If balanced, delicious meals are your thing, then you’ve likely already heard of famed celebrity chef and cookbook author, Gaby Dalkin. Turns out Gaby’s other passion is travel. Since she was a little girl, Gaby’s family has planned surprise vacations every year—Gaby and her younger sister had no idea where they were going until they actually arrived at their destination!
To recapture some of that childhood excitement, Gaby planned a surprise luxury cruise to the Galapagos Islands with Quasar Expeditions, inviting along the entire team behind What’s Gaby Cooking. Having already enjoyed Quasar’s exquisite accommodations and attentive service during two sojourns to Patagonia, Gaby was looking forward to exploring the breathtaking natural landscapes and iconic wildlife of the Galapagos on Quasar’s luxury Evolution yacht.
Remarkably, within 3 hours after Gaby’s cruise to the Galapagos was published online, it was sold out! That might have something to do with her smart decision to experience April in the Galapagos, when the water is at its warmest, the islands are bright green, and breeding flamingos give pops of gorgeous color to the dreamlike landscapes of the Galapagos archipelago.
We caught up with Gaby after her adventure to learn more about why she loved every minute of her luxury cruise in the Galapagos, from thrilling details about swimming with sharks to tasty breakfasts to what adventures she’s planning next!
10 Questions for Gaby About April in the Galapagos
1. What first interested you in taking a trip to Galapagos?
After traveling to Patagonia with Quasar twice, I knew Galapagos was next on our list. Before we got to go, my parents went with some friends on the Grace and said it was out of this world amazing. From there, it was only a matter of time until we made plans to go!
2. What did you think about this experience and would you recommend this to other groups?
GABY DALKIN: “10000% yes. Anything Quasar touches is gold. This trip was no exception. It's an incredible adventure and if you're up for an adventure, this will be the trip of a lifetime.”
3. What did you think about the guides on your trip?
GABY DALKIN: “Bolo, Hernan and Monica are a dream. They were so knowledgeable about everything we were seeing and doing. And I loved that each had a different passion. For example, Hernan was all about sharks. And when we first went snorkeling together, I told him I was afraid of sharks.
He looked at me and said, Gaby, by the end of day 2 you'll be swimming towards the sharks. Obviously I was like... NOT A CHANCE SIR... and then low and behold 24 hours later I was swimming right alongside a gentle shark watching it float through the ocean. Otherworldly!”
4. Did you have a favorite meal/dish on the cruise?
GABY DALKIN: “Breakfast was always a highlight for me. Anytime I can wake up to freshly sliced fruit, scrambled eggs and a juice of the day... jackpot!”
5. Did you have a favorite dish/meal during your stay in mainland Ecuador?
GABY DALKIN: “The brownies we had when we went to a chocolate tasting in Quito absolutely blew my mind. Also a quinoa risotto. We didn't get to spend a ton of time in Quito, but the 24 hours we were there before heading to the islands were delish and memorable!”
6. How did Galapagos differ from other destinations you have traveled to?
GABY DALKIN: “I think the coolest thing about Galapagos was how incredibly close you got to be to the animals. Seeing blue footed boobies from a few meters away is wild! Watching sea lions glide off the rocks and into the water, truly spectacular. All that combined with being on a beautiful but small boat made the experience extra special.”
7. What surprised you the most about the trip?
GABY DALKIN: “The beautiful animals! And the amount of knowledge that the nature guides were able to share with us before our time was up!”
8. Do you have any tips for groups interested in traveling to Galapagos?
GABY DALKIN: “I loved that we traveled with a smaller group—so I'd say if you can, go with a handful of friends who are also ready for an adventure!”
9. What would you say was your top trip highlight?
GABY DALKIN: “Diving with 50 hammerhead sharks one morning!! Swimming that close to sharks—I've never done that before!”
10. What’s next on your travel bucket list?
GABY DALKIN: “I'm dying to go to Rwanda/Uganda to see the mountain gorillas! I'm also excited to start taking my daughter on adventures regardless of where we go. Seeing the world through her eyes is pretty incredible and I can't wait to expose her to new cities, cultures, food and people!”
A Magnificent Year-Round Cruise Destination
While April in the Galapagos is magical, there’s really no bad time to visit these remarkable islands. Each month has something unique to share with curious travelers who have a passion for exploring and an appreciation for thoughtful luxury. Gaby’s cruise to the Galapagos with Quasar continues to inspire those who, like Gaby, prioritize the finer things in life: food, travel, and adventure.
