Rare, unique and extraordinary are words that you will use repeatedly during a visit to the Galápagos Islands. With every hike, panga ride or swim, you will observe amazing wildlife in spectacular habitats. Upon first encountering the tortoises on San Cristóbal Island, Charles Darwin referred to the islands’ namesake creatures as “these great monsters.” While the tortoises can be observed in many places in the islands, the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz provides exceptional opportunities to view examples of adult tortoise species unique to a dozen islands as well as immature tortoises from their breeding program.

Each of the three Galápagos Islands trips that I organized with Holbrook Travel included stops on Española Island to see the Waved Albatross nesting. More than ninety percent of the Waved Albatross breeding occurs on this small island. Pairs gather in May to start the nesting process, which continues until their chicks fledge in November or December. Waved Albatross chicks are so well fed by their parents that they reach the maximum weight of their lives when they fledge. With a National Park Ranger as your guide, you will follow the trail that provides great viewing and photo opportunities of the nesting Waved Albatrosses. Each visit to the Galápagos Islands should provide close intersections with wildlife that should provide memories for a lifetime.

Photos and story by Vince Lamb
Galápagos Islands with Vince Lamb