Who wishes they weren’t stuck at home thanks to a pandemic and could travel right about now? Maybe to somewhere wild, watery, and wonderful like the Galápagos Islands (just like Henley and Graeme in my debut rom-com, Shipped, out 1/19/21)?

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Well, did you know you can explore the Galápagos virtually, right now, from your very own home?

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To scratch that travel itch and dive deeper into the magical backdrop of Shipped, I’ve created a list of my favorite resources to help you virtually explore the Galápagos Islands. So put on your explorer’s cap (or your comfiest pair of pajamas) and let’s go!

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1) Dive into Galápagos with a Documentary

Why not start by kicking back with a bowl of popcorn and indulging in a documentary about the Galápagos? There are several excellent choices. Below are three I recommend—two I’ve seen, and one that looks promising—so take your pick!

2) Experience a Virtual Expedition to the Galápagos with Lindblad Expeditions

In case you’ve never heard of Lindblad Expeditions, this small ship adventure cruise line has a partnership with National Geographic, and with 50+ years experience bringing travelers to the Galápagos, they lead the way in responsible travel, sustainability, and harnessing the power of travel for good (plus, they’re my personal favorite cruise company and the inspiration for Shipped‘s fictional Seaquest Adventures).

While the pandemic has temporarily halted travel, Lindblad Expeditions has put out some wonderful virtual resources to connect folks with wild places like the Galápagos Islands. Watch the video below for an awe-inspiring highlight reel of the famed wildlife of Galápagos (many of which make an appearance in Shipped!)

If you found yourself gasping while watching that video (because wow the wildlife is incredible!), check out some of my other favorite virtual expeditions from Lindblad below:

• Wildlife of Gardner Bay (where Henley & Graeme snorkel!)
• Ahhhh Moment: Galapagos Giant Tortoises
• Visiting Puerto Ayora, Galapagos

Bonus! For any parents out there feeling YIKES about potentially homeschooling in the fall, Lindblad Expeditions also has some fun, educational resources for kids on their website such as Virtual Expedition Kids’ Corner: Galapa-guess, How to Make Paper Beads (like artisans in the Galápagos), and more.

4) Immerse Yourself in the Beauty & History of Galápagos with a Book

Want a book that will look spectacular on your coffee table while also introducing you to the Galápagos Islands through beautiful photography and informative text? Look no further than…

Galapagos: Islands Born of Fire

Tui De Roy

A renowned photographer who grew up in the Galápagos, De Roy captures breathtaking scenes and her book is one of my favorites about the Islands. I recommend this updated 10th anniversary edition.

More book picks…because you can’t have too many books!

Some other fabulous books about the Galápagos I love are:

5) Explore the Charles Darwin Foundation’s Research Collections Online

If you want to venture down the rabbit hole of scientific research in the Galápagos from species names and IUCN status to climatology to maps, check out the Charles Darwin Foundation’s (CDF) dataZone. This collection of online databases is the product of 60 years of research in the Galápagos.

The mission of the Charles Darwin Foundation and its Research Station is to provide knowledge and assistance through scientific research and complementary action to ensure the conservation of the environment and biodiversity in the Galápagos Archipelago.

Charles Darwin Foundation, About Us

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What do you think? Are you ready to explore the Galápagos? Let me know which of my suggested resources was your favorite by commenting below!