| Galapagos
Islands
The enchanted Galapagos
Islands are located in the Pacific ocean some 1000 km
off the Ecuadorian coast. The Galapagos
province and region is formed by 8'010 sq.km of volcanic
islands, islets, rocks and boulders, and 70'000 sq.km
of marin area. Barely 18.700 residents live on the archipelago,
only the islands of San Cristóbal, Isabela and
Santa Cruz are inhabited. Although directly on the equator
the climate is not tropical all year as one would expect.
From January to May the climate is typically tropical:
deep blue sky, hot but pleasant air temperatures, and
occasional short downpours which dive the islands in
a vivid green, - but from June to August it is rather
cool and misty and the vegetation dries up, even the
succulent palo santo tree drops his leaves. The average
temperature on the Galapagos
Islands is 23ºC (16º - 30ºC).
As the result of continuous volcanic
activity and heavy underwater eruptions the Galapagos
islands emerged some four million years ago from the
pacific sea-bottom. Evolution, ocean currents, climate,
and the lack of predatory enemies -including man- made
the Galapagos
a living museum of evolutionary changes, indeed one
of the strangest and most compelling places on our planet.
Flora and fauna, arriving across the waters from the
mainland, colonized the original Galapagos
lava beds, developing species unique to the world. Many
of the invertebrates, 25% of the fish, 30% of the plants,
half of the birds and all of the Galapagos
reptiles are endemic to the Galapagos.
Among the animals found are the different species of
giant ‘Galapagos’
tortoises that gave the islands their name due to the
similarity of their carapaces to a British riding saddle
called ‘galapago’ in Spanish. A variety
of birds are found: blue footed, red footed and masked
boobies, frigate birds, albatrosses, flamingos, unique
penguins and non-flying cormorants, and 14 different
species of finches. These various species of finches
served as proof for Darwin’s theory of evolution
from natural selection. Marine mammals such as sea lions,
dolphins and whales are also found; as well as multitudinous
colorful fishes. The most distinctive plants are mangroves
and endemic cacti.
The Galapagos
Islands were declared National Park by the Ecuadorian
government in 1959. 6'937 sq.km, about 87% of the island
territory are protected and carefully managed. Visits
are allowed only to about 50 sites, in addition to the
islands' few towns: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Puerto
Ayora and Puerto Villamil. The UNESCO declared Galapagos
as a World Natural Heritage Site in 1978 and a World
Biosphere Reserve in 1985. The Charles Darwin Station
in Santa Cruz is leading and coordinating all activities
and efforts to preserve the ecosystem of the area and
developing educational and conservation projects.
The interior waters of the Galapagos
Islands, plus those within 40 nautical miles measured
from the baseline of the Archipelago, were declared
the Galapagos
Marine Reserve on 1994. This is the only protected coastal
marine area in the east Pacific, and the second largest
Marine Reserve in the World.
It holds approximately133,000 sq.km , including 50,129
sq.km of the interior waters of the Archipelago. There
are many areas with small submarine volcanoes, which
are important feeding zones for marine birds and mammals.
The submarine area of Galapagos
(from 0 to 200 mt deep) is of 6,700 sq .km.
The most popular way to discover the
islands is by boat on a Galapagos
Cruise, although land-based day tours and scuba diving
tours are also offered. A variety of boats are available
for Galapagos
cruises, ranging from shaky sloops, to luxurious air-conditioned
sailing yachts, eco-catamarans and mid-sized cruise
ships. Cruises vary in length from four to fifteen days.
Most of the yates offer similar itineraries and visit
comparable sites, so boat class, price and trip length
might be considered also when booking a trip. Besides
the comfort of their accommodations the main differences
between the varying boat classes is often the experience
of the naturalist guides and the crew. Yates in the
midrange category of superior tourist class and up should
have bilingual naturalist guides with a university degree.
To get the most out of your Galapagos
journey, we recommend to schedule at least 6 days for
you tour. Don’t miss the opportunity to snorkel
with sea lions, penguins, a variety of colorful fish
and even inoffensive sharks! Diving courses and tours
are also offered for those who are willing to take a
deeper adventure!
