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Hola chicos
Just returned from our 8 day boat tour of the amazing Galapagos Islands. This is probably the highlight of our trip to date! After taking a flight from Quito to the Islands, we boarded a 70 foot launch and slowly made made our way around the eastern Islands visiting some 10 or so islands in total.
Each island was totally unique in landscape and quite often accommodated their own animal species also. The most common critter which made its presence known on almost all the islands was the Sea Lion. Its probably not a subject that deserves a long story as the photos surely speak for themselves. In short however, we spent 8 days snorkelling with sea lions, turtles, penguins, sharks, marine iguanas, rays, octopus and many, many varieties of colourful fish. Swimming with the sea lions and penguins in particular was incredible. They harbour no fear towards humans and happily swim alongside you, twisting, teasing, jumping and generally showing off. Another highlight was observing a marine iguana (unique to Galapagos) going about its underwater business and feeding hungrily on underwater plant life. Incredibly prehistoric looking and quite a spectacle.
Each day we walked on a different island observing many species of animals, including Boobies (red and blue footed, nasca), frigate birds, albatros, hawks, owls, gulls, finches etc, as well as land iguanas, lava lizards and the many sea lions basking in the sun. Again the sea lions were a highlight, allowing you to approach within sniffing distance. Actually, Galapagos is famous for the friendliness of most of the animals and birds, you can approach almost any animal to within a metre and they will just look curiously back at you not the least bit worried! Amazing.
This was exactly what we both needed at this part of our trip. We now feel refreshed and ready for the next part of our journey through northern Ecuador and Colombia.
For those of you considering a trip this way, we insist that the Galapagos Islands are a must. Quite expensive of course, but an incredible experience which is surely unmatched!
Love to all
Shane and Sarah
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