Vegan Travel in Ecuador | Exploring the Galápagos Part 2

In this second part of our Ecuador adventure, Brighde takes us far from the mainland to one of the most magical places on Earth — the Galápagos Islands.

If you haven’t heard Part 1 yet (where we explored Guayaquil and Cuenca), you might want to start there — it sets the scene for this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Because in this episode, we’re boarding a Relais & Châteaux yacht and setting sail through the islands that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Think sea lions lounging on park benches, giant tortoises older than your grandparents, and blue-footed boobies doing their funny little dances.

“The Galápagos made me feel like a guest in a world where the animals don’t care I’m watching — they’re just living, and I’m lucky enough to join them.”- Brighde Reed

A group of sea lions sleeping on white sand with a cruise yacht anchored offshore in the Galápagos Islands. — WORLD VEGAN TRAVEL

🦭 Day 1: Sea Lions, Tortoises & Golden Sunsets

The adventure begins on San Cristóbal Island, where sea lions completely rule the place. They nap on benches, bark at each other on the beach, and steal every bit of attention.

Brighde and her travel group also visit the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Breeding Center, where they meet the famous giant tortoises — some over 100 years old! These gentle giants help shape the land just by walking through it, spreading seeds and creating little ponds wherever they go.

As the sun sets, blue-footed boobies dive into the ocean like tiny missiles, and the group watches sea lion pups splashing in the waves. It’s only the first day, and the islands already feel like another world.

🐠 Day 2: Snorkeling with Sea Lions & Hiking with Boobies

Day two starts at Cerro Brujo, a white coral beach with turquoise water. After a hilarious battle with wetsuits, the group jumps in for their first snorkel — and the sea lions are waiting!

Underwater, they twist, flip, and dart around like playful gymnasts. Even those nervous about snorkeling find themselves laughing and amazed as the sea lions swim circles around them.

Later, at Punta Pitt, the travelers hike to see all three kinds of boobies — blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca boobies — all nesting together. Add in frigatebirds with their giant red throat pouches, and it’s a full bird fashion show!

A sea lion relaxes beside red-and-green marine iguanas on a Galápagos beach during vegan travel in Ecuador. — WORLD VEGAN TRAVEL

🐢 Day 3: Española Island – Albatrosses, Iguanas & Pups

On Española Island, the group witnesses the waved albatross courtship dance, where pairs clack their beaks like castanets and bow to each other. These birds mate for life — it’s as romantic as it gets!

Meanwhile, bright red and green marine iguanas (nicknamed “Christmas iguanas”) sneeze salt and bask on the rocks. In the afternoon, everyone heads to Gardner Bay for more snorkeling — this time with curious pups and graceful sea turtles gliding by.

🌺 Day 4: Flamingos & Postcards on Floreana Island

The fourth day brings green-sand beaches, pink flamingos, and nesting sea turtles on Floreana Island. Brighde and the group snorkel among rays, reef fish, and even a few sharks — all calm and unbothered by humans.

Then comes a charming stop at Post Office Bay, where travelers leave postcards in an old barrel — a tradition started by whalers centuries ago. Visitors still hand-deliver these postcards today. Who knows, maybe one will find its way to your mailbox someday!

A giant Galápagos tortoise with a weathered shell rests in green grass during vegan travel in Ecuador.

🐢 Day 5: Giant Tortoises & Everyday Galápagos Life

In the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, giant tortoises roam freely through misty fields. Brighde describes them as “ecosystem engineers,” shaping the land just by existing.

The group also visits the Charles Darwin Research Station, learning about the breeding programs that protect these species. They even stop at the enclosure of Lonesome George, the last of his kind — a powerful reminder of why conservation matters.

Later, a walk through Puerto Ayora reveals vegan surprises like Beyond Burgers in local supermarkets — proof that even remote islands are embracing plant-based living!

🐧 Day 6: Penguins, Rays & Quiet Mangroves

After a climb up Bartolomé Island’s famous 350 steps, the reward is a postcard-perfect view of Pinnacle Rock. Snorkeling here brings incredible encounters — colorful fish, sea stars, playful sea lions, and even a tiny Galápagos penguin zooming by underwater!

The afternoon slows down at Black Turtle Cove, where the group silently drifts through mangroves, spotting rays and sea turtles in glass-calm water. It’s a peaceful, almost spiritual moment.

Red sesuvium plants and yellow shrubs overlooking the blue Pacific Ocean in Ecuador’s Galápagos. — WORLD VEGAN TRAVEL

🌵 Day 7: South Plaza & North Seymour – Farewell to Paradise

The final full day brings one last burst of color and life. On South Plaza, red succulents cover the ground, and golden land iguanas feast on cactus pads. On North Seymour, frigatebirds with balloon-like red pouches fill the sky, while blue-footed boobies dance for attention.

That evening, everyone gathers on the yacht for a farewell celebration — toasting to new friends, sea lions, tortoises, and the wild beauty of the Galápagos.

💚 Reflections: A Journey of Wonder & Respect

After seven days exploring the islands, Brighde reflects on what makes the Galápagos so special.

“The animals don’t perform — they simply live their lives, and you’re lucky enough to be a guest in their world.”- Brighde Reed

From snorkeling with penguins to watching albatross couples dance, this trip is more than a vacation — it’s a reminder of how beautiful and fragile our planet is.

And if you’re dreaming of your own vegan adventure to the Galápagos, you’ll want to plan early — our 2026 trips are already sold out, but pre-registration for 2027 is open now.

✈️ Listen to the First Part of this Mini-Series

🎧 Vegan Travel in Ecuador | Guayaquil & Cuenca Adventures Part 1
Or listen on your favorite podcast app.

🌍 Places Mentioned in This Episode

San Cristóbal Island – one of the islands in the Galápagos where sea lions, tortoises and blue-footed boobies meet.
Española Island – oldest island in the archipelago, home to waved albatross and red-green marine iguanas.
Floreana Island – known for its green-sand beaches, flamingos and “Post Office Bay” tradition.
Santa Cruz Island and the Charles Darwin Research Station – where giant tortoises roam and conservation work happens.
Bartolomé Island – the island with iconic Pinnacle Rock and volcanic landscapes.
North Seymour Island – renowned for frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies and land iguanas.