 This Archipelago
is a living museum of evolutionary changes. Free and
fearless animals, different from any others found elsewhere,
make visitors wonder about their very existence on our
planet. The UNESCO declared Galapagos
a World Natural Heritage Site in 1978 and subsequently
a World Biosphere Reserve in 1985. Among the animals
found are the different species of giant ‘Galapagos’
tortoises that gave the islands their name due to the
similarity of their carapaces to a British riding saddle
called ‘galapago’ in Spanish. A variety of birds are
found: blue footed, red footed and masked boobies, flamingos,
frigate birds, albatrosses, unique small penguins and
non-flying cormorants, and 14 different species of finches.
These various species of finches served as proof for
Darwin’s theory of evolution from natural selection.
Marine mammals such as sea lions, dolphins and whales
are also found; as well as multitudinous colorful fishes.
The most distinctive plants are mangroves and endemic
cacti. The Galapagos
houses an incredibly high rate of endemic species.
In 1835, Charles Darwin sailed on the British ship H.M.S.
Beagle and visited the islands. His writings on the
theory of the origin of species, which shook up to the
scientific world, were inspired by the living proof
that he found in this unique volcanic Archipelago. All
those who choose to make this unforgettable trip can
confirm his observations and studies.
In 1936, the Galapagos
were declared a National Park to preserve the flora
and fauna of the 13 large islands, 6 minor ones and
more than 40 islets.
Origin: The islands
appeared from lava eruptions that came from the bottom
of the ocean and that rise as much as 2.600 feet above
sea level. Lava from more than 2.000 craters has continuously
altered the terrain of the region. Some of the younger
islands still have active volcanoes. Variables such
as isolation, climate, altitude and texture of the land
on the islands, have made their distinct vegetation
and animal life appear.
Climate: An erroneous belief about Galápagos
is that the weather is always tropical. During the months
of June to November, the weather is significantly colder
and the vegetation is drastically different: much drier.
Location: 600 miles West of the Ecuadorian
coast
Entrance fee: $100 / Introduced species are
an enormous threat to the native and endemic species
of the islands. Thus, quarantine is required at the
entrance to the Park.
GALAPAGOS
MARINE RESERVE
The interior waters of the islands, plus those within
40 nautical miles measured from the baseline of the
Archipelago, were declared the Galapagos
Marine Reserve on 1994. This is the only protected coastal
marine area in the East Pacific, and the second largest
Marine Reserve in the World. There are many areas with
small submarine volcanoes, which are important feeding
zones for marine birds and mammals. Don’t miss the opportunity
to snorkel with sea lions, penguins, a variety of colorful
fish and even inoffensive sharks! Diving courses and
tours are also offered for those who are willing to
take a deeper adventure!
CRUISE SHIPS
A cruise is definitely the best way to visit many of
the islands in a short period of time. Tours are of
at least four days. There is a wide range of cruise
offers, from small boats for about 12 passengers to
big luxurious cruise ships for more than 100 passengers.
Please contact ExploringEcuador.Com member tour operators
and travel agent in our service directory for more information.
LAND OPTIONS
Puerto Ayora-Santa Cruz Island:
This is the main port of entrance to the Archipelago,
home to the majority of human inhabitants of Galapagos
(approximately 15.000 people). Close to the town are:
the beautiful "Tortuga Bay" beach, the giant tortoise
breeding center, lava caves, tunnels, and the headquarters
of the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galapagos
National Park. In Puerto Ayora and its surroundings
it’s possible to do snorkeling, scuba diving, bird watching,
sea kayaking, trekking, biking, horse-back riding, etc.
The town also has an exhilarating night life, and plenty
of tourism services. The lodging options vary from the
very inexpensive ($8 a night) to very good accommodations,
and even a luxurious Millennium Resort called "Royal
Palm" in the highlands of the island. One of the best
options is the Finch Bay Hotel.
From Puerto Ayora it’s possible to hire daily boat tours
to visit other islands. One can also travel to the other
inhabited islands by light air craft (offered every
day).
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno-San
Cristobal Island:
This town is the capital of the Galápagos province,
and has the second biggest number of inhabitants in
the Archipelago. This port holds an Interpretation Center
built by the Spanish Government Cooperation. This center
is modern and didactic and instructs about the volcanic
origin and natural history of the islands. Sea lions
are always found at the main park of the town, close
to a small beach.
Puerto Villamil-Isabela Island:
This enchanted town is almost undiscovered by tourism.
Puerto Villamil has a population of about 2.500 people,
mostly fishermen. Only one of the big cruise ships visits
this island. The tourist development of Puerto Villamil
is mostly reduced to that of visits of private yachts
and a small number of fortunate tourists who have heard
about its wonders.
