Galapagos!

Galápagos Islands – Inner Loop Celebrity Flora (April 24 – May 6, 2025)

Thursday (4/24), Day 1 – Travel

We flew from Charlotte to Miami to Quito. The afternoon flight out of Charlotte got delayed so we barely had time to hoof it through the Miami airport to board that flight. (Originally we had more than a 2 hour layover, which would have been plenty of time to grab some dinner.) Side note: We landed at gate D2 and boarded the next flight at D44. You’d think that would be pretty doable, yes? We’d never been through the Miami airport before and we were schooled pretty fast. There are more shopping opportunities than there are gates. It felt like we would never make it to our gate walking as fast as we could for 15-20 minutes. Now we know. Other than that hiccup the entire travel day was uneventful. The flight from Charlotte to Miami was only about 1-1/2 hours and the flight from Miami to Quito was about 3-1/2 hours.

We were picked up at the airport by Celebrity and provided transportation to the JW Marriott in Quito. Pablo was our guide and he was perfect for the job. There were only three of us in the van (Kathy from Maine). Pablo gave us all kinds of information about how to acclimate to the high altitude (Quito sits at 9400 ft), where to go and sights to see in our free time and local Ecuadorian foods to try.

It was a long day. We checked into the hotel around 11pm local time (12am our time). The hotel is amazing. We ended up ordering some snacks from room service since the restaurants were already closed. Then off to bed we went.

Friday (4/25), Day 2 – Hotel

I didn’t sleep well at all. Who knows why – I have nights like this at home too. I can feel the altitude but it’s not nearly as bad as what some people experience. I just feel off and short of breath. We had buffet breakfast downstairs that was amazing. The food here is awesome. We’re both thankful we have today to regroup and veg. I’m dragging. And tomorrow is a full day with the city tour and dinner.

There are rose bouquets everywhere in the hotel. Big. Huge. Beautiful. Vibrant rose bouquets. Ecuadorian roses are a variety of rose grown in the country of Ecuador that are known for their vibrant colors, long stems, and large blooms. They’re a popular choice for flower arrangements around the world because they have a longer vase life than any others. You can read more about them HERE. I’m really not a roses person but I couldn’t resist taking tons of pictures of these:

All of the public areas were beautifully adorned with all kinds of live plants and fountains. It truly was beautiful!

Saturday (4/26), Day 3 – Quito City Tour

Today was the city tour of Quito and going to the equator. Our guide for the day is Esteban and he was incredible. The knowledge this man has in his head is mind boggling. We learned throughout the day that he is a history buff and that became evident from the history of Ecuador and Quito as the day unfolded. There are ten in our group for the day, with our own dedicated bus.

Our first stop was the Virgin Mary with wings in the center of the city. She is a main attraction and is situated right in the center of the city, facing the north with her back to the southern part. You can read more about here HERE. Quito, the capital of Ecuador is shaped like a hammock, very long and narrow (about 3 miles wide and 31 miles long).

Next was the Jesuit church, La Compañía de Quito. It took 160 years to build this church (from 1605-1765) so there are many different styles of architecture displayed in this one structure. You can tell from the pictures it’s extremely lavish – some say approximate one ton of 24K gold leafing was used to adorn this place of worship. You can read more about it HERE.

Our lunch was buffet style in a restaurant inside a convent and the food was amazing. Our table bonded quite well during lunch with lots of laughter and bantering. We had walked quite a bit throughout the city and with full bellies we headed back to the bus. The 45 minute ride to the equator was pretty quiet. I think everyone was resting up for Part II.

The equator museum was fun and fascinating! Our favorites were balancing the egg on top of a nail head, and watching how the water swirls differently down a drain depending on whether you are on the equator line or north of south of it. There are a number of exhibits explaining the history of the area and how it was determined this particular spot is considered to be the “center of the earth.” We saw displays from the Amazon, pottery used in the old culture and even a couple of shrunken heads (you can read more about this subject HERE). All in all it was a fun adventure and very cool experience to have actually been at 0.00.00.

