Galapagos Islands Revisited – The Naturalist Guide Sets the Tone

With each return to the Galapagos Islands, I find myself learning new details that I missed (or wasn’t privy to) the last time around. No two visits have been the same (even though I have revisited many of the same visitation sites). No two boats have been the same (similar maybe, but different), and obviously, no two Naturalist guides have been the same.

On my four different cruises in the Galapagos Islands I have experienced a range of Naturalist guides – none of them bad (thankfully), but some better than others.  While everyone is different and unique (some extroverts and others introverts, some that have a deep passion for their job while for others it is merely a way to make a living etc) – the Naturalist guide on any given Galapagos Islands cruise will set the tone for your overall experience.  Don’t get me wrong, the rest of the crew are important (i.e., Captain, mechanic, panga driver, cabin attendant, waiter, barman etc) but in my direct experience, the guide(s) will “make or break” your overall experience and appreciation of the Galapagos Islands.

To give you a real working example, I remember my first visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora when I was aboard the M/Y Darwin Explorer.  I not only had a poor impression of the Station but found it rather boring.  However, this all changed when I revisited it once again during a cruise aboard the M/C Treasure of Galapagos.  In reality, nothing had changed in the Station (at least not to my observation) but I thoroughly enjoyed the visit.  Why?  Most probably because the guide was more animated, passionate and went into great efforts to explain and detail the interesting and unusual aspects of the site.

There are guides that seem to ramble from (what appears to be) memorized and rather monotonous speeches, while there are others that, like the Galapagos wildlife, constantly adapt.  These guides mold themselves around the interests and questions of the people he or she is guiding.  Much was the case with Carlos aboard the M/V La Pinta, who would go into greater detail when someone showed an interest or curiosity about something in particular.

Then there is the enthusiasm (or passion) level … which you can spot from a mile away.  Some guides don’t appear to be passionate (or once were and have lost that edge) about their important task … teaching, educating, guiding and leading.  These guides generally lack the patience, understanding, tolerance and enthusiasm required to fulfill their job.  Guiding for these sorts seems to be a job, a means to earn a salary, not a vocation.

Then you have the more desirable end of the spectrum, guides that are guides by vocation …. those that have enthusiasm, knowledge, experience, joy, patience and understanding oozing out of their pores – and it seems contagious. An upbeat, energetic, knowledgeable and social guide is a gem.  It is important to mention that language is an important thing to consider.  All guides speak Spanish fluently. Some guides have a better grasp of the English language (and possibly others like French, German, Italian, Portuguese etc) than others.  If you are fortunate to take a cruise with one of them, be appreciative, because not of all of the guides are like that!

When it comes to traveling with children, this is truly where the gem guides can be detected.  This was the case aboard the M/V La Pinta where I felt fortunate to have three highly qualified, experienced, knowledgeable Naturalist guides leading us on different days.  My young children (6 & 7 years old) felt not only very comfortable with all the guides (especially Mariza and Carlos), but these guides seem to demonstrate  extraordinary patience and understanding with them …. explaining and describing things in a fun and interactive manner.  The Naturalist guide that stood out was Carlos, who engaged the children in a unique, interesting and enjoyable learning venture.

You must keep in mind that the Naturalist guides often have to deal with, well, the idiosyncrasies of tourists.  It is only fair to look at the panorama from both ends of the spectrum.  Much like guides, there are all kinds of tourists – from your easy-going, relaxed and joyful to your difficult, demanding and sour.  Dealing with the more challenging tourists can cause wear and tear on the guides. That being said, the more experienced guides tend to bounce back quickly, dusting themselves off and continuing with their tasks.

I suppose it is much like comparing school teachers.  There are those that connect with the pupils, and those that don’t.  There are teachers that, although very knowledgeable on their specific material lack the subtle social skills to reach their audience. Then you have those teachers that, in some big or small way, made a difference for you.  A kind word, a thoughtful insight, patience to explain things until you understood, or simply because their enthusiasm and passion for what they were doing had the natural effect of causing a positive impact.

Note: For those interested the boats listed on this page are those that are recommended and generally carry the more desirable guides.

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