Facts on Galapagos Island Archipelago

The islands are quite remote and isolated, lying some 1000 km (620 miles) west of the South American continent.

The Galapagos archipelago consists of 13 main islands and 6 smaller isles, which together embrace some 50,000 sq km (19,500 sq miles) of ocean.



The Galapagos archipelago is world renowned for its unique and fearless Wildlife much of which was inspiration for Charles Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection.

Among the important facts on Galapagos island is the fact that they are very popular amongst natural historians, both professional and amateur.

Giant tortoises, sea lions, penguins, Galapagos sharks marine iguanas and different bird species can all be seen and approached.

The landscape of the islands is relatively barren and volcanic, but beautiful nonetheless.

The highest mountain amongst the islands is Wolf Volcano located on Isabela island, 1707 m (5600ft) high.

The Galapagos were claimed by newly-independent Ecuador in 1832, a mere three years before Charles Darwin's visit to the islands on board the Beagle.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries the islands were inhabited by very few settlers and were used as a penal colony, the last closing in 1959 when the islands were declared a national park.

The Galapagos islands were subsequently listed as a World Heritage Site in 1978.

Strict controls on tourist access are maintained in an effort to protect the natural habitats and all visitors must be accompanied by a national park certified naturalist tour guide.

The islands currently receive an average of 170,000 visitors per year. Here's more detailed information about each Galapagos Island

Facts on Galapagos Island (Airports)

Facts on Galapagos island (Activities)

• Climb the hill on Bartolome for the classic Galapagos view.
• Visit the Giant Tortoise breeding center at the Charles Darwin Research on Santa Cruz.
• See the red neck sacks of the Magnificent Frigatebird on Seymour.
• Go snorkeling as often as possible.

On each island, the number of visitors is limited and there are only a small number of official landing and authorized Galapagos sites

You must follow the instructions of your guide to protect the wildlife and you are not allowed off the marked paths.

Animals on the Galapagos islands are very friendly and they will sit right on the path or cross it without caring about mere tourists.

Facts on Galapagos island (Respect)

Itineraries must be registered with the Galapagos Park prior to embarking on a trip, and animals should never be disturbed while the wildlife in the Galapagos will usually ignore your presence, a general rule of thumb is that if an animal notices your presence then you are too close.

Two meters is generally given as a minimum distance to keep away from animals; you will find that if you are calm and respectful many animals will walk right up to investigate you.



One of the greatest dangers to the islands is introduced species. The park service is trying to eliminate goats, rats, cats, dogs, and introduced plant species on many of the islands, but it is a difficult battle; after evolving for thousands of years without predators, the Galapagos animals are not adapted to handle these new species.

Facts on Galapagos Island (National Park Rules)

• No plant, animal, or remains of such (including shells, bones, and pieces of wood), or other natural objects should be removed or disturbed.
• Be careful not to transport any live material to the islands, or from island to island.
• Do not take any food to the uninhabited islands, for the same reason.
• Do not touch or handle the animals.
• Do not feed the animals. It can be dangerous to you, and in the long run would destroy the animals' social structure and breeding habits.
• Do not startle or chase any animal from its resting or nesting spot.
• Stay within the areas designated as visitor sites.
• Do not leave any litter on the islands, or throw any off your boat.
• Do not buy souvenirs or objects made of plants or animals from the islands.
• Do not visit the islands unless accompanied by a licensed National Park Guide.
• Show your conservationist attitude.

Facts on Galapagos Island (Snorkeling & Diving)

Your cruise ship should be able to provide you with snorkeling equipment if you don't have any (but check first).

You may also want to bring a waterproof camera. Remember to wear at least a T-shirt and suntan lotion if you are snorkeling, as it is all to easy to get sunburn in the strong sun. Read a review on Snorkeling in the Galapagos islands here

More About Galapagos:

The islands are ranked as the best dive destination in the world in the categories of Healthiest Marine Environment, Best Big Animal Dive and Best Advanced Diving.

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