GO TO GALAPAGOS

Island by Island description . Baltra the first gate.

2026-03-15T00:14:00.003-05:00

🌍✈️ Baltra: First Step into the Galápagos

I am beginning a series about the most visited sites in the Galápagos—places I explore year after year.

Each island offers something unique 🐢🌋, shaped by wildlife, scenery, and geology.

This time, it’s Baltra’s turn, one of the main entrances to the archipelago.

From the air, Baltra looks flat and dry ☀️ during the dry season, but turns greener 🌿 in the rainy months.

Here you can find land iguanas 🦎, Darwin’s finches 🐦, lava lizards, sea lions 🦭, turtles 🐢, and many seabirds.

Underwater, marine life is always present 🌊🐠. Almost every arrival feels special, with a natural “welcome committee.”

Most visitors see only the airport and main roads, leading to cruise piers or ferries to Santa Cruz 🚤.

Along the way, traces of World War II history remain visible 🕊️.

Today, Baltra represents a great conservation success story, especially for its land iguanas 💚

What happens after Covid

2026-02-12T14:13:00.002-05:00

My first official trip after COVID was filled with new rules, new worries, and constant health checks. We wore masks on the plane, and only relaxed a little once on board, trusting that our tests would protect us. We all hoped everything would go well.

Sadly, one passenger became ill, and soon after, his wife too. Watching them stay in their cabin for most of the trip was heartbreaking. The rest of us felt anxious and helpless. It was a reminder that the pandemic was still very real.

That year was not easy. Fear was still present, and every day felt uncertain. Yet, as always, Galápagos worked its magic. Wildlife welcomed us, sunsets filled our hearts, and every snorkeling session reminded us of life’s beauty. Even in difficult times, the islands continued to inspire us.

🌿 Best Time to Visit Galapagos: A Naturalist Guide’s Story After COVID

2026-02-11T13:32:00.005-05:00

Discover the best time to visit Galapagos, seasonal wildlife, and travel tips from a naturalist guide with over 30 years of experience after COVID.

🌿 Best Time to Visit Galapagos After COVID

This article explains the best time to visit Galapagos after COVID, based on my experience as a naturalist guide for more than 30 years. Each season offers unique wildlife, landscapes, and ocean conditions for travelers.

🚤 The First Year After COVID

When tourism returned, people prepared to welcome visitors again. Many boats needed repairs after sitting unused for two years. Tour operators had to reconnect with former workers or train new staff. Money was limited, but hope was strong.

That first full year became a time of discovery. Nature had time to breathe. Wildlife flourished, and every sea lion, bird, reptile, and plant reminded us why Galapagos is so special.

☀️ High and Low Seasons in Galapagos

High season remains strong from December to March, although some weeks are quieter now.

May is still low season and one of the most beautiful months. It combines green landscapes, light rain, and calm seas—perfect for relaxed travel and snorkeling.

🐋 Best Months for Wildlife and Marine Life

June brings fresh air and cooler waters, along with the arrival of whales.

From July to November, marine life is at its best. Divers and snorkelers enjoy encounters with manta rays, sharks, turtles, and colorful fish. Seas can be choppy in some areas, but the rewards are unforgettable.

💙 Why Every Season in Galapagos Is Special

After more than three decades guiding in Galapagos, I believe every season has its magic. This unique ecosystem teaches resilience, balance, and respect for nature.

Each visitor arrives with curiosity and wonder—and that is what keeps this place alive.

Tourism during Covid, changes?

2022-01-18T23:13:00.002-05:00

Certainly, in these last two years, a lot of things changed in Galápagos, local businesses closed and new ones opened, people became inventive like all over the world, home delivery services flourished.

Regarding tourism, to begin with, the islands went from 0 visitors to Ecuadorians only. Our people supported the local economy, but being local visitors also limited in their income prices had to drop a lot. Galapagos people were very grateful to have visitors.

During the last 6 months, international visitors arrived, still with some limitations, but the islands were active once again.

The Ecuadorian government, with some international support, did its best to vaccinate all the islanders. To the point we were, the second archipelago was the second in the world to have everybody immunized.

The community was very cooperative hoping the vaccination was going to help the economy, and it did there are still restrictions until today January the 18th, we still a PCR test to enter Galapagos, as well as the Vax Certificate, requirements for sure, will change as soon as Covid get more in control.

Right now, like any regular flight, we must use the face cover on the street and onboard. Reinforced distance in restaurants, fewer tables for customers to provide the distance between people required.

