Little did I know when I started this adventure, a seven night cruise aboard a small vessel (16 passengers) through the Galapagos Islands with G.A.P Adventures, that it would have such a profound effect on me.
It began the moment we boarded with sea lions climbing into and basking in a nearby vacant dingy, pelicans landing on our boat, frigates gliding over us as we began our journey.
Everyday was like a new experience. Each island different from the last. Each day we explored the islands, watching the waves crash against the volcanic rock or quietly wash upon the shore and admired the flora, fauna and wildlife of the islands.
We were totally amazed at how tame the creatures of the wild were. I remember sitting on a rock one day watching a male and female albatross engaged in a mating ritual (loud smacking of beaks) when a mockingbird flew onto a rock beside me. It sat there for several minutes just curiously watching me. Other times walking along the paths, we had to be ever so careful not to step on iguanas, baby seals or resting blue footed boobies. I was amazed at their indifference to our presence. Life just continued on. It was surreal.
Everyday we swam or snorkeled in picture perfect clear turquoise water, and on a few occasions were joined by sea lions. They were quite curious and loved to play, finding us unique and, for the most part, willing playmates.
On many occasions we were able to experience nature taking its course. On one such occasion we came upon a mother sea lion nuzzling her new born, while just a couple of feet away a hawk was eating the placenta. We quietly witnessed this whilst nearby, a baby pelican, having just taken a fish from her mother's beak, struggled to turn it around just right so as to swallow it.
Day in and day out there were experiences that will be etched in my memory forever. I truly would recommend this adventure to those who have a love and appreciation for nature. The Galapagos is a place not to be missed.
For more information on the many itineraries to Galapagos e-mail Chris Boecker.
