Following the footsteps of Darwin in the Galapagos

For me seeing the animals was the reason to go on this trip - & they did not disappoint! We were lucky enough to go in pupping season - so tiny seal pups were bounding around & playing everywhere - it was wonderful.

I'd suggest definitely going on a live aboard boat (daily excursions are available from a land based hotel but I wouldn't recommend this as the best sightings are on islands only accessible by overnighting on small boats.) Go for a minimum of 5 days on a small boat (16 passengers max) as anything shorter isn't worth it & a bigger boat leads to less privacy on the islands - animals hate big groups of loud tourists & will inevitably run away! Go for longer if you can - most ships do 7/8 day trips & this allows you to get to far reaching islands & away from the less adventurous 'cruisers' in big boats.

Quick Tips:

If your a diver take your own gear or arrange rentals in advance. Remember to bring CASH only to pay your National Park fee at the airport - they're not joking when they say they only take CASH!!!

Take camera film & batteries - lots of them - once you're on the boat there's nowhere to stop & buy it & shops at the tiny airport are often closed when the planes arrive! (Same goes for sun tan lotion & medicine).

Take snacks - the food on the boats is good but repetitive. Take a water bottle. Take sea sickness tablets!

Best Way To Get Around:

Sailing on a small boat.

If you are on a tight budget & only have a short time to visit the galapagos I would recommend this 12 passanger boat. It is one of the few smaller boats that does 5 day/4 night trips (& longer extensions) & takes you to interesting places in this limited time frame. The boat is very basic - although every cabin has it's own 'cold' shower & marine toilet - don't expect luxury! The bunk beds come with very old (but clean) linen & one small towel is provided. The food is surprisingly good if repetitive - often soup, fish, fresh fruit & vegetables. There is a small library on board & snorkels are available (wet suits & fins are not). There is a small boat & steps for easy access to the shore & a qualified English speaking naturalist accompanies all excursions. All crew members were friendly & helpful.

A sailing trip on a small vessel is the only good way to see the Galapagos. The above company has lots of options for all budgets & vacation times - visit there website (www.discovergalapagos.com) & see there amazing pictures!

This island is trully worth a visit as it has a wide variety of wildlife & a pleasant 2 hour hike. It's difficult to get out of the panga without stepping on something - as a multitude of seals lie on the beach & iguanas lie on the rocks basking in the sun. Further along the trail blue footed boobies 'disco dance' & whistle as they prepare to mate & at the end of the trail albatross take off by doing running jumps & dropping off the edge of steep cliffs - not bad for a morning's entertainment!

There is a great salt flat near the landing beach where flamingoes gather to feed. On the back side of the island - rays can often be seen swimming in the shallows. The history of the German 'Countess' that came to live on the island is also fascinating.

A rather extraordinary place - as its 'top activities' aren't what is usually expected in the Galapagos!

The 'Post Box' is swathed with memorabilia & signs of those that came before to post their letters! The original post box was out at sea so that passing ships could drop or pick up mail en route to the mainland - before airmail was invented!

Now the box is on land but the idea remains the same - you leave an addressed postcard with no stamp & when someone comes by who lives in your town they are meant to take the card & deliver it to your door on their return. Quite quaint really!

The football is another story - the ship's crew like to challenge their unsuspecting passengers to a quick game of 'Galapagos' soccer - the pitch is a wide beach with no fixed lines or goal posts & no-one quite knows the rules except the crew. It's fun - but be warned you better let the crew win or they'll be no lunch for you!