Very close to town are several impressive sites: a path
alongside a reef that is home to several white tip sharks-
you can easily observe them from land; "Concha y Perla"
bay, a perfect setting for snorkeling; a giant tortoise
breeding center; and the impressive volcanoes Sierra
Negra and Volcán Chico. Sierra Negra has the second
biggest crater in the world, with a diameter of 12 kilometers.
Volcán Chico has an amazing "lunatic" landscape with
fascinating lava formations. It’s possible to horseback
ride or trek around Sierra Negra´s crater until reaching
Volcán Chico. It’s also possible to camp up there with
a permit of the National Park. Isabela also has a flamingo
lake and several beautiful trails along the way to the
"Wall of Tears". This wall is proof of the genuine human
history of the islands. Before Galápagos was declared
a National Park, this island used to be a penal colony
(around 1946). The prisoners were kept busy carrying
and placing the sharp lava rocks to form this impressive
wall.
Accommodations vary from inexpensive hostels to the
charming "Casa de Marita", the best hotel in town.
Amazing
and Diverse
A trip to the Galapagos
Islands is always splendid, however the pleasant (not
so hot) weather in August allows a more comfortable
visit.
The Flight
From Quito you fly to Guayaquil and in an hour and ten
minutes you will arrive to the airport at Baltra, your
first contact with the Enchanted Islands:
cactus, intense sun, turquoise sea. The unique flora
and fauna on the Galapagos
Islands are due to many factors such as: the volcanic
origin, the distance to the mainland, the direction
of the winds, the confluence of the marine currents.
Charles Darwin was inspired by his observations during
his short visit to the islands in 1835, to develop his
Theory of Evolution, thus revolutionizing modern thinking.
Santa Cruz Island
 Your first visit
will be to the Charles Darwin Research Station founded
to support conservation efforts on the Archipelago.
Scientists, educators, research students, volunteers
and support staff from all over the world work at the
Charles Darwin Research Station for the conservation
of this “living laboratory of evolution”. One of the
most serious problems to the ecosystem in the Galapagos
Islands are the introduced species such as dogs, cats,
goats and insects among others. The Charles Darwin Station,
with the cooperation of other partners such as the Galapagos
National Park, is permanently working to control these
threats to the ecosystem on the Islands. They have a
breeding and conservation progam for the Giant Tortoise.
See the giant tortoises in large pens that simulate
the environment on their island of origin, and the baby
tortoises, all kept safe from introduced predators.
When these tortoises are strong enough to survive, they
are returned to their island of origin. On your way
back to the Yacht, you will walk through the picturesque
town of Puerto Ayora where you will find a variety of
souvenirs.
Genovesa Island
Snorkeling in the Galapagos
Islands is a real treat where you discover and explore
an exciting underwater paradise!
You will disembark at Darwin Bay on a white coral beach.
Here you will observe the fascinating Red-footed boobies
nesting on branches unlike the Blue-footed boobies that
nest on the ground. You will also see Swallow tailed
gulls, Petrels, Frigate birds and others. Then, back
to the beach and snorkeling for those who wish.
In the afternoon, disembark at Prince Philip´s Steps
and you will be guided up and along the cliff. Here
you will be able to observe the flora and fauna, you
will see Storm petrels, boobies and frigate birds and
with a little bit of luck, the Galapagos
Owl.
Fernandina and Isabela Islands
Disembark early for a visit to Punta Espinoza, a highlight
on this trip. The sea offers abundant vegetation thus
the coastal rocks are home to Marine iguanas, Sea lions,
Penguins, Flightless cormorants, Herons, and Marine
turtles! Snorkeling at this spot is an unforgettable
experience. Back to the yacht for lunch.
Disembark at Isabella on the foot of the Alcedo Volcano.
Observe an example of the geological acti-vity of the
island: in 1984 almost 4 miles of the coast were elevated
15 feet giving birth to new and endemic vegetation.
Here you will see many land iguanas, land tortoises,
Darwin´s finches among other fauna.
Santiago and Bartolome Islands
 Wet landing on the
black beach to visit Puerto Amazing and DiverseEgas.
On this beach you will see Marine iguanas, the Blue
heron, the Oystercatcher, Lava heron, Gulls and other
coastal birds, Sally lightfoot crabs, and fur seals.