All activities are in open areas remain the same, is just the different transportation services and service providers.

on the other side nature remains the same and in some places is even better, since they had time on their own without people.

We all report amazing sightings all the time and everything will remain the same as long as we follow the basic Galápagos rules on the trail and while in the water.

HAVE FUN

Photo shows vaccination campaign.

https://www.gobiernogalapagos.gob.ec/conoce-que-requisito-debes-cumplir-para-ingresar-a-galapagos/

https://www.elcomercio.com/tendencias/ciencia/vacunacion-galapagos-inmunidad-anticuerpos-covid19.html

Covid, Galápagos before and after...

2021-11-10T02:21:00.005-05:00

The year 2019 was very busy for me. I moved into another city, Quito. several reasons involved such as a new job, still as a guide but also as a trip leader in the capital of Ecuador. I stopped writing the blog.

October was not a good time for us. The country had some political unrest, which had a negative effect on the tourism industry. December arrived, with some far and away bad news about a new disease scientist knew nothing.. The disease was spreading in China, and we could see in the news that events over there were not appealing, but it was far and away,

2020 arrived and our side of the world was OK. we were enjoying Galápagos like always, but we had a dark cloud on the horizon saying “be prepared”.

Prepared for what and how? We kept working, but on airplanes, we had Asian visitors already wearing masks. It was scary.

As a single mum, I never worked for more than a week. This time I was away two, just in case...while onboard the news was spreading and so the disease, the name COVID-19.

March 15 I was with my group leaving for Ecuador mainland. The passenger’s flight had to be re-arranged, our international airports were going to shut down in a few hours, we have to evacuate everybody; I got home... hugged my daughter. The city was silent.....

The rest, as you know, is similar all over the world. We lived in a complete lockdown connected by e-mail, television, and zooming with our family and friends. At least we have a good internet connection.

GALAPAGOS could not escape the lockdown, and many of their inhabitants got stuck on the mainland. February, March, and April are months when kids are on holidays and islanders use this time to visit family or travel out of Galapagos....they got stuck out of home for around two months with money running out.

Most of them have family on the mainland, some few had to stay in friends’ houses or pay rent. Not a single flight was reaching the archipelago except one or two with some equipment, medicines, and some food. These items were getting scarce.

The islanders had it terrible, lack of food, and since the medical service in Galapagos is not the best, the fear of getting sick there was high. Locals gave a good example of obedience and following the new rules. They had to, otherwise, things could get worse.

The streets were empty of people, wildlife was walking all over, the cities were silent, Covid arrived in Galápagos as well, some people got very sick, not very many died, just a few and out of the islands.

With not much food and money, many locals got together and began growing their own fruits and vegetables in their backyard and exchanging their neighbors., fishers gave all their production to the people. The perception of Galápagos was that the government was not doing much to support the community. They felt abandoned.. Little by little some activity began but no tourism, almost no one was working and with no idea of what will happen.

In the meantime, Guayaquil, the port city, hit the news worldwide. People were dying on the streets. No one knew what was going on and fear was rising. No one, not a single person, could fly back home. It was too dangerous since the islands do not have hospitals ready to treat serious emergencies, and given the example of the mainland, it was better not to take a risk.

Meanwhile, sea lions took over some streets and dolphins sighted close to shore. Eventually, the people could go back to the beach keeping a distance from one another.

March 2020 came, and I flew back with a small group, some activity had begun but not like before. Today is November 10/2021, trying to remember all that happened during almost two years, tonight I am preparing myself already for the next year like any regular guide.

Photos courtesy of Lily Goumaz.

Empty town

Day trips

2019-03-05T02:07:00.001-05:00

There are many ways to visit Galapagos.
Let's talk about day trips, it means you will visit one place every day.

This style of seeing the Galapagos is for the traveler who is not convinced a hundred percent about a cruise/live aboard.
I have heard many reasons like fear to get seasick, dislike a strict schedule, want to choose places to go in the evening or because it is cheaper.

Doing day trips gives you the opportunity to combine diving with land and sustainable fishing. Sounds appealing, don't you think? As well as supporting directly the local economy.

You just have to consider two details:
You will not visit the outermost islands except for Española Island and there is a lot of traveling involved.

Right now the fleet for daily visiting is improving a lot and there are several boats that are very comfortable.

Day Trip or Island Hopping

2017-12-27T01:42:00.001-05:00

From now on, I will dedicate the next articles to explaining all the possibilities, advantages, and disadvantages of "Land-Based Tours."

First of all, many people have shared different reasons for not taking a cruise in the Galapagos. Some are concerned about seasickness and prefer the flexibility to choose what to do and when. Others want to dine at different places each day, and cost can also be a factor.

