What Nobody Tells You About the Galápagos

What is the Galápagos really like once you get beyond the incredible wildlife photos? After two Galápagos trips for Desiree and one for Michael, we discovered that some of the things we remember most aren't necessarily what you see in the brochures. The Galápagos doesn't always feel like a traditional cruise. The landscapes aren't always what you expect. Wildlife encounters don't happen on your schedule. Some of your favorite moments may involve animals you never came specifically to see. And a surprising amount of the experience happens underwater. In this video, we're sharing the things nobody really prepared us for—including how full the days can feel, why the naturalists matter so much, what it's like being so close to wildlife, and why sometimes putting down the camera can give you the experience you'll remember most. And there was one surprise Desiree definitely didn't expect: after visiting the Galápagos a second time, she wants to return even more than she did after her first trip. If you're planning a Galápagos cruise—or trying to decide whether this bucket-list destination is right for you—we hope our experience helps you know what to expect. ▶️ WATCH NEXT: Antarctica vs Galápagos: Which Should You Do First? ▶️ GALÁPAGOS SERIES: Watch our complete Galápagos series for itinerary planning, ship size, costs, packing, mistakes and more. We're Desiree & Michael of 100 Countries & Counting. After 100 countries, 7 continents and 50+ cruises, we share what we've learned to help you make better bucket-list travel decisions. Subscribe for honest bucket-list travel advice, cruise experiences and practical lessons from the road. #Galapagos #GalapagosIslands #GalapagosCruise #BucketListTravel #ExpeditionCruise