Sue returns to the Galapagos

May is a lovely time of year to visit. The water is still warm allowing for plenty of snorkelling for those interested, and there is nothing quite like swimming with giant turtles, penguins, sea lions, white tip sharks, marine iguanas, rays and huge shoals of colourful fish!

The land visits were excellent too - the islands are all so different with their own geological features and varied vegetation, attracting a variety of species. On this trip I was particularly excited to see red-footed boobies for the first time on Genovesa (Tower) island. The waved albatross had arrived on Española and were nesting all along the side of the walking paths, frigate birds and Nazca boobies were feeding their chicks and blue-footed boobies impressed us with their courtship displays. Cheeky mocking birds were almost tame enough to peck at our feet and iguanas basked in the sun - what more could you ask for!

I’ve been at other times of year too and there's never any shortage of wildlife to see and enjoy. Different species can be seen displaying their courtship rituals, nesting, feeding chicks etc. throughout the year. The water is generally calmer and warmer from January to May, July and August is likely to be the windiest time and therefore more choppy, but it is also the most likely time to see whales. If there are paricular species you want to see it's important to let us know - we can then guide you on the ideal time to travel, which itinerary to choose and send more details on a month by month wildlife calendar in Galapagos.

All boats/yachts operate a 14 night itinerary closely monitored by the national park authorities. A 14 night cruise does provide the ultimate, most indepth visit to the islands, but the itineraries are usually split into two 7 night cruises, providing an excellent introduction to the archipelago. For those with limited time 4 or 5 nights is possible on some departures too, but time and budget allowing we generally recommend 7 nights on board.

The itineraries all vary slightly, visiting different islands and visitor points, but whether you go north, east, south or west each one has it's own particular highlights. Excursions and activities at each visitor site generally include kayaking (only allowed in certain areas implemented by the national park), snorkelling and land visits, and presentations will be given on board by your natuarlist guide(s). 

The Galapagos is highly protected and very special. We work with a small range of boats/yachts that work closely with the national park, employ first class/knowledgeable naturalist guides and have been chosen due the level of service they provide. They range in size (usually carrying 16-40 guests), level of comfort and price, but we feel we have a good range of recommended yachts and something to suit anyone with an interest to visit the islands. Some are also more suited to families than others with special family departures. 

www.lastfrontiers.com/hotels/galapagos/cruises/beluga

I have travelled on both a larger and smaller vessels (both have their pros and cons) and on this occasion I travelled on Tip Top V, a first class catamaran which carries a maximum of 16 passengers and travels in convoy with its sister catamaran Tip Top II. Everything ran like clockwork and was very well organised and efficient. They have good itineraries and our naturalist guide, the cruise director, the crew, the food, excursions and equipment were all excellent. The Tip Top boats are also very good value.

www.lastfrontiers.com/hotels/galapagos/cruises/tip-top-ii-v