Galapagos Yachts tours Galapagos cruises Galapagos Boat trips Galapagos Travel to the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands were declared National Park by the Ecuadorian government in 1959. 6'937 sq.km, about 87% of the island territory are protected and carefully managed. Visits are allowed only to about 50 sites, in addition to the islands' few towns: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Puerto Ayora and Puerto Villamil. The UNESCO declared Galapagos as a World Natural Heritage Site in 1978 and a World Biosphere Reserve in 1985. The Charles Darwin Station in Santa Cruz is leading and coordinating all activities and efforts to preserve the ecosystem of the area and developing educational and conservation projects.
The interior waters of the Galapagos Islands, plus those within 40 nautical miles measured from the baseline of the Archipelago, were declared the Galapagos Marine Reserve on 1994. This is the only protected coastal marine area in the east Pacific, and the second largest Marine Reserve in the World.
It holds approximately133,000 sq.km , including 50,129 sq.km of the interior waters of the Archipelago. There are many areas with small submarine volcanoes, which are important feeding zones for marine birds and mammals. The submarine area of Galapagos (from 0 to 200 mt deep) is of 6,700 sq .km.

Most of the yates offer similar itineraries and visit comparable sites, so boat class, price and trip length might be considered also when booking a trip. Besides the comfort of their accommodations the main differences between the varying boat classes is often the experience of the naturalist guides and the crew. Yates in the midrange category of superior tourist class and up should have bilingual naturalist guides with a university degree.

The Galapagos Archipelago is a living museum of evolutionary changes. The UNESCO declared Galapagos a World Natural Heritage Site in 1978 and subsequently a World Biosphere Reserve in 1985. Among the animals found are the different species of giant Galapagos tortoises that gave the islands their name due to the similarity of their carapaces to a British riding saddle called galapago in Spanish. A variety of birds are found: blue footed, red footed and masked boobies, flamingos, frigate birds, albatrosses, unique small penguins and non-flying cormorants, and 14 different species of finches. These various species of finches served as proof for Darwin?s theory of evolution from natural selection. Marine mammals such as sea lions, dolphins and whales are also found; as well as multitudinous colorful fishes. The most distinctive plants are mangroves and endemic cacti. The Galapagos houses an incredibly high rate of endemic species.
Charles Darwin 's writings on the theory of the origin of species, were inspired by the living proof that he found in this unique volcanic Archipelago.
The Galapagos Islands were declared a National Park to preserve the flora and fauna of the 13 large islands, 6 minor ones and more than 40 islets.

Origin: The islands appeared from lava eruptions that came from the bottom of the ocean and that rise as much as 2.600 feet above sea level. Lava from more than 2.000 craters has continuously altered the terrain of the region. Some of the younger islands still have active volcanoes. Variables such as isolation, climate, altitude and texture of the land on the islands, have made their distinct vegetation and animal life appear.

Entrance fee: $100 / Introduced species are an enormous threat to the native and endemic species of the islands. Thus, quarantine is required at the entrance to the Park.

GALAPAGOS MARINE RESERVE
The interior waters of the islands, plus those within 40 nautical miles measured from the baseline of the Archipelago, were declared the Galapagos Marine Reserve on 1994. This is the only protected coastal marine area in the East Pacific, and the second largest Marine Reserve in the World. There are many areas with small submarine volcanoes, which are important feeding zones for marine birds and mammals. Don?t miss the opportunity to snorkel with sea lions, penguins, a variety of colorful fish and even inoffensive sharks! Diving courses and tours are also offered for those who are willing to take a deeper adventure!

CRUISE SHIPS
A cruise is definitely the best way to visit many of the islands in a short period of time. Tours are of at least four days. There is a wide range of cruise offers, from small boats for about 12 passengers to big luxurious cruise ships for more than 100 passengers. Please contact ExploringEcuador.Com member tour operators and travel agent in our service directory for more information.

LAND OPTIONS
Puerto Ayora-Santa Cruz Island:
This is the main port of entrance to the Archipelago, home to the majority of human inhabitants of Galapagos (approximately 15.000 people). Close to the town are: the beautiful "Tortuga Bay" beach, the giant tortoise breeding center, lava caves, tunnels, and the headquarters of the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galapagos National Park. In Puerto Ayora and its surroundings it?s possible to do snorkeling, scuba diving, bird watching, sea kayaking, trekking, biking, horse-back riding, etc. The town also has an exhilarating night life, and plenty of tourism services. The lodging options vary from the very inexpensive ($8 a night) to very good accommodations, and even a luxurious Millennium Resort called "Royal Palm" in the highlands of the island. One of the best options is the Finch Bay Hotel.

