Sophie Nelson, trade partnerships manager at HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, shares her recent trip to Galapagos!

"In the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too), those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed." – Charles Darwin
As we boarded the Santa Cruz II, we were greeted by a series of framed quotes from Charles Darwin, setting the tone for our Galapagos adventure with HX. The excitement of the islands, their landscapes, wildlife, and people soon took over, and we couldn’t wait to explore.
Our expedition to the Galapagos Islands felt like the ultimate safari, packed with variety and wonder. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by land iguanas as we disembarked our flight, and within an hour, we boarded our first zodiac, waving goodbye to sea lions lounging with their pups. And this was just the beginning!
The journey began with a delicious lunch on board. HX prides itself on sourcing local ingredients, allowing us to indulge in authentic Galapagueño cuisine. With each meal, we felt more connected to the islands, and by the end of the trip, we’d definitely added a few pounds (but hey, we knew we’d be burning it off with all the adventures ahead!).
Photos from Sophie's personal archive @Sophie Nelson.
While we enjoyed lunch, we set sail for Santa Cruz Island. Our first encounter with one of the "Big 15" came shortly after: Frigate Birds soaring above us, feeding on fish rising to the surface of the sea. The landscape felt almost prehistoric—like something out of Jurassic Park. We headed off on a hike from a stunning white sand beach, where we were greeted by Marine Iguanas, Land Iguanas, Sally Lightfoot Crabs, and even Flamingos! Our expert Naturalist, Danny, guided us through the rich wildlife and breath-taking landscapes.

The next morning, we woke up on Isabela Island and hopped into our first zodiac cruise. It was a surreal experience watching Blue-footed Boobies dive into the sea in unison—each ‘plop’ echoing in the air. It truly felt like being part of a David Attenborough documentary. We also had our first encounter with baby Fur Seals, frolicking in the water and playfully inviting us to join them!
Our journey then took us to Fernandina Island, where we were greeted by a Sea Lion at the bridge before embarking on a hike. The islands just kept surprising us with their unique charm.
Photos from Sophie's personal archive @Sophie Nelson.
One of the most memorable stops was at the Charles Darwin Research Station, where we got up close to Galapagos tortoises of all ages—from the young 2-year-olds to the ancient 150-year-olds. Watching them leisurely enjoy their lunch and then nap was a reminder to slow down and embrace life’s simple pleasures.
Next, we visited a local family farm, where we learned how sugar cane, coffee, chocolate, and even moonshine were produced. It was a wonderful opportunity to support the community, and we enjoyed a delicious lunch before purchasing some local goods. Later, we ventured into the national park for a walk among the wild tortoises. These majestic creatures were everywhere, camouflaged against the rocks—at first glance, you could almost mistake them for stones!
Photos from Sophie's personal archive @Sophie Nelson.
Returning to the ship, we were treated to BBQ snacks on the Alfresco Deck and a refreshing Piña Colada. As the evening settled in, we went to the top deck for stargazing. What we witnessed next was nothing short of magical: a Galapagos Shark, Pelican, and Sea Lion all feeding together in the same area. It was like something out of a dream, and we even saw a Sea Lion give the Shark a playful nip for bumping into it!
Our expedition continued to islands like Rabida, Bartolome, Floreana, Santiago, and Genovesa, where we participated in various activities such as snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, paddleboarding, zodiac cruising, and plenty of hikes. Each new day brought fresh adventures, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with the islands and their inhabitants—especially the Sea Lions!
The level of conservation and responsible tourism in the Galapagos was evident. The wildlife was so unafraid of humans, offering incredible close-up encounters. Baby sea lions would often waddle right up to you, while Blue and Red-footed Boobies perched just a few feet away. Marine Iguanas basked on the rocks beside walking paths, completely at ease.
As our journey came to an end, it was hard to say goodbye to the islands, and especially to Danny, our knowledgeable and passionate naturalist. No question about the Galapagos was too difficult for him—he truly was an oracle of knowledge about this unique ecosystem.

A Galapagos expedition with HX is, without a doubt, the best way to immerse yourself in the local culture, wildlife, and landscapes. It provides a rare opportunity to experience a destination like a local, while also ensuring that tourism contributes positively to the local community and conservation efforts.
The Galapagos Archipelago, with its more than 200 islands, remains a sanctuary for wildlife, with humans being merely visitors in their world. For once, we were not the dominant species, and that feeling of awe and humility will stay with me forever.
Now, as I look back on this extraordinary experience, I’m already planning my next trip to the Galapagos—I can’t wait to return!
About the author

Sophie Nelson is Trade Partnerships Manager at HX Hurtigruten Expeditions and travelled to Galapagos in December, 2024.
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