Traveling in the Galapagos using land-based services can be more affordable.

With that in mind, land-based services on each inhabited island offer a variety of options and many alternatives through various tour operators.

DAY TRIPS: These involve visiting one of the National Park Islands by boat during the day and returning to your town or hotel in the evening.

ISLAND HOPPING: This involves traveling by small boat from one inhabited island to another. visiting National Park sites nearby

DAY DIVING TRIPS: Similar to day trips but focused on diving.

SUSTAINABLE FISHING: Includes somefishing, most likely focused snorkeling afterward, and combining these activities with other options available from each town, guided by local experts. You can also add extra activities on your own.

If you travel on your own to Santa Cruz island.

2017-12-27T01:01:00.002-05:00

Most visitors have their well organized in advance: someone will pick you up at the airport, and you can relax right away since your guide will lead you all the way.

But what about independent travelers? I’ve noticed that some of you might prefer exploring on your own without a guided tour, taking walks at your own pace, and choosing activities based on your own schedule, either alone or with a friend. Here’s how you can make the most of your trip with GOTOGALAPAGOS.

If you don’t want to follow a specific schedule and prefer to decide what to do and when, there are several activities you can enjoy independently within the inhabited areas or recreational zones of the National Park. You can also combine these with guided trips.

In my next post, I’ll provide tips and ideas to help you maximize your time on the Islands. Have fun!

First, when you arrive in Baltra, after picking up your luggage and leaving the airport, you’ll find the bus stop just outside to the right. The busses will line up and make sure you take the bus that says Canal de Itabaca, it’s usually the first one. The ride will last around 10 minutes, and the view of the Itabaca Canal is fantastic—have your camera ready, the fee is $5 and you can buy the ticket right in front of the bus stop. Once you arrive and get off the bus, quickly leave the bus to catch the ferry to Santa Cruz Island so far still costs $1 and just in case make sure your suitcases are loaded onto the ferry before you board. So far I have never lost a suitcase, but it´s better to be on the safe side.

After crossing to Santa Cruz, you can take a bus to Puerto Ayora for about $8. Another option is to take,a taxi directly to your hotel for around 25 dollars. If you’re traveling with others, you might want to share the taxi fee to save money. This option also allows for a quick stop at Los Gemelos if you negotiate the price with the driver beforehand.

The direct ride is about 45 minutes until Puerto Ayora a town that offers many hotel and restaurant options.

Bye

A MOMENT OF REFLECTION"

2016-08-24T12:40:00.001-05:00

A MOMENT OF REFLECTION

August 2016, we have had so far three months of cold temperatures in Galapagos waters, what a blessing.

The past ten years with my feeling/impression, the Islands have been warm, nice comfortable for visitors, it has been great to enjoy snorkelling without having to freeze in the water

Rainy seasons have been present, some have lasted two or three months, or even up to four.
There have been nice years of tourism and also the Galapagos wildlife, that needs water. Finches, land iguanas and tortoises, it has been good for the local inhabitants, we have had fresh water to collect and save, it has been good for us.

Cold seasons came, we had cold water, I cannot deny it, but not as cold as my early years of guidance, or colder months were only one or two, not the usual four or five.

Something we know for sure, sea lions populations have declined, as well as blue footed boobies, their nesting seasons have never come to an end, or simply did not nest at all.

What happened?...... Nothing bad, it has been warm for sea lions, not enough food, warm water means not a lot of fish to eat, survival is minimal, and blue footed boobies?.... They need food along the coast to eat and reproduce, they need cold water, this brings fish to eat. Again, this is normal.

Galápagos goes through cycles, years of warmth and years of coldness, it has happened before, more than once, nature will take its course.

Right now, this year, is cold again, fantastic, now is cloudy sometimes, and drizzles, water is cold, 68 Farenheit, nice.

I freeze now in the water, see a lot of sardines, blue footed are trying again to nest, they are dancing, one nest on North Seymour even had three eggs, good sign.

The cycle is turning around, perhaps back to cold, hope so, sea lions need it and it will happen again, they will return, as always, but.....

In the past Galapagos only received 3000 , 20000, 80000 visitors. Last year we may have had 230.00 visitors, that is a big difference.

As a guide, I must say, that all this years, one of the biggest challenges have been to be kind and polite everytime a group member breaks one the basic rules we have.

Every group gets too close to the animals, and I do mind asking everybody to stay on the trail, or to not to get too close to a sea lion or frigate etc.

