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The Galapagos IslandsThe Galapagos Islands, located 1,000 km. (600 miles) off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, have captured the imagination of poets and biologists alike. Separated from the mainland, evolution created stunning endemic creatures such as the giant tortoise and the sea iguana (see picture above), animals found only on the Galapagos. If a visit to Ecuador is due than the islands will be remembered as the absolute highlight of an unforgettable journey.
Take a TourTo visit the Galapagos Islands you can:
A basic tour takes you on a three-day tour (with the two-way flight this is sold as a 5-day tour), you visit either the Northern or the Southern Islands. I can highly recommend taking the six-day tour package (this is sold as a 7/8 day tour). You get to see all the islands (well, almost) and it's just so wonderful to be able to experience those wonders with time at your hand. As you can see there's a tour for every budget. It ranges from $950 to many thousands of dollars, but rest assure, at the end of the day you've all seen the same wonderful creatures.
Note: I was on the small but pleasant 'Cormorant' (the boat on the left) for six days and visited the following islands: Day 1 Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat): Day 2 Sulivan Bay: Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6
The Thirteen IslandsThe archipelago consists of 13 volcanic islands and is considered to be one of the most active volcanic areas of the world. The latest eruption on the Galapagos Islands occurred on September 30, 1998 when the Cerro Azul volcano erupted in the extreme south of Isla Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos archipelago.
The Wonders of CreationThe main reason to visit the Galapagos Islands are the wonders that evolution has created. They're just so, so beautiful. The giant tortoise is without doubt their most famous creature. It can weigh over 225 kg (500 pounds) and measure 1.8 m (6 feet) from head to tail. Some can grow as old as 150 years. There are 15 recognized races of tortoises, all generally considered to be members of the single species Geochelone Elephantopus. The 15 races of tortoises can be divided into two general morphotypes: domed and saddle-backed. In the domed tortoises, the front edge of the shell forms a low line over the neck while in saddle-backed tortoises, the front edge arches high over the neck. Four races are extinct. The Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) has a breeding program running as the Giant Tortoise is still an endangered species. The animals on the Galapagos Islands are very tame and you can get very close to take your wildlife pictures, click here to see wonderful iguanas. The iguana on top of this page was taken with a macro lens at just 10 cm. (4 inch) from its face. It didn't budge. Just amazing.
Diving and SnorkelingWhile cruising around you will have snorkeling possibilities at will on the Galapagos Islands. Sharks, rays, penguins and tropical fish will be your performing actors of the day. Some tours offer dive opportunities but are obviously a bit more expensive. In Puerto Ayora on the main island you can book a one-day dive tour (all inclusive).
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© All photographs by Mark Van Overmeire* |
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