When our favourite scientist stumbled across the Galapagos Islands way back when, he found a treasure trove of natural wonders that led him to challenge generations of inherited wisdom. Well, here at Black Tomato, we like a challenger - and we think we've found the ideal Galapagos experience with a difference. Following in the footsteps of pirates, whalers, colonists and good old Charlie Darwin, you will re-discover the natural wonders of the spectacular Galapagos. But this time it will be up close and personal: by kayak.
With our exclusive access, you will paddle through aquamarine waters and past pristine beaches, as turtles come up for air right at your side. Surrounded by frozen lava flows you will feel like you are drifting across the moon, but nothing can take you further from the daily grind than the steep craggy rocks of San Salvador that loom above as Galapagos raptor Hawks soar overhead. Gliding into solitary bays, your only neighbours will be the indigenous sea lions, turtles, flamingos and iguanas going about their daily routines. Don't miss the opportunity to jump out of your kayak for a snorkel with the friendly fur seals - this is about as close to prehistoric nature as you can get.
And now for the (not so) nitty-gritty: Starting your trip in Ecuador's throbbing capital, Quito, you will have a day to stretch your legs. Explore the bustling city and blow some cash (because you won't need any on the Galapagos) in Otavalo, South America's largest market. The next day your adventure begins...
After a short flight to San Cristobal, you will meet your expert naturalist guide and settle into your home for the next eight days: the M/Y vision; Whilst Charlie disembarked the rather basic (a generous assessment) Beagle, you will hove into view on a 48ft, modern adventurers intrepid catamaran; away from large overbearing yachts and camera happy retirees you'll have the rare opportunity to get right up close to the action. Your evenings will be spent dining on exquisite shipboard cuisine under spectacular sunsets and drifting off to the gentle lap of waves.
As the boat sails silently by night, you'll wake each morning to a new and unique view. So each day, paddling your own kayak (other boats only offer 2 for the whole group) to a new white coral sand beach, you will discover a different island. After taking in the abundant wildlife, trekking to breathtaking viewpoints and exploring the cool caves and narrow channels of the coastline you will be picked up by your catamaran. And the best bit? It starts all over again the following day.
Every new dawn guarantees another awe-inspiring view and the urge to explore and discover is simply impossible to suppress. So don't bother. Who knows, maybe you'll be inspired to come up with a whole new theory of evolution; then again, maybe you'll leave all that to Darwin and simply enjoy the ride.
