Lava Tubes of Bellavista

by Geeta
(Washington D.C.)

What impressed us most were the Lava Tubes of Bellavista. These are lava caves in the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Our naturalist gave us a great introduction to the Geology and the volcanic origins of the islands. We also learned how stalactites and stalagmites form.

We were then taken to Las Grietas which is another wonderful location of deep ponds formed by the filtering of underground sea water through lava crevices and half-submerged cliffs. We had the chance to swim and snorkel in this popular place. The marine life of Galapagos is truly abundant!

Another of our favorites was The Galapagos Giant Tortoise Reserve; we hiked for around 2 hours from Puerto Ayora through dense and low growing vegetation. Here we observed the Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat.

It is incredible the amount of bird species that you can find in the Galapagos islands. On our hikes we were able to see a wide variety of Finches, nazca boobies, frigate birds, flightless cormorants and others that just can't remember its names. Our guide said that about half of the birds in Galapagos cannot be seen anywhere else in the world, this must be true because there were birds we haven't seen in our lives.

Sheela and I had a wonderful time on the Santa Cruz ship. Excellent crew and naturalists... very well planned expeditions and friendly people. The only thing that I would ask them to improve upon is their choices in the menu for vegetarian food.

I wish I had taken your advice Zuri and booked a 8 day instead of a 5 day tour. All your advice was up to the mark! Thank you for all your help. Everything was how you described it!

We wish you all the best.
Geeta and Sheela from Washington D.C.