Our Galapagos Cruise

galapagos Cruise

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Attraction | "The start of our Galapagos Cruise"

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We are collected from the hotel at 7.30 and transported to the airport where unfortunately we suffer a 50 minute delay in Quito’s comfortable but uninspiring domestic airport lounge. When we finally get to our destination we are expected to wear large identification badges which clearly makes it easier for the boat’s representative to spot us. We’d thought that we would be travelling on Eric, but it seems that a last minute change of plan has put us on Flamingo 1. I don’t think it will make a scrap of difference as they are both sister boats and will be of similar, if not identical standards. However, I guess we were all relieved when we were met by Karina who was going to be one of our gu...Read More

We are collected from the hotel at 7.30 and transported to the airport where unfortunately we suffer a 50 minute delay in Quito’s comfortable but uninspiring domestic airport lounge. When we finally get to our destination we are expected to wear large identification badges which clearly makes it easier for the boat’s representative to spot us. We’d thought that we would be travelling on Eric, but it seems that a last minute change of plan has put us on Flamingo 1. I don’t think it will make a scrap of difference as they are both sister boats and will be of similar, if not identical standards.

However, I guess we were all relieved when we were met by Karina who was going to be one of our guides for the duration. She was bright, friendly and enthusiastic and in a very short space of time we felt reassured and at ease. There was the inevitable delay as we waited for our fellow passengers but as there are only 10 cabins on the boat it’s not long before the rest of the group are assembled and ready to head off for the harbour. It’s only a short distance and soon we’re all expressing great delight at our first spot of a sea-lion. It’s lying on the quayside just close to the steps that we’ll have to descend to embark on the rubber dinghy (or Panga as the Flamingo 1 crew prefer to call it). After we’ve all caught this individual another of the "welcoming party" (as we soon got to refer to the sea lions) decided he was missing out on the attention and started to climb the steps to the quayside. He paused for attention and looked to the sea when, as if by magic another sea lion appeared and started to ascend the steep steps and then both, as if orchestrated, paused turned sideways and then dived back into the sea. We looked at each other in wonderment, but held back from applauding this show. These sea lions really are show-offs!

We are directed down the wet steps to the panga and are all offered a guiding hand to get into the boat for the first time. Thankfully the sea isn’t too choppy and we enjoy a pleasant trip out to the Flamingo 1 watching the gulls flying and the sea lions swimming around us.

The reception committee on board our cruise boat was enthusiastic and friendly and strong supportive arms gave us a hand on board and guided us to our welcome drink in the boats lounge. We’re told that we’re joining a small "family group" whose job it is to make our cruise "the best ever" and we’re introduced to each member of the crew individually. All ten of them have specific jobs but they all seem to do a bit of everything. For instance Maria, who was the cabin maid, also took her turn in the Panga, would take a shift steering the boat, would help us on board and welcome us back after a session out exploring. Always with a cheery wave and a broad smile.
Lewis the second of the guides was as enthusiastic as Karina and also had a very strong eco awareness. He cold introduces theories about how events had happened, almost to order. He usually added his personal appendix to an offering by saying, with his arms outstretched,. "well maybe, it’s a possibility after all. Or maybe.....Karina and Lewis worked well together and I think that they gave us more to think about as we start to investigate the Darwin Trail. Soon all the crew are becoming familiar faces if not names. He head waiter is also the bar tender, the washer-upper and the provider of tasty snacks and nibbles when we return from out visits. Karina has been known as helping out on the bar and almost anyone on the boat will give some help or advice on the waiting tours. Certainly you’ll be confident that they’re all palling in the correct direction. I could learn to love this type of guided tour!
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Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 19, 2010

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kicker Rock

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Attraction | "Our first briefing and sunset over Kicker Rock"

pointing heavenwards Photo - Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

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We’re told that the Galapagos Islands were officially discovered by the Spanish Bishop of Panama in March 1535 when his ship was blown off course en route to Peru and I’m sure that his descriptions, to the King of Spain, of the tame nature of the sea lions, giant tortoises and iguanas must have been hard to believe. But the real story of the islands starts after Charles Darwin visited in 1835 whilst serving as a naturalist on the HMS Beagle. His book on the Origins of Species and his controversial theories on evolution and natural selection have meant that everyone is intrigues and attracted to these volcanic islands.Today most of the world can accept the theory of natural selection and e...Read More

We’re told that the Galapagos Islands were officially discovered by the Spanish Bishop of Panama in March 1535 when his ship was blown off course en route to Peru and I’m sure that his descriptions, to the King of Spain, of the tame nature of the sea lions, giant tortoises and iguanas must have been hard to believe. But the real story of the islands starts after Charles Darwin visited in 1835 whilst serving as a naturalist on the HMS Beagle. His book on the Origins of Species and his controversial theories on evolution and natural selection have meant that everyone is intrigues and attracted to these volcanic islands.

