A NATURE LOVER'S PARADISE

The Galapagos Islands - a once in a lifetime destination. This magical collection of volcanic islands, lying about 800 km to the east of the Ecuadorian mainland, is somewhere that most people will never get to see with their own eyes. What a privilege it was for me to be sent!

The region, which is strictly regulated by the government of Ecuador, is renowned for both its wildlife and its significance in the life and theories of Charles Darwin – the English naturalist who wrote the highly controversial yet enlightening thesis ‘The Origin of the Species’.

I travelled in October and to my good fortune I had been sent to mainland Ecuador with my colleague, Neil, for a week prior to the Galapagos Islands cruise. Having left Quito and flown with AeroGal via Guayaquil to San Cristobal Island, we embarked on the Flamingo I which is one of a trio of virtually identical small boats with the capacity for 20 passengers.

During our week long cruise we snorkelled with white-tipped reef sharks, swam with sea lions, turtles and schools of multi-coloured tropical fish. In the evenings we enjoyed watching the equatorial sunset whilst relaxing with a glass of wine on the sun deck.

Each day we took morning and afternoon excursions which gave us a wonderful insight into the land based wildlife of the islands. We saw everything from blue-footed boobies through to small Darwin finches. Our naturalist guides also taught us a great deal about the natural history and geography of the region. Something that was vital in the overall enjoyment of the trip.

My experience of the Galapagos Islands was truly special. Its one of the world’s most unique and treasured destinations - somewhere which will leave an indelible impression on anyone who experiences its biodiversity.

With 2009 being the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth, and plenty of credit crunch bargain prices on offer, there is no better time to go and see one of natures finest examples.