Disembark - Puerto Ayora | Charles Darwin Research Station | Seymour - Guayaquil - Quito | Fly Home

Our day started way early than the rest of the passengers onboard as this is our final day and we're bound for disembarkation. After a simple breakfast (we didn't get the chance to eat our full breakfast as we still had to make sure all our things are packed and we're wearing comfortable clothes for the day), we rode the dinghy back to Puerto Ayora. There, we were met by another guide, Maria, and we rode our transfer to Charles Darwin Research Station. 

Our driver dropped us off at the entrance, and we walked for around 15 minutes to reach the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. Because we arrived around 7:00 a.m., the stores and restaurants were still closed. 

 
We spotted enormous Galapagos saddleback tortoises at the breeding center. They have longer necks and limbs than the dome-shaped tortoises we saw on the islands. This one is a male since he's large; a female is much smaller. He was arching his neck as Maria was speaking, giving the impression that he was listening! There's a program for breeding here, and the eggs and baby tortoises are kept in the nursery for three or four years before being released into the wild. This manner, they can keep these creatures from becoming extinct.

We met our driver again at the entrances and drove for an hour to reach the Itabaca waterway because there was nothing else to see besides the tortoises. We boarded a ferry with our suitcases on top and arrived on the other side of the channel in 5 minutes. From here to the airport, we took the Lobito bus. The crew assisted us in moving our stuff from the ship to the bus.

We reached the Baltra airport in no time, less than10 minutes or so, and we were pleasantly surprised to see our head cook onboard, Lisbeth, who was also coming home after spending many weeks, even months, on the ship.

We realized that our voyage has come to an end as we board our flight back to Guayaquil. I honestly both had feelings of sadness as we became attached to the islands but at the same time happy as we are about to see our family members and excited to share our experiences. 

At the Guayaquil airport, we had the chance to meet a representative from Monserrat, Ariana Ayala, to get our feedback from our experience. She listened very well to our observations - how we think of Monserrat's overall performance and at the same time opened ears to our minor suggestions. She treated us meals and drinks at the airport and gave us a parting souvenir and/or token of appreciation.

As we boarded our aircraft back to Manila via Amsterdam, we realized our journey had come to an end. I honestly felt sad since we had grown attached to the islands, but also thrilled because we were about to meet our family members again and excited to share our experiences. 

 
Overall, this roller coaster-like experience taught us a lot. There's so much more to see outside of our comfort zone, or even outside of where we live. So, while you can still enjoy what these great destinations have to offer, make travel a part of your life!

Touchdown, Manila!