The point is that it happens, and now it will be 150.000 visitors out of 230.000. That is a lot, I wonder if this will have a terrible impact if nature tries to get its course back. I am sure it does.

Think about it........

We have arrived, and then what?

2016-01-28T09:26:00.001-05:00

Once the airplaine lands, and gates are open the first impression, is that great air Galápagos has.

It does not matter, cold dry season, hot wet season, clean air is clean air, but once into the Airport building we have to have our passports or ecuadorian cédula on hand.

The Galapagos special Law requires a form to be filled up, in order to enter the Islands, the whole information is found here: http://www.gobiernogalapagos.gob.ec/pre-registro-tct/ .As well as on the plane you should receive another form where you you will declare any organic item.

Upon arrival both forms will be requiered to have handy, the TRANSIT CONTROL CARD SYSTEM,which should stay with your passport until you leave Galápagos, and the second one will be collected at the airport just right after collecting your own luggage, by the personel of the ABG, which is Agency encharged of Biosecurity.

Your hand luggage will be checked and then you are out of the building, you just have to look for a Naturalist Guide if you belong to an organized group by Tour Operator, and or a person designted to pick you up.

Just in case, always , always have with you the contact information given to you by your Tour Company, in many occasions I have met visitors looking for someone at their arrival, but not knowing whom to look for, and in order to be assisted, please, that is the basic information so you can be helped, by anyone in case no one shows to pick you up.

IT WILL BE IDEAL, THAT YOU FIND OUT BEFORE YOU COME TO ECUADOR, IF YOUR MOBILE WILL ACCEPT ANY CHIP, IN ECUADOR THEY COST AROUND 7 DOLLARS.

Xmas and New Year in Galápagaos

2016-01-11T21:50:00.003-05:00

Being on an Island, is in a way isolated, but Galapagos is still Ecuador, my country.
Xmas and New Years Eve are celebrated just like on the mainland.

Like all Ecuadorians, in Galapagos we have a Christmas tree, and lots of lights everywhere. Trees are artificial by the way, we still have our Nativity Set, then still the mayority of inhabitants are catholics and of course we also eat turkey. Everything is flown in from the mainland.

Like me, most of my friends came alone, like many others, our friends then turned into our families, and we try to get together bringing something to eat or drink ,and share .

When I arrived here, in 1988, we used to party a lot during Christmas but now a days, most of us have children, our life has changed, and we still get together, but we stay at home with our families and friends, and wait till midnight to open our presents, just like mainland Ecuador.. the 24th at midnight, we can not wait until next morning, impossible.

The purpose of this article though, is to find out how was Xmas before the 80´s, so I began to ask around and got several answers, having them of course a lot in common, as my colleagues and friend Vanessa Gallo told me.

"Xmas, was celebrated later". How is that?
Since almost everything came by ship, like toys and similar items, everything arrived after Christmas, so they did celebrated later. Some goodies came as donations brought by the Red Cross, but December 24th. families got together, with a delicious fish as the main course.

New Year is the time when we make effigies, it represents the year that is going to go, going to die. Usually the theme is a cartoon character , a political situation, a famous person, any event that has not passed unoticed, local or international.

Along with it a young man will be dressed up like a sexy widow, who cries and cries all along the street, because her husband is going to die, the effigy The Widow is asking at the same time for some money, this is going to be used to buy fire works or something to drink during the celebration.

Multiply this by all over the town, a lot of sexy widows some young, some middle aged, some have high hills with hair on their legs, and very muscular by the way.
The whole purpose is to say good bye to the almost finished year, he will be burned.

I love this part, this time of the celebration, I think is a great way to say good bye to the almost ending year and prepare ourselves for the next one.

To have good luck for next year, we have to eat 12 grapes, one for each month; wear yellow underwear for good luck; have money in your hands of course with the hope to improve any economical situation or to keep a good one and last but not least, we have to carry a suitcase around the block to make sure we are going to travel the next year.

Having the scenario all together sounds like chaos, a fun chaos, with lots of hope and dreams to come true.
HAPPY NEW YEAR...!!!!!!!

Let´s start. What do I need to go to Galapagos

2015-12-01T09:09:00.002-05:00

Galapagos is a place, where we can not say climate is stable. We certainly do not have extreme weather, never below cero, or above 45 Celsius, but the three mayor ocean currents, which surrounds the islands determines the trend throughout the year.

As a whole, during 6 months a year might be pleasant or cool for most of our visitors, and the rest of the year warm.

The trails are rocky most of them up to a certain extend, and no shade most of the time, not too long around a mile or two.

