Galapagos!

Three years ago (2019) found us in Galapagos for a bucket list holiday (my wife’s bucket list). Three of our kids joined us, as the fourth was living in Korea at the time and couldn’t join. We promised him he would get to see Galapagos as it is amazing. So…here we are in 2022 and back on the islands.

It is a truly unique spot on this planet. Governed by national parkland across over 80% of the islands, the animals enjoy quite a life. There are few predators, and the animals have never learned to be afraid of humans, so visitors have the opportunity to meet the animals up close and personal. We went snorkling every day and were able to swim with sea lions, sea turtles, sharks and so many kinds of fish it was impossible to keep track. On land we spent time with tortoises, iguanas, and many many birds. The blue-footed booby is the most famous, of course.

As this was our second visit, I wasn’t sure how excited I would be. We rarely go to one place twice (other than Maine of course). Galapagos, however, was wonderful the second time – as good as the first – particularly since our son got to experience this amazing place.

We stayed in a beautiful hotel in the “highlands” of Santa Cruz. It is called Semillia Verde and run by an Englishman who married an Ecuadorian lady. He built the hotel and it’s beautiful and intimate, set on 15 acres of woodlands that are also home to 15+ tortoises. Each morning I would stroll the grounds and visit with the tortoises before our day’s tour.

Go there.