Sustainable tourism is an important part of our work at Ecoventura, so when Alesha and Jarryd from NOMADasaurus started planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands we were at the top of their list for Galapagos cruises!
These nomads traveled with us in September for two full weeks of adventures – spending one week on the M/Y LETTY and another on the MV ORIGIN, our luxury yacht. Today we are sharing some of the beautiful photos from their trip!
Ecoventura alternates two different 7-night itinerary options in order to reduce usage on heavily visited more central sites. We are happy to comply with this requirement by the Galapagos National Park to help protect the archipelago and to offer variety to our guests. For five of the eight days in each itinerary, you will have the opportunity to snorkel in the clear waters at least once a day and sometimes twice a day.
Both itineraries offer encounters with wildlife and are sure to provide a once-in-a-lifetime trip, but each itinerary takes you to explore different islands. Alesha and Jarryd experienced both of our itineraries back-to-back Galapagos cruises!
Itinerary A
Itinerary A explores the southern and central islands kicking off on the island of San Cristobal. Our experienced naturalists will guide and educate you on what makes each island unique throughout your time with Ecoventura. Every visit to each island involves an easy or moderate walk, which can last between 2 to 3 hours, and are not considered strenuous. During each day of your Galapagos cruise, there will be two guided walks on a specific island where you will be able to walk and hike on beaches, lava fields, alongside cliffs and around mangrove estuaries.
Some of the highlights are kayaking at Gardner Bay and seeing the dancing blue-footed boobies during a land excursion at Punta Suarez.
Sea lions are everywhere during your guided beach walks on the beautiful beaches of Espanola Island!
Hop on a zodiac for a look around the island of Floreana then go snorkeling for the chance to swim with a Galapagos penguin and other marine life!
Your visit to Santa Cruz takes you to the Charles Darwin Research Station where you will learn more about the creatures that inhabit the islands. Here you can see giant tortoises at various stages of development and learn more about Darwin’s work.
Take a zodiac to the shore of Bartolome for some spectacular views as well as snorkeling at Las Bachas Beach.
Bird watchers – get your cameras ready for these on-land excursions!
See the unique flora and vibrant red cactus that South Plaza Island is famous for on your guided walking tour and then round out your trip with a visit to North Seymour to check out the birds and land iguanas. Your trip ends back on San Cristobal Island.
Itinerary B
Itinerary B also begins on San Cristobal Island, but the focus is on the western and northern islands. Explore Darwin Bay on the island of Genovesa for the chance to see Nazca and red-footed boobies then snorkel along the cliffs by Prince Phillip’s steps.
On Santa Cruz Island, enjoy a zodiac ride and a walk around Cerro Dragon. Snorkel with the marine life and see just how fearless they can be!
Explore Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island and see the largest population of marine iguanas roaming the island!
The sea-horse shaped island of Isabella offers more opportunities to snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard as you explore Urbina Bay and Tagus Cove.
Santiago Island (originally James Island) is home to the natural grottoes, inlets, and caves created by erosion and lava flows over many years.
The red-sand beaches of Rabida Island are popular with our guests. The reasons are obvious when you see this magnificent photo from the nomads!
No visit to the Galapagos is complete without a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz then it’s back to San Cristobal to end your journey.
Ready for your adventure?
These photos are only a few of the highlights from Alesha and Jarryd’s trip on both of our itineraries. Remember that the order of your itinerary can change slightly depending on which of our wonderful vessels you are traveling on. You are sure to have a memorable trip no matter which Ecoventura adventure you choose!
If you enjoyed these beautiful photos from Alesha and Jarryd, you might be interested in learning to take your own beautiful photos of wildlife while onboard with us. Check out some of our photography focused Galapagos cruises in the fall of 2018.
Hurry and book one of our 2019 expedition dates and get the 2018 rates! This special offer is only valid through December 31, 2017.
Need help selecting which itinerary is right for you? Contact us at any time and we will be delighted to help in any way we can!
