Galapagos
The Galápagos Islands feel like a place that shouldn’t exist—too wild, too untouched, too full of creatures that seem straight out of a nature documentary. And yet, there we were, standing on volcanic rock next to a sea lion that didn’t care we were there, watching giant tortoises lumber through highland grass, and snorkeling with penguins and reef sharks all before lunch. Visiting the Galápagos isn’t just a vacation—it’s stepping into a living laboratory, a place where nature makes the rules and you’re just lucky enough to observe. If you’re even thinking about going, go. It’s weird, beautiful, and unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Kicking Off Our Galápagos Adventure in Style
This was the start of it all—boarding the Bonita Yacht and realizing that for the next few days, our “hotel” would be floating through one of the most legendary ecosystems on Earth. The vibe was equal parts relaxed and excited, with maps of the islands stretched across the walls, sea breeze through the open deck, and just enough Wi-Fi to let people back home know we’d officially unplugged. We were barefoot, already sun-kissed, and ready for whatever the Galápagos had to throw at us—sea lions, turtles, volcanic hikes, you name it. It was the calm before the adventure, and we soaked it in.
Our First Steps in the Galápagos
The first island we visited set the tone immediately—dry, otherworldly, and crawling with more lizards than people. We stepped off the boat and within seconds had to slow our pace to avoid stepping on an iguana sunbathing in the middle of the path. They were everywhere. Hiding under cacti, stretched out across the rocks, even posing for photos like they knew they were the stars of the show. The landscape itself looked surreal—cactus trees growing out of lava rock, patches of red and orange ground cover, and ocean views that made you forget you were technically on the equator. It was wild, quiet, and somehow peaceful, even with dozens of prehistoric-looking reptiles casually eyeing us from every direction.
Hanging Out With Giants: A Slow but Unforgettable Stop at El Chato Ranch
It’s hard to describe or put into words your feelings when you see several giant sized tortoises in the wild. Of course they are not a threat even though they are huge. They are slothy but gentile creatures who amazingly are mesmerizing even though they hardly move. We had a ton of fun walking around a private but totally open (they could say or go) preserve.
At El Chato Ranch, the tortoises weren’t behind fences or in enclosures—they were just there, doing their slow, prehistoric thing, as if we were the ones visiting their world (which, honestly, we were). We wandered the grassy trails as they grazed, stretched their necks, and occasionally made the slowest U-turns imaginable. Inside the small visitor center, we couldn’t resist the chance to climb inside the replica shells ourselves, because when in the Galápagos, why not pretend to be a tortoise too? It was peaceful, surreal, and weirdly grounding to be surrounded by animals that have seen centuries pass without rushing a single moment.
Sea Lions Everywhere: The Coolest Locals in the Galápagos
While you can see sea lions all over the place on the San Francisco waterfront, there is nothing like seeing them in the Galápagos. You literally get to walk around with them and swim with them. It’s a truly unique part of the Galápagos experience.
They’re not fenced off, not distant, and definitely not shy. On the beaches, they sprawl out like they own the place—because they kind of do. We watched them nap on docks, bark at each other over prime sunbathing spots, and glide effortlessly through the water while we snorkeled alongside them. One curious pup swam right up to us, twirling in circles like it was showing off. It felt more like hanging out with a group of laid-back locals than observing wildlife. Getting that close to them, on their terms, was both wild and strangely personal.
