Galapagos Islands Attractions
Description
Venue: Galapagos Islands When: Daily
Galapago means "saddle", alluding to the shell of the giant tortoise that lives in the magic isles beyond Ecuador - the Galapagos Islands. Since their discovery in 1535, they have bewitched all those who visit. The flora and fauna, both underwater and on land, make them a uniquely special part of planet Earth.
Charles Darwin noted the appeal of the Galapagos back in 1845: "The natural history of these islands is eminently curious, and well deserves attention." And it's thanks to Darwin's voyage there, on HMS Beagle, that the Origin of the Species was penned, and then rocked the Christian world.
The Galapagos Islands actually form a stunning (volcanic) archipelago 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. There are 13 major islands, six minor islands and 40 or so smaller rock formations and reefs scattered through 17,000 square miles of ocean. Scientists agree that there was never a connection between these isles and the mainland - which makes their fragile ecology very special.
For those with an interest in wildlife, diving or natural beauty, the isles are synonymous with the rare and beautiful species that form the living community - there are about 750,000 seabirds, 22 species of reptiles (tortoises, marine turtles, lizards/iguanas, geckos and snakes), and a uniquely exotic marine community.
But it's not all idyllic. During the islands' first three million years, only plants and animals that arrived naturally inhabited the Islands. Over time, communities of natural equilibrium developed, with little competition and few predators. But about 400 years ago, all of this changed when man arrived, with alien animals and plants following in his wake.
The presence of introduced plants and animals (such as guayaba, blackberry, lantana, dogs, cats, rats, goats and pigs) has had a serious impact on the natural resources of the islands. For this reason, the Galapagos National Park Service, with the help and advice of the Charles Darwin Research Station, works to protect and conserve their surroundings. Any visitor to the Isles must respect the tireless work they undertake - and indeed designated tour operators alert you to this. Don't drop litter, stick to the trails and respect your awesome surroundings. It goes without saying to do some thorough research to find a good tour operator - there are many out there, and many ways to experience the isles.
For divers, it's worth bearing in mind that you need experience. There are strong currents, thermoclines and swells. There are no dive shops in the Galapagos so you need to bring equipment with you. Conditions are best between November and June.
Galapago means "saddle", alluding to the shell of the giant tortoise that lives in the magic isles beyond Ecuador - the Galapagos Islands. Since their discovery in 1535, they have bewitched all those who visit. The flora and fauna, both underwater and on land, make them a uniquely special part of planet Earth.
Charles Darwin noted the appeal of the Galapagos back in 1845: "The natural history of these islands is eminently curious, and well deserves attention." And it's thanks to Darwin's voyage there, on HMS Beagle, that the Origin of the Species was penned, and then rocked the Christian world.
The Galapagos Islands actually form a stunning (volcanic) archipelago 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. There are 13 major islands, six minor islands and 40 or so smaller rock formations and reefs scattered through 17,000 square miles of ocean. Scientists agree that there was never a connection between these isles and the mainland - which makes their fragile ecology very special.
For those with an interest in wildlife, diving or natural beauty, the isles are synonymous with the rare and beautiful species that form the living community - there are about 750,000 seabirds, 22 species of reptiles (tortoises, marine turtles, lizards/iguanas, geckos and snakes), and a uniquely exotic marine community.
But it's not all idyllic. During the islands' first three million years, only plants and animals that arrived naturally inhabited the Islands. Over time, communities of natural equilibrium developed, with little competition and few predators. But about 400 years ago, all of this changed when man arrived, with alien animals and plants following in his wake.
The presence of introduced plants and animals (such as guayaba, blackberry, lantana, dogs, cats, rats, goats and pigs) has had a serious impact on the natural resources of the islands. For this reason, the Galapagos National Park Service, with the help and advice of the Charles Darwin Research Station, works to protect and conserve their surroundings. Any visitor to the Isles must respect the tireless work they undertake - and indeed designated tour operators alert you to this. Don't drop litter, stick to the trails and respect your awesome surroundings. It goes without saying to do some thorough research to find a good tour operator - there are many out there, and many ways to experience the isles.
For divers, it's worth bearing in mind that you need experience. There are strong currents, thermoclines and swells. There are no dive shops in the Galapagos so you need to bring equipment with you. Conditions are best between November and June.
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