Quest Nature Tours

Galapagos - Darwin's Enchanted Isles - page 1 of 7

7-14 November 2014

Pair of beautiful Swallow-tailed Gulls, endemic breeders in Galapagos. South Plaza on 8 November 2014.

I thank the Quest participants on this cruise for their camaraderie, enthusiasm and sharp eyes. Our keenness for everything natural made this trip an exciting adventure. I am grateful to Laurielle Penny, Justin Peter and Janet van den Brink of Quest Nature Tours for inviting me to lead this fascinating trip to the Galapagos Islands. Galapagos is one of the finest places in the world to experience wildlife up close.

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Beluga motor yacht was our floating hotel for eight days.

Every day we made several landings in the panga (zodiac). Some landings on beaches were wet, others were dry.

Juan Tapia, our excellent and knowledgeable naturalist guide from Galapagos National Park.

Galapagos Sea Lions are accustomed to visitors and even come close to us. Santa Fe on 8 November 2014

Many female Sea Lions had young.

At this time of year the island is very dry and characterized by leafless incense trees and Giant Prickly Pear Cactus, barringtonensis subspecies with a smooth trunk, which is endemic to Santa Fe. 8 November 2014.

Santa Fe Land Iguana Conolophus pallidus is endemic to this island and eats the pads and fruit of Giant Prickly Pear Cactus. 8 November 2014.

Lava Lizard Microlophus albemarlensis is endemic to several islands including Santa Fe. 8 November 2014.

Yellow Cordia was the only flowering plant we saw on the trail on Santa Fe because it is near the end of the dry season. 8 November 2014.

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