One of our Original Diving experts, Rachel, just came back from a research trip to the Galapagos Islands. When she wasn't plunging into unseasonably warm waters (a consequence of El Nino), she was dining on a series of succulent seafood staples and enjoying a cultural preamble in Quito. Keen for all the juicy details? Read on for Rachel's highlights...
Where did you visit and what did you get up to?
I visited the Galapagos Islands with a one-day stopover in Quito - the capital of Ecuador. During my time here, I was shown around the city by a local guide. We visited markets, churches, chocolate makers (Ecuador produces some of the finest chocolate in the world) and some great viewpoints. Then I flew out to the Galapagos, where I spent ten nights on a liveaboard and did a whopping 24 dives.
What made the trip special?
Well, it was a bit of a walk down memory lane. I hadn't returned to Latin America since I worked as a diving instructor in Mexico, which meant I had plenty of fun practising my rusty Spanish. But everyone I spoke to was extremely friendly and welcoming. That's what made the trip, which was already gearing up to be a showstopper, that extra bit special.
Did you learn about any secret spots?
Yes, I did! Thanks to my local guide, I was able to visit some incredible viewpoints in Quito - ones that definitely felt like the hidden gems known only to clued-up residents. I saw the city from an unforgettable vantage point and snapped some shots of it sprawling over the hills. I highly recommend.
What’s your favourite thing you ate?
Now that's a tricky question. Everything I ate was incredible. If I had to pick out one dish, it would be a seafood one - seafood is a big deal in this corner of the world. I particularly enjoyed the fresh Galapagos lobster and ceviche, a traditional raw fish dish I tried. Simply delicious.
What new things did you learn?
I learnt so much! The most interesting thing was about the key part oceanic currents play in the ecosystem. For example, the Humboldt Current - which flows from the Antarctic - brings huge amounts of nutrients through a process called upwelling. This fuels massive blooms of plankton and algae, which feed everything from tiny fish to the iconic marine iguana.
Then there's the Cromwell Current, which provides the essential cool, oxygen-rich water that allows endemic species like the Galapagos penguin, Galapagos fur seal and flightless cormorant to survive in a tropical region. There's also the Panama Current, which introduces tropical species to the Galapagos, boosts biodiversity, and draws in migratory marine life such as manta rays. How cool!
What was something you’d never done before?
Well, I'm pretty chuffed because I was actually able to tick off a bucket list item: meeting marine iguanas. In fact, I'd never observed a lizard underwater before! This was my best bet, since marine iguanas (endemic to the Galapagos) are the only lizards in the world that live and forage underwater. The nifty creatures have even adapted special salt glands to filter excess salt from their blood.
What’s one thing that can’t be missed?
Wolf Island, for sure. It's only accessible to divers since you need a liveaboard to reach it, which makes the experience feel truly remote. You're greeted by a beautiful, rugged landscape and incredible wildlife. For two days here, we were surrounded by pods of dolphins and sea lions. I'll never forget watching them interact underwater.
Did anything surprise you about the destination?
Yes, I was quite surprised to learn that it's possible to see penguins! The Galapagos penguin is the only penguin in the world that's found north of the equator. The cool waters of the Humboldt and Cromwell currents allow it to survive despite the tropical latitude. It's also one of the smallest penguins in the world - super sweet.
What’s a top tip you’d give to clients?
If you want to dive in the Galapagos - which you absolutely should - it's worthwhile to know that it can be quite challenging. This is because of a combo of strong surges, wells and currents. So, you'll need to make sure you're up to date before booking a trip. And it's worth considering a refresher course, too, especially if you have new gear to try out.