It was a long day, starting at 8:45 and it was 5pm by the time we returned to the hotel. We have already met so many nice people – it made the day that much better! There was only an hour to freshen up before meeting for dinner at La Gloria, an upscale restaurant in the city. Our group was too big for one table so we ended up eating with Beth and Brendan from the Keys / Rhode Island. Dinner was amazing and we enjoyed a wonderful evening.

Back at the hotel we had to have our checked bags down in the lobby for pre inspection for the flight tomorrow. By the time we completed our chores it was after 9pm and we were beat. But it had been a great day! Tomorrow we fly to Baltra where we will be taken by zodiac boats to board the Celebrity Flora.

Today we also met Jeff and Dwayne (from CA), Rae and Kevin (Vancouver), Dorian (Cancun – works for Celebrity), Beth and Brendan (FL).

Sunday (4/27) – Boarding the Flora

It sure was convenient and easy having everything set up for us to get to the ship. Lots of steps were involved that could’ve easily been much more difficult trying to navigate all on our own. Celebrity has this down to a science and the entire process was a breeze. 

After a light breakfast we were on our way to the airport by 8:30am, at the airport by 9:15, checked in, through security and at our gate by 9:30ish. We started boarding our chartered flight by 9:45 and on our way to the islands before 10:30. We landed about 12:30 on Baltra. After catching the shuttle to the pier (where we were greeted by a seal) and riding the zodiac to the ship, we were boarding the Flora around 1:30.

This ship is amazing. The people are amazing. It was a fast pace rest of the day with very little downtime. We were escorted to our cabin by Luis, the maitre d. The infinite balcony is really nice! Gives the space so much extra room. After meeting Lorena, our room attendant, we went for lunch in the restaurant which is served buffet style. (Lunch was served on the plane but I didn’t eat anything so was looking forward to a light lunch.) Zarella helped us connect to the ship WiFi after lunch. When Bob put his birthdate in to create the account she flipped out because they have the same birthday. She said that has never happened in six years! You wouldn’t believe how excited she was. (You should’ve seen her when she later found out he was also left-handed like she is!) We told her we’d try to sit in her section for dinner tonight.

Bob’s bag had been delivered when we got back to the cabin so he had time to unpack before we had to be up top for muster at 3:30. Then there was a port talk at 4:00 where we met all the naturalists on board (there are 10) and learned about the different types of excursions available this week. Before departing we signed up for our two excursions (one morning, one afternoon) for tomorrow. Then we had to wait for our cabin number to be called so we could go get fitted for wet suits (fun fun) and fins (we brought our own masks). Have you ever been fitted for a wet suit before? It’s like trying to stuff sausage in balloon. Fun times. Finally all that was settled and we barely had time to come back to the cabin to freshen up for dinner.

The captain’s toast was at 7:00 in the lounge – we barely made it. It’s always nice to meet the crew and learn more about them and the ship. Andres, the hotel manager hosted most of the event and highlighted all the things we need to know about what’s on each deck and who to contact for anything we may need. From there we went straight into the dining room for dinner. On the way we ran into the rest of our group from yesterday and tried to sit together but once again our group was too big and we split up into two tables. Tonight we ate with Rae and Kevin – they just came from hiking the Inca trail to Machu Pichu (with some amazing stories!). (Side note: Bob made reservations for dinner under the stars Thursday night on the top deck. Before we left it was decided we needed to change the reservation to include all ten of us – which was done very easily on our way out. Fun!) Zarella found us at the end of the evening and told us her area was changed so she didn’t have our tables as she thought she would. But, she would be working the dinners topside for the rest of the week. Excited we’ll get her Thursday night for our group!

We are here in the Galapagos!!! First excursions and snorkeling tomorrow! Excited!!

Monday (4/28) – Santiago (AM) / Rabida (PM)

AM Puerto Egas – Beach Walk & Snorkel (Veronica)

The short walk ended up being maybe 1/2 mile and we didn’t see much in the way of animals but we learned about the flora/birds/fauna/history of the island. 

