Thanks Marla. Your trip and descriptions assisted with my own research. I really have been trying to go. I really would like to add on my in Equador though. The country seems to have alot to offer. When you were in the Galapagos, did you see other boats around or do they limit to one boat in one area? Also, were you able to snorkel at all? Thanks for your thoughts.

Hi bonniejoy03,

We did see other boats in Santa Cruz, that's the island inhabited by a few humans. But otherwise we did not. So I think they must schedule the boats so that they are not in the same area at the same time. Of course we were on one of the larger boats, so it may be different if you're on a small one.

We went at the end of November, beginning of December and the water was cold. They had wetsuits available on the boat for anyone who wanted to snorkel. I went out once in deep water off a dingy, and it was just too cold for me. Others had a great time and saw some dolphins. I did snorkel in two other locations from the beach, where the water was much warmer. One thrill was playing with the sea lions - they would swim right up until their snouts almost touched my mask, then make a quick turn. It was a little game for them! In another location we saw huge sea turtles and penguins. So, it was very different from the warm water with tropical fish and coral that I've seen snorkeling in the Caribbean.

One caution about Ecuador, there were pickpockets in Quito, as is typical in many urban areas of the world. On part of our walking tour of the city a group of children created a distraction, and then someone discovered his wallet was missing.

I'm sure you'll have a wonderful trip, whatever you decide to do!

marla, this would be a dream of my lifetime to be able to visit the Galapagos Islands! I have seen many TV programs and read stories about these islands. It wouldn't have to be a fancy ship for me, I would be happy in a row boat! Thank you.

Great post, Marla...the Galapagos Islands were on our LifeList for years. We finally opted to spend the mone and were were fortunate enough to travel aboard the M/V Galapagos Explorer II www.galapagosexplorer.com, when she was still making the western turn around Fernadina Island (that's a seasonal adjustment based upon the proximity of the Humboldt Current to the island). A lot of ships do not reach out to Fernadina because it can be such a rough sail on the eastern leg. We treasure the experience.

PS....we stay four nights at the JW Marriott in Quito....great hotel, great staff and loved those huge floral displays of roses!

Hi Marla

Wonder if Lonesome George is still alive and kicking at the Charles Darwin research station on Galapagos? I really enjoyed your excellent blog on this really "off-the-beaten-path" destination. Next time I visit my sister in Lima, Peru, I'll make a point to see about getting over to the Galapagos Islands to check on old George and the other amazing inhabitants of the place Darwin made famous.

Curt