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Today was our last day in paradise, the adventure seems unreal. Now, we are all bonded together, even though we are from different generations and even centuries: Today we are one. The Galapagos brings magic to our souls and mind. We have traveled and seen Fernandina to San Cristobal islands, the youngest and one of the oldest in the archipelago, on an expedition, a journey of discovery through time.

San Cristobal Island is one of the eldest in the Galapagos. Today we landed on a green olivine beach. The volcanic scenery that we observed during our intense hike was spectacular; the peaks of tuff high in the sky make this site very different from what we have already observed.

Punta Pitt also has impressive scenery from up above – here we could see an impressive view of the clear, sunny sky and the inversion layer, keeping us cool and pleasantly comfortable for this walk. All our senses became aware, as we listened to our surroundings, and searched for red-footed boobies. Today we were lucky to see them very close. Soon after we enjoyed beach time, where we relaxed with fun sea lions and observed them playing on the beach. Today was particularly special, for we were lucky to see white spotted eagle rays mating, a moment that will stay in our hearts forever.

Later we repositioned to Cerro Brujo for our last walk over a white sandy beach and turquoise ocean, together with sea lions. It was a wonderful way to say good-bye to the Galapagos. We returned to the ship and repositioned to Kicker Rock, an impressive tuff formation standing massive out of the shoreline, as the sun was setting against the horizon.

We are now together at the bow celebrating life. We made it to the Galapagos, and it was not easy. There is a deep appreciation to all who come to visit the islands. Statistics say that out the 7 billion humans in this world, only a few make it here. Per year, Egypt sees 11 million visitors, Hawaii sees 7 million, Yellowstone Park gets 3 million, Machu Picchu has 1 million and finally, the Galapagos Islands get 163,000 visitors per year, a fraction comparing to other places, and even fewer children. This is why I say, today we were honored to be part of their unforgettable experience and hope one day they would have the will and power to make a positive change in this wonderful world of ours.

Our expedition is now over. Life goes on, but we are now sure this place has changed many lives; a place which can never be fully described. We all came with different backgrounds, different ages, and yet we are now one, sharing this magic which will exist in our hearts and minds forever.

“We must not acknowledge the methodical saying ‘don’t humanize the animals’ but instead ‘animalize the human’ by perceiving our surrounding with all our senses; embracing nature with our senses, and by coexisting and respecting one another, so we can become one with nature as we once were.”

—Celso Montalvo.

Farewell, amigos.