ABOUT GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
The Galapagos is different from the other and all this is due to how they were formed. If the 4,600 million years of Earth´s history could be simulated in 24 hours, the Galapagos Islands had been formed in the last two minutes of that day. The 19 islands and 219 islets were created by successive volcanic eruptions over a hot spot located on the seafloor of the Nazca Plate. The first of them emerged in the middle of the Pacific Ocean about 5 million years ago. The islands are settled on the Nazca Plate and move about 5 centimeters a year eastward. That is why the oldest islands of the archipelago are far about 200 kilometers east of the youngest islands that are still above the hot spot. In this sense, all the islands have different ages and geological conditions. The very volcanically active young islands are still in the process of formation and the oldest islands, farthest from the hot spot, are in different processes of erosion. The different geological ages, altitudes, and ocean currents that affect them make the ecosystems, flora, fauna, landscapes, colors, and geology of each island different from one another.
The untouched terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems make it a natural sanctuary. Each island has a different magic. In few places on the planet, there is a chance to see such impressive and stunning landscapes and contrasting colors so marked and attractive. Their many wonders include impressive geological formations, ancient and recent lava flows, various types of cones, and tunnels formed by flows inside the Earth.
GALAPAGOS FAQS
While there’s no “wrong” time to visit the Galapagos, November through January and May through July are great times to visit to avoid the hot and rainy seasons. The birds, tortoises, and dazzling marine life are always there, waiting to give the visitors their spectacular and rare nature.
Its geographical location, right on the equator, makes the temperature variation minimum throughout the year. Rains will be present from July to November, nevertheless, these are not strong enough to be a limitation for an excursion.
The amount of rain and little temperature variations mark the seasons in Galapagos.
In each season, diving conditions or animal behavior will vary from month to month; for example, in August the Galapagos penguins migrate to the central islands because of cold temperatures. As the penguins, many other animal behaviors will depend on the month of the year. The Galapagos is a pulsating archipelago offering a diverse environment for animal mating and reproduction cycles, migration habits, as well as hatching conditions.
The Galapagos Islands offer everyone the possibility to enjoy a great variety of activities for all ages, interests, and fitness, ranging from the contemplative to the adventurous, and knowing that in everything you do, you will experience the best of the wildlife and nature.
Trekking
By far the most popular activity in the archipelago, trekking in the Galapagos brings the best opportunity to take some amazing pictures of the wildlife and landscapes. You and a small party will be led by a naturalist guide appointed by the Galapagos National Park through trails brimming with wonderful life and awe-inspiring views.
Snorkeling
Most tours include snorkeling, the easiest and most practical way to experience the amazing underwater world of the Galapagos. Even from the dinghy, you can already see some curious sea lions and penguins watching you coming closer. Enter the waters, and you’ll be overwhelmed by the abundance of marine life surrounding you.
Kayaking
Paddling alongside the island’s shore and observe many birds nesting in the tree branches, schools of baby rays and sharks, as well as other marine life enjoying the tranquil turquoise waters of Galapagos. Discover the hidden beauty of lagoons surrounded by mangrove forest while kayaking at leisure.
Scuba-Diving
In the Galapagos, you can see so many water species and so close; and scuba diving is, without a doubt, the best and most rewarding underwater experience available. Just picture yourself swimming along schools of rays, and admiring close their graceful movements and shapes, and sea lions wanting to play with the calm turtles who are trying to eat some algae off the rocks. View all of our Diving Tours
Dinghy rides
Guided dinghy tours to extraordinary spots around the islands into otherwise inaccessible areas.
Glass Bottom Boat
In some Ships count with a glass bottom boat to those who might want to stay dry yet still share in the magic of the Galapagos submarine environment! In the company of the naturalist guide, you will be taken to the best vantage points to look down into the underwater world.
Adaptation, evolution, endemism, and fearlessness are probably the concepts that best describe the only animals that complement the natural magic of the Galapagos Islands. The species that by chance were carried by ocean or air currents, managed to reach these isolated and remote islands, facing a very different and extreme environment. So, they had to adapt and evolve rapidly. Without large land predators on these remote islands, the animals lost their fear of being preyed upon. The result is a meekness difficult to find in wild species. The truly unique and fascinating forms and behaviors of these amazing species cannot be found anywhere else. They were, in fact, Charles Darwin’s inspiration for his Theory of Evolution.
Landbirds
In total, 49 species of land birds have been recorded in the Galapagos, 22 of which are endemic to the Islands. Land birds can be divided into 5 categories: Diurnal Raptors, Night Birds, Larger Land Birds, Aerial Feeders, and Smaller Land Birds.
Mammals
In total, 32 indigenous species of mammals have been recorded in Galapagos in recent times. This excludes domesticated species that have become feral (dogs, cats, pigs, goats, donkeys, horses, and cattle) and introduced rodents (rats and mice).
Marine Life
The seven major oceanic currents that reach the Galapagos Islands, but mainly the Humboldt Current, are responsible for an unusual grouping of over 500 species of fish – a marine variety that is found in tropical and cool water regions of the Pacific.[:es]Las siete corrientes oceánicas principales que alcanzan las Islas Galápagos, pero principalmente la Corriente de Humboldt, son responsables de una agrupación inusual de más de 500 especies de peces, una variedad marina que se encuentra en las regiones tropicales y de aguas frías del Pacífico.
Reptiles
Twenty-eight species of reptiles have been recorded in Galapagos in recent times. Nineteen of these species are endemic to the archipelago, 11 of which are confined to single islands, and three species have been introduced.
Seabirds
Seabirds can be conveniently divided into 12 groups, as shown in the table below. This shows the number of species registered in each group and summarizes their status.[
Shorebirds
In total, 21 species of water birds have been recorded in Galapagos, 10 of which are endemic to the Islands. Thirty Four species of shore birds have been recorded in Galapagos, only 2 of which are endemic.[:es]En total, se han registrado 21 especies de aves acuáticas en Galápagos, 10 de las cuales son endémicas de las Islas. Se han registrado treinta y cuatro especies de aves playeras en Galápagos, de las cuales solo 2 son endémicas.
