We aren’t going to Galapagos on Sava. We thought we would go but plans change. Fortunately, we flew and ferried to some of the islands in 2015, and loved our time there. The photos in this post are from that memorable visit.
Domino
It’s a new rule but Galapagos doesn’t allow cats, and we have Domino. Galapagos is a protected National Park with endangered indigenous animals, so they won’t admit potentially invasive animals.
Since Domino is a respected crew member on Sava, we have no choice but to skip it and sail somewhere else. Domino is 13 years old, and she’s spent more time on the boat than we have since she doesn’t leave it.
I haven’t posted any photos of Domino lately so here’s a few for those who love her!
A stopover in Galapagos would have been great to break up our Pacific passage, but we can’t abandon Domino. She’s really been a gem since we plopped her out of her peaceful Toronto existence onto this crazy boat life.
You Should Go to Galapagos
Fortunately we already spent some time in The Galapagos. If you take anything away from this post it’s to add it to your bucket list, especially if you like animals. Visiting here is unique, because the animals are so well protected, they are treated as the owners of the land and everything on it. We humans are just borrowing it.
The world is changing all the time, species evolve, and The Galapagos is like nowhere else on Earth. Fortunately, we’ve been there already so aren’t too bothered by this hitch in our plans.
If Not Galapagos
Since before we sold our house, we’ve discussed what to do and where to go next. We’ve batted around multiple ideas. One option included selling Sava and buying a newer boat in Europe, others involved sailing Sava to Guatemala or Mexico. We didn’t buy a newer boat, because Sava is well outfitted for our lifestyle and we keep making her better. Every time we discuss where to go next, we come back to the South Pacific. Neither of us has been, and we look forward to visiting the islands, meeting the people, and exploring the underwater world.
The trip is daunting, especially without the stop in Galapagos, which is almost a third of the way to French Polynesia. The trip to Nuku Hiva, where we can check in to the country, will take us between 20-30 days.
Over the next couple of weeks we’ll be provisioning (which should be easier than during a lockdown), planning, getting visas, and making other arrangements before sailing the 3000+ nautical miles to French Polynesia. It’s a long trip considering Antigua to Bonaire is our longest voyage yet. But after 3 years in the Caribbean, it’s time to stretch ourselves.
Have you been to The Galapagos? And if not, why? Let me know in the comments.
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Domino or The Galápagos…no brainer????????????????
That sounds like a very long trip ahead…be safe you guys. ????
You got that right, Kathy! She’s family!
Would love to go to Galapagos one day! Shame you couldn’t go this time but Domino is way to cute to leave behind!
Oh Leah I hope you get there! We’re fortunate we’ve already been so it makes it easier to choose Domino!
I didn’t get to go to the galapagos on my most recent trip (and only trip lol) to Ecuador because it was a bit out of my budget, happy you got to make it there at some point!
Wow Katie that’s too bad. We got lucky with a real deal on flights and found really affordable hotels! Good for you for sticking to your budget.
super disappointed your trip did not work as you had hoped… the animals look adorable.. hope you get a redo soon!
Galapagos is definitely on my bucket list as well, havent been able to go there yet. Sounds like you have a long trip ahead, hope it goes well and Domino enjoys it too
The Galapagos are very, very high on my bucket list. However, I can completely understand why you would not visit. I wouldn’t be able to abandon Domino either.
You should.go Cris! It helps that we’ve already been but I would go again!
Just got back from a 10 day Galapagos cruise..best vaca ever!!