explor the island of galapagos
got here today actually by luck as we arrived in Guaquill and the airport was / is next to the bus terminal so we just walked over to see if we could get a flight and guess what a few hours and 500$ later we are on the island
When arriving you need to pay the park fee of 100US$ (cash only) and get greeted by tour operators offering last minute trips, (one offer was 5 days @450US$) but I was not to take the decision right away as I had not seen anything nor did I know exact details on the trip or diving options..
So we took the free bus from the Airport to the ferry (1.50US$) to cross on to Santa Cruz as the Airport is on the small island to the north (Isla Baltra)
On the other site we could take a taxi for 15$ to town center or wait for the Bus which was 1.80$ this ticket could be bought at the airport info center.
Sure it took some time as the bus was waiting for the 2nd airline to land and people make their way to the station.
We had a quick scout for accommodation and found not far form town center Hostal Espania which offers clean nice rooms with towels,(daily changed) air-con or fan No breakfast though for 30-40 US$ it has a nice quiet lobby/yard with Wi-fy and hang mats friendly staff as well trip info/ booking facility.
Day tour to Isla Floreana
Today, day 4 on the island, we took a trip to Isla Floreana for some snorkeling and tracking on this island to see “wild” turtles
The boat left @ 8.30 am with about 18 people.
The trip across the ocean took about 1.
When we got to the island we at first took a round of Punto Carmaron for some bird watching then a swim/ snorkel , 2nd stop was at Corona del Diablo where again we took to water for swimming/ snorkeling.
Several boats had been at this point and divers enjoyed the warm clear waters too.
Later on we went to the town for lunch and to take a “bus” to drive us up to the highlands where we were able to walk along giant turtles.
Apparently they had been brought to this island by pirates long time ago interesting fact about the turtles is that they could survive without food or water for up to 1 year!! Wow!!
After lunch a last stop on a beach for a quick dip in the seas – saw a lonely penguin on the rocks.
Visiting of Lonesome George, just out of town center, on the way to the park we came across a funny sight when fisherman where selling off the catch of the day, there we spotted 2 sea lions amongst the fisherman waiting for their share of the fish, it really is a sight to be enjoyed
! The sea lions behaving well and await their time till they get the left over fish heads or carcasses to clean it up.
Some Iguanas and sea birds join the free food too.
Anyhow keeping going to the turtle farm, it is not far and a easy walk, as well one could stop at the small beach overlooking the harbor and town.
At the park which has free entry one just can stroll amongst the board walk and in some enclosures to see turtles up close.
Lonesome Georges habitat however is only possible to see from above a boardwalk and he’s lazes under a wooden deck.. so a bit harder to spot.
He’s to girls, are a bit easier to spot, then again they have to seek there entertainment as George does not seem to be interested in “girls”.
Day trip to the highlands
Today day 6 we took a taxi to the highlands (25$ for both) to see the lava tunnel (at least one of them) and again a chance to see turtles in their habitat.
The ride is not to long I guess one could take a Bus too but then at the nearby town it’s a long walk to the private property / farm to see the turtles. It’s a 3$ entry fee and one can walk around the “gardens” to look for turtles, there several tropical fruit trees too and we picked some “refreshments”.
At the entry is a restaurant and shop as well several tortes shells (dry) which look heavy, but actually are relatively light but big.
Day trip to Tortuga bay,
Again form town just a about 3km long walk, at the start of it is a slight hill and registrations station followed by a “little great wall” it really is a lovely walk way amongst forest of cactus right down to the beach, when getting to the beach the first part is a large white sandy beach with big waves crushing in good for serving, but follow the beach to the right and one gets to s area full of cactus Iguanas swimming in the sea and when following the track to the right it leads in to a secluded bay with tranquil waters sandy beach mangrove trees to hide away from the harsh sun.
We spotted several eagle rays in the shallow water playing around breaking the water and allowing snorkelers to come close up to them.
All over a land only visit to Galapagos with only day tours does offer a lot to tourists , sure we would be able to swim with sea lions, see more sharks when snorkeling and have more chance to do bird watching, but we had still enough of all just on one island.
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