Galapagos Cruise Lindblad National Geographic Islander II For Non Swimmer

Where do I start? I wish to express that Expedition Cruises are not all based on water activities and offer alternative experiences for a non-swimmer.

I never imagined I would visit the Galapagos. I would watch David Attenborough documentaries, when my children were young, thinking about the amazing colours of the crabs and the Indigenous Blue Footed Boobie. Now I have seen them with my own eyes.

I flew from Heathrow via Madrid to Quito and stayed 1 night at the airport hotel. Flew from Quito via Guayaquil, which is the Gateway to The Galapagos, to Baltra Island. Cute airport and saw lots of land iguanas. Met by the ships guides and transported by bus to the port. So surprised to see Blue Footed Boobie, Pelicans, sealion and marine Iguana, which gave me butterflies knowing that my Galapagos adventure had already begun!!

As I am non swimmer, I was a bit nervous, as you are transported by zodiacs, which are motorised inflatable boats. I have never sat close to the sea and waves, and I was pleased that I enjoyed this experience and felt very safe as you always wear a life jacket.

The ship holds 48 guests and 52 crew who were so friendly and kind. I cannot eat cheese and they made canapés for "Miss Ally". They were concerned when I selected Cheesecake. Thankfully, this does not give me migraines! The food was delicious, locally sourced and in perfect portion sizes.

Snacks are available in the lobby and hot drinks.

The guides and most of the crew were from the Galapagos or Ecuador, Hearing about their family stories: 6 generations have lived on the islands and one relation moved to another island as 60 inhabitants made it too busy for her! She lived until 103!

I loved one of our guide Bernie‘s quotes, "Nature does not make appointments". We were so fortunate to see most of the indigenous animals and birds. I am in love with the sealions, who were everywhere. Swimming around the zodiac and chilling on the beaches.

Bernie took us on the top deck for Star Gazing. The sky was navy blue with diamond stars. Very clear to see planets and constellations.

The crew arranged for the England v Mexico World Cup Football game to be shown in the children’s Science Centre. Which shows how accommodating they are. I will never forget. this.

After the game we went on deck to see lots of sharks swimming around the ship and flying fish!

For your insight into my 5-day cruise itinerary and detailing the activities I took part in as a non-swimmer are as follows:

Bartholome Island

Early start, Coffee Fruit and pastries available in the lobby meeting place.

Boarded the zodiac with our guide to Bartholome Island. Climbed 380 steps for amazing views. During the climb our guide explained the volcanic rock formations Saw lizards, red crabs, hawk and cactus. Took the zodiac around the shore and saw a Galapagos Penguins and playful Seal-lions. Back on board for an alfresco breakfast.

After lunch I went on a glass bottom boat with Jonathan, Expedition leader., to the other side of the island. The sea was so clear, and I saw a huge rock Ray, Star Fish, and many colourful fish. Huge tree like cactus. "Where would you ever see anything as extra- ordinary as this"

I decided to chill for a few hours on a sun bed. There is a small plunge pool. I was planning to read my book, when a male and female Frigate bird flew above my head. They are so graceful and I could see the males red plumage. I could not take my eyes off them.

Santa Cruz Island

The following day we had sailed over night to Santa Cruz Island.

I took part in a photography lesson with Socrates, National Geographic photographer and guide. He showed his wildlife photos, explaining how long each shot took and the depth and focus he used. They were stunning. He also adjusted the settings on my iPhone and I am so pleased with the results.

I took the zodiac through the mangroves; wow this is just how I imagine the Amazon. Our guide and driver expertly guided us to see the rays, Marine Iguanas in their natural habitat. Also, this area is abundant with small hammer-head sharks, which we were fortunate to see. The cactus like trees were even bigger here and known as Candelabra Trees.

Each evening while having canapes and cocktails before dinner, the guides hold a recap session and explain activities for the following day, to give you an insight how to plan your activities and answer any questions.

Floreana Island

Sailed over night to Floreana Island. Wet landing, which is fine, water up to your knees to wade to the beach.