Insects are present mostly during the hot season, specially mosquitoes, but introduced annoying wasps, are around, as well as the endemic horse flies. I believe no regular insect repellent works against them, but just do not wear bright colors on the islands, and black as well.

When buying an insect repellent or sun cream just make sure they are not scented, that helps a lot, and long light fabric pants make a big deal as well as shorts, due to wet landings.

The right shoes are very important, most guide books as well as travel agents suggest good walking shoes for the walks on rocky trails, and some kind of shoe that eventually is going to get wet, perhaps something like the famous "keens" or similar. I suggest though, to be very carefull with the type of sole you choose.....
What does it mean?
I have noticed, when walking on wet lava, that most shoe brands are useless, so when buying shoes for Galapagos, make sure you think about it. This is very funny, but in my case, what works better are the cheapest ecuaodorean shoes.

Blouses with long sleeves and long pants made of light fabric are the best, and of course the rest depends on the type of vessel you will be on, or land services you use, formal code dress or .....just when comming on board, air condition is freezing on most vessels, think bout it, is not much you can do to change it, except for bringing a nice sweater.

BEFORE YOU GO TO GALAPAGOS

2015-10-26T22:54:00.002-05:00

Baltra airport, claim luggage area, before the last check up.

tttt tFlying to the islands means several steps at the airport either Guayaquil or Quito. Usually I see visitors that are travelling on their own not being accepted at the airline counter, after being on the line for a few minutes or a longer, just because there are a couple of steps you needed to do before checking in and no one got the right info.

The purpose of this article is that you do not waste your time.

When visiting Galàpagos, there are a few steps we have to follow at any domestic airport ,before checking in with the airline you fly with.

First of all once entering the airport, either Guayaquil or Quito, the only two entrances to the islands, lead your way to the following counters.

Since Galápagos has a special migration regime, you have to buy a Control Card, at the Consejo de Gobierno de Galápagos kiosk, ( almost always located next to ....or near the domestic flicght counters. Today the value of this card is 20 US dollars ( this might vary), once done this there is a next counter where luggage will be checked.

The second counter (ABG - CONROL DE BIOSEGURIDAD DE GALAPAGOS) is looking for potencial introductions of anything organic, which may turn into a plague or pest, so therefore the suitcases should be controlled. Items like fresh cheese, meat, seeds are not allowed to bring, and if fruits, is better to eat them while flying over there, otherwise this items will be confiscated

During the flight or before you will be given a form to fill out regarding the bio control, and hand it over to the agents of control once arriving, just at the moment you leave the security terminal.

Just upon arrival, and entering the airport, the first stop is to have the passport checked and pay the National Park entrance fee, still for the time being it costs 100 US dollars, only if you come from any of the countries belonging to the Southamerican Andean Union you pay 50 US dollars, and or if native to ecuador or resident the fee is 6 US dollars.

Children under 12 years in any of this categories will pay half of the fee established.

Because of all of this is better to be at the airport about two and a half hours before your flight, unless you are escorted to the airport, and or travelling with an organized trip.

The most important your ticket must be a return ticket, otherwise you will not be checked in.

Once done all this, pick up luggage, and go to look for ........guide, transfer agent, any service you have had requested or booked, will be waiting for you.

HOW TO GET THERE

2014-08-31T22:38:00.001-05:00

Being Galapagos part of Ecuador, the ideal is to get to Quito or Guayaquil, these are the only two international airports we have.
The advantages to get to Quito are for example if you want to see the capital city of course, beautiful historical site, or visiting our rainforest and or great sites like the cloud forest, or the andean lakes etc.

Originaly I would have said, if just going to Galapagos, flying to Guayaquil will be better, then the airport there is closer to the city, and also direct flight to Galapagos, but nowadays I think the largest city of Ecuador, Guayaquil has some sightseeings to offer as well, such as the Waterfront, incredible for birdwatchers, Las Penas, a little piece of the old times, the Historical Center, and the newly protected Island Santay, so worth having at least one day here.

Galápagos has two airports on two different Islands, Baltra and San Cristobal, I have met visitors who have organized their own trip, who have landed on the wrong airport, be carefull about it, make sure to take the correct flight.

Right now many organized trips are offered; some starting from San Cristobal Island and or Baltra, nothing to worry then everything is all set for you.

Snorkeling in Galápagos

2014-04-24T16:16:00.001-05:00

Snorkeling is a great experience, for me is like to go to another planet in one second, in reality, it is.
Lots of visitors come to visit with great expectations, but not knowing at all how is it going to be, how is it to snorkel in Galápagos.

