Unforgettable Galapagos Adventure with Smart Galapagos I just returned from an 8-day “Galapagos 360 Tour A” with Smart Galapagos, and it was truly the trip of a lifetime. Every detail was thoughtfully planned and executed, and I felt completely taken care of from the moment I arrived. Pre-Trip & Planning: Booking was smooth, and the communication leading up to the trip was excellent. Juan Pablo, my Galapagos travel assistant, was incredibly attentive throughout the entire trip. I was traveling solo, so I leaned on him more than I normally would—and he always came through. He even had a Gatorade delivered to me one morning when I woke up not feeling well. That level of care and thoughtfulness really stayed with me. Trip Highlights: Each day brought new adventures and incredible wildlife encounters: • Day 1: I was warmly welcomed and started off with a visit to Los Gemelos volcanic craters and a walk through a lava tunnel. Seeing giant tortoises in the wild was surreal. • Day 2: We explored North Seymour, where we took a scenic hike and saw so much stunning wildlife—frigate birds with their puffed-up red chests, bright red Sally Lightfoot crabs, and learned about the spiritual and aromatic palo santo trees. Then came the snorkeling—my second time snorkeling ever, the first being almost 25 years ago—and what a reintroduction it was! The water was crystal clear, and one of the first things I passed underwater was a large shark. • Day 3: A peaceful morning walk to Tortuga Bay was followed by a ferry ride to Isabela Island, where I spotted flying fish skimming the waves! • Day 4: This was an incredible wildlife day! We kayaked around Tintoreras, where I saw blue-footed boobies and Galápagos penguins up close. The kayaking ended with a fun little surf into shore—such a cool way to land! Snorkeling there brought me face-to-face with reef sharks and sea turtles, and the water was full of life. • Day 5: Snorkeling the lava tunnels at Cabo Rosas was jaw-dropping: I saw manta rays, seahorses, a curious octopus, and vibrant schools of fish. • Day 6: After a final snorkel at La Calera, I flew to San Cristobal, soaking in gorgeous views from the air. • Day 7: The 360° tour was the perfect way to wrap up. We snorkeled near Kicker Rock, and I even saw a giant clam—my first ever. • Day 8: A smooth transfer to the airport and one last moment to soak up the island vibes. Other Personal Favorites: I really enjoyed Galápagos beer—a refreshing treat after full days in the sun and sea. And I’ll never forget the flamingos at Bachas Beach, peacefully feeding as if right out of a dream. Accommodations & Overall Experience: All the hotels were clean and well-located. The ocean-view rooms on Isabela were especially peaceful. The guides were knowledgeable, kind, and clearly passionate about protecting the islands. The restaurants included on the tour were also amazing. Final Thoughts: If you’re looking for an immersive, well-curated, and unforgettable Galapagos experience, I highly recommend Smart Galapagos. Traveling solo can sometimes feel intimidating, but I felt incredibly supported every step of the way. There were always people on the ground where I was staying to help me if I needed it although I usually forgot and ended up contacting him and he would contact the local people for me and take care of everything . I am very grateful to him because I didn’t feel alone. I left feeling the Galápagos awe-struck, and grateful. I am planning on returning in December to try to see the Albatross birds and do some more kayaking and hopefully paddle boarding too (with Smart Galapagos)!😌😃🥳