Today is our last day in paradise, an adventure that seems unreal. We all bonded as one. Even though we are from different backgrounds, today we are one. The Galapagos brings magic to our souls and minds. Traveling from Fernandina to San Cristobal Islands, the youngest and one of the oldest islands in the archipelago, we went on an expedition, a journey of discovery through time.

San Cristobal Island is one of the oldest in the Galapagos. Today, we landed on a green olivine beach. We observed spectacular volcanic scenery during our intense hike. We bonded over our profound feelings while we enjoyed a moment in life that will live in our hearts forever. The high peaks of tuff make this site very different from what we have already observed.

Punta Pitt also has impressive scenery from up above. We could see the sometimes clear and sometimes cloudy sky, and occasionally the inversion layer kept us cool and pleasantly comfortable for the walk. Our senses were heightened as we listened to our surroundings while searching for red-footed boobies. Today we were lucky to see them up close. Soon after, we enjoyed beach time. We played with the fun sea lions and observed them on the beach.

Later, we repositioned to Cerro Brujo for our last walk over a white sandy beach. We took in views of the turquoise ocean and the sea lions.

What a wonderful way to say goodbye to the Galapagos. Today was particularly special, for it was spring tide. The ocean was magical, sending in waves of different lengths and frequencies on the wonderful white sand beach.

After we boarded the ship and as the sun set on the horizon, we passed Kicker Rock. The impressive and massive tuff formation stands out along the shoreline. Today was our last full day in Galapagos. As we gathered in the lounge to celebrate life, frigatebirds flew nearby, as though they were saying goodbye.

We made it to the Galapagos. We have a deep appreciation for those who made it here before us. Today, we felt honored to be part of this unforgettable experience. We hope one day that we all have the will and power to make positive changes in this wonderful world of ours.

Our expedition is now over. Life goes on, but we know this place, which can never be fully described, has changed many lives. We all came here with different backgrounds, and we shared in a magic that will exist in our minds forever.

“We must rethink our indoctrinated acknowledge, the methodical saying ‘don’t humanize the animals’ and instead ‘animalize the human’ by perceiving our surrounding with all our senses; embracing nature with our true-spirit by coexistence and respect for one another, so we can become one with nature as we once were.”

-Celso Montalvo.

Farewell, amigos.