THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING GALÁPAGOS

Red-chested frigate birds, supersized tortoises, blue-footed boobies, green turtles and golden iguanas are among the galaxy of wonderful creatures you’re almost certain to encounter – at very close quarters – around Ecuador’s remote Galápagos archipelago.

David Attenborough has described the region as “the most spectacular explosion of biological diversity in the world”, and everyone’s favourite hero of natural history is not wrong.

I’m sailing on the maiden voyage of Ecoventura’s 20-passenger MV, and over one week we’re invited into a world of spectacular volcanic islands where the wildlife is, famously, unafraid of humans.