A Field Trip to The Galápagos with my 10-Year-Old Son
by Dale Wills (Publisher of InTheBite)
Upon receiving the invitation to visit San Cristobal, Galápagos from Juan Kayser and his Galapwonder Excursions, I immediately started to formulate a plan to include my son Zachary, who would turn ten just days before our departure. The trip took place February 25-March 2, 2020. With a little scheduling and a plan for school work, we were all set for our big adventure. Zachary certainly didn’t mind missing four days of class either. The trip would consist of flying just over four hours from Miami to Guayaquil, Ecuador. A one-night hotel stay in Guayaquil before we boarded a 1 hour 30 minute flight the following morning from Guayaquil to San Cristobal in the Galápagos. Elliott Stark, the editor of InTheBite, was along for the ride, too. The big plan was sightseeing day one, then two full days of fishing and one inshore day of snorkeling and bottom fishing.
From this point, I’ll share plenty of images on what turned out to a very rewarding and amazing trip. Zachary was able to reel in a couple of nice striped marlin, see a variety of plants and animals and discover a skate park on San Cristbal. Thanks again to everyone who made our trip one to remember. We saw a bunch of cool stuff- Darwin’s first island, animals and a skate park, now that’s evolution.
DAY 1
The turtle refuge on San Cristobal. One of our first stops.
Galapagos Tortoise
Plenty of turtles to see, but don’t touch.
A roadside stop with Zachary and Elliott and a creative background
Just off the pathway to our first beach stop, a variety of cactus can be seen including these.
The friendly Galapagos Planet Hotel Staff (front to back) Juan Kayser, Head Chef William Nazaren, Manager Andres Kayser, Head Waiter Marcos Revelo, Receptionist Alvaro Zurita, Chef Carlos Pinto and Sous Chef Raquel Mora.
DAY 2
A landmark we passed each morning on our walk to the boat
The sea lions were very entertaining to observe each morning.
Early day one, after traveling 25 miles offshore, we watched as several species of birds and sea lions chased bait. This would turn out to be a daily occurrence. Below the water you could witness striped marlin swimming around the bait.
With a keen eye you can see the marlin tail cutting through the ocean’s surface. Another common occurrence.
Zachary battles his first striped marlin on 30-pound tackle.
Zachary learns a lesson of letting a fish run and adjusting the reel drag to wear down the marlin. Also conserving energy for the battle that lies ahead.
Almost there… following a 45 minute battle the striped marlin is close
Our onboard Park Ranger Javier guides the fighting chair for Zachary and both watch as the striped marlin dances across the ocean’s surface.
Zachary’s first attempt to reel in the elusive striped marlin is a success.
Back to fishing around the many different species of sea birds
Captain Juan Kayser keeps a keen eye on the baits
Day two ride home. Beautiful blue water with large quantities of bait and manta rays near the harbor.
In the evening, a large number of sea lions return to this San Cristobal beach for rest. The sea lion cubs cry out for their moms and frolic over the other sea lions. It’s certainly a sight to see, and we really enjoyed watching them before our short walk to the hotel.
Zachary checking out the scooters for rent. We didn’t have time to ride.
DAY 3
San Cristobal was the first island Charles Darwin visited in the Galapagos – Sept 17, 1835. This was a monument we passed by each morning.
Zachary finds a sleeping sea lion cub
Here we go again. 25 miles in search of
Are we having fun yet?
While trolling, we pass a swordfish slowing moving near the surface. Certainly not something you see often.
Porpoise showing off near the boat.
Zachary’s second striped marlin release.
Sea lions chasing bait offshore.
A few mahi around. This would eventually become tasty ceviche.
A return to the port after a successful day.
In the evening, Zachary learns to make pizza, (from scratch) – The Lobster Shack. Chef Willie was very helpful.
The finished pizza pie.
Day 4
We begin the day with a snorkel adventure to León Dormido, aka Kicker Rock.
The group snorkeling. Below is a short video from this trip.
After snorkeling, we cruise around León Dormido checking out the different types of birds including these resting frigate birds.
Blue Footed Boobie
Frigate Bird
Next, we travel to a lava field on the coast of San Cristobal. León Dormido is still visible in the background.
The lava field is barren with very little vegetation other than cactus and a few weeds.
We visit a deep cave created from lava.
Our transportation, the Andale, a 1977 35′ Bertram sits at anchor as we visit the lava field.
A thriving Galapagos cactus on the lava field
Red Sally Lightfoot crabs are common on San Cristobal. Here we observe them while waiting for our dingy to return us back to the Andale.
Next up, we tried our luck bottom fishing near a rock called “5 fingers.”
We managed to catch several different kinds of fish including this strawberry ???
Elliott caught this nice black grouper.
Commemorative striped marlin release flag photo.
Group photo.
Back to the hotel for a final feast.
As per request, a final stop at the San Cristobal Skate Park
On behalf of Zachary, Elliott and myself, I’d like to say thanks again to Juan Kayser and the entire Galapwonder staff. Great times!
That’s all for now folks!
For more information on booking your trip to Galapwonder please e-mail info@inthebite.com
Send us a message!
Leave a Reply