Galapagos: Days 1-4

The eight days on the Petrel were breathtaking.  The motor propelled catamaran was named after a common sea bird.  The nine cabins for sixteen passengers were spacious (about 150 square feet) and each had a private balcony and bathroom.  Our days followed the general pattern of breakfast, one or two activities, lunch, another activity and dinner.  Navigations (time at sea) were variable.  

The Galapagos are made up of thirteen major islands and dozens of smaller ones.  The islands were officially discovered by the Spanish Bishop of Panama in 1535 but were “put on the map” after Charles Darwin visited for only five weeks in 1835 and wrote his book On the Origins of Species. Over the eight days and seven nights we visited seven of the islands: North Seymour, Isabela, Fernandina, Santa Cruz, South Plazas, Santa Fe and San Cristobal.  

Day 1

We immediately navigated to Seymour North Island for our first dry landing for a two-hour walk on the rocky coast. The island was formed by a series of of submarine lava uplifted by tetonic activity. It was like the animals were cued to put on a show for us.   As we walked the path, we saw the male frigatebirds inflating their bright red throat pouch, two blue footed boobies courting each other, iguanas lounging and sea lions basking in the sunset.  What a way to start our journey!

Day 2

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We spent the morning at Vicente Roca Point on Isabella Island.  Isabela is the largest and youngest island.  It’s seahorse-shape makes it easy to identify on a map and was formed by the joining of five (active) volcanoes.  The Vicente Roca Point is made up of two coves.  We explored the area on a panga (small boat) and saw many animals such turtles, penguins, iguanas, crabs and blue footed boobies. 

After a short navigation to Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island.  We went snorkeling. Sunshine had not been snorkeling since middle school and Ian had never snorkeled. Getting accustomed to breathing took a little practice and Ian had to adjust to life without his glasses. Others had underwater cameras and GoPros. We know what we want to get before our next underwater adventure. After changing into dry clothing, we returned to the island for an evening walk across a lava field to see iguanas, lizards, cormorants, sea lions and hawk.  

Day 3

We started with a dry landing in Tagus Cove. We hiked a trail that passed Lake Darwin and continued onto to see spectacular views of Punta Tortuga. After the hike, we returned to water for snorkeling.  Putting on a wet wetsuit was a skill we developed during our time on the ship.  

After lunch we had our first wet landing at Bahia Urbina. The plan was to go for a walk and then snorkel.  The walk was more difficult as the tide came in and we had to forego snorkeling because it was getting dark. Getting back on the pangas was interesting—two of us almost fell into the water!                                                     

Day 4

We woke up for an early morning panga ride in Elizabeth Bay on the east coast of Isabela Island to enjoy an amazing cove and mangrove forest.  We also saw many tortoises, sea lions and birds.   

After breakfast, we navigated to Moreno Point on the west coast of the island for a lovely hike across tidal pools.  We saw two rays. Today was a seven hour navigation over rough waters (all of our belongers shifted around the cabin). We wish we had been warned but they say experience is the best way to learn. Only three of sixteen passengers ate dinner.  Dramamine is now our friend.

For more about days 5-8 in the Galapogos—see our next post.