The Galapagos islands…… a unique archipelago……a unique experience. It is dramatic yet beautiful world of volcanic landscapes and fearless animals: Giant tortoises, fur seals, sea lions, marine iguanas, frigate birds, blue-footed boobies and much more. A visit to this national park and world heritage site will be an unforgettable, and unparalleled experience.
Located in the Pacific Ocean, roughly 1000km off the coast of Ecuador, straddling the equator. The isolation of these islands has permitted life forms to evolve into species found only in Galapagos. Famously observed by Charles Darwin, his research contributed to the fame of the islands. The archipelago encompasses over 50 islands of volcanic origin that are spread out over an area of about 4500 sq. kms. The oldest of these is not more than 2.4 million years old, a baby in geological terms. The islands are among the most volcanically active group of islands in the world.
The Galapagos gained fame with the publication of Darwin’s Voyage Of The Beagle and Origin Of The Species, but also with various scientific expeditions, notably, The California Academy of Sciences in 1906.
The Galapagos National Park was established in 1959 to protect the unique and therefore precious flora and fauna of the islands. In that same year the Charles Darwin Research Station was founded in Academy Bay on Isla Santa Cruz. Both of these help to create the well managed and protected national park we have today.
Emblems of pristine nature and epic biodiversity, the Galápagos Islands offer visitors the chance to marvel at Mother Nature’s infinite creativity. Here, visitors will find species that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. On land, visit with giant Galápagos tortoises, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and the islands’ own species of penguin; head below the water’s surface to swim with whitetip reef sharks, sea turtles, and an array of ocean fish big and small.
Millenia of isolation from mankind has bred a fascinating diversity of plant, animal, and marine life among the Galápagos Islands. Discover these islands for yourself aboard luxury micro cruises and catamarans, equipped with amenities for a comfortable and convenient sailing tour during your days of exploring the central and western Galápagos. Spot iguanas and flamingoes on the green and white-sand beaches of Punta Cormorant, witness abundant marine life while snorkelling in Punta Vicente Roca, and make friends with giant sea tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz. Exploring the Galápagos has never been so easy and inspiring.
Explore the highlands of Santa Cruz where you will walk amongst giant tortoises, go on a fun snorkeling and fishing tour, visit a couple of the uninhabited islands where you will get to see wildlife up close, visit the spectacular Tortuga Bay beach, hike down into a crater at Cerro Mesa Reserve, and enjoy many snorkeling opportunities where you will swim with sea lions, large schools or fish, rays, and much more!
Experience the Galapagos Islands on your own terms with one of our Galapagos Island Hopping or Galapagos land based tours packages. Firstly, what is Galapagos island hopping? The idea is instead of sleeping on a liveaboard cruise boat you sleep in hotels in the different towns on the different inhabited islands of Galapagos. You then do day tours to the uninhabited islands or just visit the local attractions on the island you are staying on whether its Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, or Isabela Island. Once you have done a tour or two on one island you island hop to another and do the same.