When on board , fisrt day, just upon arrival, your guide will explain all the activities on board, group dinamics, rules and describes snorkel. Yachts, boats or ships have their equipment for rental or included, either way.
Hotels usually ask you to rent in one of the many rental stores found on each town of the islands .Santa Cruz, San Cristobal

face to face

The usual is that if the itinerary allows us to practice with the whole group from a beach is great, in that way everybody is touching ground, and see if everything works.

Sometimes this is not possible, and we have the first snorkel from a dinghy ( localy called "panga") into deep water. What we do as guides, is that we choose a site along the coast which is as quiet as possible and try to bring everyone who swims good enough, and then in deep water, being a beginner, but good swimmer we start with this activity.

What means deep, sometimes 12 feet, 50 or 100, still some places are as quiet as a pool.

On ships always will be more than one guide, in that case the groups will be divided between beginners, and visitors with more experience.

Most of the time almost everyone in group will start right away with this activity, then from the moment you see what´s underwater, most fears are gone away.

Just in case I think is better to have your own mask, and make sure you test it before visiting us, in that way you make sure snorkeling will be a success.

Ready to go to planet water in no longer than two seconds? It is amazing if you can see Iguanas, penguins and lots of fish !!!!!

How to be a good Tourist, Guest, Visitor in Galápagos

2014-03-06T02:25:00.000-05:00

This is a question easy to answer.

Everywhere you go, specially if the word Ecoturism is involved, or nature trips, one has to be sure, that the locals or employees are receiving a decent treatment, as well as the hotel, yacht, restaurant does care for the environment.

How to do this? where to look, what to look for.

I can not give you the right answers, right now, but if you book a trip anywhere, ask the agency or tour operator you are using, about the boat, hote you might be usingl, not just facilities, but if they know if the employees are locals, how involved are they with the comunity they are in.
Once there see if the workers/employees receive a decent salary, if they are payed on time.
Look around, if the facilities of your host do fulfill the basic requirements for garbagge dispossal, or if at to which point they limit the waste produced , etc, etc.

This is very important, as a nature traveler, then what you want is that with your visit you do not create a problem, but help to solve it.

Enjoy your trip

Visiting the Tortoises

New Airport in Baltra

2014-03-06T01:31:00.001-05:00

Baltra Island has a new Airport, is called the Eco airport, is bigger, you will have more space upon arrival, the luggage service is good, buses leaving to the nearest destinations are there, with very good drivers, willing to attend your needs.

old airport

Once leaving the airport you will see the Wind towers, a sign of us moving finally into a new era, more technological, and environmental friendly.

If you are lucky, just at landing or when leaving the airplane, land iguanas might see, they belong to Baltra or oficially called South Seymour, the weather is always nice, windy regardless the season.

But......., the airport is big, what does it mean? do we expect more visitors?

As a matter of fact, regardless the restrictions, and economical world issues, we do get more visitors in general. Not exactly per year, but as a whole, and this group of Islands still do not disappoint the mayority.

What is the point of this article?

Well, if you go to Galápagos, PLEASE FOLLOW THE RULES ALWAYS, more visitors may come, with many different needs, and all of you with the same questions, how is it going to be.

IT IS IN YOUR HANDS.

I want to go to Galápagos

2014-03-06T00:43:00.000-05:00

Galápagos is one of those destinations that, everyone wants to go.
Many reasons are there to attract people; animal lovers, adventure, science, surf, snorkel, diving, sun tan, there are lots of reasons.

Santa Fé Island

Now a days a lot of options are offered. The thing is many do not know they exist.
The most known of them all is the cruise:
Trip on a ship, yacht, sail boat, for fifteen days total, one week, three to four days.

Island Hoping:
Using the regular cabotage service, you can go from one inhabited island to the next one, using this as a way to jump onto the neare:st sites belonging to the National Park.

Day tour:
Means using one Island as a base, stay in an hotel and visit one of the nearest islands per day, going back to the hotel every night.

Diving cruises:
Just as it says, diving in the Galápagos, one of the hotspots for this kind of sport.

I also like the new "Sustainable fishing" which involves the local fisherman with their own vessel, refited to welcome guests, not yet exactly there to fit in first class service, but a great experience anyway. Sustainable fishing, will let you go fishing , snorkelling and perhaps cook your own fish with the fisherman/host.

All these options can be put together and make a longer trip.

Also you can come here with your own private yacht, but as far as I know, this needs a special agent to assist you with all the governments requierements, and is very expensive.

If you want you can hire your own guide and organize your own trip.

