Galapagos Island Information

In this Site you’ll find the most accurate Galapagos island information.

This Galapagos archipielago emerged six million years ago as a result of volcanic activity in the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.

This incredible group of islands is located 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) off the coast of Ecuador North-West of South America right in the Equator line.

The Galapagos Islands consist of 6 main islands 12 smaller islands and over 40 small islets. Click here to view Galapagos Map



The Galapagos Islands are famous for its rare species. All the reptiles, half of the plants and 40% of the birds are endemic to the Galapagos, which means that they can not be found anywhere else in the world.



This is also the land where Charles Darwin developed a theory that would forever change conventional thinking.

Here most of the surface (96%) is a National Park, surrounded by a protected Marine Reserve, both UNESCO World Heritages Sites.

On Santa Cruz island, the giant tortoises can be seen at the Charles Darwin Research Station (including famous Lonesome George, the only remaining tortoise from “Pinta” island) and also in the wild, in the highlands of this Galapagos island.

BIRD WATCHING A total of 140 species of birds have been registered in Galapagos. About half of the resident birds cannot be seen, anywhere else in the world.

You can observe shore and lagoon birds such as ducks, stilts, herons, warblers, pelicans and frigates all easily approachable, just like all the Galapagos animals.

Eight species of Darwin's Finches are found on Santa Cruz island; most of which can be observed all around the island.

Charles Darwin's concepts were founded by modern evolutionists by studying the different beaks of these finches.

VISIT THE CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION The Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, conducts research for Galapagos conservation, focusing on two major areas: management of invasive species and restoration of the native biodiversity and ecosystems.

The Giant Tortoise breeding program is the best chance for guests to spend time with the long-lived reptiles.



GIANT TORTOISE RESERVE Hiking or biking from Puerto Ayora to the Reserve takes about two hours through dense and low growing vegetation. Here you can observe the Galapagos giant tortoises (in season) in their natural habitat.

Also, once in the highlands, you can visit Los Gemelos Pit Craters, just off the road towards the Baltra airport.

The highlands are also great for observing the Darwin's Finches, special attention should be given to the woodpecker finch, one of the few tool-using birds in the world.

SNORKELING AND DIVING The Galapagos islands are considered a world premier destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The protected waters of its Marine Reserve have been well preserved, nearly untouched by external sources. More about Galapagos Diving

Here the crossroads of marine currents has resulted in a unique marine ecosystem. The Hotel Finch bay (Link) provides snorkeling gear for Free and Scuba diving programs are available for a fee.

SEA KAYAKING Devine bay located at Santa Cruz island, is an excellent location to explore by kayak. Here you can get an up close look at sharks, sea turtles, rays, fish and a variety of marine birds. More about Galapagos Kayak here

June is the month when sea-dependant wildlife (sea birds, sea lions, sea turtles, fish, etc) will actively engage in looking for a mate.

Courtship rituals are remarkable highlights of this month, and will be only seen throughout June.

Earlier than June, wildlife is not fully engaged in courtship rituals (waters have not cooled enough for plankton to be blooming at high levels), while later than June most individuals have found suitable mates and nesting locations.

Without any doubt "June" is a month of perhaps the highest wildlife activity of the whole year.



Exotic Wildlife: Click on the following links to know more about the wonderful and unique Galapagos wildlife:

Galapagos Birds

Galapagos Penguins

Giant Tortoises

Galapagos Fish

Sea bird communities are very active (breeding), specially the Blue footed boobies on Española. Flightless cormorants perform beautiful courtship rituals and nesting activities on Fernandina.

If you walk along the shores of Puerto Egas (Santiago Island) you could find American oystercatchers nesting. Lava lizards initiate mating rituals until November.

Cetaceans (whales & dolphins) are more likely to be observed, specially off the western coast of Isabela.

Water temperature does not reach more than 23°C (76°F)

More Galapagos Island Information Pages:

Galapagos Recommended Reading:

Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands
This book covers extensively from rugged Ecuador's Andean mountains and the Amazon rainforest, to serene Pacific beaches and the unique wildlife and landscapes of the Galapagos Islands. (One of the most complete travel guides to Ecuador)

More Galapagos Books and Souvenirs

Web www.galapagos-islands-tourguide.com

Back from Galapagos island Information to Galapagos Home Page