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| Home for the next week |
From pampered princesses to part of the herd, today was a
rude awakening. After a week of having private guides, drivers, and entire
lodges seemingly to ourselves, we were suddenly one of 95. Ninety-five!
The transition from private adventure to organized expedition was
character-building. I had to deal with...people. Sheesh!
Lindblad–National Geographic, fortunately, could herd
that many humans with grace and efficiency. No complaints here about logistics.
Luggage tags, paperwork, and a small army of cheerful staff were all ready
to ensure no one (and nothing) got left behind. Yes people did leave stuff
behind on the plane...like their permit! Others had their passports in friends'
bags...
Our flight from Guayaquil to Isla
Baltra (the main Galápagos airport) ran like clockwork. Disembarking was
surprisingly painless — a few stamps, a quick biosecurity check, and we were
officially in the Enchanted Isles.
For both of us, this was a big one — a
true bucket list dream finally ticked. To step foot in the Galápagos,
the living laboratory that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution, felt a little
surreal. The excitement buzzed louder than the plane engines.
A short bus ride and zodiac transfer later, we stepped
aboard the National Geographic Endeavour II, our home for the next
chapter of our Ecuadorian adventure. Check-in was swift, cabins were compact
but comfortable, and lunch was waiting — a sign of the seamless rhythm this
expedition had clearly perfected.
After lunch came the safety briefing, a rundown of ship
routines, and a reminder of the strict Galápagos National Park
rules - no touching wildlife, no stray crumbs, and no wandering off paths.
Then it was off to the equipment station for snorkel and fin fittings and
wetsuit sizing. Nothing like a full-body neoprene hug to remind you how much
you’d eaten since Quito.
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| Asians do love us some good freebies |
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| One of 3 big buses to take us to the airport |
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| We're here! The plane literally parked just off the runway |
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| Airport consisted of a single building |
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| Unfortunately George was no longer with us. Looking forward to meet his replacement |
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| Short shuttle to the water |
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| Our zodiacs waiting to take us to the boat |
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| National Geographic Endeavour II |
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| Our cabin. Simple but cozy |
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| Just in case we forget who we are |
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| Bathroom bigger than expected! |
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| Small but functional gym |
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| Spa |
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| Library with its own coffee station |
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| Dining room |
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| Scorpion fish |
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| All the anaesthetists were happy to see this baby |
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| Most drinks were included other than "premium" alcohol |
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| Always lots of snacks too |
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| These were free for any passengers to use |
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| With instructions |
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| They provided all the gear. Each passenger had their own dedicated hanging space |
By 4:30 pm, we were off on our first "taster" expedition — a wet landing on Las Bachas Beach, on Santa Cruz Island. Named for two World War II barges that once beached here, Las Bachas was an easy introduction to the islands’ famous biodiversity. Within minutes, we’d spotted flamingos, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and the odd sea turtle lazily cruising in the shallows.
Each group of twelve to fourteen guests had its own naturalist guide, specialists ranging from marine biologists to ornithologists, most of them locals who seemed to know every rock and ripple by name. Their enthusiasm was infectious — equal parts scientist, storyteller, and wildlife whisperer.
Back onboard, welcome cocktails awaited, followed by dinner and an evening talk titled — with impressive optimism — “Wines to Pair with Guinea Pig.”
It was official: our Galápagos adventure had begun.
Day 9: From private paradise to organised chaos — but the flamingos made it worth it.
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| Off for our first expedition! |
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| Las Bachas Beach |
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| Jelly fish |
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| Pelican |
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| Crabs |
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| Sunset by the beach |
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| Dinner talk and drinks at the lounge |
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| Pina colada because it was free |
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| An example of the menu |
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| Portion not too big thankfully! |
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| Coffee creme brulee. Amazing! |
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| Very handy. Just behind your pillow |
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| USB just under your reading light |
