Off to the Galapagos

Off to the Galapagos Islands: 

We are off to the Galapagos Islands. We will be traveling with Lindblad/National Geographic onboard  the National Geographic Islander. Lindblad/Nat Geo offer two ships for their cruises to the Galapagos. The Nat Geo Endeavor and the Islander. The National Geographic Endeavour is a premier expedition ship that accommodates 96 guests in 56 outside cabins. Whereas the the intimate Islander accommodates 48 guests in 24 cabins facing outward, with private facilities and climate control. The ship features Zodiacs, snorkeling gear, wet suits, kayaks, a video microscope, a Splash-Cam, a spa, a doctor's office, a gift shop, an email station, a library, a lounge, and a dining room. Roughing it. 

We chose the Islander feeling it may be more intimate and offer us a more in-depth experience. Also being a smaller MV it may be able to get into locations where the larger ship might not. 

We had an extremely positive experience with Nat Geo to Antarctica there was no  question in the decision as who to travel with for a visit to the Galapagos.  Yes, in January of 2016 we will be on an Adventures by Disney (ABD) to the Amazon / Galapagos.  The ABD trip is land based and only visits one island in the Galapagos. Kind of like going to Walt Disney world and just visiting one park. Hence we are traveling with Nat Geo to experience the Galapagos in greater depth. ABD is a good product but caters to a very different demographic. 

Our Nat Geo Expedition Leader completed a doctorate in 1983 based on her research on the giant tortoises of Alcedo Volcano on Isabela Island, where she lived for more than a year on the rim of the caldera collecting data. 

Lynn and I are excited to see this unique part of Planet Earth. Lynn says she is looking forward to seeing the wildlife especially the Blue Footed Booby. For me there will be so many great photo opportunities with many of the endemic species. The naturalists aboard Nat Geo ships are also photo instructors. Add to that the birdlife, the iguanas and sea lions, tortoise, the geology, and underwater critters, how can I not be excited. 

The first part of our journey will take us from Denver to Miami on United  Airlines. We will over night in Miami and the on 12/6 fly from Miami to Guayaquil, via arrangement made by Nat Geo. We arrive in Guayaquil late so we over night there and then early the next morning we fly to  San Cristobal Island. It is there we board the Islander.  

I am ready to drink it all in, meet new friends, as well as experience and see an amazing part of the world. 

ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE.