This week I have been on a tour to the Galapagos Islands (also known as the Enchanted Islands) 100km off the coast of Ecuador. I have been with a new group of travellers who are all very lovely and we have done some amazing things! We’ve visited San Cristóbal, Floreana, Isabela and Santa Cruz. We have done lots of snorkeling and swum with sea lions, turtles, sting rays, marine iguanas, sharks, fish and even penguins (which are extremely rare!). We visited the frigate birds and blue-footed boobies on Isla Lobos, went to tortoise breeding centres on Isabela and Santa Cruz, and chilled on many a beach. We climbed up the active Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela, went clubbing on Santa Cruz and walked amongst giant turtles.
It has been a crazy, jam-packed week of sun, sand and wildlife and I am so grateful I was able to come here. These islands are so beautiful and fragile, the animals need to be protected. There used to be thousands more animals here, but humans introduced invasive plants and animals which upset the vulnerable ecosystem. There are now laws and projects to protect the islands where Darwin developed his theory of evolution. I would highly recommend visiting if you have the chance, but make sure to come with a respectful and sustainable tour company that will help you to enjoy this magical archipelago without causing damage!
Panoramas
This has been the perfect location to use the panorama feature on my phone and I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.
10th February 2019
Ella's blog 