Having been lucky enough to visit the Galapagos Islands twice in the past, it was a place I had longed to take my kids and I had been waiting for my youngest to turn 6, the minimum age to visit the Galapagos. 11 July was the lucky birthday, so we planned to travel late July. But what better way to explore one of this planet’s greatest treasures with your family? Do it with other families. And even better than that? Other EO families. Families of likeminded, openminded people – that would be awesome! And it was.
So, I chartered a ship called the Isabela II, and released the Galapagos Islands Family Adventure on the MyEO platform. It went nuts with so many excited families eager to join us, so we decided to run two trips back-to-back.
Our adventure started in Quito, Ecuador, where we explored the magical historical centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and said to be the most impressive colonial city in South America. Wandering the cobbled streets, we were amazed by the grand structures, the ornate cathedrals, and the bustling plazas alive with people. We also visited Mitar Del Mundo, the Centre of the world, where we had a great time learning about the Equator and the indigenous cultures that once inhabited the region. This was great fun for young and old and we performed experiments to see the impact of the equator and its effects on both strength and balance. We also saw shrunken heads which the kids found particularly cool.
But before long we were leaving Quito bound for the Galapagos Islands. We were immediately amazed, and we tip-toed around marine iguanas lazing in the sun on the tarmac as soon as we had disembarked the plane. Our first stop before boarding our ship, was the highlands of Santa Cruz where Giant Galapagos Tortoises roamed free. They were huge!
We arrived at our ship, the lovely Isabella II in time for lunch and then we were off to spend the next 7 days sailing around the Southern, Eastern and Western Islands of the Galapagos Archipelago (my personal favourite islands due to the huge diversity of wildlife).
Our days were spent snorkelling with friendly sealions who were curious and always wanted to play; walking on protected islands amidst huge colonies of land and marine iguanas, both an evolutionary throwback to the time of the dinosaurs; and standing among incredible numbers of rare birds including Albatros, Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies, Frigate Birds, Flamingos, Finches and so many more.
As we walked amid nesting and breeding colonies, we were amazed that the wildlife seemed completely unperturbed by our presence. Being part of such a wondrous sight made me feel like I was in the Garden of Eden, an unspoiled paradise, and made me reflect on how amazing our planet could be if everywhere man could live in such harmony with the environment.
We saw whales, dolphins, and manta rays; swum with turtles, reef sharks and rays. And for those a little less confident in the water there was a glass bottom boat, meaning that non-snorkellers did not miss out on the magical wonderland under the surface of the sea.
Our ship, the Isabella II, accommodated 40 people which was ideal for taking around 10 families onboard. The ship was comfortable, spacious, and safe. This meant the kids could run around without constant supervision, there were plenty of spaces they could enjoy while the adults were enjoying a G&T on the sundeck. The ship's crew organised ice cream & pizza making afternoons, arts & crafts and other activities to keep the kids (and some of the adults) entertained.
The food was great. Despite the limited resources on the Islands, the expert chefs prepared beautiful meals time and time again, impressing everyone with a combination of Ecuadorian and international dishes. The staff learned our names, what drinks we liked and how we liked our meals and their friendliness and hospitality added to the atmosphere of friendship and joy.
When it was time to leave the Galapagos Islands, we were all in awe that such a place on earth still exists. It was a trip that went far beyond any expectations because nothing can really prepare you for the wonders of the Galapagos Islands. And being able to share the experience as a family, with other wonderful families was simply the best.
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Many people chose to extend their trip with a 3-night visit to the Ecuadorian Amazon. This provided an incredible contrast between the Andes Mountains in Quito, the marine environment of the Galapagos and the dense tropical rainforest of the Amazon.
