Charles Darwin was so inspired by the Galapagos Islands that he came up with his theories of evolution and natural selection there. No visitor to the archipelago arriving after the British naturalist in 1834 has made such a significant mark in the history of human thinking… but most, no doubt, have been equally awed.

And that includes clients of Goway Travel, which offers a wide range of experiences in the island, including must-do cruises on a range of highly rated vessels, including the family-friendly M/V Legend, the impressive Galapagos Sea Star Yacht, and the ultra-luxury M/C Elite, among many others; plus land-based options such as the Galapagos Island Hopping program, which caters to all ages, including families.

Goway’s product manager for the Americas Robert Miller says the Galapagos Islands are a perennial favourite for Canadians because of the unparalleled combination of natural wonders, scientific history and unique wildlife, all paired with expert, local guides.

“When people start thinking about coming to Ecuador, you think about the Galapagos first,” says Jascivan Carvalho, the Ecuador-based Inbound Business Director for Condor Travel, which acts as ground handler for Goway. “So, all of your adventure starts with building that dream trip to the Galapagos Islands; but anyone thinking about coming to the Galapagos is thinking about Darwin’s theory of evolution and adaptation of species, so it’s a nature lover’s paradise (and) it’s on the bucket list of any person interested in nature.”

Belonging to Ecuador and located 1,000-km from the South American mainland in the Pacific Ocean, the 100 or so islands (there are 13 principal ones) have been aptly described as a “living laboratory” and are home to dozens of species of birds, reptiles and mammals, many of which are endemic.

In fact, so unique is the environment in the Galapagos that a mere 500-metre change in elevation can create an entirely new microclimate. And each island has its own environment, so that giant tortoises from one island, for example, are subtly different from those on another.

Such exclusivity and diversity have led UNESCO to declare the islands a World Heritage Site. It also prompted the Ecuadorian government to establish the territory as a national park in 1959 and today 97% of the islands fall into that category.

Variety and uniqueness aside, it is the approachability of the wildlife that truly sets the islands apart. Nowhere else in the world can people get so close to animals in their natural habitat. Naturalists ascribe the unique behaviour not to familiarity, but indifference. Because there have never been any large predators on the islands, man is not feared.

As such, visitors need not venture far from the prescribed routes to get their fill of iguanas, tortoises, and all manner of birds. Penguins, dolphins, whales can be seen at sea, while beach visits offer room to roam and the chance to get up close and personal with sea lions, which, excluding males, are remarkably approachable.

Changing Galapagos

Still, travel in the islands is changing, says Condor’s Carvalho.

Once specifically an expedition cruise product – “back in the day it was seven-night itineraries, cruises, live-aboard, and that was what the Galapagos was known for,” he says, adding that there is much more to it today.

“To experience the Galapagos, you have to consider a few things,” Carvlho says. “I feel like the last 15 years of the Galapagos has evolved in a very interesting way… there is a reality of the Galapagos that you actually have four islands with people living there in small communities. And in the last 15 years, they have developed a land-based offer that we have now adopted.”

Families

Once the sole domain of intrepid explorers, the advent of land-based opportunity also makes it “fantastic for families,” he says, explaining, “I’ve been travelling to the Galapagos since my kids were months old – and today they are teenagers, and they haven’t been on a boat. I believe they still need a bit more room and flexibility (and don’t have to worry about getting seasick or other travellers).

A land-based itinerary enable visitors, he says, to see the islands “from a different angle,” including meeting the locals, and having down time with the family.

“Santa Cruz is the tourism capital – it’s modern, you have restaurants, beautiful shops and boutique hotels,” he says. “And then move to Isabella island and it’s almost like travelling back in time and seeing what the Galapagos used to be – very laid-back fishing village type, but miles of white sandy beaches, which you don’t have in Santa Cruz, so very different kind of experience. And the combination of both is fun.

“And you can also be more active if you want. We have stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks and snorkel gear; you can go on diving day trips, or hike on volcanos; learn how to surf; do a cooking class with locals – those are things you don’t really do on a boat.

“So, we can craft an itinerary that is not only about going into a site where you need a guide, but you can go to the beach, and see iguanas, and swim with sharks and sea lions, which is amazing, and the reason people can come to the Galapagos. But you can also go island-hopping and spend a couple days on each island. And each island is a different world.”

Cruising

Of course, while enthused about new land options in the islands, Carvalho says, “We still love and treasure Galapagos cruises – and when you talk about cruising you have top-end boats, and different standards and sizes, and different itineraries (northern and southern islands) and you have different specifics to know about the cruises.

“These boats are expedition size and its all about the adventure and learning and bigger ships wouldn’t be allowed in these protected areas. The marine reserve is one of the most protected areas in the world.

“Exploring by boat is for one specific (type of visitor) and people who want the romance of sailing in the Galapagos or going to the far-out islands, or the northern part of Isabella. That’s my favourite part of cruising: because you see very unique wildlife, like the flightless cormorants or the Galapagos penguins.”

Permits

Carvalho notes, however, that it’s important – for the best experience in the islands – to engage the services of a reputable tour operator. Both hotel rooms and cruises are limited (for environmental reasons), and a there’s a $200 entry fee for visitors. “To go into the Galapagos without proper support or planning,” he says, “is a mistake, because you’ll lose valuable time (making those arrangements).”

And every moment in the Galapagos is precious.

For more information on Goway’s Ecuador and its loyalty program for travel advisors, visit https://www.gowaypro.com/ and https://www.gowaypro.com/gowaypro/ .

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