Written by Tee Sindler, WWF’s Director of Property Administration 

As I sat aboard the Tip High IV, listening to at least one passenger after one other specific their pleasure about exploring the Galapagos—an journey they may now proudly verify off their bucket listing—I smiled and nodded. However one thing about that phrase, “verify off the listing,” didn’t fairly seize what I used to be feeling. 

Excessive Altitude, Increased Anticipation

Earlier than touching down within the Galapagos, my journey started in Quito, Ecuador’s vibrant capital tucked excessive within the Andes. The altitude hit me first, a refined reminder that this metropolis sits almost 9,000 toes above sea degree. On my first day, I explored Quito solo, taking within the metropolis’s wealthy tapestry of sights and sounds. Pleasant girls lined the streets promoting handmade wares, whereas four-legged animals weaved effortlessly via the bustling crowds, as in the event that they, too, had vital locations to achieve.

There was rhythm, life, and a type of poetry in movement that’s generally missed amid the monotony of 1’s every day life. The next day, I met up with the individuals who can be my future shipmates, and we took a guided tour of Quito.

We explored town and its surrounding volcanic peaks and visited the 16th-century Church and Convent of San Francisco. By the tip of the day, I felt each grounded within the metropolis’s vibrant historical past and looking forward to the journey that was awaiting me. 

Kicking off the journey in Quito, Ecuador on the Plaza de la Independencia. © Tee Sindler / WWF-US

After which got here the Galapagos.

A smiling woman takes a selfie in front of airport

© Tee Sindler / WWF-US

Blue-footed boobies, penguins, short-eared owls, large tortoises, sea turtles, red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, magnificent frigatebirds, flamingos—and numerous others. Nature placed on a wide ranging show at my toes.

Each touchdown introduced a brand new marvel, every island with its personal ecosystem, buzzing with life and plenty of tales. Oh, how a lot larger it made my world really feel. 

The place Stillness Speaks

But it surely wasn’t simply the wildlife or the dazzling ocean creatures. It was additionally the stillness and the moments in between, particularly throughout my keep at Nat Hab’s non-public Tortoise Camp within the highlands of Santa Cruz. 

A blue-footed booby bird stands on a rock ledge during a cloudy day.

The long-lasting toes of the blue-footed booby are simply as placing in individual. © Tee Sindler / WWF-US

Nestled amongst misty, emerald hills, Tortoise Camp felt like a hidden sanctuary, untouched by the passage of time. Within the morning, I stepped out of my tent right into a cool, profound silence. The type of stillness you solely discover in wild, undisturbed locations. As we wandered via the camp, a tortoise sauntered only a few toes away from the place I stood. It didn’t even look our approach, as if our presence was nothing greater than a delicate breeze.

> Wildlife Information: Big Tortoise

The quietness spoke volumes. I used to be captivated by the best way it shuffled alongside the path, transferring slowly and intentionally, fully unhurried. In that second, time appeared to decelerate alongside the tortoise, inviting me to pause, breathe, and easily be current. 

© Tee Sindler / WWF-US

One Final Second

After days of island hopping and nonstop journey, Tortoise Camp was the pause I didn’t know I wanted. It gave me area to replicate, to soak up, and to let the expertise settle into my bones. 

Earlier than my journey to the Galapagos, I by no means gave a lot thought to having a bucket listing. Certain, I’d jot down locations every now and then and assume, “Yeah, I ought to add that to my bucket,” but it surely was extra of an off-the-cuff thought, half full at greatest. A bucket crammed with locations and experiences I believed have been in attain—attainable, however by no means too far-fetched. 

Now, I see that half-empty bucket for what it really was—lacking the unimaginable, the breathtaking, the awe-inspiring locations just like the Galapagos. Locations I by no means really believed I’d get to see on this lifetime. 

Discovery to Belonging 

I’m past grateful to WWF, Nat Hab, and the superb individuals who shared this unforgettable ten-day journey with me. We boarded as strangers, every carrying our personal tales, expectations, and quiet hopes for what this journey may maintain. However by the tip, one thing had shifted. Shared surprise has a approach of softening the sides between individuals.

Someplace between snorkeling periods, wildlife sightings, and laughter over meals, we turned greater than fellow vacationers. We turned a type of household. I walked away with a full coronary heart and a bucket that’s formally overflowing. 

As I sat within the airport ready for my flight again to DC, I discovered myself reflecting on what I hadn’t been capable of put into phrases on that first day. This journey wasn’t one thing I may merely file away or verify off a listing. It was a real journey crammed with surprise—encountering animals I’d by no means seen earlier than, taking in landscapes so surreal they felt virtually otherworldly, and experiencing moments that caught me fully off guard.

Just like the time a short-eared owl confidently approached somebody in our group and, and not using a trace of hesitation, started inspecting her mountain climbing boots—completely unfazed by our presence. It was moments like that that made the entire journey really feel particular and unforgettable. There’s a lot extra of this unimaginable planet to discover, and I can’t wait to see what’s subsequent. 

My bucket runneth over. 

A group of people in blue life jackets waving from a small boat on the water

Our group aboard the Tip High IV as we put together for a day of wildlife exploration. © Tee Sindler / WWF-US

Discover the Enchanted Isles for your self on a sustainable Galapagos journey with Nat Hab and WWF!