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Galapagos Islands Facts
I have gathered the most interesting Galapagos Islands Facts to let you know a bit more about these wonderful set of islands. The Galapagos islands are World's Second Largest Marine Reserve. LOCATION: The Galapagos islands are located North West of South America. Exactly 600 miles off the coast of
Ecuador
(This is the country to which the Galapagos islands belong) in the Pacific Ocean.
- The Galapagos Islands were declared a Marine Reserve in 1986.
- Whale and Shark Sanctuary in 1990.
- World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001.
- Seven major oceanic currents assemble the Galapagos marine ecosystems. Most marine species originally came with the Panama Current.
- 17% percent of Galapagos Fish species are endemic to Galapagos.
- Galapagos is divided in 3 ocean zones: A) Central and Southern Islands (most fish species), B) Northern Islands (warmest waters), and C) Western Islands (coolest waters).
- About 800 species of mollusks have been identified. 18% of mollusk species are endemic.
- Mollusks: Gastropods (73%); Bivalves (24%); Chitons, Scaphopods, Octopus and Cuddle Fish (3%).
- Echinoderms (Sea Stars, Urchins, Sea Cucumbers): 200 species; 17% endemic.
- The Galapagos were rated as World's # 1 Scuba diving vacation destination in the Pacific Ocean by Rodale's Scuba Diving from 2000-2002.
- Strange Opposites in the Marine Reserve: Moorish Idol (from the warm Indo Pacific) gently swimming next to Galapagos Penguins
- Sea Temperature Variation: average of 8°C (from season to season)
- Snorkeling in the Galapagos islands show one of the highest satisfaction rate of any outing: 100%
More About Galapagos:Recommended Galapagos Island Tours
Flight to Galapagos
Best Galapagos Hotel
Galapagos Island Pictures
Free Galapagos Travel Brochures
Recommended Galapagos Reading:Galapagos Islands Born of Fire
This book is elegantly structured with stunning pictures of Galapagos Wildlife, Geology and Vegetation. It is truly a wonderful and inspiring photo book. (This book is just superb!)An Identification Guide to the Birds, Mammals, and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands
This is the most comprehensive guide to the unique wildlife of the Galapagos, excellent and detailed descriptions of its extraordinary birds, mammals, and reptiles. (Highly recommended)
More Galapagos Books
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