Cruising the Galapagos Islands aboard the Silver Galapagos

As we only had one week to explore these enchanted islands and as we wanted to have a comfortable trip, we opted for staying on a vessel, although not having been into cruising so far. But this is the only way to see many different places with several shore landings per day. When it came to the question whether to choose a small or a large boat, we went for the latter because of having more space available and the prospect of a quieter trip. As to what ship to opt for if seeking luxury, the Silver Galapagos is the best choice. No other ship cruising the area has that many amenities and that much open deck space. Although quite considerable cost are involved with it, we went for it. We are ready to spend money for luxury travel if we get value for money, and it was indeed the most luxurious way to explore the Galapagos Islands!

Before cruising the Galapagos Island, we visited Ecuador’s highlands. I highly recommend to this because of the abundance of natural and cultural sights to find there. Have a look at my posts what to see, where to stay and where to eaton a luxury stay in Ecuador’s Andean region.

On this 7-day journey aboard Silversea’s luxury ship Silver Galapagos we cruised the Galapagos Island and saw unique birds, plants, reptiles and animals that appear only here. Highlights included visiting one of the most volcanically active places on Earth, snorkeling and while doing this seeing penguins, sea lions, all sort of colorful tropical fish found nowhere else as well as seeing giant tortoises and the largest colony of marine iguanas. And the best is the animals do not go away when you approach. They do not have natural predators and are therefore fearless!

We embarked the Silver Galapagos at San Cristobal and after meeting the expedition team we set sail. Later on, we circumnavigated Kicker Rock, the remains of a lava cone. Frigatebirds accompanied our sail and swallow-tailed gulls could be seen.

Then snorkeling around Bartolome’s Pinnacle Rock was on to explore the fascinating water world. Some fellow passengers even encountered Galapagos penguins and sharks.

Finally, after the ship repositioned to Santiago Island, a Zodiac ride along the Caleta Bucanero allowed contemplating the beautiful landscape and sights of several species of boobies, green sea turtles, seals and marine iguanas.

In the afternoon after the repositioning of the ship to Fernandina Island, Punta Espinoza provided the chance to see major concentrations of marine iguanas. They were literally everywhere, you had to be careful not to step on them by accident! Also a flightless cormorant was seen in action, hopping from one rock to another. Also there were many sea lions on the beach, cuddling up with each other.

Day 4: Isabela (Caleta Tagus & Bahia Elisabeth)

Heading to Bahia Elisabeth in the afternoon by zodiac, we saw the tallest red mangrove trees in the Galapagos and observed green sea turtles, pelicans, herons and sea lions.

At Punta Cormorant, a walk brought us to a water lagoon where we found many flamingos. Some of them took off letting us see a beautiful black and pink pattern on their wings. The sun was setting at the time we started back to our ship.

When the ship relocated to Las Bachas, it was time for another nature walk and some leisure time at the beautiful white sandy beach.

After a visit of Los Gemelos, two crater-like sink holes in a forest of tall scalesia trees, we headed for El Chato Farm, a private property which gets visited by wild giant tortoises most of the year.

The afternoon was devoted to visiting the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center to see the iconic saddleback tortoises after which the islands were named and to pay a call to Lonesome George, the preserved body of the last known Pinta Island tortoise, who died in 2012 without leaving offspring. After some free time in the quiet town of Puerto Ayora, the largest one of the Galapagos Islands, we returned the last time by zodiac to our ship. Our journey was over, but the memories of this unique encounter would stay forever!

 

Have you been to Galapagos Islands? What have been your experiences?

Date of stay: May/June 2017