After flying into San Cristobal Island, we were soon aboard La Pinta, our home for the next week.  The luxury motor yacht carries 48 passengers but on this voyage we were only 14 with a crew of 30.  Sea lions lolled about on the rocky shoreline and on boats moored in the harbour. 

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Each night while we slept, the ship sailed to a different island through clam waters – click here for a map.  Between delicious meals aboard, we were kept busy by day snorkelling, swimming and going ashore for wildlife viewing.  By the end of day 2 we knew the difference between a land and sea iguana, had seen the puffed red chests of the male frigate birds mating display and logged dozens of other bird species.  Brightly coloured fish swimming in large schools were almost jumping out of the water and an amazing sight was a sea iguana grazing on seaweed 2 metres below the surface.  Snorkelling from the zodiacs, we swam amongst playful sea lions, spotted Galapagos sharks and green sea turtles; but swimming with the Galapagos penguins was the greatest thrill.  Jeff almost drowned laughing when a pelican swam up close to him, puts its head under water and opened its mouth wide.

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Every island has its own unique characteristics, environment and wildlife.  The eastern islands were dry; the tough leafless trees were waiting for the rain to come and spiny cactus thrived so a lovely inland lagoon with bright pink flamingos was a big surprise.  The western islands have dramatic scenery of jet black lava interrupted by small scattered brackish lagoons with lush vegetation.  The westernmost island, Fernandina, has the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their space with sea lions, crabs, penguins and the flightless cormorant.  Meanwhile the rains had already arrived at Santa Cruz, in the centre of the archipelago, turning the forest bright green – we headed to the highlands by bus to explore the underground lava tube and the twin sink holes, stopping to see giant tortoises on the way.  Back in the whaling days, a barrel on Floreana Island served as a “Post Office” so, in keeping with tradition, we deposited 2 post cards to be hand delivered by passengers on the next passing ship.

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Saving the best for last, we had a great day on Española Island.  On the white sandy beach, sea lions lay like many rocks, taking no notice of us, the turquoise sea inviting.  The other side of the island is a haven for sea birds such as the waved albatross and Nazca boobies.  They are curious and have no fear of humans.  The Española marine iguanas are bright green and red.

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After an amazing experience travelling 580 nautical miles on La Pinta, visiting 11 islands and living in luxury we returned to planet earth.

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