Day 4 - Ecuador - Galápagos

We divided into three groups and rotated through taking a boat to see blue-footed boobys, sharks, tortoises, and penguins; then we went snorkeling and had time at the beach.

Molly ordering a milkshake in Spanish.

Buying snacks at the market near our hotel.

We had an early breakfast this morning of eggs, pancakes, yogurt, cereal, toast & jelly, and fresh fruit and juice. Last night we were told to pack two shirts and pants and swimsuit for our one night stay at Isabela Island so we left some suitcases at our present hotel and took only the essentials with us to the dock. Before boarding the boats, they inspected our bags and luggage to make sure we were not accidentally bringing anything to the island that would harm the ecosystem there. 

We boarded water taxis which took us to two different speedboats. Then we began our two-hour trip 

to Isabela Island in the speed boat. The waters were fairly calm but several people did not feel well and were glad when we neared Isabela Island. We were immediately greeted by sea lions lying on the dock and walkway. The job of the tourist is to pass by the animals without touching them and to leave plenty of space between us and the animals. 

We then split into our three groups; two groups went to the hotel and spent the morning on the beach while the third group went snorkeling, saw sharks and iguanas on a short walk on a mini island, and then went to town where we met the other groups at the restaurant. In the afternoon the groups flipped activities. 

We had a very relaxing time in the beach and enjoyed sodas and milkshakes at a tiny restaurant/ice cream store. After dinner we walked on the pier, explored the Main Street of the town, and bought snacks at a local store. Would you believe that we saw two teenagers from the US that said their dad grew up in Annville PA?!

There are only 3,000 people that live on Isabela Island. The pace is slow and the people are friendly. I’ve heard it said several times today, “I don’t want to leave this island!)

(I’m writing this at midnight on Day 5. WiFi signal was even slower on Isabela Island. I have a few videos to upload and hope to do that when we are back in Quito. Until then, I’ll post photos.)

PLEASE forgive any typos you see. All the writing and uploading is done on my iPhone.