Galápagos – The Most Incredible Trip I've Ever Done

Galápagos – The Most Incredible Trip I‘ve Ever Done

Well... where do I even start?!

I've been lucky enough to visit some amazing places over my many years in travel, but I can honestly say the Galápagos Islands have blown every expectation out of the water. It's one of those places that's been on my bucket list for years, and somehow it still managed to exceed it.

This wasn't your average cruise or beach holiday either. We were travelling with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions aboard the beautiful National Geographic Islander II, and from the minute we stepped off the plane, it was non-stop adventure.

After an overnight stay in Quito to acclimatise to the altitude, we flew via Guayaquil to Baltra before boarding our expedition ship. Even getting there felt like part of the adventure, with a coach, ferry and Zodiac transfer before finally arriving on board. Within minutes, we'd already seen sea lions, marine iguanas, pelicans and the famous Sally Lightfoot crabs. Talk about setting the tone!

If anyone tells you the Galápagos is a relaxing holiday... they're lying! 😂

Our alarms were usually set for around 5 a,m and every single day was absolutely jam-packed. Hiking, kayaking, snorkelling, Zodiac rides, wildlife talks, photography sessions... then somehow finding the energy to do it all again the next day.

And I loved every single minute.

Bartolomé Island was one of those moments you never forget. The view over Pinnacle Rock is every bit as spectacular as you've seen in the photos, but standing there looking out across the volcanic landscape is something else entirely. Along the way, we spotted blue-footed boobies, Galápagos penguins, Galápagos hawks, sea lions and more Sally Lightfoot crabs than I could count.

Then came the snorkelling...

I've snorkelled in some amazing places around the world, but nothing compares to the Galápagos. Swimming alongside sea turtles was incredible, but the playful sea lions completely stole my heart. They don't just swim past you – they play with you, copy your movements and seem just as curious about you as you are about them. I honestly could have stayed in the water all day.

Every island had something completely different to offer.

One morning, we were kayaking at sunrise with sea lions popping up around us, and later visited the famous Post Office Bay, where sailors have been leaving postcards for over 200 years. Another day we were hiking across lava fields surrounded by marine iguanas, and the next we were watching waved albatrosses, blue-footed boobies and Nazca boobies just a few feet away.

One of my favourite mornings had to be our5 amm start for Punta Pitt on San Cristóbal. Slightly questionable life choices when the alarm went off... but completely worth it! It's one of the only places where you can see all three booby species nesting together - blue-footed, red-footed and Nazca boobies - and as a wildlife lover, that was pretty special.

Then there was Cerro Brujo.

I've been fortunate enough to visit some beautiful beaches over the years, but I genuinely think this might be the best beach I've ever been on. Soft white sand, crystal-clear water, sea lions wandering around as if they owned the place (which, to be fair, they do!) and not another soul in sight. It was one of those moments where you just stop, take it all in and realise how lucky you are.

The National Geographic Islander II deserves a mention too because the whole experience on board was exceptional. The crew were outstanding, the food was fantastic, and having expert naturalists and National Geographic photographers with us made every landing even more fascinating. Every evening, we'd get together to recap everything we'd seen that day and find out what adventure was waiting for us tomorrow.

What makes the Galápagos so different is that you're not looking at wildlife through binoculars from the other side of a fence. You're sharing their world. Sea lions are sleeping next to the paths, marine iguanas are everywhere, giant tortoises wander freely, and when you're in the water, you're swimming alongside turtles, sharks, rays and curious sea lions who are having just as much fun as you are.

As someone who's spent nearly three decades helping people plan incredible holidays, I'm often asked what my favourite destination is.

Until now, ow I've always struggled to answer.

I don't anymore.

The Galápagos have taken the top spot.

It's not the easiest place to get to, and it certainly isn't a fly-and-flop holiday, but if you love wildlife, photography, adventure and experiencing somewhere that's unlike anywhere else on Earth, I honestly can't recommend it highly enough.

Would I go back?

In a heartbeat.

Now... if someone could explain why I keep expecting a sea lion to pop up every time I get in the sea back home, I'd appreciate it!