Guest Author - Linda Oberg Terrill

Charles Darwin once wrote, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.”

This is never more true than in what you’ll see and learn about when exploring these unique islands. When experiencing this extraordinary destination, you’ll witness how hundreds of species of wildlife have evolved over thousands of years and learn how each has adapted to its environment--survival of the fittest.

An hour or so flight takes you from either Guayaquil or Quito, Ecuador, to Baltra where you'll board a small transport boat (zodiac) and be taken to your anchored ship. Ours was a 100-passenger ship, but there are others that people can book that range from 12 to 40 passengers.

Once onboard our ship, we were assigned to a group of sixteen other adventure seekers. There were a total of six groups on our sailing, and each was led by a certified naturalist who introduced passengers to the environmental protection laws that are strictly enforced throughout the islands: “Never take any food, even crackers, onto an island.” “Never touch a sea lion pup because the oils from your body will make it impossible for the momma sea lion to find her baby.” “Never take anything from the islands other than memories and photographs.”

Dry landings versus wet landings: To get to the smaller islands, your group will take a zodiac from ship to shore, and each landing will be unique. You may be inclined to expect the dry landings to be the easiest. Not at all. A wet landing is simply jumping from the edge of the zodiac into shallow water and wading in; but a dry landing requires the helping hands—and strong arms—of your guide and crew members with a “Galapagos handshake.” (Gripping your hand on the inside of your guide’s forearm while he grips your inside forearm in return.) Rough seas require cautiously waiting until the zodiac is on the crest of a wave before grabbing a waiting arm and jumping onto volcanic and rocky shores. What fun!

The Ecuador government controls how many people can be on certain islands at a given time, and every visitor must constantly be accompanied by a licensed naturalist/guide on the protected islands. Your guide will have you stepping around and over 10-foot marine iguanas, tip-toeing through hundreds of Sally Lightfoot crabs, patiently waiting for giant tortoises to peek out of their shells, or photographing blue footed boobies mating just a few feet from your camera lens. Exhilarating. There will be time for hiking, swimming and snorkeling, and endless photo ops, but stay on the marked paths and always respect and protect the environment.

Tourism in the Galapagos is increasing at approximately 15% per year, and the government of Ecuador is regulating tourism growth to sustain the ecological treasures they have been entrusted to protect. If you’ve yearned to visit the Galapagos, now is the time to begin planning your adventure. The options to tour the islands vary from small private cruisers to 100-passenger luxury ships, or setting up a base on Santa Cruz and taking day trips to nearby islands. Whatever your travel preference or budget, you’ll find a fit. Darwin also said, “A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.” Dare to discover.