The Wonders of the Galapagos

Well, it's been an incredible ten days so far on the islands. To start things out, I flew in to the Galapagos with no plan laid out. Just two goals: find a good cruising tour and see lots! Once I made it to Puerto Ayora, the main town on the Santa Cruz Island, I found a cheap hostel with my new German friend, Stefan. From there I set out to start my negotiations with several different tour agencies that specialized in last minute dealings. I figured that this was going to be a tiresome adventure but I soon realized that this entire island is practically geared towards it. Within the first hour or two of finalizing tours, I had set up a ten day tour which would take me through ten or so different islands throughout the Galapagos.

The first three days consisted of land based tours on the Isabela and Santa Cruz islands and the following seven cruising around the ocean exploring gorgeous landscapes, animals and underwater creatures.

I had an amazing time on my cruise filled with sixteen eager tourists from all around the world. Couples from Germany, Australia, Ireland, The UK and Canada. There were three of us from the states. Two from San Diego and myself. And one solo German traveler who I bunked with. The food was unbelievable and the crew was so much fun! Especially our guide, Enrique.

Here are a few shots from beginning to end of my last ten days! Enjoy!




These are called "Las Grietas" or The Cracks in English. To very random edifices in the middle of Santa Cruz island hanging over a brackish river of water.



The famous giant tortoise of the Galapagos weighing close to 250kg! HUGE!




Shot of my first group on Isla Isabela hiking along the edge of a huge volcano.



This was a very strange area filled with very different forms and colors of volcanic rock.



Snorkeling down to find sea turtles and life below.



Dinosaurs taking up the path. They were everywhere! You had to watch your step in order not to step on them.



The Galapagos' famous Kicker Rock



A red footed booby cooling itself down



One of the many sharks we swam with in the last few days! They were everywhere and definitely not too shy...



Para... para... paradise!




Relaxing on layers upon layers of cooled lava flows.



The pinnacle on Isla Bartolome



A very calm sea turtle sharing the waters with me.



Female lava lizard. She was a little hot headed.



A huge waved albatross. These things have the dorkiest mating dances ever and also have a huge wing span of over two and a half meters.


A blue footed booby and it's chick. Shot this with my Irish friends impressive 300mm lens. Thanks Merv!



Penguin contemplating diving into the water. He was fun to swim with for a while.



Here's a shot of a naska booby nest and it has an interesting story behind it. nazka boobies always lay two eggs. Of those two eggs one chick will survive. The moment both chicks are born they have a summon wrestle match and attempt to push the other outside of the first ring that you see closest to the parent. Once they are pushed outside, the parent witless no longer recognize that chic. As it's own and will only feed the strongest one.



My always smiling iguana friend

Location:Santa Cruz,Ecuador