The Galapagos Archipelago is home to some of the world's most extraordinary wildlife. Everyone who visits these islands enjoys the fulfilling experience of being close to nature - at times it feels as if you are almost at the source of creation.
Our Galapagos programs offer an opportunity to visit this famous archipelago, not in large groups of tourists, but in small intimate parties with captains and guides who have lived and explored these islands for many years.
The islands are composed of volcanic rock formations that jut out of the sea, roughly 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. Despite their location on the equator, the climate is temperate due to the cooling Humboldt Current. Temperatures are comfortable; generally hot midday, but cool at night. The islands are stark, yet beautiful, with their eerie moon-like landscapes.
The taller islands have ample rainfall and enormous cactus forests growing over masses of cinder and windswept sand. Exploring these islands you can almost imagine that the world has been newly created and that your footsteps are the first to crunch the cindery soil of this mysterious new land.
Wildlife
Each island has its own special wildlife and terrain such as the masked boobies found on Tower Island and the fur seals found on Santiago. Most islands are skirted by peaceful coves, sparkling beaches, and jagged cliffs that are lacy with sea foam. There are beaches of black and brown sand and others of pounded shell fragments. The many volcanic craters here look as though a mad, but inspired, sculptor has created them. Great potholes in the lava hold pools of azure water, and openings near the water's edge create geyser-like fountains of seawater. The animals are amazingly tame and their remarkable trust establishes an instant bond with visitors. Sea Lions play hide-and-seek with you in the tide pools. Marine Iguanas-shining jet-black in the ocean spray look menacing, but are harmless and complacent. Scarlet-faced lizards climb in and out of lava crevices. Yellow-crowned night herons and Galapagos green herons stalk armies of Sally Lightfoot crabs, that scurry across the lava formations. Tropical flamingos are reflected in still pools and shy penguins peer out of rock crevices. On the whole, a vivid drama unfolds of how each species has adapted to this beautiful land.
About the Islands
Through it all lumbers the magnificent leathery "Galapagos"- the giant tortoises that so intrigued Darwin. Flightless Cormorants, blue-eyed doves and Mockingbirds may hop along beside you, or peer into the lens of your camera. Boobies cuddle their downy-coated babies. Vermilion fly catcher, yellow warblers, and Darwin finches are tame enough for close study and photography.
Snorkelers can explore the fascinating underwater world where the marine life is rich and varied. In fact, there are fish here that still have not been classified!
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