OUR TEAM
Paul and Diane are Travel Consultants based in the Calgary area. They provide all types of vacation options, but specialize in groups, river and ocean cruising. Click here to contact us today to start planning your next trip! Last week, Paul and I were aboard Lindblad’s Endeavour II, an expedition ship that sails in the Galapagos Islands. Nestled in the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Islands stand as a living testament to the marvels of evolution and the astonishing beauty of untouched nature. For those seeking a truly immersive and educational adventure, an expedition cruise to the Galapagos is an opportunity to explore this ecological wonderland like never before. The Galapagos Islands, often referred to as the “Enchanted Isles,” are an archipelago of volcanic islands located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador in South America. Renowned for their unique biodiversity and ecological significance, they were famously visited by Charles Darwin in 1835, inspiring his groundbreaking theory of evolution. Today, the Galapagos remain a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a living laboratory of evolution. Preservation of the Galapagos Islands is of paramount importance. Strict regulations are in place to minimize the impact of tourism. Visitors are required to follow responsible guidelines, such as staying on marked trails, avoiding touching wildlife, and snorkeling at a respectful distance. Many expedition cruise operators including Lindblad actively contribute to conservation efforts and education, ensuring the Galapagos’ unique ecosystems endure for future generations to appreciate. The Galapagos Islands are renowned for their exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities. The nutrient-rich waters attract a myriad of marine species, making every underwater adventure an unforgettable experience. You may encounter graceful sea turtles, schools of hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and playful sea lions in
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their natural habitat. Dive sites like Darwin’s Arch and Gordon Rocks are world-famous for their pelagic encounters, while Kicker Rock offers the chance to swim with sharks in a narrow channel. The Galapagos Islands are synonymous with unparalleled wildlife encounters. One of the most remarkable aspects of the archipelago is its lack of natural predators, allowing the indigenous animals to evolve without fear. As a result, the Galapagos boast a diverse range of species found nowhere else on Earth. Here are just a few of the species you will see on your trip. While in Galapagos you will see Giant Tortoises. The Galapagos Islands are named after these gentle giants. You’ll have the opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat, lumbering across the volcanic landscapes. Each island has its own distinct subspecies, showcasing the evolution in action. There are also Blue-Footed Boobies. We witnessed the iconic courtship dance of the blue-footed boobies, characterized by their striking azure feet. The islands are home to both blue-footed and red-footed boobies, each with its unique charm. The only Marine Iguanas in the world call the Galapagos home. You can watch them sunning themselves on the rocky shores and diving into the crystal-clear waters to feed on underwater algae. Galapagos Penguins: These diminutive penguins are the only ones to inhabit the Northern Hemisphere. Snorkeling alongside these playful birds is a once-in-alifetime experience. Marvel at the Flightless Cormorants, a unique species that has adapted to a life of swimming and diving. Their striking appearance and underwater agility are a testament to evolution’s wonders.
October 30, 2023 Volume 23 No. 44
An Expedition Cruise to the Galapagos Photos & Words by Paul & Diane
The Galapagos consist of 19 major islands, each with its own distinct landscapes and ecosystems. A well-planned expedition cruise will take you to a variety of these islands, offering a diverse range of experiences. We are visiting these islands: Santa Cruz: We visited the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about ongoing conservation efforts and see the famous Lonesome George, the last Pinta Island tortoise. We spent some time in town before continuing to the highlands where we explored the cultural and natural attractions of the highlands of Santa Cruz, where much of the produce is grown on local farms. We stopped for lunch at a local ranch, dedicated to conservation. This was an amazing opportunity to see tortoises roaming in the wild. Isabela is the largest island in the archipelago is home to the iconic Sierra Negra volcano. We hiked to the caldera’s rim for panoramic views of the surreal, moon-like landscape. In the afternoon the ship re-positioned to the historical Tagus Cove, a sheltered bay that has been a popular anchorage for centuries of visitors, including Charles Darwin on the HMS Beagle. There we could choose a scenic hike that looked over a volcanic crater with
a lake inside, Zodiac rides and kayaking outings to look for penguins, flightless cormorant and shorebirds, and even some deep-water snorkeling. So many options! Fernandina Island is the youngest and most pristine island in the Galápagos. The stark black lava flows are home to some of the largest marine iguana colonies in the archipelago, and the peculiarlooking flightless cormorant nest along the coast. Brightly colored Sally Lightfoot crabs scamper among the rocks and sea lions play along the coast against the dramatic backdrop of volcanoes. While snorkeling in the area, we were on the lookout for green sea turtles who graze off the abundant algal beds. In San Cristóbal we visited Punta Pitt with its fascinating geology, also the only site where all three booby species that occur in the Galápagos nest together. We hiked up to the plateau for wonderful views and took Zodiac cruises along the base of the cliffs to look for red-footed, Nazca and blue-footed boobies, and could even have taken a swim off the beach amongst young sea lions. In Santiago, after an early morning hike behind one of
Chestermere Anchor News Magazine: Home Grown, Well Anchored, Reaching far beyond Chestermere’s Shores
