This is going to be tricky. Either we write and write and write about the Galapagos, or we keep it brief and leave it to the photos. As a compromise we'll take it day by day - if nothing else this will remind us where we went.

We met the rest of our boat party at the airport and headed out. An Aussie couple (John & Leigh), a New Zealander couple (Denny & Karen), and a Polish couple (Jarek & Ala). Youngest - 53, oldest 63, all great fun. The boat has 16 berths so it was only half full - perfect.

After arriving on the islands mid morning, we spent the rest of the day on Santa Cruz. Our guide for the week was Darwin, he swears this is his real name and has nothing to do with Charles Darwin. Either way, perfect for the Galapagos.

First visit was to a giant tortoise ranch - so that box was ticked straight away. Loads of the blighters wandering around free range.

Next a giant tortoise breeding centre - human activity seriously reduced the populations across the archipelago in the past and so they are working hard to reverse this. Sad point, we saw the now empty enclosure formerly occupied by Lonesome George, the last of the Isla Pinta tortoises. Positive point, there are recent unconfirmed reports of another of his species at San Diego zoo. This is being investigated.

Darwin was incredibly knowledgeable about every animal, bird and plant we saw. Very interesting but you did need to tune out now and again!

A wander through the main town of Puerto Ayora (bigger than expected) brought close encounters with sea lions and pelicans at the fish market.

As evening fell we boarded the panga (inflatable speed boat used for getting to and from shore) and headed for our home for the week, the Beluga.