Today most of the world can accept the theory of natural selection and evolution (or perhaps they can’t!!) and the 13 major islands and the dozens of smaller ones are a living laboratory testing out of those original Darwinian theories and still are a place where the animals have no fear of man as a predator. Once we board the Flamingo 1 we have our orientation and safety briefing and a brief time to check out our cabins before lunch. I got to our cabin only to find that my luggage had not arrived. Of course we had a minor panic, but the problem was soon sorted as it transpired that they been sent to another cabin where the couple shared the same surname. We later speculated that we might be from the same family as we both had clear links to the northwest of England and north Wales!

Lunch was basic but substantial and very tasty and shortly after we are heading towards the first site for exploration. On route we lay claim to a wet suit and snorkelling gear and then struggle to get into the gear in time for our wet landing on Playa Ochoa. Here we have the chance to test out our snorkelling skills. In my case these skills are non-existent as I’ve never worn a wet suit or snorkelled before. I find the whole process quite a challenge but after having realised that it’s easier to walk backwards with flippers, I soon master the art of "flipping my way through the water". Managing NOT to suck in the water was another trick to learn but well before our hour is up I’m gliding over shoals of fish and attempting to take photos with my newly purchased underwater camera. Unfortunately I’d failed to be confident at the time a couple of sea lions came to play, but I’m hoping that I’ll be ready to engage with them when I next encounter them. The hour passed rapidly and I’m left "wanting more", but I’m sure that there will be other chances over the next few days. Whilst I’m watching out for the fish my wife was happily taking photos of the Pelican, Blue footed Boobies and the playful sea lions. Indeed I’m very impressed with some of the action shots that she managed.

On our return to the boat we head out to cruise around Kicker Rock, a magnificent rock protruding 500 feet from the ocean and created out of volcanic ash. We’re told of its steady erosion over the years and although we’ve been told that its shape resembles sleeping sea lion I find that my imagination won’t stretch that far. What I can see are the plethora of sea birds that are nesting on the island and the Magnificent Frigates, Blue-Footed Boobies and Masked Boobies that hover precariously in the islands’ thermals. And then just as we think we’ve seen it all the hue of the island changes as the sun begins to set. There are oranges, peaches and reds now clearly visible on the rock and it’s almost better than any Disney light show. What a treat. Then as suddenly as the sun started to set darkness begins to overtake us and we head away from the island and begin to prepare ourselves for the first evening meal onboard the Flamingo 1.

Dinner was soon on the table and we enjoyed French Onion Soup, Chicken with fresh vegetables and Sweet purple potatoes, followed by a very attractive looking ice cream dish. The meal was concluded with a cup of coffee – although I have to say that this was probably the worst coffee I’ve ever tasted in my life. Note to self – avoid further coffee on board this boat.

After dinner my wife, suffering with mild sea sickness retired early to bed whilst I sat down in the boat’s lounge and typed this journal for my friends on IGOUGO. What a great way to secure my memory of this first day out in the Galapagos Islands.
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Member Rating 4 out of 5 on September 20, 2010

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Prince Philip Steps

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Attraction | "We climb the Prince Philip Steps to Genovesa Island"

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In the afternoon we mount the eponymously named steps "celebrating" the part of the ascent that Prince Philip of England made onto the island of Genovesa. Apparently these wooden steps were built after the Duke of Edinburgh stumbled and slipped and I guess that we all are thankful for his fall because the ascent to the island is now much easier than it used to be. The steps lead directly onto an open area that an area that is renowned for its population of masked boobies. Now we’d already learnt that the Masked Booby cannot grip onto tree and bushes like the red-footed boobie so we weren’t surprised to see many of them standing around the open land. There were large number of the chicks waiting to be ...Read More