Known for The Post Office Barrel, which is a wooden barrel from the 1700s. Whalers used it as a post box.to send their letters to their loved ones, in the hope passing ships would collect their letter and hand deliver. Now a-days tourists continue this tradition, and add postcards to the Barrell, again in the hope they will be hand delivered. We searched through lots of postcards, and I found 3 local to me, which I will hand deliver. We also posted our own postcards to our loved ones. Moments like this make this particular trip so special.

We sailed around the coast to Champion Islet. Saw many Seal-Lions sleeping on the shore and playing in the sea. A flock of pink flamingos flew over us, which our guide said is unusual.

We sailed on further and lots of seal-lions swam around the zodiac, which was wonderful. The volcanic rocks were covered in red colourful crabs, known as Sally Lightfoot crabs.

I spent time planning again to read my book but decided to Facetime my dad who was in awe of my surroundings and my favourite swam passed, a gorgeous sea turtle. We were both very emotional sharing this moment.

After lunch we went to the other side of Floreana, for a leisurely hike. Our guide explained the flora and fauna. We came across a Skull of a seal Lion and bone of a turtle’s flipper

I love to collect shells, but you are not allowed to take shells or anything from the islands. If you do, the airport scanner will find them and fine you!

Visited the most beautiful beach with white sand and turquoise sea. The rocks were covered in Sally Lightfoot crabs. Seal Lions chilled and a family played in the waves. In contrast to the black volcanic rocks, the hills that sloped into the ocean were covered in green foliage.

Galapagos is a national park which opens from 6 am to 6pm. It was getting close to closing time, and a Ranger was on the beach to see us all off.

You must allow 2 metres distance from a Sea Lion and other animals birds and mammals.

Espanola

We sailed overnight to Espanola which is the most southerly island.

Numbers of ships and people are restricted in the Galapagos. We visited Delphina which is Lindblad National Geographics Catamaran with 16 guests and 8 cabins. Ideal for yacht/sailing community.

I would like to add the package includes flights, transfers, activities, meals, selected drinks, snacks. Additional are crew tips and the shop on board is full of locally crafted jewellery, crafts, clothes and books. I seem to be buying something daily!

This excursion was probably one of my highlights. I stood watching a one-month sea lion pup and a 2 day old pup with their mums. So many sea lions lay around the beach with marine iguanas slowly clambering around them. I could have spent hours here.

Sailed overnight to San Cristobal.

San Cristobal

Zodiac to a beautiful beach, where I took part in a stretch class with Juliana. Sea Lions basked around the class, in the sun. After the class I walked along the beach and paddled in the warm water. I was trying to take in this amazing experience.

Our last night. Each Guide spoke of their highlights from our trip and had made videos, which we have copies. Captain Carlos and all the crew came to say their goodbyes.

We sailed around Kicker Rock, with a cocktail and watching the stunning sunset.

The bridge has an open policy, so I went after dinner. Very interesting, the crew take 8-hour shifts.

Sailed overnight to Santa Cruz to disembark.

Santa Cruz

Collected by bus with our guide to a ranch with Giant Tortoises. Santa Cruz is inhabited with approx. 15000 people. It was quite strange to see houses and cars. We drove through a cloud forest.

Breakfast on arrival at The Ranch, then wore wellies to go and explore with Socrates. Giant Galapagos Tortoises weigh up to 900 pounds and live over 150 years!! They do not reach sexual maturity until they are 30-40 years old. The females roam and travel up to 10 miles a year. Sense of smell is very good as their eyesight is not, with blind spots. Mainly eat Papaya and Guavas. There is a shop so stocked up on Boobie Beer, Christmas Deccies and T Shirt.

Back to the airport for flight via Guayaquil to Quito and 1 night airport hotel before flight via Madrid the following day. The small airport has lovely shops, so more souvenirs purchased!

Most people on flight were from our ship, so we waved them off at Guayaquil.

The experience of these amazing islands is a voyage into a world, where nature remains untamed and innocent, roaming freely from predators. Each Island is unique in landscape and a breathtaking memory of the wonder of our planet.

My highlights were visiting, Española seeing the sealion pups with their mums, Face Timing my dad when a gorgeous turtle swam by. Frigate birds flying over my head.

I feel truly blessed to be given this life-changing opportunity with my wonderful colleagues/friends, Roberta Ang, Heidi Jess, Dani and Karen from Lindblad. xx