TICKING OFF THE BUCKETLIST IN THE GALAPAGOES BY PETER SHANKS, SILVERSEA


14 CRUISE NEWS


DIVING INTO AN


IN the second of his two-part series, Peter Shanks, Silversea’s Managing Director – UK, Ireland, Middle East and Africa, recently returned from a trip to the Galapagos in April, at the end of the rainy season. He shares his experiences, both onboard Silver Origin and off...


AT the end of the walk we stood in silence by a beautiful lagoon taking in all around us as the sun started to set. To see all that life – and death – and to see it all so close up and with so many species living in such harmony was an experience I shall never forget.


Montemar’s giant tortoises


And how could I nearly forget to mention the giant tortoises. We went to the Montemar Tortoise Reserve on Santa Cruz. They are enormous; a male weighs up to 600 pounds. It was a beautiful reserve up in the highlands and very green. The tortoises can go wherever and whenever they like and everybody is in awe and respectful of them. They were nearly extinct at some stage in Galapagos but are now thriving on several of the islands which is terrific. And if that is not enough wildlife on land, another highlight came on our last nature hike on the most southerly island of Espanola – the nesting pace for the famed and elusive albatross. We trekked across a rocky path and came across our first albatross actually sitting on the path as we passed by. That was exciting enough but moments later we were amongst hundreds of albatross – some sitting on nests, some flirting with


potential partners and many soaring


effortlessly above the impressive sea cliffs. They are glorious birds – with a wingspan of some eight feet. We sat on the cliff edge watching the lively sea crashing against the cliffs several hundred feet below us – the air was full of soaring albatross, boobies and gulls whilst at the same time we were surrounded by marine iguanas. This was definitely an expedition – not least as on return to the beach we had to time our dash across the rocks to avoid the surf and jump into the zodiacs back to the ship as the sun went down.


Life at sea Shark! On hearing that our


first instinct would normally be to freeze in terror or be reminded of Jaws.


Whilst


deep water snorkeling in Galapagos and hearing the word ‘shark’ then it’s a case of where – can I get closer – let


ADVENTURE


JUST BACK FROM THE GALAPAGOES: PART TWO BY PETER SHANKS, SILVERSEA


me see. We had seen many smaller sharks in the protected mangroves and surfing for fish in the waves close to the beach. But on this snorkel we found ourselves floating above 10 or more White Tipped Sharks – each about 6 foot long. They are beautiful creatures and looked very calm as they lurked below us. We saw so many different fish, often swimming


in large schools and taking no interest or changing direction as we swam past them. Our expedition guides led us through each snorkel – and it’s so well organised. On arrival every guest receives their dive bag – with previously sized wetsuits, flippers and snorkel. After each snorkel outing everything is cleaned and then stored down on the boarding platform


b y


Basecamp. On the first day


there is a beach trip where all the kit can be tried out and then o n most days


there is


Guests can snorkel as often as they like and I managed it most days. I noticed that whether you were snorkeling novice or expert, the guides put everybody at ease and pointed out the many different species underwater.


Silver Origin a


deep water snorkel. We go out by zodiac ready to snorkel led by a guide. We then prepare together and launch into the ocean, normally alongside a reef or cliff and the guide leads us through 45-60 minutes of exploration. We snorkelled with rays, sharks, penguins and sea turtles.


I had a magical Galapagos moment when


surrounded by six or seven sea lions that played with me for a few minutes including a rather large male who swam right up to me, released a bubble right in front of me, and then popped it with his nose. I’d heard that in Galapagos it’s the sea lions that always steal the show and I had my own memorable close encounter with them. At the end of the dive we would return to basecamp – with towels and hot tea waiting as we all swapped stories as to who saw what and how big it was. Only on Silversea are you welcomed back onto the landing platform by our butlers with towels, robes and a glass of champagne.


Silver Origin is designed for Galapagos and it does not take long for it to feel like home. Partly that’s because it’s the first ship Silversea have designed specifically for the destination – and it really works. Basecamp is where we gather, then we’re led out to a briefing on the aft deck, and walk right onto the Zodiac. Physically, it’s designed to make that whole experience of gettting on and off the ship so seamless. As our home for the two week cruise, there were favorite aspects. I loved the view from Deck 7, the sundeck, which is completely open (except for railings of course) for 360 degree views that change three times a day. The top open Deck 7 is exactly that, with both the outdoor Grill and Bar forward and relaxing deck aft open to the incredible views. Lunch on Deck 7 is a highlight, a chance for everybody to chat through the incredible sights of the morning. Dinner at the Grill includes the optional ‘Hot Rocks’


experience as well as other choices – popular but no


problem getting a reservation. The Observation Lounge right at


the front of Deck 7 is a lovely quiet space with panoramic windows over the bow, comfy chairs and many books on the


history, geology and wildlife of Galapagos. Up above that is the star-gazing area where after a few minutes to adjust our eyes we could clearly see the milky-way each evening. One tip – after a busy nature walk, a deep water


snorkel, or as the sun goes down – the aft Jacuzzi is just the job. The sunsets here on the equator are spectacular – and coincide with “Beer-O-Clock” at 6 p.m., a chance to reflect on each incredible day in Galapagos.


What’s Silver Origin Like? The Exploration Lounge is right at the heart


of the Silver Origin experience. It’s a quiet relaxing area during the day with coffee always on hand. Each evening we would all gather at 6:45 p.m., starting with a drink, a brief recap of the highlight of the day, a really interesting 30 minute lecture from one of the Expedition Team


– and then a briefing as to what lay ahead for us on the following day. We learned so much from the lectures on the history, geology and wildlife of Galapagos. That was followed by dinner from 7:30 p.m.


Lastly down to deck 3 and Basecamp. That is also a hubbub of activity. As well as the informal reception area it is where we would all gather prior to each adventure. We were split into Green and Blue group, all very efficient, and we were led out in small groups to the landing stage, briefed by our guide and then safely loaded onto the zodiacs. In port, Silver Origin is always at anchor, always at sea so zodiacs become a way of life. The crew and expedition guides are very safety conscious – and we all very quickly learned the zodiac protocols and ease of getting on and off.


Here’s Why the Expedition Team Makes This an Experience to Remember


The expedition team deserves a very special mention and is right at the heart of the experience. They are trained in every aspect of Galapagos and are, variouosly, experts in nature, geology and wildlife. Many, but not all, are from Galapagos. We got to know them very well because they are with you at every moment ashore, snorkeling or on the zodiacs constantly identify the vast array of things around you. They also conduct lectures in their area of


“ Moments later


we were amongst hundreds of albatross - some sitting on nests, some flirting with potential partners and many soaring effortlessly above the impressive sea cliffs


”


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