A true nature-lover’s paradise: explore the unique flora, fauna and biological splendor of this protected archipelago.

In this edition of Through the Eyes of Nature Guys, Bill shares stories of trips to one of his top two destinations in the world - the Galapagos Islands. Related episodes: <li>Bill&#39;s Travel Tips <a href="http://natureguys.org/bills-travel-tips/">http://natureguys.org/bills-travel-tips/</a></li><li>Belize http://natureguys.org/belize/</li> Our sources for this episode include: <li>The experiences of Bill on his trips to the Galapagos</li>

Going to Galapagos

Learn about this incredible bucket list experience of diving the Galapagos Islands. Coincidentally, this podcast was born on this trip in the Galapagos. Find out how to make this trip a reality.

Dive the Galapagos

Post Office Bay on the Galapagos Islands is a post office that runs on luck and the goodwill of visitors. It has a knack for bringing strangers together. READ MORE IN THE ATLAS: <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/post-office-bay__;!!NUnUjx3wvH5xgA!Y6uuu-iUBEjaH_r5Mw8hbD-g1gKZS5VByEE9nuAJo3OXXna_gnJetB5mXJcIO0vLP45EeIqO5l2bSiTKOxgAc6ez$">https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/post-office-bay</a>

Post Office Bay

Onboard a 20-passenger yacht off the coast of Española Island in the Galapagos, Bruce interviews local expert, conservationist, and CEO of the luxury expedition company Ecoventura, Santiago Dunn. In this special episode, Dunn discusses the treasures and adventures that make the Galapagos islands one of the world’s most sought-after destinations—and how to make your trip exceed even your wildest dreams. 
It’s no secret that the Galapagos is one of the top wildlife destinations in the world—but it’s also one of the best preserved, with pristine beaches, reefs, and volcanic peaks ripe with reptiles, mammals, birds, and fish. Ecoventura’s seven-night trips aboard the identical Theory and Origin yachts bring you up close with the islands’ wonders, with each day offering active and educational opportunities to witness wildlife in its purest form. Cruising from island to island, the trips can include everything from kayaking or paddle-boarding in wildlife-rich mangroves to hiking along active volcanos and snorkeling with sea lions, turtles, sharks, and penguins. Outings are led by expert Galapagos National Guides, among them ornithologists, biologists, photographers, and more. 
Dunn says that this combination of active fun and education is what makes the Galapagos such a family-friendly destination. Immersing children in wildlife and ecosystems of the Galapagos, as Dunn has done with his own four sons, gives them an education that goes well beyond the scope of a traditional classroom setting. Of course, travelers of any age can appreciate their close proximity to penguins, marine iguanas, and giant tortoises—and the fascinating facts and stories they will learn along the way. 
The Ecuadoran government goes to great lengths to protect their national treasure. In fact, the country’s president, Guillermo Lasso, recently signed a bill that extends the Galapagos Marine Reserve by nearly 50%, all the way to the coasts of Panama and Costa Rica. Dunn says the new law is indicative of the country’s commitment to preserve the Galapagos not just for Ecuador, but for the world.
To get the most out of a trip to Ecuador, Dunn suggests visits to Quito, Guayaquil, and/or Cuenca before your expedition, to gain a true taste of Ecuadoran history and culture. Some travelers attempt to combine a trip to the Galapagos with a visit to Machu Picchu in Peru, but Dunn advises against this, believing that these bucket-list destinations need to be seen on their own so that the traveler can gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of their respective cultures and sights.
Throughout his conversation with Bruce, Dunn’s love for the Galapagos shines through. He is sure to inspire you to make this dream trip a reality—and his insider tips will ensure you get the most out of your Ecuadoran adventure. 
Be sure to stick around toward the end of the show to hear about Dunn’s close call with an oceanic white-tip shark and Bruce’s incredible encounter with dolphins during his Galapagos visit!
Learn more: <a href="https://www.ecoventura.com">https://www.ecoventura.com</a> 
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Learn more about the podcast: <a href="https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters">https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters</a>
Hosted by: Bruce Wallin
Produced by: AJ Moseley
Music by: Joey Salvia
A CurtCo Media ProductionSee <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

17 - The Greatest Galapagos Adventures with Expedition Expert, Wildlife Conservationist, and Ecoventura CEO Santiago Dunn

We last visited the legendary Galápagos Islands in Episode 118 with the Marine Iguana. This week we cover the more famous Galápagos Tortoise. Their natural history and conservation story is incredible and should not be missed. Joins us this week as we chat all about this giant and unique reptile.


