. Enjoy the walks and a chance to snorkel with penguins. You will also see the Galapagos fur seal and exploring some tidal pools.
Day 4: Explore Santa Cruz and the Charles Darwin Research Center. You will go on a hike in the highlands to watch the giant tortoises feeding.
Day 5 & 6: Anchor off the port of Puerto Villamil. You will have a lot of exploring to do here which includes: visiting the local lagoons, unspoiled beaches, tortoise breeding center, caves. In the water you will search for dolphins, sea turtles, whales and ocean sunfish. Enjoy Fernandina Island, the youngest island in the Galapagos.
Day 7: Explore Champion Islet off the island of Floreana. This is a wonderful snorkel site and home to many sea lions. Enjoy your time snorkeling with the sea lions. You will also enjoy the company of flamingos and other shorebirds as you enjoy your lunch.
Day 8: Explore Espanola and it's blue footed boobies and sea lions. You will be snorkeling and strolling the island. This island has marine iguanas and waved albatross which are found only on this island
Day 9: Disembark the ship. You will fly to Guayaquil and enjoy a free evening to explore the city. You have the option of adding an extension here if you would like to visit Quito.
Day 10: Fly home from Guayaquil if you are not taking an extension to your trip.
This trip would be on the top ten list for many people. Here is a recap of just the highlights you would see:
Snorkeling with sea lionsSnorkeling with penguinsWhalesMarine Iguanas only found on one islandWaved Albatross only found on one islandGalapgos land tortoisesWhalesOcean SunfishSea TurtlesCharles Darwin Research Center
I hope you have the time and money to make this trip. Have an adventurous day For More Info click here!
Brian is also the author of Free Cruise Book at http://www.freecruisebook.com Brian has traveled to Europe, Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, Alaska and the Caribbean. You can reach brian at brian@freecruisebook.com