Are the Islands very close to one another?

2013-06-02T17:17:00.000-05:00

All the time I get the same question or just mentioned as a comment " I thought the Islands were closer.

This happens I think, because every time we look at any map where the Galápagos Islands are shown, compared to the rest abviously they are small.

But once here....

If you think of visiting us, and take a trip, look at:

The distance in miles between one island and another, 20 nautical miles sounds like nothhing, but average speed here will be 8 knots, that means a bit over two hours, if speed 10 knots well two hours and so on.

Sometimes a trip includes a visit to Isabela Island, and then you may have to travel 80 miles or more check it out.

Another good reason that can make a navigation from island to island longer is when we go against the current, that means if you go north from December to May the Niño Current is here, and you will go against it, and may be a bit rough and takes a bit longer then the Speed of the Boat will go down.

Between May to December the Cold Current Humboldt is here, and if going south, well it will be more a less rough depending on the wind also.

September and October could be the months when the Southern Current can be stronger, so loooonger.

Navigations and so on

This is a topic that I find important when choosing the time to come here, and what are your Interests, think this is a Natural place and try not to be too demanding .

I hope this helps a bit , otherwise ask me.

Bye

My favorite Island?

2012-11-01T00:22:00.002-05:00

I love questions, it gives me ideas for articles, and keep you people in a way informed, or at least give you an idea.
Another frequent question has been this one ",WHICH IS MY FAVORITE ISLAND"

Answer: NONE

I have favorite moments, such as right before the rainy Season the Prickly Pear Cactus is in bloom, I love it to see this big yellow Flowers and it lasts so short.!!

When marine iguanas are nesting, why loving it, because all year long they seem to be so concentrates in eating, and then to see this females so active nesting.!!

The hot Season, specially this last one 2012, snorkelling with Manta Rays almost every trip, it was like having an airplane below.

May, whan the Palo Santo Leaves fall and the forest looks grey and the Sun gives then their colors instead:

When People who happend to fave fallen in my hands understand, that just by having the opportunity of enjoying simple moments, nothnig exuberant in Nature, with it, is my favorite moment.

Enjoy Nature as it is, do not demand too much from it, a simple Sunset or the sound of the Ocean, is amazing.

Best time to visit

2012-10-31T23:58:00.000-05:00

The last few months I have been asked this question very feecuently.

Is there a best time to visit a Natural Place?
Nature is what it is, changes all the time based on weather, call it climate changes etc.
So, is there a best Time?
I would say, best time, low Season? always is good, not a lot of people, and perhaps cheaper, when is low Season. May-June, September-October

May and June are transition Months, from hot to cold, you will feel a bit of the hot and rainy season, I like it, not too hot or not too cold, seas are still easy going.
September and October are and always will be low, many Vessels go to dry dock, and the Seas are or could be rough if going South against the prevailing Current, but this will give you the opportunity to see lots Sea Birds, Whales, Baby Sea Lions, lots of active Marine Life.

If you are a Water Person be here during the hot Season, temperature is great to be in the Water for long terms.

If you are a hiking Person, do the Cold Season and try to stay in the inhabited areas also to walk, walk and walk.

Check the Oceanography web pages, like the NOAA.

Still the best time is when you have Time, Nature will always give a Present.

WET LANDING, DRY LANDING

2012-08-15T23:34:00.000-05:00

What does it mean?
In Galápagos we never dock, we reach land by Dingy, also called PANGA b,y us Locals.
As far as I know, nobody knows why we use this word, but anyway, we never dock, we have nor such facilities.
As one of the primary policies of the National Park is not to change the Landscape, therefore the facilities for landing are very basic or none.

So well, the Panga Drivers, a Crew Member, together with the Guide are encharged of bringing you on Land "SAVE" so please listen to them.

When going Ashore if a DRY LANDING is going to be, as it says dry , we hope it is.
Sometimes perhaps slightly wettish, anyway.....the Panga will be located at a Rock or some kind of Peer, so that you will get off it with no problem, unless the seas are rough that day...
Always listen to the Guide.

If a WET LANDING, it means the Panga will be "kind of stranded" so that you just have to disembark of the Stern from both sides, NOT FROM BEHIND, then you will be to close to the Motor and Propeller which is dangerous, you can be cut by it ( unless you have short Legs and Seas are calm.)

wet landing

Always have to put your equipment such as, Cameras, Binoculars, etc in a Plastic Bag, or Dry Bag.
Always wear a Life Jacket, even if it doesn´t look necessary.

I hope I have covered this Issue, otherwise will be adding some more info.

See you later......