In the afternoon we mount the eponymously named steps "celebrating" the part of the ascent that Prince Philip of England made onto the island of Genovesa. Apparently these wooden steps were built after the Duke of Edinburgh stumbled and slipped and I guess that we all are thankful for his fall because the ascent to the island is now much easier than it used to be. The steps lead directly onto an open area that an area that is renowned for its population of masked boobies. Now we’d already learnt that the Masked Booby cannot grip onto tree and bushes like the red-footed boobie so we weren’t surprised to see many of them standing around the open land. There were large number of the chicks waiting to be fed and we heard that the Masked Booby only cares for one chick – the weakest having been kicked out of the nest by its stronger sibling. Darwin’s theory is strongly supported with this action as the survival of the fittest is clearly evidenced by this action. We also heard that on the island there were several males that had not been successful in mating so they had not parented chicks. These role less males are recorded as visiting the chicks whilst the parents were away seeking food. Our guide talked of three actions. Firstly the males may take feathers or twigs for the chicks to play with; they were known to rape the chicks; or "blood" the chick by driving their beak into the side of the neck. Sometimes the latter action will result in the death of the chick but often they will feign death and the male will leave them alone. Our guide actually showed us a chick with clear damage to its neck and we could almost see the point of entry of the adult beak into this poor chick’s neck.
Moving on we saw Red-footed boobies, which we were told were never seen living alongside the Blue-footed boobies. These were incredibly photogenic and once again we were able to rattle through the additions to our memory card as we snapped away the digital photos. What on earth did we do before the days of digital cameras?

Climbing gradually to the highest cliff on the island we are encouraged to keep an eye open for the Short-eared Owl that preys on the nesting Storm Petrels. There seem to be hundreds of these constantly flitting across the sky whilst in the foreground the marine iguanas are seen returning from their visit to the sea. These animals don’t seem to make life easy for themselves as they have to find a crossing over the ravine (the preferred nesting place for the Owl) climb down the cliffs before dropping into the Ocean. The return journey must be equally tough as they drag themselves up the cliff, back over the ravine to the warm spot on the top of the island. There they spit salt until they are ready for their next feed (probably the following day)

But back to the Short-eared Owl whose preferred modus operandi is too enter the nesting hole of the Storm Petrel and await the return of the adult or failing that stand camouflaged on the rocks waiting to pounce on a passing bird. We’re told that we’ll be lucky to see an Owl and surprisingly we are lucky. One of our party spots this magnificent bird fling at an unsuspecting Storm Petrel. Well in truth it wasn’t that unsuspecting because the Storm Petrel escaped unharmed, leaving the Owl to stand motionless waiting for its next victim. Perfect, for us, as this gave us a real photo opportunity of this beautiful bird. Towards the end of the trail we reach the cliff’s edge where thousands of band-romped storm petrels nest in crevices. Short-eared owls can also, sometimes, be seen here during daylight hours hunting the storm petrels.
We’re "introduced to the Lava Cactus that our guide explained in the first sign of plant life returning to the harsh growing condition. This perfectly ordinary looking Cactus is in the early stages of doing a real job of re-energising the bleak rocks of this volcanic area. There is evidence that as the cactus increases its grip on the rock it lays down its dead growth to begin "producing" early soil. It will be a long slow process, but let’s face it this is the stuff that evolution and adaptation is about. It’s a privilege to see that it’s still happening in the 21st Century.

We note that the plant life is really devoid of bright colours with white and cream being the only ones in evidence. I spot a petunia like flower and am gratified that my "spot" is right on target and this plant is the adapted Petunia peculiar to Galapagos.
Once again our walk on this island is different to what we’ve seen previously with large plates of cracked volcanic rocks, large fissures and a plethora of small marine Iguanas.

These ugly looking prehistoric creatures seem to spend their life swimming for seaweed or spitting salt over anything that gets in their way. But they are fascinating and it’s great to see them up close and personal.

