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Where the Wild Things Are: Islands matters. While this is a year-round Espanola and North Seymour are home to centers, spa facilities, swimming pools, hot tubs
The time of year one visits the Galapagos
the Blue Footed Boobies. Eden Islet is ideal
and fun water toys.
I recommend adding Lima and Cusco, Peru
for spotting Galapagos Penguins, sea turtles
destination and the temperature remains
between 68-75 degrees, it’s the temperature and the playful sea lions. Genovesa Island to the back end of a Galapagos vacation. You
offers remarkable bird life including the
of the water that makes the big difference to
The Galapagos Islands snorkelers. Snorkeling is a highlight. There Boobies, Nazca Boobies, Frigate and Short- will fly from Baltra to Lima, enjoy the High
Andes cultural experience and the mystic Unesco
is nowhere else in the world that one can
Eared Owl.
snorkel with sea lions and penguins in their Each day in the Galapagos Islands World Heritage site of Cusco before flying home
direct from Lima.
natural habitat while these playful Galapagos unfolded with breakfast onboard, followed
creatures swim circles around you. by safari-style expeditions led by naturalists,
We were provided shorty wet suits and including hiking, kayaking or snorkeling.
snorkel gear, but the water temperature took After lunch onboard, down time followed by
my breath away. Despite the call of the wild an afternoon expedition. Cocktails and dinner
oceanic world beneath the water’s surface, I in the early evening featured presentations
just couldn’t catch my breath! In September, and slide shows highlighting the day’s
the Humboldt Current from the Antarctic activities and an overview of the following
chilled the water to a point that made day’s schedule. The pace was peaceful, slower
snorkeling nearly intolerable. I definitely than my pace at home. This is what a lot of
missed out because those who managed the people seek in a vacation. However, I can tell
60 degree water temps witnessed underwater you that I would have appreciated a larger
highways of gigantic vibrant Red and ship with other diversions to keep me busy
Chocolate Chip Starfish, giant Parrot Fish, and entertained between expeditions. Larger
gargantuan Angel Fish, Sharks, Manta Rays, 100 guest capacity cruise lines offer fitness
Sea Turtles, Sand Dollars, and Penguins! I
recommend bringing a full wet suit and
steering toward December - March if you are
cold-sensitive.
Which islands to visit? Each island offers
unique encounters with the endemic wildlife.
Cruises are offered to specific islands based
on Ecuadorian National Park guidelines
limiting visitor population. Santa Cruz is a
must-visit destination, featuring thousands of
Giant Tortoises almost the size of golf carts!
Bartolome Island features families of Sea
Lions on the white coral sand beaches and
bright red and blue Galapagos Crab. Isabella,

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