THE GALÁPAGOS EXPERIENCE BY DICK LOCK
The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, a destination I’ve dreamed of all my life. I grew up watching documentaries about its extraordinary wildlife: marine iguanas grazing underwater, seabirds nesting by the thousands without fear of predators, and of course, the legendary giant tortoises. Each island has its own unique ecosystem, similar yet distinctly different from the next. This is the place that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution, a true paradise for wildlife lovers. But what would it be like in real life? Would it feel wild and authentic, or crowded with mass tourism? I was about to find out.
Going With the Flow
Normally, I plan my trips around specific animals I want to see and where I can find them. But this time was different. My business partner and best friend Lieke and I, both busy with life back home in Suriname, booked our Ecuador trip just two days before departure. With no fixed plans, we decided to let the journey unfold naturally.While exploring mainland Ecuador, we were contacted by Travel Happiness Company, who asked if we had arranged anything for the Galápagos yet. Apart from our flights in and out, we had nothing booked. To our surprise and excitement, they invited us on a five-day cruise aboard the Tribute, part of Oniric Cruises.
First Impressions: San Cristóbal Island
We began our adventure on San Cristóbal, where we went diving and snorkelling. On our very first outing, the Galápagos magic came alive: a marine iguana basking on the shore, a big male sea lion blocking our path into the water, sea turtles grazing on the seafloor, and two young sea lions playfully circling us. It was the perfect introduction.
Day One Aboard the Tribute – Lobos Islet
Boarding the Tribute was an experience in itself. I’m not used to luxury travel, so being welcomed with hand sanitizer, a cool towel, a refreshing drink, and snacks – while crew members carried our bags – was overwhelming in the best way. The yacht had just been renovated, and it showed: spacious lounges, large comfortable cabins, a gym, and even a jacuzzi on the upper deck.
Our first excursion took us to Lobos Islet. Snorkelling in the chilly waters (thankfully in high-quality wetsuits provided by the crew), we swam alongside sea turtles, schools of fish, and playful sea lions. Later, on land, we witnessed colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds nesting right beside us, completely unbothered by our presence. Watching a frigatebird inflate its bright red gular pouch and a fluffy booby chick resting on its parent’s iconic blue feet was unforgettable.
Back on board, we enjoyed a gourmet dinner and drifted off to sleep as the yacht sailed overnight toward Santa Fé Island.
Day Two – Santa Fé Island & Black Turtle Cove
Santa Fé is home to the Santa Fé land iguana, a species found nowhere else in the world. Within minutes of our hike, we spotted a massive male basking on the rocks, perfectly camouflaged in the dry grasses. Seeing these prehistoric-looking reptiles so close was surreal.
Later, we kayaked in crystal-clear waters as sea lions darted around us. At Black Turtle Cove, we explored the mangroves by dinghy, spotting baby sharks, golden rays, and countless sea turtles surfacing for air. The mangroves glowed in the evening light as frigatebirds soared overhead, a postcard-perfect moment.
That night, Galápagos sharks gathered around our yacht. I lowered my camera underwater and captured incredible footage of these sleek hunters gliding silently in the dark.
Day Three – Genovesa Island
Known as “Bird Island,” Genovesa exceeded all expectations. But first, the water called. Snorkelling in search of hammerhead sharks, I freedived 15 meters and swam alongside a 4–5 meter giant for several thrilling seconds. Schools of devil rays added to the spectacle.
On land, the cliffs and volcanic paths were alive with seabirds: Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, lava gulls, swallow-tailed gulls, and thousands of frigatebirds. We even spotted the elusive short-eared owl hunting petrels. The sheer density of wildlife made it feel like stepping back into a prehistoric world.
Day Four – Chinese Hat & Rábida Island
At the volcanic islet nicknamed Chinese Hat, we hoped to see Galápagos penguins. After a patient search, we spotted a few relaxing on the rocks and swimming close by. Marine iguanas basked along the beach, and playful sea lions once again stole the show in the water.
In the afternoon, we visited Rábida Island, famous for its striking red sand beaches. A lagoon there was home to flamingos, pintails, and oystercatchers. Our final snorkelling session turned out to be one of the best, white-tip reef sharks glided past, tropical fish surrounded us, and marine iguanas clung to the rocky shoreline.
Day Five – Charles Darwin Research Station
On our final morning, we visited the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island, dedicated to giant tortoise conservation. Seeing these ancient creatures, some weighing over 400 kg and living more than 170 years, was the perfect finale.
And just before flying out, we spotted yellow land iguanas near the airport. Only in the Galápagos could you check in for your flight while watching iguanas stroll by.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to believe all of this happened in just five days. The diversity of wildlife, the closeness of the encounters, and the seamless mix of adventure and comfort made it an unforgettable journey.
I’ve seen other cruises and groups along the way, and it’s clear that the Galápagos is a popular destination. But it never felt crowded. The visitor numbers and time slots were so well organized that it never had the feel of mass tourism. Instead, it always felt personal, intimate, and respectful of the wildlife.
Traveling aboard the Tribute gave us access to remote sites, incredible food, and the freedom to focus entirely on the experience. From staff helping us out of wetsuits to nightly chocolates on our pillows, the service was beyond anything I imagined.
I never thought luxury cruising was for me, but this trip changed my mind. It allowed me to enjoy the Galápagos stress-free, without worrying about logistics, while still feeling deeply connected to nature.
A heartfelt thank you to Travel Happiness Company for making this dream possible. If you’re planning a trip to the Galápagos, I can wholeheartedly recommend this way of exploring the islands, it’s an adventure you’ll never forget.
