Galapagos Island Facts and Tips

Here are some important Galapagos island facts and tips to make the most out of your trip to the Galapagos.

The 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 were discovered by accident in 1535 by the Spanish Bishop Tomas de Berlanga


 

Electricity: 110v

Park Entrance Fee: $100 per person, children 50% off.

Flight to Galapagos: $390 round trip. Find more information about flights to Galapagos

The official name of the Galapagos Islands is Archipelago de Colon.

The Galapagos are remote and isolated. This isolation promoted the evolution of plant and animal species, many of them are endemic to the islands which means that are not found anywhere else on earth.

The islands have a Volcanic origin and are surrounded by beautiful Turquoise Ocean. But one of the most peculiar Galapagos Island facts is that there are only two seasons in Galapagos:

• The hot season that runs from December to May with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F)
• And the cool and dry season from June to November has an average of 20°C (70°F)

Many believe that the Galapagos Islands, especially because of their tropical location, are islands that stay the same and that during the year they offer the same wildlife.



But the truth is that the local tropical geography, next to a complex system of ocean currents, holds permanent change during the year.

It is not only changes in the types of wildlife, but also behavioral changes of wildlife.

This is the reason why in August the islands experience one of the most amazing natural events of the whole year: the birth of Galapagos sea lions

One of the most interesting Galapagos island facts is that August and September are the most crucial months for the reproductive success of the sea-depending species, and the opposite for the land-depending species.

These days help us understand the importance of climatic factors in Galapagos biodiversity.

For those who enter the waters of the islands, I highly recommend a shortie wet suit (June-November) for more comfort while taking the plunge in these subtropical waters.

Here's more Galapagos weather information

Many end up calling these months as "cold times". And, maybe, it is so, because we are in the tropics.

But, it is thanks to these unusual tropical conditions that we can find Galapagos island penguins right at latitude zero.

Or animals like the Galapagos sea lion that have a thick layer of fat (blubber) and a somewhat thick coat of hair.

Amazing! And Galapagos is just that: an archipelago out of the ordinary.

When to Go to Galapagos?

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 Galapagos islands vegetation look beautifully green and flowery.

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 in your heart.

Galapagos Tours

I am including some information about tours to Galapagos as part of these Galapagos island facts page, because it is important to know that:

The lengths of the Cruise Tours available in Galapagos are: 4 days and 3 nights, 5 days and 4 nights and 8 days and 7 nights.

If you want to really enjoy and explore Galapagos then the 8 days and 7 nights tour is the most recommended.

As I always say. Try not to book in a cheap tour, because you will certainly get disappointed having to travel in a small boat with no air conditioning and in a extremely small cabin. Find more about our recommended Galapagos Tours

If you don't want to book a tour in a cruise line you can always look for a hotel to stay.

Most hotels in Galapagos offer day trips to the surrounding islands which include: horse riding, biking, snorkeling, sea kayaking and diving. This is one of the best Galapagos Islands Hotel

However you choose to visit the Galapagos Islands you will always be amazed with its incredible and unique wildlife

An I guess that one of the most important Galapagos island facts is that the animals here are unafraid of humans and you can approach to them very easily without causing them to run or fly away from you.

More About Galapagos:

Web www.galapagos-islands-tourguide.com

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