Academy Bay in the Galapagos Islands

If you don't recognize the name, this is the harbor that hosts the largest settlement in the Galapagos Islands located at Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island

Now you do, right? Such name was given in honor to the ship Academy which was part of the California Academy of Sciences (CAS).

During 1905-1906, this institution dedicated one of the greatest human and chronological efforts to rescue this lost paradise called the Galapagos Islands.

This tropical enigma of tropical Galapagos Penguins next to flamingos, lava lizards, and Galapagos Sea Lions amidst a desolate volcanic landscape, needed some more consideration.

The CAS Scientists couldn't believe what they saw...they didn't arrive to the so called laboratory of evolution. There were no experiments here. They had arrived to the observatory of evolution.

Many of the collected species were new to science, and thus, herpetologists, ichthyologists, oceanographers, etc, were finding in this tropical gem, a realm of diversity witnessed nowhere else.

With this, the Galapagos Islands were being rediscovered.

A hundred years later, the California Academy of Sciences decides to return to Ecuador, but not for a regular visit. The Academy wanted to relive the 1905 trip.

They needed a Centennial Expedition in the Galapagos Islands. And they want to do it in the best possible way. They choose the services of Yacht Isabela II a Deluxe Cruise Vessel.

An exclusive itinerary was designed.

The result: an out-of-the-ordinary voyage.

After several sessions, a final itinerary was presented to the authorities of the Galapagos National Park Service.

They explained to the authorities the unique concept of this trip: this wasn't an incentive trip, or a different way of visiting Galapagos.

This was a commemorating trip a centennial celebration of science at work.

The National Park, already aware of the history and reputation of the Academy, and purpose of this trip, gave approval for the two-week itinerary. It was time to celebrate.

On Tuesday, May 24th, 2005, the California Academy of Sciences boarded the Yacht Isabela II for a two-week expedition voyage which included Academy Bay of course!

Exploring the Islands, just as the Academy did back in 1905, was the greatest tribute the Archipelago could have.

Galapagos Islands and Academy Bay hosted the 37 explorers of the California Academy of Sciences, just like 100 years ago!

Galapagos Recommended Reading:

Galapagos: The Islands That Changed the World
This book is one of the most appealing and true representations of the famous Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean. You will see Extraordinary photos coupled with authentic facts about this Archipelago. (It's a well written informative guide)

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