Visit the Galapagos Islands once … nowhere else in the world is an archipelago so protected. We sampled this unique natural experience via a cruise ship called of the Celebrity Experience and is without a doubt the best way to explore the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador. Only a few islands are uninhabited and, in fact, have never been explored by humans. The landscapes are like no other and the terrain is similar to that of another planet. The rules in the national park are strictly adhered to in order to protect this special place from unwanted external influences.

Our itinerary started on Baltra Island. One of two airports on the Galapagos Islands. The other airport is in Guayaquil.

Our connecting taxi boat from the Celebrity Experience was waiting on Baltra to welcome the next guests like us. We were brought to the ship in groups in a rubber dinghy. The Celebrity Experience is a small ship with only approx. 40 passengers on board + staff.

Let me take you with us through the next few paragraphs to marvel at the beauty and its incredible flora and fauna.

Safety first 😉

The animal world in particular has a very special relationship with humans, because they do not see humans as a threat. Accordingly, you have the opportunity to observe the animals as closely as possible. Seals and turtles drifted through water while we were snorkeling, and even small sharks could be seen lying on the bottom.

This place is a paradise …

Our cruise route:

• Baltra
• North Seymour Island
• South Plaza (Santa Cruz)
• Santa Fe Island
• Punta Pitt (San Cristobal
• Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal)
• Cormorant Point
• Elizabeth Bay
• Moreno Point (Isabella)
• Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz)
• Gardner Bay (Española)
• Suarez Point (Española)
• Mosquera Islet (Galapagos)
• Baltra

With rugged volcanic rocks and the sun beaming down, I understood why they say the sun is the strongest at the equator. Usually, the water on the Galapagos Islands is very cold. Even penguins have gotten lost here and adapted to the environment. Our first excursion was also the first island called North Seymour Island, it was clear the landscape looked remarkably different. The cold water of the Pacific feeds sea creatures and land animals that we were able to thrive here. We learned an incredible amount about the animals that live here on the various islands because as you can see, the island looks dry and barren which must be difficult for the flora and fauna. There are hardly any plants and trees on the island. The lizards feed mainly on the marine life. Sometimes you feel a little moment of time travel where you are  being beamed back into the age of the dinosaur. Only on a miniature scale – these creatures are just incredibly interesting …

The underwater world …

It is worth diving and snorkeling here. The underwater world is so diverse that there is something to marvel at in every “corner”. Colorful fish, seals looking for food or just wanting to play … turtles that don’t let themselves be deterred and swim past you. Fish that hide between the reefs and look at us with big eyes or small water sharks that have laid down on the seabed and “rest” …

snorkeling through the underwater world in the Pacific Ocean

just beautiful…..

World of lizards

Land iguana

Black marine iguana 

death iguana

The marine iguanas can dive well and catch their food from the water and belong to the endemic iguana species. They are vegetarian and feed on algae and marine plants and are the only lizards that are in search of food in the sea.

Blue-footed booby bird

The most famous bird on the Galapagos Islands is the blue-footed booby. Some of them live here on the island. Due to the isolated location, there are many endemic species that cannot be found anywhere else on earth. The perfect place for nature lovers and bird fans.

There are a lot oaf different types of birds

The Galapagos sea lion

The sea lions are not afraid of people – neither on the beach nor under water. You can be so close to them that you could theoretically stroke them. Of course, we didn’t do this.

It even goes so far as visitors and locals sharing the stretches of beach, park benches and piers with them.

Hi friend….

The Galapagos giant tortoises

The oldest turtle George lived here. He died at the age of about 100 years. In three rearing stations on the islands of Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristóbal, you can experience the work of the scientists up close.

Visa

Visa free

Transport

Cruise Ship Celebrety Cruises

Currency

Sucre ECS

Language

Spanisch

Local Time

You can read the local times here

High Season

The best time for Equador here

Health

Malaria:
You should looking for a doctor and tell him, which country you visit in the next time.
Malariaprophylaxe is very expensive but the health insurance will pay for it.

Yellow fever:
Yellow fever is very important. Even this will be paid by the health insurance.
Please tell them the situation.
Vaccination card must be available for the entry

Hepatitis:
Check your vaccination card from the doctor. The health insurance will pay for that.

Botschaft

German Embassy Quito