Travel to the Galapagos Islands: Louisa Preston

Sea lion

A dream came true when in October I received a call from Mary Crowley, director of Ocean Voyages.  “Would you like to join me in the Galapagos Islands as a photographer and writer?” Ten days later I flew out of RIC.

The Galapagos Archipelago is a volcanic group of islands in the East Pacific Ocean. About 97 percent of the islands comprise the Galapagos National Park, which is surrounded by a Marine Reserve. The "Hot Season," December–May, is a period of calm seas, short showers and warm humid days with temperatures ranging from 79 to 85 degrees F. and water temperatures around 79 degrees F.

Nazca booby

Charles Darwin developed the Theory of Natural Selection in 1835 after his voyage to Galapagos. He observed new species including Darwin’s finches, the Galapagos mockingbirds, giant tortoises, flightless cormorants, and the Galapagos penguins and theorized that isolation (the Galapagos are 612 miles from the South America continent), adaptations, and mutations created species found nowhere else in the world.

Protection of the Galapagos environment is strongly emphasized. Rules prohibit walking off-trail, disturbing wildlife, removing plants and rocks, feeding animals, and smoking on boats as well as ashore. Tourists do not buy souvenirs made from native Galapagos species (except wood). Residents and tourists alike recycle plastics, glass, metal and cardboard.

After four days of viewing some 20 different cruise boats, Mary and I joined other guests aboard the motor yacht Grace for an eight-day tour of the islands — hiking and snorkeling. One morning we hiked from Tagus Cove on Isabela Island to the rim of the volcanic crater that forms Darwin’s Lake. The view offers a perfect place for a group photo.

Louisa on the far right

— Louisa Preston