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Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 20, 2010

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genovesa island

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Attraction | "our first island and my first snorkelling experience"

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This promises to be a busy day as our schedule indicates two walking visits and a snorkelling opportunity. The boat is now anchored in the middle of the Genovesa Island which was formed by a collapsed volcano and in itself is an impressive sight. We leave the boat prompt at 8.15 in one of the boats rubber dinghies and head for our first landing – a wet landing on what appears to be the only beach on the island. It’s a fairly gentle landing but for me it’s the first time I’ve had to get out of a dinghy into the water so I’m a little unsure how I’ll cope. It turns out that it’s a fairly straight-forward manoeuvre and I’m soon wading (a slight exaggeration as we’re less than knee height in water) thoroug...Read More

This promises to be a busy day as our schedule indicates two walking visits and a snorkelling opportunity. The boat is now anchored in the middle of the Genovesa Island which was formed by a collapsed volcano and in itself is an impressive sight. We leave the boat prompt at 8.15 in one of the boats rubber dinghies and head for our first landing – a wet landing on what appears to be the only beach on the island. It’s a fairly gentle landing but for me it’s the first time I’ve had to get out of a dinghy into the water so I’m a little unsure how I’ll cope. It turns out that it’s a fairly straight-forward manoeuvre and I’m soon wading (a slight exaggeration as we’re less than knee height in water) thorough the water onto the beach, which is also referred to as Darwin Beach. I’m pleased that I heeded the advice of the travel company and get myself a pair of waterproof shoes because the beach is covered with old coral which would have made for a fairly painful few yards.

Soon all the party is sat on a makeshift bench on the island as we change from our waterproof shoes into decent walking shoes and we’re all keen to wend our way on the prescribed route to check out the local wildlife. We’ve had to be careful to avoid the sea-lions basking on the beach and just before we start our 2 hour expedition we pause to check out the frigate chick which happily rests near where we stopped to change our shoes. This chick, like every other bird we see is totally un-phased by our presence and it’s clear that the lack of predators makes the birds very relaxed and giving us some classic photograph opportunities. We trundle around the island checking out a whole variety of wildlife including a couple of iguana, sally light foot crab, blue footed boobies, great frigate chicks, sea-lions, and yellow crowned night herons. What a treat. But I almost forgot one of the amazing plants on the island... It was the Prickly Pear, which in Galapagos terms was the non Prickly Pear as this one has soft gentle hair that could easily be touched without problem. Quite sensational when the first demonstration of this phenomena is the guide rubbing her face on a cactus. It should hurt, but not in this place!

Now we’d been given the choice of beach snorkelling or deep water and all of us fancied the latter. I was a wee bit unsure because I was new to snorkelling and only yesterday had snorkelled from the shallow waters off Playa Ochoa. As this holiday was introducing a number of new experiences I was up for this one, so after a decent lunch on board Flamingo 1 we donned our wet suits, clambered into the Panga (rubber dinghy) and headed over towards the coast. I decided to let my fellow travellers get into the water first and then was surprised how easy it was to get started. Soon I was paddling myself towards the rocks and admiring the countless fish that swum below me.

I’ve never fish watched before so it was difficult to name them all but the form that I recognised was that of the hammerhead shark. It’s quite unique with a distinctive profile that I’d seen on wildlife programmes before. I grabbed at my camera and unfortunately broke the cord from round my neck. Panicking that I’d lose my camera (forgetting that I also had a separate bracelet around my wrist I floundered to the surface swallowing salt water through my snorkel. I heard a distant voice asking if I was OK and then I reassured myself that I was. Getting my composure back I refitted my snorkel and went back in search of the hammerhead. I was still circling way below me and I fired up my camera, hoping that I’d caught the blighter in my lens (that hope proved to be futile as the resultant photograph had a good likeness of my thumb and evidence of a plankton infested sea. Guess the evidence of my spot was lost and I know just hoped that others had seen it to validate my spot.

But soon I forgot about that as I saw beneath me a myriad of colour with large fish (they appeared to be from the Angel Fish or Surgeonfish family) with bright purple, yellow and blues. Focusing on them smaller fish would dart across from the periphery of my vision, before taking centre stage and then shooting off again. Below me was constant activity and whilst I attempt to get some of this on film I’m more interested in savouring the moment. I spot a large starfish on a rocky outcrop and then return my attention to the colourful fish that have become my buddies over the last 30 minutes or so. I’m really taking to this snorkelling and am disappointed when the time is up, although the next challenge of getting back on board the dinghy is bound to be a challenge. I manage to get my flippers off and pass my camera to the crew but then develop searing cramp pains in my right foot. Not too clever but I hang on to the ladder and let it pass before taking on the tricky task of getting back on board. It needs more upper body strength than I realise, but soon I’m sat back on board the dinghy.

