The Galapagos Islands

Infinity Fun and Travel

 

What is so special about the Galapagos Islands?

I've been hearing a lot about the Galapagos Islands. If you like adventure and exotic animals this is the place to visit. The Galapagos has an abundant unfearful wildlife that visitors can get up-close and personal with. It is home to some of the rarest animal species in the world.

The name 'Galapagos' is an old Spanish word for 'saddle'.  It was originally used by Bishop Tomas and his crew to describe the giant tortoises, but the name stuck.

Here's some information I found about the islands:

1. Where are the Galapagos located?

• The Archipelago is a group of 19 volcanic islands, 13 large and 6 small with dozens of islets and rocks that cover over 17,000 square miles.  The islands are located on each side of the equator.  It's closest point to the mainland is off 600 miles from the west coast of Ecuador in South America.

2. When is the best time to visit the Galapagos?

• There's no bad time to visit the Galapagos Islands.  No matter when you go, the adventure is sure to be unique and wonderful.
• June through December are the cooler drier months. Even though this is dry season a light, misty rain is still possible, particularly in December.  Skies can be cloudy and gray.
• January through May are the warmer and wetter months, but rain creates brilliantly clear blue skies between showers - great for photography.
• March and April tend to be the hottest and wettest months, while August tends to be the coolest time.

3. How do I get to the Galapagas?

• First decide if you want to stay in a hotel on one of the 3 inhabited islands and take day trips by boat to the other islands, or stay on a cruise ship which provides accommodations and trips to the islands.
• There are no direct flights to Galapagos because it is a protected National Park.  You will have to fly into Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador and then take a 2 1/2 hour flight to Baltra Island or San Cristobal Island.
• There are several different cruise lines that offer sailings to Galapagos.  Check with your Travel Advisor to decide which would be right for you.

4. What kind of activities are available?

• Guided Tours 

• All visitors must be accompanied by a certified naturalist guide.  Even though their presence is mandated by the park service, many visitors find that their guide is an important part of their overall Galapagos experience

• Snorkeling
• Only a few feet under water is a world teeming with schools of angelfish, gliding manta rays, docile white-tipped reef sharks and  feeding marine iguanas. With a snorkel fins and a mask you can see  magenta octopus, sea turtles and paddling penguins.

• Scuba Diving
• The Galapagos Islands were chosen by Rodale's Scuba Diving as the world's top all round diving site in 2000.  The islands were also chosen for the top spot in "Best Fish Life", "Best Big Animal Dive", "Best Advanced Diving" and scored among the top as the "Healthiest Marine Environment", and "Best Value".

5. What makes Galapagos 'Wildlife' so remarkable?

• Birds

• Land birds include Finches, Mockingbirds (that ask for water in Spanish), Short Eared Owls, Hawks, and Dove.
• Sea Birds include Blue-footed Booby and  Nazca Booby, Flamingos, and Penguins

• Reptiles

• Giant Tortoises, Marine Iguana, Land Iguana, Lava Lizard, and more.

• Marine Animals

• Angel Fish, Puffer Fish, Parrot Fish.
• Sea Turtles, Sharks, Rays, and Sea Lions

• Mammals

• Sea Lions, Whales, Dolphins, Rice Rats, Bats

6. What is the Humboldt Current?

• The diversity of life on the Galapagos Islands is due to a phenomenon known as the Humboldt Current.  Ocean currents are caused and affected by many varied factors, including the gravitational pull of the moon, the earth's rotation, underwater geography, salinity, wind and water temperature.  These currents are very important to life on land, as they can affect climate, shipping fishing and life that live off marine animals and fish.
• Beginning in Antarctic waters, the Humboldt Current runs north and west along the western coast of South America, bringing cool water from the south.  When it reaches the equator, it takes a sharp turn westward and then passes through the Galapagos Islands, bringing it rich nutrients that have been upwelled in southern seas.  These nutrients feed plants and plankton, which in turn for the base of the food chain.
• The most visible effect is the abundant life.

7. What are the most beautiful sights?

• Bartholomew Island
• Most famous for its view from land. Pinnacle Rock, a panoramic view, moonlike landscape.
• Wildlife: Penguins, pioneer plats, lava cactus

• Espanola Island
• Located in the extreme southeast of the archipelago. It is flat with small hills. The English name is "Hood" Island.
• The island has many thorny plants and native animals including the waved albatross, marine iguanas, and lava lizards.

• Fernandia Island
• The youngest of the islands is a visitor favorite. It is unbelievably beautiful and home to several rare species.

• Santiago Island
• Santiago has a narrow, steep-sided point of land, which provides an extraordinarily beautiful landscape complete with cliffs and pinnacles where hundreds of marine birds rest. During the 17th and 18th centuries, pirates used this site for maintaining their ships, and supplying themselves with fresh water, meat and firewood.

So what would be the most memorable experiences in the Galapagos?  What will you see that will stay with you forever? Maybe a trip to the Galapagos Islands should be at the top of you Bucket List.