Galapagos Islands was one of our must see destinations when we planned this trip. And Galapagos did not let us down. A very different place to where we have been before. Being a volcanic island group and being separated from the rest of the continents for 5 million years(the oldest islands), have made the flora and fauna very different from anything we have seen before. The first day we arrived we traveled to Santa Cruse were we were going to stay the 4 nights on the Galapagos. After getting settled in our hotel in Puerto Ayora, our guide took us to Charles Darwin Research station in Puerto Ayora. They breed Giant Tortoises here and release to their habitat when they are about 5 years old. When the first people came to the Galapagos Islands, pirates and whalers, they brought with them species like rats, cats, dogs, horses and cattles. To the Giant Tortoises this was a treat to their habitat and their eggs. And the specie was on the break of extinction. This is why they have several centers that breeds Tortoises in Galapagos. So far it has been a success. In the Charles Darwin Research Station they also had Land Iguanas.
One of the Giant Tortoises at Charles Darwin Research Station.
Land Iguana.
Day two we had a day trip to Isla Isabela 3 hour boat ride west of Santa Cruse. So much wildlife to see there, Galapagos penguins, Blue footed Bovine birds, sea lions, sharks, Marine Iguanas, Pelicans and Lava Lizards. The animals are not afraid of people so you can come close to them. It is not allowed to come closer than two meters to them, but sometimes that is really hard. Especially when the sea lions sleeps on the boardwalk. It is winter in Galapagos now and the water is quite cold. (20degrees C), but Bos snorkeled in a quiet laguna Lucas tried but thought it to cold. AE did not even go close..
3 Hour boat ride on with Lucas on Bos lap.
Galapagos penguine
More penguines on Isla Isabela.
Blue footed Bovine bird. Funny looking guy
Male Marine Iguana out swimming.
Red crab, not the best camouflage..
Pelicane
These guys have their camouflage sorted.
Heron looking for Marine Iguana eggs.
The sea lions played with the reef sharks.
A family portrait
Sea lions sleeping in a taxi boat.
After lunch we visited the Flamingo laguna and another Giant Tortoise breeding center. Altogether a 13 hour trip.
Day three we dressed for a day on the beach, but the agent had switced days so we went on another boat trip. This time to Isla Bartelomeo, one of the younger islands (only about two million years old). Not so much wildlife on this trip. But the guide took us up to a viewpoint and explained about the geology of Galapagos. Then more snorkeling for the viking. Lucas and AE stayed on the beach watching the pelicans and penguins. The Pelicans were diving for fish around the snorkelers.
Hardt to stay two meters from the wildlife..
Flamingo lake.
These tortoises was born approximately 1850-1860.
Lucas and Bos in one of the lava channel on Santa Cruise.
Male toirtoises in the wild fighting for their territory.
Lucas the tortoise.
A huge thank you to Geir and Neomi from Vikinka Travel for a fantastic journey.
Reiseselbekk's Blog 
It seems like this trip is a bit more “exploring” than the others. Now you have become more like Heyerdahl:-) Next time it is probably the Arctic that will catch your interest. Nice pictures and interesting Reading. Silje is now at the age where these experiences will be sought up and cherished for the rest of her life. Good choise.
People often ask us what was our favorite, or best place we have visited and the answer is always The Galapagos. Great pictures, thanks for bringing back fond memories.
Thank you! Really loved Galapagos.