After your walk, swimming and snorkeling. Early afternoon,
you will visit the Island of San Bartolome, with its
volcanic landscapes of such beauty that its images
have traveled all around the world. You disembark
for a swim or to snorkel from the beach. Here you
will swim with sea lions, and the Galapagos
penguin, the second smallest penguin in the world.
The last El Nino current warmed the waters and unfortunately
reduced the Penguin Colony considerably. You can take
a short walk from the beach to the shore behind the
bay. Here you cannot swim but will be amazed by the
sharks and manta rays that can easily be observed
swimming and flipping close to the shore.
Later in the afternoon, you will climb the 370 wood
stairs to the top of the island at an altitude of
114 meters. The climb is certainly worth it, the awesome
lunar landscape contrasting with the beauty of the
color of the sea will enchant you. Take fantastic
pictures!
Ecuador's Greatest
Asset
Ecuador's National Protected Areas occupy approximately
17% of the country´s territory (46.190 km2 /
17.834 square miles).
Both the Galapagos
(>>
Galapagos map) and the Sangay National
Parks (>>
Ecuador's protected area map) were declared
as Natural Patrimony of Mankind by the UNESCO.
Galapagos
- Enchanted Islands
Visit the most unique living museum of evolutionary
changes, and get to know a variety of exotic species
exclusive to this Archipelago! The Galapagos
Islands (>>Galapagos
map) are the perfect setting to understand
the evolutionary changes that have led to a new perspective
of life on Earth. Animals unafraid of man and so different
from any others found elsewhere, make visitors wonder
about their very existence on our planet.
Among the animals found are the different
species of giant 'Galapagos'
tortoises that gave the islands their name due to
the similarity of their carapaces to a British riding
saddle called 'galapago' in Spanish. A variety of
birds are found:
from blue footed, red footed and masked boobies, flamingos,
frigate birds, and albatrosses, to unique small penguins
and non-flying cormorants.
Also 14 different species of finches which served
Darwin as proof for his theory of evolution from natural
selection; among others. Marine mammals such as sea
lions, dolphins and whales are also found; as well
as multitudinous colorful fishes. The most distinctive
plants are mangroves and endemic cacti. The
Galapagos house an incredibly high rate of endemic
species.
In 1835, Charles Darwin sailed on the British ship
H.M.S. Beagle and visited the islands. His writings
on the theory of the origin of species, which shook
up to the scientific world, were inspired by the living
proof that he found in this unique volcanic Archipelago.
His observations and studies can be confirmed by all
those who choose to make this unforgettable trip to
the fascinating and mysterious Galapagos.
The islands are located 600 miles from the Ecuadorian
coast (>>sun's
route map). In 1936 they were declared
a National Park to preserve the flora and fauna of
the 13 large islands, 6 minor ones and more than 40
islets.
The origin of the Galapagos
Islands is volcanic. The islands appeared from lava
eruptions that came from the bottom of the ocean and
that rise as much as 2600 feet above sea level. Lava
from more than 2000 craters has continuously altered
the terrain of the region. The last significant eruption
was in 1825 and since then Isabella Island has shown
some volcanic activity. Variables such as climate,
altitude and texture of the land on the islands, have
made their distinct vegetation and animal life appear.
In 1959 the Government, along with the Charles Darwin
Foundation, UNESCO and other scientific internationally
recognized organizations, established a biological
research station on the islands. This facility is
also headquarters for visiting scientists engaged
in special research programs. All tours take you to
visit the Station. Scientists greet visitors while
they instruct on the marvels of the islands.
Note: the biggest problem affecting the biodiversity
of the Archipelago are the introduced species of animals
and plants, that are a big threat to the native and
endemic species of the islands. Thus, a 'quarantine'
is required at the entrance to the Park.
Galapagos
- marine reserve
The interior waters of the Galapagos
islands, plus those within 40 nautical miles measured
from the baseline of the Archipelago, were declared
the Galapagos
Marine Reserve on 1994. This is the only protected
coastal marine area in the Southeast Pacific, and
the second largest Marine Reserve in the World. It
holds approximately 51.351 square miles, including
19.355 square miles of the interior waters of the
Archipelago.
There are many areas with small submarine volcanoes,
which are important feeding zones for marine birds
and mammals. The submarine area of Galapagos
(from 0 to 590 feet deep) is of 2.587 square miles.
Don´t miss the opportunity to snorkel with sea
lions, penguins, a variety of colorful fish and even
inoffensive sharks! Diving courses and tours are also
offered for those who are willing to take a deeper
adventure!
|
|
