Following the path of Darwin on a natural history exploration of the Galápagos Islands, July 2018. A great trip!
By any measure, the Galápagos Islands are one of the world’s most exciting travel destinations. The sheer abundance of wildlife, the amazing volcanic setting, and the historical significance of the islands are irresistible to travelers from all over the globe. In July 2018, BirdNote teamed up with Texas-based Victor Emanuel Nature Tours and International Expeditions to offer a special voyage through these enchanted islands aboard the 32-guest M/V Evolution.
This remarkable journey brought us face to face with the extraordinary natural wonders of one of the world’s most intriguing destinations. With an experienced staff of naturalists, we encountered wildlife that does not fear people and is so abundant that we had to watch our footing to avoid disturbing a resting sea lion or passing iguana. Guiding our activities were master birders/naturalists (and artists!) Paul Greenfield and Rafael Galvez from Victor Emanuel Nature Tours.
Animal life varies from island to island, and we encountered most of the iconic wildlife that has made the Galápagos justly famous. We saw giant tortoises, marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, Flightless Cormorants, Waved Albatrosses, and Galápagos Penguins. The Galápagos finches of Darwin fame were on hand as well.
Visiting eight islands, we found most of the endemic bird species, but a person shouldn’t come to the Galápagos for anything less than a complete natural history experience. On board the Evolution, a team of Ecuadorian naturalists from International Expeditions worked with our trip leaders to provide a premium travel experience. Glorious sunsets and starry nights — and even a live volcano! — complemented snorkeling trips amid tropical fish, curious sealions, and penguins. Oh, and dolphins, white-tipped reef sharks, rays, and flying fish. We departed with memories to last a lifetime.
Check out these amazing photos taken by fellow traveler, Ken Trease, of Edmonds, Washington.
You can see dozens more of Ken's Galápagos images in his Flickr Gallery. Check it out!
BirdNote fans
BirdNote fans and friends
Check out these BirdNote shows about the Galápagos:
Rapid Evolution in the Galápagos
Galapagos Penguins and the Tsunami, With Dee Boersma
Galapagos Archipelago - Melville's Encantadas
Darwin's Birds
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Other photos courtesy of Andrew Miller © abmiller99 Flickr Creative Commons:
sealion, Nazca Booby, land iguana, and Sally Lightfoot crab