On our third day, we landed at South Plaza in the morning and walked through the Cactus Forest, where we saw giant cacti again. There are newly planted opuntia with fences to guard them against land iguanas while they are still growing. This is a project of the Charles Darwin Foundation to preserve and grow more of these cacti. And there, at South Plaza, we met Erin the second time around! We met Erin the second time around! - South Plaza (Oswaldo)
There were yellow iguanas (land iguanas) and marine iguanas. These marine iguanas are popular with tourists for their Godzilla-like appearance. And one trivia about South Plaza, due to the proximity of land iguanas to marine iguanas, South Plaza is the only place on Earth where we can find a hybrid iguana. Still, we were not lucky enough to see one. Land iguana - South Plaza (Marie Bunyi) Land iguana - South Plaza (Marie Bunyi)
We also spotted this family of sea lions, which was an interesting sight. Oswaldo told us that it's not typical for a male sea lion (the biggest on the right) to be seen together with a female and its pup. Male sea lions are typically only found in two locations: either together with other males in a certain area of an island or on an island where they are known as bachelors. The second location is referred to as a colony and is where an alpha male is the only male you can see in a group of females and pups. So this is a rare sight to see, a family. Family sea-lion (rare opportunity) - South Plaza (Marie Bunyi)
And these are swallow-tailed gulls, a mother and her baby. Swallow-tailed gulls (close-up) - South Plaza (Oswaldo)
Back in the boat, we had our lunch at the Sun Deck where our chef prepared an Ecuadorian Ceviche for us. We loved its colorful taste and consumed two bowls of it. Ecuadorian Ceviche - delicioso! (Marie Bunyi)
In the afternoon, we went to Santa Fe Island, where we were greeted by these sea lions lounging in the sand and some playing on the beach. Sea lions - Santa Fe (Marie Bunyi)
We had a snorkeling activity in Santa Fe, and we've also seen land iguanas and opuntia cacti (giant cacti).
And here, while we were exploring Santa Fe on the dinghy, we were fortunate to spot this school of Galapagos white-tip reef sharks, swimming in shallow waters with sea lions playing around. A healthy relationship, indeed. Galapagos white-tip reef sharks - Santa Fe (Oswaldo) A sea lion playing around a group of Galapagos white-tip reef sharks - Santa Fe (Oswaldo)
And to add to this amazing day, we also saw this school of eagle rays swimming just beside our dingy. School of eagle ray - Santa Fe (Oswaldo)
The pre-planning and execution of the plan was excellent. They were even able to help get glasses returned when a member or our party left them in a hotel.
Roger
3 weeks ago
I spoke with at least a half dozen other travel companies, looking for a Galapagos cruise that fit our schedule and budget. Some companies could manage one or the other, but Erin was the only one who could do both. She found us the perfect cruise, at a fantastic price! And she has been quick and patient with responses to my many questions. So far, Adventure Life has been a fantastic company to work with!
Sandi T
1 month ago
Erin was patient, thorough, responsive, knowledgeable.
Karen Bukolt
1 month ago
Erin was responsive, knowledgeable, helpful, and ran through a few different choices with us. She got us a fabulous price on a trip, and made everything easy to do. And QUICK!!
Tina
1 month ago
From the initial meeting and planning process with our trip planner Jess, through to the finalizing of our itinerary, trip details and questions, I was very impressed with the professionalism, thoroughness, organization and attention to details. I would highly recommend Adventure Life to anyone looking to plan a unique travelling experience, knowing that the expertise and experience provided will result in a seamless trip of a lifetime.