RULES? REGULATIONS

2012-07-15T22:23:00.000-05:00

What makes this Islands so popular, so special, so famous?
It´s Fauna and Flora, they are unique .
I must say I am so used to be surrounded by wild animals, so curious, that I feel as an ecudorian blessed, that this Islands belong to us.
It seems though, that perhaps there were more places in the world like here, but people got there too soon.
Is Galápagos the only place like this, I have never heard of any other, so........what a big responsablity as a Guide, as a person, as a local to make people understand, that this is the only way to keep things the way they are until now.
So.....
Think about:

When visiting the National Park Galápagos.-

Please:

1.- Stay on the trail, it is marked by Sticks painted black and white; if two, stay between those and do not try to step out of it, not even the slightest foot, because the plants are destroyed.
It is amazing the erosion is caused by visitors on the Path, and everybody think,one little inch doesn´t hurt,?Inch by inch may be a mile.
If one Stick, stay in the Area, is safer.
If none, yeah, open Area, you can be on your own, those are Beaches, and enjoy these moments of being just you and who knows.

2.-Stay with the Group, do not get separated from it, is there are more than two groups is so important to do so, otherwise there will be Landscape Polution, People everywhere, the Guide goes in front.

3.- Do not touch any animal, they are wild and inocent, forget the word TAME, they are not
It is great though, when one of them aproaches you, one of the greates feelings ever, a wild animal, trusts you, if that happens no one can blame you, but it happens to you, happpens , do not try to force it.

4.- Do not feed the animals, because of the same reasons mentioned before.

5.-Do not touch them, there is no need, think about,if 80.000 people touches you in one year, wouldn´t it be annoying?

6.- Do not use Flash at least with animals, think about yourself , when it happens , sometimes one gets blinded,isnt´t it?

7.-Do not smoke, obvious reasons.

8.- Do not litter, like everywhere else, and do not throw anything overboard, and if you see some one else doing it, well talk to them or report it.

9.- Do not take anything from the Islands, no Feathers, Sand, Lava stones, nothing, except Pictures, and if buying souvenirs, please nothing that is made from such items.
By the way, anything made out of introduced species, such as Spanish Mahogany, for example carved Tortoises will be good. There might not be too many choices, but in that way you¨ll encourge that.

There are other rules, I prefer to give you a link. http://galapagospark.org/onecol.php?page=turismo_reglas_visitantes

And there is another rule, not written anywhere and I think this should be done: try to take back with you some garbage you produce, like: empty shampoo bottles, magazines, old useless shoes .....at least leave them on Ecuador mainland, or think about it when packing at home.

In Galápagos we recicle, we are not perfect, we make mistakes, and some garbage is still burned, things that can not be recicled.
On Santa Cruz Islands we are like 14.000 inhabitants, plus 100.000 Visitors?.....
Think about it

SOLITARIO JORGE? THE LONESOME

2012-06-28T10:49:00.001-05:00

He died last saturday? what happened? I was guiding on sunday, that day another working partner brought this into our conversation.
Bad news?
I do not know, we all have to die one day isn´t it.
Of course not good News, I would say it is a moment to stop and think.
Of what?
Well what is the meaning of Solitario Jorge .....to me.....
Since I became a guide he was always there, with his two companions from Isabela Island, and almost everybody who came to Galápagos, or wanted to come knew about him, his story, THE LAST ONE OF HIS KIND.

People came, people left most likely very happy because this Islands are beautiful.
But how many have actually stopped to think " the last one", how many last ones are on earth?
He is gone now, think about it.

For me, he is like the end of something and beginning of something else, good, bad, I do not know.
All I know is that we are building a new Airport in Baltra at the same time, an ECO-AIRPORT .
Definetly things are changing, we will see.

There goes my question for you my dear guests.
When you come to Galápagos, what is that you want.?
In your hands you have the power, that changes are for good.
Why? Because, you can choose,
How? think about your impact here with every activity you make.
And bring back home great memories with pictures and in your heart,

Galápagos is great, Lonesome George is gone, in heaven , perhaps in heaven with all the Tortoises from Pinta

Special place?

2012-06-07T00:02:00.000-05:00

What is this blog about.-

Pretty much just simply to tell you what I will say to every passenger I welcome, what to expect, what to do, rules to follow.
There are many unique places in the world all different from one another, this is also one, but veery speecial.
Most people understand the fact that animals are curious, but one thing is to hear about it, and another is to be hear.
I think we are spoiled here, but the question is, why Galápagos and not the rest of the world?
There is a lesson to learn and understand.