We made it to the Galapagos Islands! The Galapagos Islands are uniquely centered on the equator and have one of the largest concentrations of multiple indigenous species (species only found here) of birds, reptiles, fish and plants. The ocean currents, temperatures, winds, volcanic activity and many other factors create this unique environment. Charles Darwin is closely associated with the Galapagos Islands and some say many of his ideas on the origin of life came from these islands. Another unique thing about being on the equator is that the sun always rises at 6 AM and sets at 6 PM!
There are many daily activities on board the Silversea Galapagos. The first morning excursion typically leaves around 7:30 or 8:00 in the morning followed by a late morning snorkeling or kayak trip. There is always an afternoon excursion which might be a hike, zodiac ride or kayaking trip. The only way you leave or board the ship is by zodiac. It is a very active lifestyle but you are certainly allowed to only do what you want and don’t have to do everything.
On our 1st day we visited Bahia Darwin for a morning walk where we were introduced to the Red Footed Boobies. They have nesting areas all over the island along with Frigatebirds. The Frigatebirds are also known as pirate birds and try to steal the food from the smaller boobies. We saw several sea lions laying around along with one that had fun swimming in a small pool. There were also other birds like mockingbirds that were very territorial and fended off other birds to keep their area. Besides those we saw several Darwin finches flying and running around. It was a pleasant morning walk and our first real introduction to some of the wildlife in the Galapagos.
Late in the morning we did our first snorkeling trip off the zodiacs. Although the water was a little cold we had wet suits provided by the ship. The seas were smooth and we were dropped off in an area where we could just swim down current which made it very nice. The water was a little murky and there is not any bright colorful corral as you see in some places like Bora Bora but there were plenty of fish swimming around to make it enjoyable. The highlight though was when we came upon a couple of sea lions who wanted to swim with us. They would dart around us and seemed to be having a great time.
In the late afternoon we visited El Barranco Island and climbed up Prince Phillip's Steps. This was named after him since he had visited the islands many years ago. We saw several iguanas around the area along with a different species of boobies – the Nazca Booby. As we walked we also saw many gullies where Short Eared Owls hid to attack and feed on smaller birds. One other interesting bird we saw on this hike was a Lava Heron. It was an enjoyable afternoon hike and allowed us to continue to get more familiar with the wildlife in the area.
We had an enjoyable day after going on three separate excursions. Before dinner, the staff has an overview of the day's activities followed by what is in store for tomorrow's activities. You decide what activities you would like to do and sign up for them.
Sharon and Greg
There are many daily activities on board the Silversea Galapagos. The first morning excursion typically leaves around 7:30 or 8:00 in the morning followed by a late morning snorkeling or kayak trip. There is always an afternoon excursion which might be a hike, zodiac ride or kayaking trip. The only way you leave or board the ship is by zodiac. It is a very active lifestyle but you are certainly allowed to only do what you want and don’t have to do everything.
On our 1st day we visited Bahia Darwin for a morning walk where we were introduced to the Red Footed Boobies. They have nesting areas all over the island along with Frigatebirds. The Frigatebirds are also known as pirate birds and try to steal the food from the smaller boobies. We saw several sea lions laying around along with one that had fun swimming in a small pool. There were also other birds like mockingbirds that were very territorial and fended off other birds to keep their area. Besides those we saw several Darwin finches flying and running around. It was a pleasant morning walk and our first real introduction to some of the wildlife in the Galapagos.
Late in the morning we did our first snorkeling trip off the zodiacs. Although the water was a little cold we had wet suits provided by the ship. The seas were smooth and we were dropped off in an area where we could just swim down current which made it very nice. The water was a little murky and there is not any bright colorful corral as you see in some places like Bora Bora but there were plenty of fish swimming around to make it enjoyable. The highlight though was when we came upon a couple of sea lions who wanted to swim with us. They would dart around us and seemed to be having a great time.
In the late afternoon we visited El Barranco Island and climbed up Prince Phillip's Steps. This was named after him since he had visited the islands many years ago. We saw several iguanas around the area along with a different species of boobies – the Nazca Booby. As we walked we also saw many gullies where Short Eared Owls hid to attack and feed on smaller birds. One other interesting bird we saw on this hike was a Lava Heron. It was an enjoyable afternoon hike and allowed us to continue to get more familiar with the wildlife in the area.
We had an enjoyable day after going on three separate excursions. Before dinner, the staff has an overview of the day's activities followed by what is in store for tomorrow's activities. You decide what activities you would like to do and sign up for them.
Sharon and Greg
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