We expected unusual flora and fauna but the actual experience was amazing. We were told not to go within 2 metres of the animals but clearly they didn't conform, so we had to step over iguanas, avoid blue and red footed boobies from attempting to peck at us as they were nesteing on the paths, and allow sea lions to sniff our trousers. Great. Don't bother to invest in expensive telephoto lenses for this trip. We travelled on Monserrat, a 16-person motor yacht which sailed between the various islands overnight so giving us full opportunity to see the flora and fauna - much to be recommended than staying overnight in one of the islands. The boat is quite comfortable and the food plenty and adequate, but the cabins are cramped with little storage, as to be expected. Explore has no control over cabin allocation (something we feel they should) which seems to be random at the whim of the local captain, but try to avoid cabins 3 and 4 on the lower deck (very noisy and diesel fumes), whereas cabins 1 and 2 are an odd shape but have double bed, which we found ok but not good if you are not very agile. The port holes on the lower cabins are a joke - 30cms by 10 cms and so high they are almost impossible to see out from. The upper deck cabins have much more light with big windows but are no bigger.
Overall though a fantastic trip, and any local problems with the yacht etc are miniscule if your aim is to see the wildife. (GS -6th September 2011)
