Getting to the Galapagos from the United States (Santa Cruz Island)

Traveling to Santa Cruz and surrounding islands in the Galapagos is enjoyable year round. Their “warm season” (December to June) tends to be, obviously, warmer with higher temperate waters. The sun shines strong from early morning till night fall with occasional short showers in the highlands. The abundance of land and marine life make for exceptional photo and observation opportunities, no matter what time of the year you visit.

Our flight from the United States had a connection (which does any international flight) in the mainland of Ecuador. Once we arrived to Guayaquil (GYE) via LAN Airlines we obtained our luggage and went through customs for visitors to the Galapagos Islands (where you will pay $100/per person for a park entrance fee). We flew into Seymour Airport which is located on Isla Baltra. Once you land you load onto a bus which brings you down a windy road to a ferry. Your luggage goes on top of the boat and you ride underneath for approximately ten minutes (Pay $.80 USD/per person on board).
                                        Here is where your picture opportunities begin.

 Once you reach the other side (Isla Santa Cruz) you have two options: you can either rent a taxi (approx. $15 USD) or load onto a bus for under two dollars per person. Pay attention to the places you will pass during your transfer to Puerto Ayora and take notes. You will not want to leave without seeing the lava tunnels and the tortoise farms, which are located in the highlands. 

Accommodations

Do not ever let the fear of a hotel bill deter you from your travels to the Galapagos. During our stay we ran in to plenty of people who were completely satisfied with their accommodations on a budget (<$50USD/night). 
             We enjoyed our stay at the beautiful Hotel Solymar and Isla Sol in Puerto Ayora. The hotel is situated on Pelican Bay where the sea lion and marine iguana population outweigh the human cohabitants. At all times of the day you will find sally light foot crabs, sea lions, blue footed boobies, pelicans, marine iguanas, frigates, etc. In addition, the cuisine is second to none on the island. Locals and tourists alike come to feast on the fresh seafood, steaks, and adult beverages. Please click here to read my full report of this unique hospitality experience. 

Scuba Diving

Diving in the Galapagos Islands is extremely unique and life changing. I know that this sounds like a very bold thing to say but I truly feel that that's and understatement! The local shops are more than happy to accommodate to any skill level and will typically fill up their boats a day in advance, so make you you pick your desired location and dive shop at least the morning of the day before your intended dive.

Dive shops can be chosen after your arrival and there is not much of a need to arrange before your arrive to the islands (at least in Puerto Ayora, where we stayed). Outside each dive shop you
will find the location of the next day's dive (sometimes even a schedule for the next few days). There are many enjoyable dive spots to choose from and a variety of different conditions (e.g. wall, drift, deep, etc.).

I chose to do all of my diving with Albatros Tours, directly across from the port in Santa Cruz. They are a PADI® dive shop and embark daily for trips to all the local (e.g. Santa Cruz, Plazas, Floreana, etc.) dive destinations. The crew is attentive, hospitable, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable of the area.

The night before the dive you drop off all your gear (or rent gear if you do not bring your own) at the shop and get sized for the wetsuit you will be using (if you don't have one with you). The morning of the dive you will meet at the port and board a water taxi (which is included with your dive) for approximately two minutes and meet the dive boat. Onboard will be all your gear, marked, and ready to go.
Your boat ride to local destinations are about 2-3 hours depending on the location. Gordon Rocks is less than Floreana but both are equally breath taking.

After you finish your first dive you will take a break for lunch and snorkeling:

At Gordon Rocks (Rocas Gordon) you will find an array of marine life (plenty of hammerheads) and a wide variety of diving conditions (e.g. drift, current/surge, wall, thermocline, deep, etc.). There are three main rocks above the water and each time you dive here you have the chance to dive a different one, depending on the conditions/currents. I highly recommend diving this location several times to get the full experience.



As I mentioned before, snorkeling is offered in between dives and was the highlight of my trip on days spent at Gordon Rocks. Plazas (North and South) is covered in sea lion colonies and the picture/video opportunities are once in a lifetime.

The closer to shore you get the more sea lion interactions you will have. But be careful ... if you hear a large barking male it's best to back up a bit and show your respect.

Floreana is another dive location popular when departing Santa Cruz. Here you will find many of the same species but not typically hammerheads. The sea lions are much more active here and large schools of fish are common. Keep an eye out for batfish as well!

Animals

The animals of the Galapagos Islands:

Marine Iguanas can be seen while diving and snorkeling, and watching their adaptation to island living is indescribable with words.

There are many different bird species that are enjoyable to watch (e.g. pelicans, frigates, etc) but the blue footed booby and it's uniquely colored feet stand out the most. This monogamous bird has a courtship dance that involves a proud display of their blue feet and can be found throughout the Galapagos Islands along the shore and fishing in open waters.

And most importantly, for me at least, comes the Galapagos Sea Lion! My passion for diving (SCUBA) has always enhanced my desire to travel to the Galapagos Islands but it is this animal that caused the flight to be purchased and for the trip of a lifetime to begin. My passion for sea lions began directly after college when I was hired for my dream job. My wish was to become a marine mammal trainer. I dreamt of being a dolphin trainer so that I could be around these amazing animals everyday. When my employer relocated their dolphins and concentrated fully on sea lions I was more then happy to join. And what an amazing experience this was! Sea lions are gorgeous animals, amazingly smart, and have many characteristics that mirror man's best friend. When I heard about the over 50,000 member population of sea lions in the Galapagos I had to make the trip. In the Galapagos you will sit on the beach next to, dine next to, and swim with sea lions during your entire trip. It was everything I wished for and much much more.

Eateries

           Finding something delicious to eat will never be an issue regardless of what your dietary preferences will crave. The Hotel Solymar always features fresh fish and sushi second to none and a breakfast buffet with fresh eggs, fruit, and juices. Their full bar and helpful attendants will create an experience that complete the vacation experience.

 You can find inexpensive yet delicious island pizza and cold drinks (non-alcoholic) at Pizza.Eat 

And fine dining down the street at Il Giardino. 

This location also has a great bar and WiFi sufficient enough to send out emails, upload pictures, or Face Time with friends and family. 

About half way down Av. Charles Darwin there is a port on Pelican Bay where the fisherman bring in their daily catch and distribute to the public.

 Here you can find sea lions, pelicans, frigates, and locals all waiting for their piece of the sea. In the late afternoon they begin their on-site preparation and dining experience. The smell of spices and fresh fish fill the air and capture your taste buds blocks away. You will sit at tables and be served alongside the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.

Lastly, the most impressive dining experience was at the locally suggested Los Kiosko. Here you will find all local vendors with individual seating assignment serving up an array of delectable options. We enjoyed the K.F. Williams location several times during our stay and would highly recommended anyone traveling here to do the same.