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Episode 171: Giant Tortoise of the Galápagos

Kinga Philipps finds herself swimming in a school of hammerhead sharks in the legendary waters of the Galapagos Islands. There, the journalist explorer come face-to-face with an industry that threatens the future of migratory sharks around the world. But before we land in the Galapagos, Kinga takes us on a behind-the-scenes tour of her new project, Enslaved, with Samuel L. Jackson as well as the non-profit Shark Allies. Connect with the Guest <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kingaphilipps/">&#64;KingaPhilipps</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kingaphilipps/">&#64;SharkAllies</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/joesills/">&#64;JoeSills</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/getlostpodcast/">&#64;GetLostPodcast</a>

The Galapagos

This week chef Ana Ortiz shares 10 things you need to know about the Galapagos Islands including tales of the incredible wildlife that inhabit the island and the ingredients that thrive in its unique micro climate. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

ANA ORTIZ on 10 things you need to know about Galapagos food and cooking

Galápagos. What do you picture when you hear those four syllables? Chances are it’s wildlife, from giant tortoises and marine iguanas to blue-footed boobies. And rightly so, for the animals on these islands, sitting in extreme isolation 1000km (600 miles) off the Ecuadorian coast, are genuinely spectacular. In fact, it was the so-called ‘tameness’ of the Galápagos animals -- just one facet of their incredible idiosyncrasies -- that helped bring Darwin to his world-changing theory of evolution.

Yet when early visitors christened the Galápagos ‘Las Islas Encantadas’, it wasn’t because they were ‘enchanted’ by the charming animals: it was more that the islands appeared to be under some malevolent spell. And from cannibals, convicts and buccaneers to a nudist colony turned murderous ménage à trois, a dark edge has informed human interaction with the islands ever since. Our host Neil McQuillian visits the Galápagos to discover the alternative human history of the world&#39;s most famous wildlife wonderland.

Thanks to our producers Jessie Lawson and Alannah Chance of Reduced Listening (reducedlistening.co.uk).

