Recently I was able to spend seven glorious days sailing around and discovering the Galapagos Islands. Aboard Lindblad Expedition’s 80-passenger ship, the Polaris, I explored these remarkable volcanic islands in zodiac boats guided by Ecuadorian Naturalists, who specialized in botany, ornithology, marine life or geology.

For photographers and nature lovers this would be a trip of a lifetime. The Galapagos Islands, located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, are home to incredible marine and wild life, many species endemic to these islands.

During our adventure we swam with sea lions, pelicans and sea turtles and hiked along trails covered with iguanas, sally light-foot crabs and blue-footed booby birds. These animals have never learned to fear humans so you must watch where you step, lest you disturb a masked booby bird nest.

Each day we were given daily activity options from snorkeling in deep water to observing marine life in a glass bottom boat (the only one in the Islands.) Hikes of varying degrees were offered each day, guided by one of the expert Naturalists whose own excitement in showing us the islands was contagious. Zodiac rides were also very popular with the more relaxed passengers as well as swimming and taking leisurely walks along the beaches.

Life aboard the Polaris was delightful. On an 80-passenger ship with a crew of 58, we never lacked personal attention. An expert Chef prepared delicious food daily using fresh local seafood and beautiful Ecuadorian fruits and vegetables. Sailing on a small ship allowed for changes in daily schedules to accommodate more wild life sightings. For example, one morning just as we were settling into our wonderful breakfast the Captain announced that we were changing our course in order to join a pod of 50-75 Pilot Whales. For the next 45 minutes we screamed in delight as we watched these incredible creatures swim and play around our ship. Two Naturalists embarked in a Zodiac boat with an underwater camera to film the whales in action. Later that evening, during our nightly recap meeting over cocktails, we watched the film and were delighted once again with our discoveries.

Very quickly my seven days were over and I had to return to civilization but not without wonderful memories of friendly sea lions and beautiful marine life. For weeks I looked forward to my Galapagos adventure but never realized what a special trip this would be.

Jennie Hollowell works with Village Travel in New Bern NC