ECUADOR and GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Aboard the Galapagos Aggressor II
August-September 2009
In August 2006, we took a group of 14 to Ecuador and Galapagos Islands to dive with the whale sharks thinking it would be our first and last time. There were several people who wanted to go on that trip, but the timing was not right, so plans were made immediately upon our return for a trip in 2009! (Some have already expressed interest in a trip in a few years!)
As on our last trip, we added days at the beginning to ensure arrival of all luggage (you never know). We arrived in Quito, Ecuador, Saturday night, August 22nd. Sunday was spent with an all day tour including the Otavalo Market and lunch at Hosteria Puertolago overlooking the water.
Monday, after an early breakfast, we transferred to the Station of Chimbacalle to board the Chiva Express. Our route included a stop at Machachi Station, a tour of the dairy at Hacienda La Alegria, Rose Plantation tour, Urbana Train Station at Chimborazo Volcano, Tagua Workshop and continuation to Riobamba for an overnight stay at a fabulous quaint resort!
Tuesday, after early breakfast, we transferred to the train station at Riobamba and once again boarded the Chiva Express with stop at Guamote (Indian town), short visit to the Educational Center for Adult Sustainability, then on to Alausi to continue on the Chiva Express to ride the switch backs and down the Devil's Nose, then bus ride to Guayaquil.
Wednesday included a private guided city tour of Guayaquil, including Port of Guayaquil, Centennial Park, The Plaza of the Administration, Government and Municipal Buildings, Moorish Clock Tower, Monument of Sucre and Bolivar Park (Park of the Iguanas), and the neo-gothic Metropolitan Cathedral.
Thursday included transfer to airport for flight out to San Cristobal and board the Galapagos Aggressor II.
NOW ... LET THE DIVING BEGIN!
You always wonder when a trip is so great if going back things will be the same ... well diving was just as good and the whale shark encounters just as awesome. Swimming after a whale shark is like running after a bus!
On most trips you are lucky if you see one or two turtles or spotted eagle rays ... rare if you see one shark, and no chance of seeing a whale shark! We were split into two groups on two pangas and between us we had around 15 whale shark encounters. Hammerhead Sharks, Galapagos Sharks, Whitetip Sharks, Silky Sharks, Spotted Eagle Rays, Turtles, Moray Eels ... well there were simply too many to count! Hundreds ... not on one dive, but on almost every dive. ... and did I mention visibility - awesome blue water!
Water temperature was between 72 and 78; most of us wore 3m suits with hooded vests and were just fine. Aggressor suggests 5-7m suits, but on both our trips 3m with hooded vest was sufficient.
I can't say enough good things about Aggressor, their service, and their crew. Those guys work really hard and bend over backwards to help you. NEVER FORGET TO TIP THEM! Our crew on this trip were Captain Rufino, Chef Alfredo, Patricio, Francisco, Dario and Joselito - sincere thanks to them in making our trip more special.
... and yes "Lonesome George" (the only one left of his species) is still alive. He has his own special place with three females vying for his attention in hopes of forthcoming babies!
Galapagos Islands are home to several species that aren't found anywhere else in the world. Some species have died off completely, but hopefully with support and proper management those left will live on for a long time.
Thanks to Vicki, Allen, Gina, Ken, Drew, Steve, Monty, Robin and Greg for sharing this trip with us! ... also to Patrick, Tamara and Dale, thanks for putting up with our group on the Aggressor!
Until next time ....
S. Scott