The beach snorkel was underwhelming. It’s a process to get the wetsuit, socks and flippers on and into the water. While we did see some fish (and a sea lion swam underneath us) it was very murky. Apparently we didn’t go far enough out and around the reef – others said it cleared up a lot once you were further out. Bummer.

Back on board we cleaned up and went up top to the Ocean Grill for lunch – fish of the day was snapper. Brendan and Beth (they did a hike and kayak) found us so it was nice to catch up. After lunch we wanted to check out the laboratory down on Deck 3. Veronica was there today and showed us all kinds of sand samples from different islands under the microscope – it was fascinating! Regular sand under the scope looks like gemstones and you can see how the sand is made up of lava rock and coral. The most interesting fact was when she informed us that any soft sand on a beach is fish poop. It’s true. Look it up. Parrotfish each algae off the coral and poop out the indigestible parts. One fish can poop out 90 lbs a year. I know! Fascinating isn’t it? Is that why we shouldn’t eat sand?

PM Rabida – Tender Ride / Beach Snorkel (Daniel)

We had some downtime (which was nice) until our tender ride and beach snorkel excursion at 3:45. We saw SO MUCH on the tender ride. These zodiac drivers get right up to the rocks for up close and personal pictures. Most of the time the animals don’t even care and barely move. We saw pelicans, boobies, sea lions resting (on rocks and in caves) and sea turtles feasting on a piece of cactus in the water. From there we landed on the red sand beach of Rabida. We spent so much time on the tender we only had about half an hour for snorkeling so we decided that was too much work for that short period of time. Plus, the water looked choppy to us, which usually doesn’t make for great snorkeling anyway. So we decided to just head back to the ship instead.

Dinner in the dining room with Rae and Kevin. We enjoyed a wonderful evening with these two and closed the dining room down, finishing dinner around 9:30. Our tender ride through the mangroves start at 8am, so we have an early morning!

Tuesday (4/29) – Isabela Island

AM Wildlife Tender Ride – Elizabeth Bay Mangrove Lagoons (Giovanna)

This tender ride was amazing! We saw soooo many animals! Giovanna was a wonderful guide and she is so passionate about everything Galapagos! We absolutely loved her! Right off the bat we saw a boobie, Cormorants and sea lions on the first rock we came to. These zodiac drivers are incredibly adept at getting you up close and personal with these animals and it’s mind blowing how the animals just do not care! You could literally reach out and touch them and they don’t move. Since humans aren’t predators the animals don’t feel threatened. On land they tell you to keep 8’ away from the animals. I guess that doesn’t apply on the water – which makes for some fantastic photos!

As we made our way through the mangroves we saw a great blue heron, penguins, turtles, juvenile reef sharks, a sea lions hanging out in a mangrove tree, pelicans, lava herons, golden rays swimming right underneath our boat in addition to the cormorants, sea lions, a boobie and frigate birds before we even got to the lagoons.

All in all I think we’ve learned that the tender rides provide amazing opportunities for wildlife viewing.

PM Tagus Cove Deep Snorkeling

We decided to try this since it’s in a cove and the currents shouldn’t be too bad – hoping the water was clearer than at the beach yesterday. Well, currents weren’t bad but it was still murky. I saw some turtles and fish – got some videos that are good enough to document what I saw, but they aren’t that great. Another underwhelming snorkeling experience sadly.

PM Wildlife Tender Ride – Tagus Cove (Veronica)

As we cruised the rocks looking for life we were not disappointed. From penguins and marine iguanas, baby boobies and herons, nesting pelicans and a cormorant to tons of Sally Lightfoot crabs all over the rocks.

Bob and I had dinner up top under the stars tonight. Believe it or not it was actually a little cool up there with the wind. The staff brought out blankets for those who wanted one. It was so nice. Andres (Hotel Director) and Luis (Maitre D) both stopped by our table to chat during dinner. It’s really nice to see the officers so accessible.