From Puerto Ayora it?s possible to hire daily boat tours to visit other islands. One can also travel to the other inhabited islands by light air craft (offered every day).

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno-San Cristobal Island:
This town is the capital of the Gal?pagos province, and has the second biggest number of inhabitants in the Archipelago. This port holds an Interpretation Center built by the Spanish Government Cooperation. This center is modern and didactic and instructs about the volcanic origin and natural history of the islands. Sea lions are always found at the main park of the town, close to a small beach.

Puerto Villamil-Isabela Island:
This enchanted town is almost undiscovered by tourism. Puerto Villamil has a population of about 2.500 people, mostly fishermen. Only one of the big cruise ships visits this island. The tourist development of Puerto Villamil is mostly reduced to that of visits of private yachts and a small number of fortunate tourists who have heard about its wonders.

Very close to town are several impressive sites: a path alongside a reef that is home to several white tip sharks- you can easily observe them from land; "Concha y Perla" bay, a perfect setting for snorkeling; a giant tortoise breeding center; and the impressive volcanoes Sierra Negra and Volc?n Chico. Sierra Negra has the second biggest crater in the world, with a diameter of 12 kilometers. Volc?n Chico has an amazing "lunatic" landscape with fascinating lava formations. It?s possible to horseback ride or trek around Sierra Negra?s crater until reaching Volc?n Chico. It?s also possible to camp up there with a permit of the National Park. Isabela also has a flamingo lake and several beautiful trails along the way to the "Wall of Tears". This wall is proof of the genuine human history of the islands. Before Gal?pagos was declared a National Park, this island used to be a penal colony (around 1946). The prisoners were kept busy carrying and placing the sharp lava rocks to form this impressive wall.
Accommodations vary from inexpensive hostels to the charming "Casa de Marita", the best hotel in town.

Amazing and Diverse

A trip to the Galapagos Islands is always splendid, however the pleasant (not so hot) weather in August allows a more comfortable visit.

The Flight
From Quito you fly to Guayaquil and in an hour and ten minutes you will arrive to the airport at Baltra, your first contact with the Enchanted Islands:
cactus, intense sun, turquoise sea. The unique flora and fauna on the Galapagos Islands are due to many factors such as: the volcanic origin, the distance to the mainland, the direction of the winds, the confluence of the marine currents. Charles Darwin was inspired by his observations during his short visit to the islands in 1835, to develop his Theory of Evolution, thus revolutionizing modern thinking.

Santa Cruz Island

Your first visit will be to the Charles Darwin Research Station founded to support conservation efforts on the Archipelago. Scientists, educators, research students, volunteers and support staff from all over the world work at the Charles Darwin Research Station for the conservation of this ?living laboratory of evolution?. One of the most serious problems to the ecosystem in the Galapagos Islands are the introduced species such as dogs, cats, goats and insects among others. The Charles Darwin Station, with the cooperation of other partners such as the Galapagos National Park, is permanently working to control these threats to the ecosystem on the Islands. They have a breeding and conservation progam for the Giant Tortoise. See the giant tortoises in large pens that simulate the environment on their island of origin, and the baby tortoises, all kept safe from introduced predators. When these tortoises are strong enough to survive, they are returned to their island of origin. On your way back to the Yacht, you will walk through the picturesque town of Puerto Ayora where you will find a variety of souvenirs.

Genovesa Island
Snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands is a real treat where you discover and explore an exciting underwater paradise!

You will disembark at Darwin Bay on a white coral beach. Here you will observe the fascinating Red-footed boobies nesting on branches unlike the Blue-footed boobies that nest on the ground. You will also see Swallow tailed gulls, Petrels, Frigate birds and others. Then, back to the beach and snorkeling for those who wish.

In the afternoon, disembark at Prince Philip?s Steps and you will be guided up and along the cliff. Here you will be able to observe the flora and fauna, you will see Storm petrels, boobies and frigate birds and with a little bit of luck, the Galapagos Owl.

