Photos from Galapagos Cruise
Jun 3rd, 2016 | 05:56 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 636
Likes: 0
Photos from Galapagos Cruise
Mr frogoutofwater just got home from a wonderful 14-night cruise in the Galapagos Islands on the Samba, booked through Cheeseman's Ecology Tours and led by Juan Salcedo (owner of the Samba). Our experience far exceeded our high expectations - truly the trip of a lifetime.
Outside my day job, I'm an avid, amateur photographer focusing on animal portraiture. So of course the chance to spend 2 weeks photographing animals in the Galapagos was a dream come true. Our itinerary was substantially the same as this (for the June expedition):
http://www.cheesemans.com/trips/galapagos-jun2016
I've only just begun to edit and process my photos, but I've started a gallery on my website with some of my favorites here:
http://www.frogoutofwater.ca/Portfol...pagos-Islands/
We also spent a day in Guayaquil photographing rescued dogs and cats on behalf of Rescate Animal Ecuador, which has been working hard to help the animals (and their people) affected by mid-April's devastating earthquake. A gallery with some of my favourite photos from that day is here:
http://www.frogoutofwater.ca/Portfol...nimal-Ecuador/
Outside my day job, I'm an avid, amateur photographer focusing on animal portraiture. So of course the chance to spend 2 weeks photographing animals in the Galapagos was a dream come true. Our itinerary was substantially the same as this (for the June expedition):
http://www.cheesemans.com/trips/galapagos-jun2016
I've only just begun to edit and process my photos, but I've started a gallery on my website with some of my favorites here:
http://www.frogoutofwater.ca/Portfol...pagos-Islands/
We also spent a day in Guayaquil photographing rescued dogs and cats on behalf of Rescate Animal Ecuador, which has been working hard to help the animals (and their people) affected by mid-April's devastating earthquake. A gallery with some of my favourite photos from that day is here:
http://www.frogoutofwater.ca/Portfol...nimal-Ecuador/
Jun 7th, 2016 | 02:05 PM
#5
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Wonderful job, thanks for sharing all those beautiful pics. My fav the silver pelican standing on the rocks and the dogs and cats break my heart. Hope we can see more soon.
I was checking the itinerary you got and this is very interesting. Good choice.
On the other hand I was wondering if you could share with us something about the yacht, you know, your comments about the cabins and the boat in general, the guide and the food.
This would be appreciated.
Thanks and regards,
I was checking the itinerary you got and this is very interesting. Good choice.
On the other hand I was wondering if you could share with us something about the yacht, you know, your comments about the cabins and the boat in general, the guide and the food.
This would be appreciated.
Thanks and regards,
Jun 7th, 2016 | 05:53 PM
#6
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 636
Likes: 0
I'm glad you like the photos.
We were very happy with our choice of ship. The Samba accommodates 14 passengers and has about 7 crew. We thought our guide Juan Salcedo (who is also the owner/master of the ship) was amazing. Guide doesn't really begin to describe what he does: teacher, leader, master, CEO - and guide as well. His knowledge (of animal behavior, ecology, geography/geology as well as the human history of the islands is excellent) and he shares the information in a way that inspires you to learn more - but also doesn't get in the way of simply being near the animals and enjoying the experience.
We also were impressed with the fact that the Samba and its crew donate about 10 cruise days per year to the Galapagos Islands community - taking out children, seniors and others - who may have never seen what tourists see on the other islands - even though they may have been born and raised on one of the islands.
In terms of accommodations, our cabins were very comfortable and functional - not luxurious by any means but very well kept, with daily cleaning service and towels/linen changed twice weekly (or more often upon request). We had the largest cabin (on the upper deck) - with a double bed and slightly more space. We booked it 18 months in advance for a premium.
There was one main interior room (dining room/living room) with two banquette type tables for meals - it was a bit of a tight fit but it was fine. There was lots of space on the decks to relax and have some time to yourself when you wanted it.
I don't eat land animals and only eat very limited quantities of eggs, dairy and fish (I'm transitioning to a vegan diet but I'm not there yet). I specified my dietary restrictions in advance and they were fully met. The chef did an excellent job of providing alternative foods where necessary, and the food was superb. There was a bit of repetition in some meals over the two week period but not a complete repetition of any single meal. Certainly, there was lots of variety, lots of fresh food - and a lot of it was organic and came from local suppliers.
Finally, although it's not a criticism, I would say that living on a smallish ship like this does require a greater degree of agility than I thought it would. I had read the trip materials, which mentioned the need to be able to go up and down stairs on the ship and to get into and out of the zodiaks. What I didn't really realize was that "steps" really means nearly ladder-like stairs (in terms of steepness). I am not the most sure-footed person and I found it a bit challenging at first but got accustomed to it quickly.
Also, this might be TMI, but I learned on the first night that when the ship is sailing from one port to another, it's NOT a good idea to stand up and try to pull up your underwear with both hands
I lurched backward in our bathroom and acquired a whopping bruise on my arm. Thereafter, I put on and took off my clothes (or bits of clothing) while seated (or holding on tightly to something). To be fair, Juan had warned us in the first hour to always hold onto something with one hand - I just didn't realize that always meant ALWAYS.
We were very happy with our choice of ship. The Samba accommodates 14 passengers and has about 7 crew. We thought our guide Juan Salcedo (who is also the owner/master of the ship) was amazing. Guide doesn't really begin to describe what he does: teacher, leader, master, CEO - and guide as well. His knowledge (of animal behavior, ecology, geography/geology as well as the human history of the islands is excellent) and he shares the information in a way that inspires you to learn more - but also doesn't get in the way of simply being near the animals and enjoying the experience.
We also were impressed with the fact that the Samba and its crew donate about 10 cruise days per year to the Galapagos Islands community - taking out children, seniors and others - who may have never seen what tourists see on the other islands - even though they may have been born and raised on one of the islands.
In terms of accommodations, our cabins were very comfortable and functional - not luxurious by any means but very well kept, with daily cleaning service and towels/linen changed twice weekly (or more often upon request). We had the largest cabin (on the upper deck) - with a double bed and slightly more space. We booked it 18 months in advance for a premium.
There was one main interior room (dining room/living room) with two banquette type tables for meals - it was a bit of a tight fit but it was fine. There was lots of space on the decks to relax and have some time to yourself when you wanted it.
I don't eat land animals and only eat very limited quantities of eggs, dairy and fish (I'm transitioning to a vegan diet but I'm not there yet). I specified my dietary restrictions in advance and they were fully met. The chef did an excellent job of providing alternative foods where necessary, and the food was superb. There was a bit of repetition in some meals over the two week period but not a complete repetition of any single meal. Certainly, there was lots of variety, lots of fresh food - and a lot of it was organic and came from local suppliers.
Finally, although it's not a criticism, I would say that living on a smallish ship like this does require a greater degree of agility than I thought it would. I had read the trip materials, which mentioned the need to be able to go up and down stairs on the ship and to get into and out of the zodiaks. What I didn't really realize was that "steps" really means nearly ladder-like stairs (in terms of steepness). I am not the most sure-footed person and I found it a bit challenging at first but got accustomed to it quickly.
Also, this might be TMI, but I learned on the first night that when the ship is sailing from one port to another, it's NOT a good idea to stand up and try to pull up your underwear with both hands
I lurched backward in our bathroom and acquired a whopping bruise on my arm. Thereafter, I put on and took off my clothes (or bits of clothing) while seated (or holding on tightly to something). To be fair, Juan had warned us in the first hour to always hold onto something with one hand - I just didn't realize that always meant ALWAYS.
