Galapagos Islands
The Enchanted Isles
One thousand kilometres off the coastline of Ecuador lay the world famous collection of islands known as Galapagos.
Described as Darwin’s ‘living laboratory of evolution’, the thirteen main volcanic islands and dozens of rocky isles are one of the most important ecological regions on Planet Earth. Located at the confluence of three major ocean currents, Galapagos have been described as a 'melting pot' of marine species and ongoing seismic and volcanic activity continues to reflect the processes that formed the islands.
It is these processes, together with the remote location of the equatorial islands, that have been responsible for the development of the unusual species which inspired Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution and have made the region famous for its endemic species and seemingly fearless wildlife.
A large range of endemic species can be found on the islands of Floreana, Genovesa, Española, Seymour Norte, Plazas, Santa Fé and Isabela. Santa Cruz Island is home to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station.
On a visit to Galapagos travellers are likely to encounter giant tortoise, blue-footed booby, flamingo, the Galapagos penguin, albatross, iguana and many species of finch. Those who snorkel or scuba dive will often find themselves swimming with fur seals, rays, non-aggressive sharks, marine turtles and an incredible range of colourful fish.