Just returned to Quito after 5 days cruising around the Galapagos Islands in a group of 15 - American, Canadian, German, Australian and English - 3 men and 12 women! On our cruise to the first island lunch was interrupted by dolphins off the starboard bow. They swam with us for a while until the whale shark appeared. We were greeted by the beachmaster (male sea lion) and his harem on the landing steps of Plazas Island. Here we saw land iguana, marine iguana, sea lions, lava lizards.

Day Two we visited Espanola Island where we were greeted by more sea lions, marine iguanas and were introduced to our first blue-footed boobies, Galapagos hawk, brown pelicans, albatross, frigate birds. All of the animals and birds are fearless of humans and you can get really close, but must not touch them. In the afternoon we snorkelled with sea lions.

Day Three Floreana Island is the home for flamingoes, the Galapagos penguin, both of which we saw. On this Island there is a Post Office where people leave postcards for other people to deliver when the get home - hopefully ours will reach home. In the afternoon we snorkelled with a giant turtle.

Day Four Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz Island, where we saw the National Park's efforts to increase the giant tortoise population on the islands. Lonesome George is the oldest tortoise in the Galapagos but has no mates, hence the name, and sadly probably the end of his species. We saw more giant tortoises in the wild in the afternoon in the Highlands of Santa Cruz island.

Day Five

Return journey to Quito.