Passion for the islands

Ruly’s undivided attention to his travelers was exceptional, but not only for educational purposes. Ruly has also dedicated himself to the preservation of the Galapagos Islands, so much so that he only sees his wife and children once every few months. His passion for the islands was undoubtedly the most powerful experience for me throughout the entire trip. It was his duty to make sure that travelers left the Galapagos feeling empowered to help preserve the islands and take responsibility for their presence on the islands. I appreciated this take and how serious he was about preservation. Too many of us (privileged) travelers take for granted the incredible places we visit. We think that by just paying for a trip to go there, we are keeping everything in order. It’s not true. Places like the Galapagos require more than just tourist dollars. They require understanding, education, and knowledge about the area so they can be appropriately preserved by the experts.

My father and I soaked in the islands with awe and wonder. There’s nothing to compare the islands to and no experience just like it. We felt blessed to share these days with others who share a similar passion for our natural world. And not to mention, our ship, the Endemic, was brand new in the Galapagos Islands and provided each traveler with comfort, delicious food, and friendly Ecuadorian staff throughout.