Galapagos Wildlife Cruise

Today we wandered through the vibrant soul of Lima, starting in the city’s historic centre. Plaza San Martín and Plaza Mayor were buzzing with life, framed by grand colonial buildings that have watched centuries unfold. We admired the Government Palace, the City Hall, and the Cathedral, which also houses a beautiful religious art museum, before stepping into the San Francisco Monastery and its famous underground crypts. A little eerie, a lot fascinating.

From there, we cruised through the leafy residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, where modern Lima shows off its polished, coastal charm.

Lunch was a real highlight. We settled into Café Museo Larco, a gorgeous spot tucked inside the museum grounds, and enjoyed exquisite Peruvian cuisine in a serene, historic setting. Afterwards, we explored the private Larco Museum itself, home to the country’s finest collection of pre‑Columbian art.

Room after room revealed hundreds of ceramics, textiles, metalwork, and precious stone pieces. It was impossible not to marvel at the sheer age, craftsmanship, and resilience of these treasures.

A full day of history, culture, and colour; and a perfect introduction to Peru’s rich past and present.

This morning we said goodbye to Lima and made our way to the airport for our flight to Guayaquil. It was a smooth transition out of the city, and before long we were up in the air, watching the coastline slip away beneath us.

On arrival in Guayaquil, everything was wonderfully easy. We were met at the airport and, with just a short walk, arrived at our 5‑star airport hotel, the perfect place to rest, reset, and get ready for the next exciting chapter of our adventure.

A travel day, yes, but one that brings us one step closer to the Galapagos and all the wonders waiting for us there!

Our Galapagos adventure began today on North Seymour Island, and what an introduction it was. The moment we stepped ashore, it felt like we’d wandered into a wildlife documentary, except everything was happening right at our feet.

The island is absolutely alive. Frigatebirds circled overhead with their unmistakable silhouettes, while Blue‑footed Boobies perched in the scrub and along the rocky paths, completely unfazed by our presence. Their bright turquoise feet are even more striking in real life.

And the Land Iguanas… so many Land Iguanas! They lounged across the warm volcanic ground, blending perfectly into the landscape. At times we had to watch our step because they were everywhere; sunbathing, blinking slowly, and giving us that ancient, slightly grumpy reptile side‑eye.

What makes North Seymour so special is how close you can get to everything without disturbing a thing. The animals simply go about their day, and you’re just a quiet guest in their world. It’s impossible not to feel a sense of awe at how untouched and abundant this ecosystem is.

For a first day in the Galapagos, it couldn’t have been more magical, a wild, warm welcome to one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.

Today was one of those Galapagos days that feels almost unreal, the kind you know you’ll be talking about for years.

We began our morning exploring Isabela Island by inflatable dinghy, gliding along its rugged coastline with the sea breeze in our faces. The water was so clear it felt like we were floating above an aquarium. Soon enough, we were in the water ourselves, snorkelling alongside graceful green turtles and schools of colourful fish weaving through the lava‑rock reefs.

Back on land, we wandered across enormous old lava flows; vast, rippled fields of black rock shaped by ancient eruptions. Even here, life thrives. Marine iguanas, seabirds, and curious little creatures seemed to appear from every direction, reminding us just how wild and resilient this place is.

In the afternoon we continued to Fernandina Island, the youngest and most pristine island in the entire archipelago. It truly feels untouched. Here we were lucky enough to spot the very rare Galapagos penguin, tiny, fast, and endlessly charming. We watched them dart through the water, while nearby their flightless cormorant neighbours showed off their incredible swimming and diving skills.

As night fell, the magic continued. We climbed to the top deck of our boat for stargazing, wrapped in the warm equatorial air. From this unique vantage point on the equator, we could see both Southern and Northern Hemisphere constellations; a breathtaking reminder of just how special this corner of the world is.

Another unforgettable day in the Galapagos, filled with wildlife, wonder, and wide‑eyed moments at every turn.

Today we visited Urbina Bay on the western coast of Isabela Island, a place shaped by one of the Galapagos’ most dramatic geological events. The entire bay was lifted from the ocean floor in the 1950s, and walking across it now feels like stepping into a world paused in time.

As we explored this rugged landscape, we found ourselves wandering among wild giant tortoises grazing quietly in the brush, and beautifully golden Galapagos land iguanas basking in the sun. Their colours glowed against the dark volcanic rock, a perfect contrast in this surreal environment.

Later, we slipped into the water for another unforgettable snorkel. Brightly coloured fish darted around us, and green turtles drifted gracefully with the swell, so many that we eventually stopped trying to count them. Then came the moment none of us will forget: a Galapagos shark gliding past in the blue. Even our guide was stunned, it was the first time he had ever seen one here.

