The 5 Most Magical Things In The Galápagos

Although writing is one of my notable skills, I find it difficult to describe the majesty of the Galápagos Islands.  It matters not the quality of your camera nor the craftiness of your words, you simply must experience this remarkably unique part of the world with your senses. For purposes of ease, I have assembled my greatest experiences in The Galápagos Islands in list form. 

5.) The Warmest Jade-Water This Side of the Western Hemisphere

It doesn't matter how hot the weather may be, one always anticipates the unpleasant feeling of the initial impact with cold ocean water. The typical feet in, hesitate, walk further, hesitate, up to your waist, hesitate, can't take it anymore, dive in. Not here, friends. I stepped into the water with my stiffly prepared muscles and almost collapsed when I felt the surprising warmth. Not even in Hawaii is it this pleasant.



4.) The Endemic Species

Cacti Tree: The Hipster

The term "endemic" means "local" or, in this case, "existing only in this part of the world." There are thousands of species of the endemic sort here, including the enclosed Giant Galápagos Cactus Tree and the Giant Galapagos Tortoise. The Cactus Tree is the only cactus in the world to grow in the form of a tree. It grows out of lava rocks and has little bowl-like structures that grow out of its spines to help catch water. I also saw hundreds of Galapagos finches, which look like regular birds, but it was a very exciting historical observation.

Lonesome George: Can't Get No Lovin'

The Giant Galápagos Tortoise is devastatingly endangered. My heart swelled for mankind with the projects that have been initiated by the Darwin Foundation to reintroduce this species as quantitatively flourishing, even though their dwindling numbers are caused primarily by humans. A great example of this is Lonesome George, the only tortoise left of his species for which attempts to find a mate have been futile. The subspecies Chelonoidis Nigra Abingdoni may end with the death of this big guy's DNA. 
UPDATE: Lonesome George sadly passed away in 2012.

3.)  The Food and Drink

That soup under my arm? Hands Down Best Soup I've Ever Had.

I will not pretend that food does not drive my entire being: my plans for the day, my daydreams, my anticipatory events. I am a self-proclaimed foodie and my condition worsened ten fold on this trip. The food was indescribably delectable and laughably inexpensive. The best part is that with all the hiking, swimming, and sweating, you will not only not gain weight, you will lose it. There is also nothing like an ice cold beer where the sun is the strongest year round. Word of warning, though: Do NOT order lobster out of season. 

2.) Snorkeling with Hammerhead Sharks, Sea Turtles, and Marine Iguanas.

Unfortunately, I do not have pictures of my swimming with these fantastically exotic animals, so I stole one from Google of a hammerhead. Yes, I swam with hammerhead sharks, regular sharks, and baby sharks. I nearly soiled myself when a hammerhead streaked past my vision and dove right underneath my belly. There are only a few places of decent snorkeling and its best to go on a guided tour, where they provide the best locations, a filling lunch, and a boat ride back and forth for as little as $40 for the day. 

1.) The Dance of The Sea Lion

The best part of the trip was snorkeling with the sea lions. The sea lion is a bit of a jerk on land, even though it is still heart-achingly cute. It is territorial, it barks like mad, it stinks to high heaven, and it is hilariously clumsy. Not to mention they take up all the benches.

You would not recognize the sea lion on land when it is in water. This creature is so lovely and playful. While snorkeling I watched it limp over from his rocky bed to the edge of the harbor and dive in with the grace of an olympic gold medalist. Under the water one of them charged at me, and just as I was wondering what I might taste like, he backflipped away and then dove in between my legs with snorkel-gear dropping ease. There were at least five or six of them, each going from snorkeler to snorkeler and teasing them, gnawing at their flippers, poiretting around the shocked tourists. My cheeks hurt from smiling around my snorkel so frequently.

The Galápagos Islands are every bit as magical as they have been described by myself and thousands before me. It is one of the most reasonably priced and unique experiences you will ever have. It is also a great opportunity to practice your Spanish, but don't worry if you're rusty, as the locals make their living on serving the awestruck tourists.