Floreana Island

I might be writing these lines inspired by the fact that we have many kids on board, or it could be that I watched the film “Finding Neverland” only a few weeks ago, or because of my perpetual fascination for Peter Pan. It could just be the Galápagos magic or everything together. However, I can say that we all went back to our childhood today; we played in the caves, made magnificent discoveries, saw pirate ships and swam with the most beautiful mermaid-like creatures, the sea lions.

When we jumped in the water around Champion Islet, people of a wide age range (Nathaniel, our youngest guest on board, is only four) were transported to “Neverland.” Galápagos is Neverland – I am pretty sure of it. Each colourful sea star beneath the water looked like a precious pirate treasure. Champion red cinders covered by gigantic Opuntia cactus looked like the idyllic land of Peter Pan. We laughed so much, got lost among hundreds of black-striped salemas, and dove in to tease sea lions that flew through the water. The afternoon found us in Punta Cormorant, painted in green olivine crystals and pink greater flamingos. And we kept playing Neverland; smelling the incense-like scents of holy trees and imitating finches’ and flycatchers’ calls. During sunset time we built a sand castle, and left our dreams inside, well protected by the layered walls decorated with green sea urchins and volcanic rocks. It’s a strong castle that will for ever preserve our precious moments in Galápagos Neverland.