From waking up to new islands each morning to snorkelling inches from sea turtles, I discovered why the Galapagos delivers wildlife encounters that feel almost unreal.
When my husband and I started dreaming about our honeymoon, I knew I wanted something extraordinary. Somewhere that would reshape how we see the natural world. The Galapagos Islands had been calling to me for years, and I'd promised my dad we'd travel there together someday. So I asked my husband if he'd be okay with my parents joining us, and he said yes. The four of us set off on what became one of the most profound travel experiences of my life.
We chose a small expedition boat with only 16 guests on board, and that decision made all the difference. No waiting in lines for the zodiacs. No crowds. Just us, the guides, and the wildlife. We spent seven nights aboard the Lolita, and each morning brought the same magical ritual: I'd open my cabin door, look out, and find myself somewhere entirely new. Quito served as our jumping off point, and I loved that contrast. Standing on the Equator, walking through mountain towns, experiencing Ecuadorian culture before heading to sea. Just remember to give yourself time to acclimatize. The elevation change from Quito down to sea level is significant, and rushing through will only leave you exhausted.
The moment I'll never forget happened on our very first snorkelling day. My husband had never snorkelled before in his entire life. I thought, well, I better make this memorable, so we picked Galapagos. He strapped on his mask, jumped into the water at a place called Kicker Rock, put his face beneath the surface, and immediately saw six or seven hammerhead sharks swimming below us. I had set impossibly high expectations, but the Galapagos delivered. We were incredibly lucky. Those hammerheads aren't always there. On our final day, we spotted the Galapagos penguin, which felt like a perfect bookend to the trip.
What truly surprised me was the solitude. I'd heard the islands feel remote, but I still expected to see other boats, other groups. Instead, we'd walk along the land, watching blue-footed boobies perform their mating dances two feet away from us, and there would be nobody else around. The animals are so comfortable with humans because they know they're protected. Unlike wildlife at home that bolts when it sees people, these creatures just continue about their day. A blue-footed boobie will stand right next to you, doing his courtship dance, as if you don't exist. It felt nothing like a zoo. It felt like being welcomed into their world.
Here's what I learned to tell anyone who asks: stay close to your guide in the water. They know exactly where the octopuses hide, where the sea horses hover, where the stingrays rest. The underwater world is overwhelming at first, so much colour and movement. Following that expert means you won't miss the things you'd never spot on your own. And the sea lions? They're playful. They swim right up to you, almost smiling, genuinely curious about the snorkelers in their space. I've never had another trip where the wildlife seems to enjoy your presence.
This destination is perfect for travellers who love the ocean and feel comfortable in the water. You'll be snorkelling at least once a day, sometimes twice, and the open ocean demands a certain level of ease. If you're not a scuba diver (like me, it makes me nervous), the Galapagos is incredible because the snorkelling rivals the diving. The marine life comes to you. But if you're not a water person, or if the idea of a week on a boat sounds challenging, consider the land-based itineraries instead. You'll still get out on the water for excursions, just with solid ground to return to each night.
What I carry with me now, and what I share with every client considering this trip, is simple: go with no expectations. Don't make a checklist of animals you must see. Every day brings something different, something you didn't even know existed. The wildlife moves, the conditions change, and that unpredictability is part of the magic. Your Galapagos trip will be unlike anyone else's, and that's exactly what makes it yours. I cannot wait to send my clients to experience this for themselves.
