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Writer's pictureJoy Martinello

Why You Need the Galapagos Islands Now (And Why They Need You)



Are you finding it hard to watch world events unfolding? Perhaps, like me, you’re concerned that we’ve reached a new level of challenge. With climate change in the headlines almost daily, Covid-19 continuing, and more numerous instances of corruption and division surfacing than we’ve ever faced before, something must be done to bring more hope, happiness, and beauty into our lives.


I’m saying you need a trip to the wildlife-rich, otherworldly, (Covid safety-focused) Galapagos Islands right now because we need, as a people, to get as close to a magnificently beautiful, nature-focused destination as we can. The extraordinary wonders of the Galapagos, such as the funny blue-footed boobies doing their mating dances, the outrageous, bright yellow land iguanas evoking a miniature Jurassic Park, the psychedelic red, yellow, and blue Sally Lightfoot Crabs clambering over rocks, and the playful, happy baby sea lions who nudge you when you’re snorkeling will all bring you joy. They’ll change your heart and mind so you can face world events, and even more, you may be able to move the world in a more positive direction once you’ve experienced them.


Some people see travel as a selfish indulgence during difficult times, but what if the world--all of us--need you to be calm, peaceful, and happy so we can rely on you to make wise decisions that affect us all. Nature is a tonic that’s available to many of us every day, yet what if you could travel to an unbelievable place where you could be outside with the sun and sea, hiking, maybe with your kids or grandkids among animals that are hard to believe--that maybe you never knew existed? The wonder and excitement available to you there will lift you up making you more ready to calmly face what’s waiting for you at home.

Crabs in the Galapagos

And not only do you need the Galapagos Islands, the Galapagos Islands need you! According to international news station, France 24, when Covid-19 arrived in the Galapagos in February 2020, both tourism and science came to a grinding halt that is still negatively affecting residents and researchers today.


About 30,000 people live in the Galapagos and pre-Covid many shifted from habitat-damaging fishing practices to working in the ecotourism industry with the help of several sustainability-focused operators featured on Wild Nectar’s website. Because the Galapagos Islands are such a sensitive ecosystem, it’s very important that operators who support an ecotourism model be able to continue their work there. Ships like the National Geographic Endeavour II, the Santa Cruz, the Origin, the Petrel, and the Seaman Journey all support a sustainable tourism model necessary to the ongoing health of both the Galapagos community and the fragile ecosystem.


And there are some great specials on offer too, like this one on the Santa Cruz II.


So traveling to the Galapagos Islands would serve this beautiful place in addition to offering you a mental health boost that will serve all the people around you as well. Go to the Galapagos, be amazed, and feel better! We need you to feel joyful so we can all feel more hopeful. As the saying goes, “a rising tide lifts all boats!”



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