It was 8:00 AM in Alaska when I read the email from NAAEE letting me know the online auction would be closing that evening at 8 p.m. my time. I hadn’t paid any attention to the auction up to that point—I’d been distracted by a dozen other things happening in my life at the time. Curious about what was available to bid on, I followed the link to the website. Top of the list? A trip to the Galápagos!

Evolution and ecology were central themes in my undergraduate education (I was a biology major) and a trip to the Galápagos had loomed large in my imagination ever since. Someday, I had thought. In the last year I had begun looking into a possible trip to the Galápagos. That research indicated a cruise would be the way to visit the archipelago, but the costs of such a cruise seemed out of reach for a retired environmental educator and retired aquatic ecologist.

Here was a trip to the Galápagos organized by National Geographic, one of the most renowned exploration organizations in the world, and Lindblad, inventors of expedition cruising. AND the funds would benefit NAAEE, my professional organization and the premier organization advancing environmental education in North America. My husband Dan and I decided we would bid on it.  

I’m not sure any description can adequately capture the magic of the Galápagos…or the fun and relaxed luxury of the ship that was our home for a week. Comfortable cabin, delicious meals, lounge continually supplied with snacks, library full of reference material…the boat had it all. Moreover, the trip was an expedition, not a cruise: We were told to pack light (no fancy clothes necessary!), there was no assigned seating at meals (a wonderful way to meet all the other passengers aboard), and the emphasis of each day was on exploration—both by immersing ourselves physically in our environment and mentally through naturalists’ presentations. The entire crew was impressive, working from early morning to late night to facilitate every part of the expedition. They kept us fed, kept the ship tidy, and they packed each of our days with experiences: snorkeling, walks on shore, kayaking, zodiac rides to explore the shoreline, and talks related to the Galápagos. They made sure we, too, were going from early morning until late night!

There are not many places in the world where you can walk right by wild animals that are indifferent to your presence. The Galápagos is one. And because it is home to so many endemic species, you can get close to some unique creatures. We walked past blue-footed boobies engaged in courtship rituals that did not care about us at all, blue-footed boobies and frigate birds sitting on nests just a few feet—or inches!—from our feet, and giant tortoises munching leaves right next to us. On one hike, a Galápagos snake came slithering across the lava rock where we stood and was so unconcerned about us it went right between Dan’s feet! When snorkeling, the lack of concern was infectious: not only did we thrill at coming face to face underwater with penguins, sea lions, and marine iguanas, but the occasional shark that came swimming by didn’t cause any change in our adrenaline levels.