The Ultimate Bucket List Trip to the Galapagos

For many, the Galapagos Islands are the ultimate destination for witnessing wildlife in its purest form. But for me, the experience was far deeper — it awakened a true appreciation for nature and its wonders. When animals can roam without fear, their natural behaviors unfold before your eyes, creating unforgettable moments.

Our adventure began after 18 months of planning, with a luxury Celebrity cruise as the centerpiece. What started as a girls’ getaway grew into something even more special when we added Machu Picchu to our journey — a decision that turned out to be brilliant.

Found my first sea lion at the airport

We arrived at Baltra Airport and spent two nights on Santa Cruz Island before boarding our ship. Our stay at Acacia Boutique Hotel was both beautiful and convenient, close to the marina, restaurants, and lively bars. Taxis were easy to find, and the island felt completely safe. Watching sea lions wander freely around town was both strange and wonderful. We used our pre-cruise days to stroll downtown, tour a tortoise ranch, and search for marine life — every moment was filled with excitement. Anticipation grew as we prepared to board the Celebrity Flora and begin our luxury cruise.

On Sunday, we returned to the airport for our transfer to the ship. Celebrity made everything effortless by handling our luggage and all logistics. Once aboard, we were fitted with snorkel gear and wetsuits before enjoying a delicious buffet lunch.

A word of advice: avoid drinking tap water anywhere in South America or the Galapagos, as it’s highly contaminated — even brushing your teeth with it can make you sick. I learned this the hard way, falling ill early on (likely at the Quito airport hotel). Thankfully, Celebrity’s medical team helped me recover quickly, allowing me to fully enjoy the rest of the trip.

Each day brought new adventures, with two excursions — one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Whether you wanted an active hike, a gentle stroll, or a deep dive into exploration and snorkeling, there were plenty of options led by knowledgeable naturalists. You could choose any activity that matched your mood; there were no limits on group sizes, ensuring everyone could join in.

This journey is truly designed for animal lovers, bird enthusiasts, and those seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences. We encountered three types of boobies — blue-footed, Nazca, and red-footed — as well as sea lions basking in the sun and swimming nearby. Lizards and iguanas were everywhere, and giant tortoises captured our hearts. Each excursion was led by a naturalist that taught you about the animal and made each moment interesting. Once we even got on the zodiac to locate a pod of dolphins that were playing nearby.

The Celebrity Flora is perfect for those who appreciate luxury and comfort while exploring nature. Our stateroom was cozy and well-appointed, featuring a balcony for soaking in stunning views, double sinks, and a luxurious shower. Each cabin included a water filtration system for added peace of mind. While there are larger suites available, our room suited us perfectly. The Flora has an open bridge where you can make reservations at guest services to do a bridge tour.

Dining was a highlight of the cruise. The main dining room offered a diverse buffet for every meal, along with à la carte dinner options catering to all tastes and dietary needs. An outdoor grill provided another delicious option for lunch or reservation-only dinners — a must-try experience! With only 100 guests onboard this small expedition ship, it was easy to form connections with fellow travelers.

It was a dream realized — a luxury adventure into nature that I hope everyone can experience at least once in their lifetime. Contact me today to plan your own Galapagos Adventure.