Subscribe To This Site
Information about the Galapagos Islands Charles Darwin explored Galapagos in 1835 and came up with his Theory of Evolution.The uniqueness of the Galapagos islands is largely due to the remoteness of the Archipelago which has never been connected to the lands of the South American continent. This has left the animals, plants, bird life, reptiles and marine life who have either migrated or arrived by sea to develop somewhat differently to their mainland brothers and sisters. For example the various types of reptiles inhabiting the Islands are all exclusive to this Archipelago while 25% of the nearby shore fish and over 50% of all plants are also unique to these Islands and found nowhere else. Located 1,000 km from the Ecuadorian mainland, the Archipelago consist of 13 major islands, of which only 4 Islands are inhabited (Santa Cruz, Isabela, San Cristobal and Floreana). The interesting Galapagos Geology as well as its rich flora and fauna have been admired and studied by numerous scientists and nature lovers. Scientists are still gathering information about the Galapagos Islands and are constantly faced with a mystery how such a large diversity of species could develop in a remote location like the Galapagos Islands. 600 miles from the country of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands have lived in virtual isolation for millions of years. In total, they consist of 61 Islands and islets, with 13 main Islands and 6 smaller ones. The largest Island is Isabela with 1771 sq. miles (4855 sq. km), it makes up close to half the land area of the Galapagos. Its largest volcano called Wolf has a maximum altitude of 5600 ft. making it the highest point in the Archipelago. Galapagos ClassificationThe first type are the oldest remaining species such as flightless Cormorants, giant tortoises, land and marine Iguana, fur seal as well as some plant life which are all endemic to the islands meaning that they exist only inside of the islands and nowhere else on planet Earth. The second type are migratory in nature such as frigate birds, Galapagos Boobies and some types of Mangrove and although newer than the former have still played a large part in developing the Galapagos ecosystem. The final type of plant life such as fruit trees (raspberry and guava) and animal life has been imported through man which has also resulted on the animal side in causing much destruction and imbalances which pose threats to the endemic species, examples have been cattle, pigs, donkeys, rats, dogs and cats. The remote Galapagos Islands are almost always sunny and the cool sea breezes create a perfect air temperature that you would not expect on the equator. In the Galapagos Islands there a crystal clear turquoise seas, beaches with pink, volcanic black, powdery white and olive green sands, mangrove lagoons and cactus forests. The combination of these unusual characteristics have made Galapagos Islands a sanctuary for exotic animals which have never learned to fear humans. It is a living laboratory for scientists who can discover many of the origins of the world. The Galapagos Islands are a finalist in the ongoing New 7 Wonders of Nature contest. For futures visitors looking for information about the Galapagos Islands, I can tell you that it is an incredible destination to explore where you can experience the true essence of nature and have constant close-up encounters with endemic wildlife that may only be seen here. Most Galapagos Island Tours will offer you exciting opportunities that include snorkeling with playful sea lions, tracking giant tortoises, diving surrounded by rich marine life, extended hikes, sea kayaking in the middle of Galapagos Dolphins and amazing Humpback Whales The Galapagos Islands National Park and Marine Reserve have been established to preserve this 3,100 square miles, which includes 90% of the land surface and the entire ocean area within the Archipelago. There are 54 Galapagos Sites which welcome visitors. These tourist sites are pre-determined by the the national park service in order to minimize the effect of tourism in the Galapagos Islands. Galapagos Recommended Reading:A Traveler's Guide to the Galapagos Islands This book reviews the Islands' history, explains its ecology and the evolution of its wildlife, and tells where to go and what to see and photograph. This guide has updated information about the Galapagos Islands and is the ideal handbook for anyone thinking on visiting this Archipelago. (This is a helpful and easy to read guide) Galapagos: A Natural History  Custom Search If you need more specific information about the Galapagos Islands, please post your question on the Galapagos FAQ page or if you want to know more about our Combined Galapagos Trips to explore this Archipelago, You can Contact us here
|
