galapagos overview

The striking landscape of the Galapagos Islands is home to exotic wildlife found nowhere else in the world. The sea is a startling blue against the dramatic black lava rock formations, which were created by volcanic activity thousands of years ago.

Located some 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the archipelago is made up of 13 main islands, six small islands and numerous islets. Flightless cormorants, waved albatrosses, land and marine iguanas, and lava lizards are just a few of the rare species on its shores. The islands remained untouched by humans for centuries, so the vast array of birds and animals here never experienced man as a predator and have no fear of humans.

Charles Darwin brought fame to the Galapagos, as his exploration in 1835 inspired the ideas that would change scientific thought forever. The archipelago's status as a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site helps to preserve it as it was centuries ago. You can walk on these unique islands in the company of endemic species such as the giant tortoises that gave the archipelago its name. Swim and snorkel in tropical seas amongst Galapagos penguins and playful sea lion pups, watch green sea turtles laying their eggs, and observe the mating dance of the blue-footed boobies. Whatever you see, your trip in the Galapagos will be absolutely unforgettable.