Lonesome George and other giant tortoises in Darwin Station, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Galapagos 2002
Aug 182010
Book the Santa Cruz at: www.mondoadventuretravel.com The 44 cabin Santa Cruz, built exclusively for Galapagos Islands cruising, was completely renovated in 1998. The entire ship is air-conditioned. Its capacity is ninety guests. The Santa Cruz is known for superb service, an expert crew, knowledgeable naturalist-guides who speak english and other languages and menus that feature the very best in international cuisine and Ecuadorian dishes. On the Boat Deck, there are two master suites with double beds and private balconies as well as two junior suites with twin beds. Sofa beds for children are available. Six Superior-Class cabins have twin or double beds, that together with the remaining Standard Cabins on the Upper and Main decks offer a variety of accommodations with a high standard of comfort and style plus a choice of single, double or triple accommodation. The Sun Deck features a bar and Jacuzzi, along with the observation platform for dolphin and whale watching. The dining room, lounge and bar are elegantly appointed, as is the well-stocked library. As an alternative to snorkeling, a glass-bottom boat offers guests further opportunity to observe marine life. The Santa Cruz is just one of dozens of boats, hundreds of tours, and thousands of departures available for booking at www.MondoAdventureTravel.com Check out Mondo Adventure Travel’s Galapagos Specials at www.mondoadventuretravel.com
Quick look at some of Puerto Ayora, in the Galapagos Islands.
Jun 132010
Hope you enjoy the videos of our trip to the paradise of the Galapagos Islands. Truly the best destination to choose when going to Ecuador. We choose to spend some days on Santa Cruz Island do-it-yourself style and afterwards going on a cruise to visit the beauty of the Southern Islands of the Galapagos: Plaza Sur, Santa Fe, Espanola and San Cristobal. The first days we enjoyed Tortuga Bay and the tourist life of Puerto Ayora. Also we took a bay tour around Puerto Ayora and saw the giant Tortoises! On first class yacht Galapagos Voyager (highly recommended) we first visited the Charles Darwin Research Station to get more insight in their conversation work. After that we saw rich birdlife everywhere: Frigate Birds and Boobies (Blue-Footed and Nazca). Sea Lions greeting us everywhere and on the first islands plenty of Marine and Land Iguanas! Santa Fe and Espanola Islands also have a rich marine life: Reef Sharks, Spotted Eagle Rays and Sea Turtles everywhere.
The Galapagos Islands are a world apart – in almost every way. Frankly, I did not know what to expect when I embarked on this journey. In preparation, I read again Charles Darwin’s “The Origin of Species.” When I finally followed (literally) in his footsteps, I found myself overwhelmed and speechless in the face of such beauty, unspoiled by any form of civilization. This is the closest thing to time travel you can find on earth. Sadly, I’m used to wild animals running away from me, being afraid of all humans as potential predators. But not so here on these islands. In fact, I had to watch my every step, so I would not hurt nesting Albatross or Blue-footed Boobies who showed no inclination to get out of my way for the sake of self-preservation. More than once, I nearly squished an Iguana blending perfectly into the rocky landscape. The best part of the Galapagos wildlife scene, of course, takes places under water. Bring your snorkel gear if you come here, because you are going to tango with the local seals, sea turtles and even the occasional shark (all harmless, I was told). The best (and in my opinion only) way to see the islands is to go by ship. I traveled comfortably to all the islands on the motor yacht “La Pinta.” This recently renovated vessel offers comfortable accommodations, excellent food and good service. There are other yachts in the area, so you have a choice, even in high season. But I do recommend that you make all your travel arrangements at least one …
A Brown Pelican diving for fish in Santa Fe in the Galapagos Islands. This trip to Ecuador was offered by the University of Wyoming and was a week study down in the Galapagos Islands. This video was taken on December 31st, 2008 on the Island of Santa Fe (Indefatigable) in the Galapagos Islands.
Scuba diving, PADI courses, Daily dives, Snorkeling trips, Tours to Isabela island, Highland tours
These Galapagos Island giant tortoises are truly huge creatures. Sebastian tries to inspire “craning” (or was it “stilting”?) imitating a bird’s motions.Klaus, our Mountain Travel Sobek adventure travel guide, got the tortoise to lift it’s head. Also, a spider in it’s web. Gail from RomanoTravelOnline.com made all our travel agent arrangements. (3:11) Real People having Real Fun! You can view this video & other travel videos in full screen near-DVD quality, slideshows & more, all with NO ADS, at jpmeyer.com. Mountain Travel Sobek (MTSobek.com) pioneered small group adventure travel in 1969. More than 100 adventure travel destinations, worldwide. Visit RomanoTravelOnline.com to arrange this adventure, or any of your other full service travel agent needs.
www.squidoo.com Travel to Galapagos Islands The Galapagos Islands are an evolutionary showcase. Be prepared for breathtaking sights during your visit to the Galapagos Islands. You will be amazed at the incredible animals there, and the awesome landscapes. You’ll see the famous giant tortoise, also called Galapagos, after which the Galapagos Islands are named. Take advantage of our special Galapagos travel guides and learn about the Galapagos Islands, helping you gain insight into the enriching experiences you will have when visiting the Galapagos Islands. An expedition cruise is the best travel option for visiting this natural paradise. While on a cruise, you can visit several islands and sites in a short time. There are many benefits to choosing a cruise; a cruise allows for close wildlife encounters, bird watching, and diving with large aquatic creatures. As you travel from island to island, you will see unique plants and animals. Enjoy the beaches and the different landscapes. Some of the landscapes even have lava fields. Dont leave your camera behind, as youll want to capture the exotic and bizarre wildlife. Be ready and fully equipped to explore the vast and conscientiously preserved wildlife in Galapagos. Due to the dry climate, you will encounter many seabirds, seals, sea lions, crabs, and iguanas. Be careful not to step on scuttling lava lizards or slithering Galapagos snakes. You cant step on whales and dolphins, but you get to see these in Galapagos too. Make …