Steve Lidgey (Sales & Tailor Made Executive) recently travelled to the Galapagos courtesy of Ocean Adventures & Akorn Destination Management.

 The Galapagos has long been high on my “must do” list. Therefore I jumped at the chance to visit the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s “Theory of Evolution”,located 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador.

 A flight from Quito via Guayaquil took me to Baltra Island. From there it was a short distance to the dock to catch a panga (motorised dinghy) for the short crossing to the MV Eclipse. We received immediate instruction on the “Galapagos handshake” – basically the safe forearm grip used when getting on and off the boat. I was more interested in getting to see the plentiful wildlife rather than safety warnings in all honesty! Not long to wait but first I was delighted to find welcoming staff and a spacious cabin on board the Eclipse.

 In the seven nights on board the Eclipse we sailed from one island to another stopping off for two excursions daily. Each island had a different landscape to the next. With small groups the Eclipse could offer the sort of multi-option sightseeing that only the larger boats can do. On some days we walked over volcanic rock and on others on sandy beaches. For some excursions we walked, others were snorkelled or explored by panga or kayak. Everything was done at a slow pace with enough time to see the wildlife. At all times we have the expertise of a national park guide. Indeed 97% of the Galapagos Islands is part of a national park which is exceptionally well managed to help preserve the endemic species that live there. We came across rocks filled with hundreds of marine iguanas, sea lions lazing on sandy beaches and Galapagos hawks watching potential prey.

 The Eclipse has a maximum group size of 12 people per panga or guide. The guides were quite astounding. All questions were answered with contagious enthusiasm. Unlike some places where guides can become jaded the Galapagos naturalists are only too pleased to explain the evolution of the islands or wildlife. Also they did not get bogged down in scientific terms or Latin names which certainly helped. The dedication of the naturalists was proved when we spotted a whale in the ocean during a midday break. Pangas were rapidly lowered and we rushed off to try and get closer. Unfortunately the whales had descended and we did not manage to see them close up…

 On one hour long snorkel around Tagus Cove I saw white-tipped sharks, sting rays, penguins and sea lions played in the water next to me. Giant turtles swam gently below me. Their huge size and beauty was quite stunning. I was literally floating on the water observing these graceful animals swim just a couple of feet below me in the water.

 The Eclipse is an ideal boat to explore the Galapagos. With just 26 cabins all with picture windows or large portholes you have the space of a larger boat but the benefits of smaller size groups and excellent service on board like you might get on a smaller vessel. Another bonus is the al fresco dining area at the stern of the vessel. Somehow food always tastes better outdoors! I travelled in the rainy season (it did not rain once during the day time) and took advantage of the sundeck on a few occasions to work on my tan! Every evening the same observation deck could be used for some fascinating stargazing. There was even a Jacuzzi though as the air temperature was nice and warm it only served as a warm up after a snorkel.

 Each night on board the Eclipse one of the naturalist guides gave a short presentation on the birdlife, geology, marine life or evolution. After we would be told what to expect the next day and what to wear etc. Everything was really well thought through.

 Any cruise in the Galapagos is not about a party atmosphere though the passengers of several different nationalities all got on really well. The Galapagos is about learning and appreciating wildlife in a location quite unlike anywhere else on earth. Hovering above a giant turtle as it swam below me was an experience that I will never forget. A little like being in the middle of a BBC documentary. I could almost hear David Attenborough saying “the Galapagos turtles come ashore to lay their eggs…” in the background!

About Steve Lidgey

Other articles by Steve Lidgey

As the Asia Product Manager (Indian Subcontinent & The Orient) there are so many different memorable journeys to think about on every working day. As I can´t afford to do them all myself it is a privilege and a pleasure to work on planning other peoples holidays. My favourite destinations include the north-east of Thailand, southern Laos and Rajasthan. Away from my usual country portfolio Colombia and Brazil are places I love to visit…and then revisit again.