The Galapagos Islands, Day 1

The Galapagos Islands offer some of the best wildlife viewing in the world, not only because the animals themselves are abundant, beautiful, and interesting, but also because they are virtually fearless of humans.

We fly from Guayaquil to the island of San Cristobal and board The Grace, a 145 ft. yacht built in 1928. After being commissioned to chase submarines in WWII, she became the property of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco as a wedding gift from Aristotle Onassis. The royal couple honeymooned aboard her in 1956 and we thought if she was good enough for them, she was good enough for us.

Princess Grace of Monaco, 1956

Princess Sandi of Whistler, 2011

Unlike Princess Grace, although we had booked a matrimonial room, we were bumped to this small twin room due to the cancellation of another ship. All the more cozy for cuddling we say!

 

A glimpse of things to come: a lazy sea lion takes over a bench at the marina. Animals rule in the Galapagos.

Lunch is served while The Grace sets off for pristine Ochoa Beach where we spend the afternoon snorkelling. Just white sand, azure sea, a solitary sea lion and us.

Seems sea life agrees with Tim.

Who wouldn’t it agree with with a sunset like this?