Do you have a bucket list of the things you want to see and do in this world before you leave this world?
I believe we all become richer through our travels and experiences.
I apologize for being a bit absent lately, I have been checking a few travel experiences off of my bucket list, from Alaska to a few beautiful historic cities on the East Coast to some fabulous winery discoveries in the Central Coast region of California.
Recently the opportunity came up for me to attend an education class on the Galapagos, wow, what a special destination, it has now been added to my bucket list. Is it on your list of places to see and visit? Today I want to share this special place with you.
The Galapagos Islands belong to Ecuador and consists of 13 main islands and 6 smaller isles. These islands are extremely remote and isolated and well known for the unique and diverse wildlife and bird life. To visit them is like stepping into another world.
There are two seasons in the Galapagos. From December to June you will find the weather to be hot and rainy along with high humidity, average temperatures run in the 80’s. Between June and November, you will experience cool winds, drizzle and temperatures in the 70’s.
The islands are a protected National Park and are strictly regulated. The best way to see the islands is by boat. The National Park restricts the size of the cruise ships and boats. The maximum boat size can is only allowed to hold 100 passengers or less, tours on land are conducted with 16 passengers or less, so you will have a very personal experience.
The National Park also sets the itineraries for all cruise ships and the ships will have naturalists on board to guide you on your land excursions. All land excursions from the boats will be accompanied by certified National Park guides.
The cruises to the Galapagos tend to be pricey, but well worth the experience and you need to book early as they fill quickly.
The islands offer land excursions to see the wildlife. Snorkel and dive trips allow you into the water with the vast amount of marine life. Most of the creatures you will see in the Galapagos can’t be found anywhere else on this earth. They have yet to develop a fear of humans and will generally try to interact with you. They are as curious about you as you are them.
The Galapagos trips are not recommended for those with physical handicaps. The cruise ships really are more of explorer type boats and they use zodiac boats to take guests to shore. You must be able to climb in and out without handrails and steps. Sometimes you will even get off the zodiacs in shallow water.
These islands are very special and well worth putting on your bucket list.