Fernandina and Isabela Islands
Disembark early for a visit to Punta Espinoza, a highlight on this trip. The sea offers abundant vegetation thus the coastal rocks are home to Marine iguanas, Sea lions, Penguins, Flightless cormorants, Herons, and Marine turtles! Snorkeling at this spot is an unforgettable experience. Back to the yacht for lunch.
Disembark at Isabella on the foot of the Alcedo Volcano. Observe an example of the geological acti-vity of the island: in 1984 almost 4 miles of the coast were elevated 15 feet giving birth to new and endemic vegetation. Here you will see many land iguanas, land tortoises, Darwin?s finches among other fauna.

Santiago and Bartolome Islands
Wet landing on the black beach to visit Puerto Amazing and DiverseEgas. On this beach you will see Marine iguanas, the Blue heron, the Oystercatcher, Lava heron, Gulls and other coastal birds, Sally lightfoot crabs, and fur seals. After your walk, swimming and snorkeling. Early afternoon, you will visit the Island of San Bartolome, with its volcanic landscapes of such beauty that its images have traveled all around the world. You disembark for a swim or to snorkel from the beach. Here you will swim with sea lions, and the Galapagos penguin, the second smallest penguin in the world. The last El Nino current warmed the waters and unfortunately reduced the Penguin Colony considerably. You can take a short walk from the beach to the shore behind the bay. Here you cannot swim but will be amazed by the sharks and manta rays that can easily be observed swimming and flipping close to the shore.

Later in the afternoon, you will climb the 370 wood stairs to the top of the island at an altitude of 114 meters. The climb is certainly worth it, the awesome lunar landscape contrasting with the beauty of the color of the sea will enchant you. Take fantastic pictures!

Ecuador's Greatest Asset

Ecuador's National Protected Areas occupy approximately 17% of the country´s territory (46.190 km2 / 17.834 square miles).

Both the Galapagos (>> Galapagos map) and the Sangay National Parks (>> Ecuador's protected area map) were declared as Natural Patrimony of Mankind by the UNESCO.

Galapagos - Enchanted Islands
Visit the most unique living museum of evolutionary changes, and get to know a variety of exotic species exclusive to this Archipelago! The Galapagos Islands (>>Galapagos map) are the perfect setting to understand the evolutionary changes that have led to a new perspective of life on Earth. Animals unafraid of man and so different from any others found elsewhere, make visitors wonder about their very existence on our planet.

Among the animals found are the different species of giant 'Galapagos' tortoises that gave the islands their name due to the similarity of their carapaces to a British riding saddle called 'galapago' in Spanish. A variety of birds are found:
from blue footed, red footed and masked boobies, flamingos, frigate birds, and albatrosses, to unique small penguins and non-flying cormorants.

Also 14 different species of finches which served Darwin as proof for his theory of evolution from natural selection; among others. Marine mammals such as sea lions, dolphins and whales are also found; as well as multitudinous colorful fishes. The most distinctive plants are mangroves and endemic cacti. The Galapagos house an incredibly high rate of endemic species.

In 1835, Charles Darwin sailed on the British ship H.M.S. Beagle and visited the islands. His writings on the theory of the origin of species, which shook up to the scientific world, were inspired by the living proof that he found in this unique volcanic Archipelago. His observations and studies can be confirmed by all those who choose to make this unforgettable trip to the fascinating and mysterious Galapagos.

The islands are located 600 miles from the Ecuadorian coast. In 1936 they were declared a National Park to preserve the flora and fauna of the 13 large islands, 6 minor ones and more than 40 islets.

The origin of the Galapagos Islands is volcanic. The islands appeared from lava eruptions that came from the bottom of the ocean and that rise as much as 2600 feet above sea level. Lava from more than 2000 craters has continuously altered the terrain of the region. The last significant eruption was in 1825 and since then Isabella Island has shown some volcanic activity. Variables such as climate, altitude and texture of the land on the islands, have made their distinct vegetation and animal life appear.

Galapagos - marine reserve
The interior waters of the Galapagos islands, plus those within 40 nautical miles measured from the baseline of the Archipelago, were declared the Galapagos Marine Reserve on 1994.

The submarine area of Galapagos (from 0 to 590 feet deep) is of 2.587 square miles.

Don´t miss the opportunity to snorkel with sea lions, penguins, a variety of colorful fish and even inoffensive sharks! Diving courses and tours are also offered for those who are willing to take a deeper adventure!

Member of Exploring Ecuador Ecuador and Galapagos Travel Guide

Powered by ImpactoVisual