Two Weeks in the Galapagos

I spent two weeks in the Galapagos. Tortoises and research stations on land, sea lions and hammerheads in the water. It is a lot of nature in a short time, and the days stack up.

Days 1 to 7: Tortoises and Darwin

The first week started at a turtle center. Giant tortoises are as large as people say, and slower. The Charles Darwin Research Station is where you get the conservation story and some of the history Darwin actually worked with.

Day 8: Tortuga Bay

A hike through lava fields to Tortuga Bay. White sand, turquoise water, quiet. Later an Academy Bay tour, more marine life and coastline.

Day 9: Isabela

A boat to Isabela Island and the Flamingo Lagoon. Pink flamingos, a still lagoon, a slower day than the ones around it.

Day 10: Sierra Negra and sea lions

I hiked to the rim of Sierra Negra, a shield volcano with a wide crater. The view from the edge is the one I expected and still stopped for. Later we snorkeled with sea lions. They come in close and they play. That was the best water time until the hammerheads.

Days 11 and 12: Santa Cruz

Two quieter days on Santa Cruz. Walking, sitting, catching up with the first ten days.

Gordon's Rock

The dive I came for was Gordon's Rock, with hammerhead sharks. We dropped in and they were there, the silhouettes you cannot mistake. That was the marine high point of the two weeks.