My Journey to the Galapagos Islands onboard Parranda
We have just returned from the Galapagos Islands, after an adventure which has topped all my adventures in over 30 years of travel. I feel somewhat sad because at 55, I don’t think that I will be able to visit a place like Galapagos again. Having been to very well-preserved places like Africa and Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands are still unlike any other place on earth when it comes to animal encounters. I doubt that there is another spot like these Islands left in the world.
Our adventure began early on a Saturday, as we boarded our flight to the Galapagos Islands from Quito’s airport. The view from the plane was spectacular and we were able to see over 10 snow-covered peaks and even Tungurahua volcano spitting an ash cloud into the sky! Before long, we had landed in San Cristobal Island and were met by Robert, our friendly guide, who took us to our home for the next 8 days, the Parranda Galapagos Cruise.
What made our visit to the Galapagos Islands truly exceptional were the many opportunities for close encounters with wildlife. The islands and surrounding waters are quite literally teaming with exotic and colorful creatures that have never learned to fear humans, which translated into a series of daily peak experiences! These included snorkeling with playful sea lions, tracking giant tortoises and trading stares with unconcerned iguanas. Bird life was also abundant, varied and fearless. We had to give way several times as blue footed boobies crossed our path and also had the opportunity to observe a Galapagos hawk perched just a few steps away!
The environment beneath the ocean surface of the Galapagos Islands was also extraordinary, with large tropical and cold water fish found swimming together. Pacific green sea turtles, Galapagos penguins and rays were very common sightings each day that we went snorkeling. We were amazed at the variety and tameness on life underwater as well!
Many of the discoveries that Charels Darwin came upon in the Galapagos are still in evidence, including the volcanic, island-constructing wonderland of sculpted lava flows, giant lava tubes and inviting inlets shaped by eruption and erosion. The landscapes of the Galapagos Islands made us feel at times like we were on the moon.
The Galapagos seas tend to be very calm, making travel by yacht the ideal and only way to experience the full spectrum the islands have to offer. Our yacht, the Parranda Galapagos Cruise, was perfect for the kind of adventure that we were looking for. With only 16 guests, we were never crowded on the islands and we were able to enjoy many of the activities of the cruise in a more personal and private matter. This would be impossible on a 50 o 100 passenger vessel. Plus, we were always welcomed onboard by many gastronomical treats and wonderful meals. There was always plenty of space outside to stretch out either in the sun or under shade to relax in the comfortable marine atmosphere. We are in love with Galapagos.
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