High on the cliffs above Tagus Cove, we spotted ancient graffiti carved by pirates, whalers, and buccaneers who once sheltered in this bay. It’s a strange and fascinating reminder of how many stories these islands have witnessed.

We ended the day with a walk partway up the volcano, rewarded with sweeping views across the dramatic coastline and shimmering sea, a breathtaking panorama that captures the wild spirit of the Galapagos.

 

Another extraordinary chapter in this once‑in‑a‑lifetime adventure.

This morning we stepped ashore on Rabida Island, instantly struck by its distinctive red beach — a vivid contrast against the turquoise water. We took a gentle stroll along the shoreline, passing marine iguanas warming themselves on the rocks, while mockingbirds and Darwin’s finches flitted around us as if welcoming us to their island home. Our walk led us to a peaceful saltwater lagoon, where a small group of flamingos stood feeding in the shallows. Their soft pink plumage against the deep red earth was a breathtaking sight — elegant, calm, and utterly captivating.

This afternoon we set out for Dragon Hill, a low, rocky rise on the northwest side of Santa Cruz Island that feels like stepping straight into a prehistoric world. The landscape is dry, volcanic, and dotted with prickly pear cacti — the perfect habitat for one of the Galápagos’ most iconic residents: the Galápagos land iguana.

It didn’t take long before we were surrounded. In the space of a short walk, we counted 35 iguanas — lounging in the sun, shuffling across the trail, or perched proudly on lava rocks like tiny, golden‑scaled guardians of the hill. Their colours glowed in the afternoon light, and their calm, ancient presence made the whole place feel enchanted.

Dragon Hill lived up to its name today, offering us a close‑up encounter with one of the archipelago’s most impressive wildlife populations. Another unforgettable chapter in this extraordinary journey.

We started our morning at the Charles Darwin Research Station, the heart of conservation and scientific discovery in the Galapagos. Among towering prickly‑pear cacti, we wandered past the giant tortoise pens and learned how these remarkable creatures are being protected for future generations.

After some free time to explore town, and a delicious lunch, we headed into the lush Highlands of Santa Cruz. Here, wild giant tortoises roam freely, and we were lucky enough to enjoy an unforgettable, up‑close encounter with these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

As the day wound down, we made our way back to the yacht, sun‑soaked and smiling after another incredible Galapagos adventure.

Today we made our way to Post Office Bay on Floreana Island; one of the quirkiest and most charming traditions in the Galapagos. For more than two centuries, travellers have left postcards in the old wooden barrel, trusting that another passing visitor will hand‑deliver them somewhere in the world. We added ours to the pile and picked up a few destined for places close to home. Fingers crossed some kind soul helps ours find their way back to us too.

The day only got better from there. We snorkelled straight off the beach and later headed out for deep‑water snorkelling, both absolutely unforgettable. Sea lions twirled and played around us, turtles drifted by with that effortless grace they’re known for, and a lucky few even had a penguin rocket past in a blur of black and white. Others spotted a black‑tip reef shark cruising in the blue.

So much life, so much colour, so much wonder — above and below the waves. A perfect final chapter to an extraordinary Galapagos adventure.

We wrapped up our unforgettable adventure on Baltra Island, where the group gathered for our flight to Guayaquil. There was that familiar mix of excitement and nostalgia in the air — the feeling you get when a remarkable chapter is closing, and another is just beginning.

After a smooth transit through Guayaquil Airport, we continued on to Santiago, Chile. Touching down in the evening light, we were warmly met on arrival and transferred to our hotel — a welcome chance to rest after a day of island goodbyes and cross‑continent travel.

Our last day of the trip was spent on the outskirts of Santiago at the most enchanting little vineyard — the kind of place that instantly makes you slow down and smile. The owner greeted us with the biggest burst of enthusiasm, and his passion was absolutely contagious. It turned into one of the most educational (and entertaining!) wine tastings any of us have ever experienced.

Afterwards, we enjoyed a gorgeous end‑of‑tour lunch, complete with the tastiest, melt‑in‑your‑mouth steak. It felt like the perfect way to gently wind down after everything we’ve seen and done — from the depths of the Amazon, to the heights of Machu Picchu, to the wild magic of the Galapagos Islands.

This morning we made our way to Santiago Airport for our flight back to New Zealand.

Bags packed, boarding passes in hand, and memories we’ll be carrying with us for a lifetime.

What an incredible journey this has been. 🥰 Hearts full, glasses raised, and memories we’ll be talking about for years.