Galapagos Facts

What are the most important facts about Galapagos Islands?

Here's Your Answer

There are many important Galapagos facts, here are some of them:

• The Galapagos Islands are World's Second Largest Marine Reserve.



• The Galapagos Islands were declared a Marine Reserve in 1986.



• It is a Whale and Shark Sanctuary in 1990.



• World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001.



• The Galapagos were rated as World's # 1 Scuba Diving Vacation destination in the Pacific Ocean by Rodale's Scuba Diving from 2000-2002.



• The Galapagos Islands are located 600 miles west of the coast of Ecuador in South America.



• These Archipelago is composed by 13 major Islands, 6 smaller ones and more than 40 islets.



• The Galapagos Islands were discovered by accident in 1535 by the Spanish Bishop Tomas de Berlanga.



• One of the most interesting Galapagos facts is that August and September are the most crucial months for the reproductive success of the marine life, and the opposite for the land species.



• There are over 800 species of mollusks in Galapagos. About 18% are endemic.



• Galapagos lacks naturally of hummingbirds, conipherous plants and fresh-water fishes.



• The word Galapago "in old Spanish language", was used to describe the frontal piece of a riding saddle.



• Galapagos Giant tortoises can live up to a year without water or food.



• Galapagos Marine Iguanas can stay for up to 30 minutes underwater while feeding.

Visiting Galapagos Islands

If you want to experience a hot tropical weather with sunny days and blue skies, then you would like to visit the Islands between December and May.

During this period of time it will rain a bit making the vegetation in Galapagos look beautifully green.

During the months of June to November the weather is a bit cold (65°F – 70 F) cloudy and dry.

It is also the high season time where a lot of visitors travel to the Islands, the prices go up and it is hard to find and book a tour.

In general the Galapagos are worth visiting any time of the year because no matter when you come, you will always have an experience that will last for a lifetime.