Galápagos: the human story

The Galapagos Islands are on just about everyone&#39;s travel bucket list, but trying to figure out how to plan a trip there is overwhelming. Cruise, land, both, tour, on your own? There are so many choices. This week Kellie from 4 Worn Passports gives us her well-researched advice on how to plan a trip to the Galapagos with kids. ON THE PODCAST 00:32 - Talking with Kim and Tamara about wildlife 01:20 - Bear sightings 04:15 - Kim’s safari experience 07:20 - Airboat tour in New Orleans 13:23 - Talking with Kellie 18:25 - Kellie’s trip to the Galapagos 20:19 - Cruise or not? 21:23 - Biggest experience for the best value 23:35 - Creatures of the Galapagos 25:50 - Booking tours 31:21 - Cruise boat experience 33:50 - Days on each island 35:03 - Must-see locations 41:58 - Weather and seasons 43:30 - Where to stay in Quito 44:48 - Budgeting your trip 48:54 - Galapagos tips 52:20 - Packing tips 54:43 - Best place for a family photo 56:14 - Favorite travel gear 1:00:38 - Tip of the week ABOUT KELLIE MCINTYRE Kellie McIntyre is the founder of <a href="http://4wornpassports.com/">4 Worn Passports</a>. Her blog is dedicated to inspiring family gap years and global adventure travel. Follow Kellie on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/4WornPassports/">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/4wornpassports/4-worn-passports/">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/4wornpassports/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/4wornpassports">Twitter</a>. PLANNING A TRIP TO THE GALAPAGOS WITH KIDS <li>To fly into the Galapagos Islands you must first fly into either Quito or Guayaquil. Quito is a beautiful city and totally worth seeing. That being said most flights from the US into Quito arrive really late at night, so you will need to stay the night anyway. It is recommended to spend at least two nights in Quito that way you can explore the city before continuing you trip to the Galapagos Islands.</li><li>Keep in mind that only two of the Islands, Santa Cruz and San Cristobal, have modern airports. Then the Island of Isabela only has a basic landing strip. The rest of the islands you can only get to by cruise ship.</li><li>The island of Santa Cruz has Tortuga Bay, which is probably the most beautiful beach in the Galapagos. There are also a lot of free things to do on the island including Las Grietas, which is a fantastic swimming hole.</li><li>Post Office Bay on Floreana Island has a lot of history about Whaling ships leaving letters that other ships would come and take letters if they were going to that area. This is still a tradition for the bay but instead travelers leave postcards for others to take and deliver. As per tradition you also must Hand Deliver the post card to the recipient.</li><li>The temperatures year round stay around the 70’s but the water temperature will change in different seasons. It is always recommended to snorkel with a wetsuit but in the summer time it seems that the water is a bit warmer.</li><li>Make sure you bring a lot of cash with you. A lot of the places only take cash and may not have ATMs. If they they do take credit cards there will most likely be a hefty surcharge.</li> BEST PLACE TO TAKE FAMILY PHOTO Kellie and her family love the photo they took at the top of the Basílica del Voto Nacional in Quito. Then when you are on the islands getting a photo with a giant tortoise is a fantastic idea and really shows that you were in the Galapagos Islands. FAVORITE TRAVEL GEAR Learning it the hard way, Kellie found out that <a href="https://www.chacos.com/US/en/home?CID&#61;MAR-chacos-e-Brand&amp;sma&#61;sm.0000ydwddvzpzehvsk82641uwq4t1"> Chaco’s</a> are great sport sandals to wear around and don’t cause blisters from wearing them in the sand and water. TIP OF THE WEEK Keep in mind the expiration date on your passport. Some places require you to have your passport valid for at least six months out from your trip. MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST <a href="http://www.chobesafarilodge.net/">Chobe Safari Lodge</a> <a href="http://pahoehoegalapagos.com/en/pahoehoe-galapagos-islands-tours/"> Pahoehoe</a> <a href="http://www.helenavista.com/">Galeodan Suites</a> <a href="https://4wornpassports.com/family-galapagos-trip-itinerary-budget/"> Recommended 10-12 day itinerary</a> <a href="https://4wornpassports.com/galapagos-vacation-cost-diy-agent-cruise-land-comparisons/"> Detailed Comparison of Itineraries and Costs</a> <a href="https://4wornpassports.com/5-tips-post-office-bay-floreana-galapagos/"> History of Post Office Bay and Tips for Visiting</a> <a href="https://4wornpassports.com/galapagos-vacation-post-office-bay-floreana/"> Delivering the Postcards from Post Office Bay</a> <a href="https://gringosabroad.com/galapagos-airport/">What’s the best Galapagos Airport?</a> FOLLOW US AND SPREAD THE WORD! If you liked this show, please be sure to subscribe on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/vacation-mavens/id1088732340">iTunes</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid&#61;84422&amp;refid&#61;stpr">Stitcher</a>, or <a href="https://play.google.com/music/m/Irqum22lymaujsl43iyps22vndu?t%3DVacation_Mavens_Family_Travel_Podcast"> Google Play</a> and leave us a review! Have a question or comment? Send us an email or leave us a voicemail at &#43;1.641.715.3900, ext. 926035# You can also follow our travels on <a href="http://stuffedsuitcase.com/">Stuffed Suitcase</a> and <a href="http://we3travel.com/">We3Travel</a>, or follow the Vacation Mavens on <a href="http://instagram.com/vacationmavens">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://facebook.com/vacationmavens">Facebook</a> or <a href="http://twitter.com/vacationmavens">Twitter</a>. Thanks for listening!

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