Wednesday (4/30) – Isabela Island (AM) / Santiago and Bartolome (PM)

AM Sullivan Bay – Tender Ride (Mari)

The highlight of our tender ride was the pelicans and boobies dive bombing right in front of us in a feeding frenzy. The rest of the ride was mainly volcanic formations and fauna. Getting to watch these birds dive for fish over and over again was so cool. 

Our afternoon excursions weren’t until 4:15 and 4:30 so we had some time to just chill and regroup today, which was really nice. The theme for lunch in the dining room today was Aztec so we thought we’d check that out. As we sat down Jeff and Dwayne walked by and sat with us after they got their plate from the buffet. They were going deep water snorkeling before the late afternoon excursions. Can’t wait to hear how that went. (Bob and I came back to the room and enjoyed a little downtime – translated to mean “Wanda took a nap.” Hahaha)

PM Bartolome – Bob – walk to the top

Bob decided to do the steep walk to the top of Bartolome Island (2 miles round trip) to get the iconic shot of the Galapagos.  And he succeeded!

Wanda – Tender Ride (Farydde)

Juan is the best zodiac driver anywhere. He can really thread a needle with that boat.

We saw so many things this afternoon!! Pelicans, iguanas, a lava heron, white tip reef shark, Sally Lightfoot crabs, golden rays, penguins and sea lions! It was magical!

Dinner for 9 tonight in the dining room (Dorian had a seat at the captain’s table)

It was a loud and lively evening with our group. We sure have met some wonderful people on this trip. Bob tried the scorpion fish (so far he’s still breathing – haha) and quite a few of us got the shrimp and penne with peanut sauce. It was really good. Most everyone I believe got the Dulce de Leche soufflé for dessert and OMG. Divine!

Thursday (5/1) – Santa Cruz and North Seymour Islands

AM Las Bachas Beach – Beachwalk & Snorkel (Janet)

On this excursion we were treated to much of the same (iguanas, crabs, pelican feeding frenzy). We did get to see a pacific green turtle nest that had recently been laid and a marine iguana swimming in the water, then escorting us to the shore.

Next was suiting up for our last snorkeling of the trip. I swear it takes us longer to suit up than we get time for snorkeling. Again, it wasn’t very clear but we did see a lot of fish (parrot fish, king angel fish, damsel fish, pilot fish, tiger snake eel, spotfin burrfish). Some saw a shark, I think someone saw a turtle. We actually closed it down and were the last ones out of the water and last on the tender back to the ship.

Our next excursion wasn’t until  after 4pm so we had a nice block of time to regroup and rest up after lunch.

PM North Seymour – Long Walk (Orlando)

This is the island Monica said we would “see more.” Seymour Island, get it? Haha (She wasn’t wrong!) We saw sooooo many boobies, frigates, iguanas, sea lions and crabs on this walk. The beach part was pretty flat and easy and the breeze we welcome. Inland it got rocky and the air was still. However that’s where we saw all the nests, frigates and boobies. Orlando is an amazing guide – I could listen to him all day. He really brings his knowledge to life with the stories he tells. North Seymour could be called Frigate Island. There are so many frigates flying around it’s incredible. We saw many many male frigates inflating their red “balloons” trying to attract a female. Didn’t get any close ups but we did see them in the distance. Orlando was a trip explaining their mating rituals in a human way. We also got to see a little bit of the boobie mating dance. It was so cool!! This was definitely in our top 3 things of the trip.

Tonight we had a reservation for our group to dine up top under the stars and after dinner Andres met us on Deck 8 for star gazing. It was a beautiful clear night and we saw many constellations and the Milky Way! As Dwayne said, “we are some lucky rascals” having all hooked up together and bonded. Our group that toured Quito together has gotten quite close and we have thoroughly enjoyed each others company this week. It’s so nice to meet people you click with to spend time together sharing meals and hanging out. Our stomach muscles have gotten quite the workout from all the laughter!

