The month of May could not have arrived any faster. I’d been looking forward to this month for so long, and here we finally are!
I’m so excited, I’m surprised that I kept quiet about this trip for so long.
If you’re a long-time reader of this blog, you’d know that I’m not one for bucket lists. In my opinion, they make travelling descend to the level of a chore, or worse, a brag-list of some sort.
So what I have instead are a few travel dreams. Yes, I realise and am thankful that I get to travel as often as I do, but I still have a few travel dreams that are yet to happen. It may come as a surprise to some of you (certainly not to those who know me ), but most of these travel dreams involve wildlife.
If you follow my feed on Instagram – in the last few days, I may kind of have hinted what’s about to come … a lot of wildlife 😉
Ok, ok, I won’t keep this to myself any longer. You see, for the longest time, I’ve always had this wish in my heart:
So yes, in 24 hours I am headed to the Galapagos, baby! 🙂
Where exactly are the Galapagos Islands?
You’ve heard of it, you know of it, but where is it exactly?
The Galapagos Islands are 973 km (605 miles) off the west coast of South America. Ecuador, the country where they belong to, is the closest land mass.
So we fly out to Quito, Ecuador (via 2 cities in the United States) and then from Quito, take another 2 domestic flights to San Cristobal, where our cruise departs from.
Here’s a closer look at the Galapagos Islands:
For 8 days, we will be exploring those islands – snorkelling, hiking, trekking, and hopefully encounter a whole lot of wildlife.
This is the main reason why The Galapagos calls out to me so much. It is considered one of the world’s foremost destinations for wildlife-viewing. The unique and isolated location of the islands gave way to diversity of plant and animal species, many of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution was a product of his time spent in the islands when he visited in 1835.
These are just some of the many wildlife I hope to encounter:
I just might die if a baby Fur Seal looks up at me with those adorable eyes! Or worse, get fined / arrested for seal-napping!
How will I explore the Galapagos Islands?
You cannot independently explore the islands. You need to have an official registered guide, or go on a cruise.
I will be going with Ecoventura, the leader in sustainable cruising through the Galapagos Islands. Keeping things balanced in the Galapagos is of extreme importance. While tourism definitely helps, it can also be a factor of the islands’ decline. So I’m happy to be going with the most respected company that is committed to maintaining the ecosystem balance of the Galapagos.
Ecoventura has been operating for over two decades, and they are the first company to be certified as Smart Voyager, an ecological program developed by The Rainforest Alliance.
Ecoventura also specialises in small tour groups (no more than 20 people) , and have very recently launched their luxury vessel, the MV Origin. This vessel is so new, it went on its maiden voyage February 28 this year!
I’m really looking forward to explore the Galapagos in style and in comfort. Exploring the Galapagos onboard the MV Origin is the perfect way to sum up my travel philosophy – sleeping and resting in luxury but definitely up at the call of adventure during the day!
After a surely action-packed week in the Galapagos, we will be stopping in the US for a little while before heading back to Australia.
Florida in spring! We will be in Orlando, and this part of the trip is purely, 100% relaxation. And when I say relaxation – I mean that I won’t be working with any companies or brands at all. I just need this time to really not think about anything and just be a kid again. (Yes, the two big theme parks are inevitable). After all, the last time I was in Orlando ,I was NINE, and visited Disney World. The Little Mermaid was THE biggest and latest craze then. Disney’s come a looong way since Ariel, and I reckon visiting kid places when you’re an adult is twice the fun 😉
Getting there
Well no doubt, it’s going to be a L-O-N-G, long journey from Australia to Ecuador. When I look at the itinerary, it almost feels like embarking on an expedition.
I’m glad that we’ll be travelling quite comfortably in this trip, with Delta Airlines in their Delta One Business Class cabin.
Just a few of the things I’m looking forward to: The In-Flight bedding by Westin Heavenly, direct aisle access on all seats, and TUMI amenity kits!
Follow the journey!
I hope you follow me in this long journey, which I’m sure will be equal parts arduous, rewarding, exhilarating, and fun!
I’ll be posting live updates (where wi-fi is present!) of the trip on the following platforms:
YOUTUBE
And do subscribe to my YouTube Channel where I will be posting videos of my travels and adventures for sure!
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Now, I’ve got a motherload to pack. If you have long followed my travels, I give you my ENDLESS THANKS and hope you are excited about this trip as I am. I’d never been this ecstatic about a long journey. I hope you all enjoy the ride 🙂
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I would like to know about your trip from the mainland and cost for the week. I was thinking of going there next year. Is it better or more interesting to stay on the ship or are there hotels on theislands or stay on mainland and you take daily trips to the islands
Thank you Jerry, noted! I will find out for you while I’m there and will report back 🙂
Have an awesome time Jean!! I can’t wait to read all about it 😀
Thank you Lorraine! 🙂 I cannot sleep ..so excited !
Brilliant!! What an exciting trip, and what a way to do it!
I can’t wait to follow along. Enjoy every moment!
Thanks so much Amanda! I really will try to savour every moment. I’m pretty sure its wonderful times like these that feel like they are gone in a blink!
How marvellous! I will so enjoy travelling along with you on social media.
Thank you Seana! So will I with your Middle East adventures 🙂
Have a great adventure, Jean!! I would love to backpack there someday!! 🙂 I look forward to seeing lots of beautiful and funny photos!
Iku!! Thank you! I’ve no doubt you and your backpack will find your way to Galapagos soon! And for sure you’ll have another unforgettable wildlife moment (like that brown bear chasing you ) haha! 😉
Oh how wonderful! As soon as I read Galapagos, I thought of those giant tortoises! This really will be a trip of a lifetime! And Disneyworld will be a big fat cherry on the cake! I agree kids things are much better enjoyed as a grown up. If you can try and have dinner at Cinderella’s Castle, especially while the fireworks are on. It’s just magical! I look forward to following along on your adventures… but not in a stalkery way!
Sammie, yes I really want to see giant tortoises! Unfortunately, the island’s oldest and most popular tortoise passed away a couple or 3 years ago 🙁
Yes am pretty excited about Disney!!! Thank you for the tip, will try and do that! it sounds magical! Funny enough, there’s tons of new rides and features yet the ones I’m excited about are the “classic” ones – the same ones from the 80’s / 90’s haha!
Have ALL the fun times, Jean! I am so excited to stalk your face on this adventure. 🙂
PS: Can you please take extra pictures of the penguins for me, I freakin LOVE penguins!
I’ve been following along on Instagram Jean but this was the first moment I’ve had to read your full plans and I must say, this trip sounds absolutely AMAZING. So jealous!! What a wonderful way to see the Galapagos islands 🙂
Have a wonderful time, my friend visited The Galapagos islands on her honeymoon and loved it there especially the animal time!
It looks so beautiful and looking forward to reading more about your trip there!
Laura xo
This is such a phenomenal opportunity – I will be looking out for all your feedback on your adventures. Thank you for venturing forth where the rest of us can have great pleasure following. xxx
Wow this must be a very exciting adventure! Hope you have a wonderful time and I’m looking forward to reading your stories! <3
xx, Ella
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So jealous with your adventure. And very inspired for a travel blogger like me. Tks for sharing your experience.
I just found your blog and i also went to the Galapagos Islands in May 2016, maybe we saw each other and never knew!! I also wrote about my experiences on my blog 🙂
Also love your review of Bora Bora (my honeymoon destination)!