Judging from the number of tour boats anchored around us I guess most people who come to these islands take package tours, but there are plenty of places to explore on your own without a guide. We hiked up past the sea lion beach the other day on a trail that started fairly easy then turned into a steep lava field that left us by the end with tired and achy legs. It’s shocking how quickly we sailors get out of shape when we spend our days at sea walking less than twenty steps a day.
The hike took us past many marine iguanas sunning on the rocks. From the top we watched sea turtles feeding in the surf far below and boobies and frigates swooping and soaring above us.
Your Galapagos adventure is one of the highlights of your voyages to this land-lubber. Again, great descriptions and photos, and love the shot of Jack and the sea lion.