Friday (5/2) – San Cristobal Island

AM – Interpretation Center and Town

The Interpretation Center is a small museum like place that exhibits the history of the Galápagos Islands. It only took about 30 minutes to go through it and read everything. Upon arriving at the pier the sea lions were everywhere so we were looking forward to walking through town (maybe a little shopping) and hanging out with them. It looked like it was their town. LOL They hop up on vacant boats in the harbor, all around town they take their siestas and they own the beach! We so enjoyed our leisurely walk down by the beach, taking pictures and videos and we even did a little shopping – I found a shirt and Bob grabbed a hat.

Thankfully, again we had a nice window of downtime before our long walk this afternoon. It was much needed.

PM – Long Walk at Punta Pitt

For once the description of “long, steep, rocky, long walk” was accurate. We have come to learn that a more often than not, the description is intended to be a bit exaggerated to keep people from thinking the excursion is within their ability when it’s really not. Veronica told us this walk was our best opportunity to see the red footed boobies so it was a must do regardless of whether or not it was difficult. And difficulty is subjective of course. There were parts that were much more challenging for short legs than longer legs. But it was worth it. We got to see again at least part of the mating dance of the blue footed boobies, a rookery (tons of nests on the side of a cliff) for red footed boobies and great frigatebirds. There were even two red footed boobie nests with babies we could see. The babies have white downy feathers and they look like little balls of cotton until they move. It was an amazing moment that we could not have experienced any other way.

Then we had to turn around and go back the way we came – down. Giovanna was our guide for this trip and she graciously allowed us all kinds of time to view the wonders we saw. But it was getting late and we needed to get back to the ship, so we needed to pick up the pace. It was pushing 7:00 by the time we were back on the ship which meant we didn’t have time to shower before the presentation for tomorrow and dinner. (We did shower after the presentation before dinner, though.)

Dinner with our gang is always fun and entertaining and we closed the dining room down yet again. Tomorrow morning is going to come early and we were all feeling the demands of a jam packed week. Three in our group are continuing on to Peru for the Machu Pichu extension. While we kind of wished we had done that too, I’m not sure how our energy would’ve held out.

Saturday (5/3) – Santa Cruz Island

Starting at 8am we were waiting to board tenders taking us to Santa Cruz where we took a bus to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Fausto Llerena Giant Tortoise Breeding Center. You can read more about the connection here. It’s pretty small and didn’t take long to go through it – maybe 30 minutes.

The breeding center is located right there at the Darwin Research Station. The giant tortoise species has been decimated over time for various reasons (pirates, whalers, humans introducing other animals that eat their eggs or damage the vegetation that is their food source.) You can read more about the center HERE. Then we had to walk back to town (about a mile), doing some shopping along the way. 

At 11:00 we were back on the bus to ride to the Highlands to plant trees to participate in the reforestation project that was initially funded in 2014. At this point over 85,000 trees have been planted through the help of Celebrity guests.

We’re all pretty hungry by now and looking forward to our lunch at the El Manzanillo Ranch where we enjoyed a buffet of local cuisine (everything was really yummy!). After lunch there was a beautiful folkloric presentation with dancing and colorful costumes.

Walking through the preserve to see the giant tortoises in the natural habitat was offered. Some participated, others did not. We went back to the ship hoping to give us a little more time to start packing our suitcases before dinner.

Our last dinner together was bittersweet. We’ve made some amazing friends on this trip. But it’s time to go home. Tomorrow is going to come early – we have to vacate the cabin by 7:30.

Sunday – Tuesday

It was a three day process getting home. We got checked in with our luggage at Baltra and flew to Quito, arriving at our hotel around 4pm. Five in our group were also at the EB hotel, 8 minutes from the airport because of an early flight. Our flight to Miami was at 6am, so the shuttle picked us up at 3:30am (fun stuff). 

The flight to Miami was uneventful. After clearing customs, we were informed we had to pick up our luggage and recheck it, then go through security all over again. More fun stuff. Thankfully we had time to grab some lunch before the flight to Charlotte. By the time we landed and got to the hotel we were pretty done. We had already planned to spend the night there before driving four hours back home.

We finally made it back home Tuesday afternoon around 2pm!! It was a trip of a lifetime, but we are glad to be home!

Until next time …