Ecuador - Galapagos Islands - Santa Fe and South Plaza


Ecuador has many regulations and inspection regimes in place to ensure that no new species or organisms enter the Galapagos Islands. So our luggage got an extra scan upon entry and exit to the islands (we had something similar in Hawaii). They even sprayed our luggage in the overhead bins just before we landed. One interesting regulation affecting the ship’s food service is that any beef brought in must be 70% cooked already. I didn’t hear anyone complain about the food, but I would imagine getting that last 30% without overdoing it is a considerable challenge for the chef. We were pleased with the number of vegetarian options available on board and overall found the food to be quite good.

Some dining took place in the waters outside the ship. Many nights the ship’s lights would attract flying fish, and the flying fish would attract dozens of Galapagos sharks. The fish showed amazing athleticism in escaping the hungry sharks, at least until they slammed into the hull of the ship, eliciting cringing gasps from those of us watching the action from the deck above. A bit harrowing for the fish, but fascinating to watch. Land iguanas, on the other hand, like cactus fruit, among other things, and that is how they get most of the moisture they need. We saw two different species of land iguana on the small islands of Santa Fe and South Plaza that we visited on the same day. These and many birds and the ubiquitous sea lions made for a very enjoyable day.


Land Iguana on Santa Fe Island


Cactus trees on Santa Fe Island


Land Iguana on Santa Fe Island


Galapagos Hawk


Sea Lions working on their formation of the letter "P"


View from the glass bottom boat


Land Iguana on South Plaza Island


Yellow Warbler


South Plaza Island


Swallow Tail Gulls


A less sedate version of the same bird


South Plaza rocks, white because they are covered in hundreds of years of compressed and polished sea lion poo. I kid you not.

Cactus forest on South Plaza Island





Land Iguana on South Plaza Island


Zombie Iguana




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