Another new experience completed and I’m now looking forward to the next time that I can take to water.

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Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 20, 2010

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Ecoventura Tours

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Hotel | "The Flamingo 1 was our floating hotel for 6 days"

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We’ve never sailed on the open sea before and I guess we weren’t sure what to expect from our accommodation. It’s fair to say that Flamingo 1 isn’t the brightest boat on the Galapagos seas, but we’d not wanted to travel on a large boat and this 10 berth boat offered a chance to see all the main sites in one week rather than the two weeks that the larger boats require. Indeed we’re told that it is the only company that sails North South and West East.But back to our accommodation. When we arrived we were given a brief orientation and safety briefing before being directed to our cabins. We were told that our luggage would be waiting for us in the cabin so we entered into minor panic mode whe...Read More

We’ve never sailed on the open sea before and I guess we weren’t sure what to expect from our accommodation. It’s fair to say that Flamingo 1 isn’t the brightest boat on the Galapagos seas, but we’d not wanted to travel on a large boat and this 10 berth boat offered a chance to see all the main sites in one week rather than the two weeks that the larger boats require. Indeed we’re told that it is the only company that sails North South and West East.

But back to our accommodation. When we arrived we were given a brief orientation and safety briefing before being directed to our cabins. We were told that our luggage would be waiting for us in the cabin so we entered into minor panic mode when neither of our cases was in the room. I went back to the lounge area to advise Karina of the position and although she was concerned for the lack of cases she was confident that they would soon be found as we all know they had arrived on Galapagos. Indeed as I was talking to her Maria appeared, beaming as ever, with our cases. They had been sent to a lower cabin to a couple with the same surname. Indeed it later turned out that his ancestors came from a similar area to mine so we speculated that we might be distantly related. But that’s another story!

The cabin was perhaps smaller than I had envisaged with hardly enough room to swing the proverbial cat, but it was well laid out with two small single beds both with ample storage drawers underneath them and a central bedside table with more storage. A narrow wardrobe was at the bottom of one of the beds. We soon set about unpacking and had found a place for most things and although we could squeeze one of our cases into the bottom of the wardrobe the other one would have to be "free-floating in the cabin". Not too much of a problem if we were careful where we moved it to. Generally it would stand in front of the wardrobe daw and at the side of the bathroom door. This still allowed us access to the small bathroom.

The bathroom was tiny but it had a sink, toilet and shower so I guess that’s all we needed, it took some negotiating especially at night when the boat was lurching. Still after a time you get used to most things!

The lounge was well equipped with books on all aspects of the Galapagos so we could always check out what marine and bird life we’d seen. There were books on the geological history of the islands and transcripts of Darwin’s appraisals. If we all wanted to sit in the lounge it was cosy, but this only happened when we were having the briefing for the next day. Incorporated into the lounge was a small well equipped bar area with beer at $3 and a choice of half a dozen wines at $35 a bottle. They seemed to have a good selection of spirits and of course all the purchases were put on the cabin account for settlement at the end of the cruise.

Incorporated into the lounge was a long galley dining area which could comfortably seat 20 people and although it was tight to get seated once in place it was really quite comfortable. Three nights of the week guests were invited to join the captain’s table. Not particularly my idea of fun but people seem to expect it and just our luck the majority of our table were suffering the rigours of seasickness so were fairly uncommunicative.

Most days at the end of our trips we’d retire to the sun deck with a beer. Here there were plenty of loungers and comfortable upright chairs, just perfect for our debriefing, watching the sunset or admiring the skills of the Magnificent Frigate Bird as it hovered over the boat.

The great thing about this boat is that it was fully equipped with snorkelling gear 9including wet suits) so we could all allocate the right size for the job and then have it reserved for the rest of the trip. As I understand it most cruise boats make a separate change for the privilege of using their gear.

The additional consideration for choosing this boat company is that they are the only ones that travel North-South and west-East in a week enabling guests to see most wild life of note in a week rather than 2 weeks.
Ok the boat is a bit tired looking and could do with a bit of a re-fit and a good coat of paint, but the family attitude on board and the efficiency of the crew made this journey a real treat.

Would I recommend it? Well of course!
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Member Rating 4 out of 5 on September 19, 2010

Ecoventura Tours

Guayaquil, Ecuador
5934-283-9390

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