My 2nd Galápagos Trip, His 1st — What Surprised Us Most

Our second Galápagos trip for Desiree — and Michael’s very first. We thought we knew what to expect. We didn’t. After visiting 100 countries and all 7 continents, it takes a lot for a destination to genuinely surprise us. But the Galápagos did exactly that. For Michael, it was experiencing the Galápagos for the first time — getting incredibly close to wildlife, exploring stark volcanic landscapes, and discovering just how much of the experience happens both above and below the water. For Desiree, the surprise was completely different. Would returning to such a special bucket-list destination still have the same impact the second time? In this video, we share what surprised each of us most, including: 🦭 How close you really get to Galápagos wildlife 🌋 What the islands actually look like 🥾 How active a Galápagos expedition can be 🤿 Why snorkeling became one of the highlights of our trip 🐢 Why you shouldn't plan your trip around seeing one specific animal 🦭 The incredible baby sea lions we encountered ❤️ Why Desiree's second Galápagos trip felt completely different from her first One of our biggest takeaways? In the Galápagos, wildlife isn't just one excursion on the itinerary — wildlife IS the itinerary. And sometimes the moments you remember most aren't the ones you planned at all. COMING NEXT: How to Choose the Best Galápagos Itinerary — and why the itinerary you choose can completely change your experience. If you're planning a Galápagos trip — or wondering whether this bucket-list destination belongs on your list — subscribe and follow our complete Galápagos series. We're Desiree & Michael of 100 Countries & Counting. After 100 countries, all 7 continents, and 50+ cruises, we share our real-world experiences to help you make smarter decisions about bucket-list destinations, cruises, and expedition adventures. #Galapagos #GalapagosIslands #GalapagosTravel