We rose at dawn for a quick return visit to the Darwin Station and a glimpse of Lonesome George. This time he was snoozing at the back of his compound.
A two-hour small boat ride took us to Isabela, the largest of the Galapagos Islands.
After visiting the tortoise breeding center we strolled a boardwalk through the mangrove and poison apples, past a brackish lagoon where there were pintails, moorhens and black-necked stilts. Puerto Villamil offers a seemingly endless beach and we passed waterfront bars, hotels and homes on the way to Cesar's, our lunch spot (Cesar's salad, anyone?)
We caught our first glimpse of Galapagos penguins hobnobbing with the blue-footed boobies on the rocks as we approached our afternoon snorkeling spot The underwater highlight was a pair of sting rays that glided along the sea bed below us. Afterward we toured Islote Tintoreras, walking among the sea lions and marine iguanas through the fierce volcanic landscape.
Puerto Villamil is the smallest of the islands' three settlements and has a decidedly bucolic atmosphere, palm trees lining the unpaved streets. We took a short sunset walk into town before supper, admiring the Opuntia cactus silhouetted against the fading colors in the western sky.
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner