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Ecuador » General Information »
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| Amazing and Diverse |
A trip to the Galapagos Islands is always splendid, however
the pleasant (not so hot) weather in August allows a more
comfortable visit.
The Flight
From Quito you fly to Guayaquil and in an hour and ten minutes
you will arrive to the airport at Baltra, your first contact
with the Enchanted Islands:
cactus, intense sun, turquoise sea. The unique flora and
fauna on the Galapagos Islands are due to many factors such
as: the volcanic origin, the distance to the mainland, the
direction of the winds, the confluence of the marine currents.
Charles Darwin was inspired by his observations during his
short visit to the islands in 1835, to develop his Theory
of Evolution, thus revolutionizing modern thinking.
Santa Cruz Island
Your first visit will be to the Charles Darwin Research
Station founded to support conservation efforts on the Archipelago.
Scientists, educators, research students, volunteers and
support staff from all over the world work at the Charles
Darwin Research Station for the conservation of this “living
laboratory of evolution”. One of the most serious
problems to the ecosystem in the Galapagos Islands are the
introduced species such as dogs, cats, goats and insects
among others. The Charles Darwin Station, with the cooperation
of other partners such as the Galapagos National Park, is
permanently working to control these threats to the ecosystem
on the Islands. They have a breeding and conservation progam
for the Giant Tortoise. See the giant tortoises in large
pens that simulate the environment on their island of origin,
and the baby tortoises, all kept safe from introduced predators.
When these tortoises are strong enough to survive, they
are returned to their island of origin. On your way back
to the Yacht, you will walk through the picturesque town
of Puerto Ayora where you will find a variety of souvenirs.
Genovesa Island
Snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands is a real treat where
you discover and explore an exciting underwater paradise!
You will disembark at Darwin Bay on a white coral beach.
Here you will observe the fascinating Red-footed boobies
nesting on branches unlike the Blue-footed boobies that
nest on the ground. You will also see Swallow tailed gulls,
Petrels, Frigate birds and others. Then, back to the beach
and snorkeling for those who wish.
In the afternoon, disembark at Prince Philip´s Steps
and you will be guided up and along the cliff. Here you
will be able to observe the flora and fauna, you will see
Storm petrels, boobies and frigate birds and with a little
bit of luck, the Galapagos Owl.
Fernandina and Isabela Islands
Disembark early for a visit to Punta Espinoza, a highlight
on this trip. The sea offers abundant vegetation thus the
coastal rocks are home to Marine iguanas, Sea lions, Penguins,
Flightless cormorants, Herons, and Marine turtles! Snorkeling
at this spot is an unforgettable experience. Back to the
yacht for lunch.
Disembark at Isabella on the foot of the Alcedo Volcano.
Observe an example of the geological acti-vity of the island:
in 1984 almost 4 miles of the coast were elevated 15 feet
giving birth to new and endemic vegetation. Here you will
see many land iguanas, land tortoises, Darwin´s finches
among other fauna.
Santiago and Bartolome Islands
Wet
landing on the black beach to visit Puerto Amazing and DiverseEgas.
On this beach you will see Marine iguanas, the Blue heron,
the Oystercatcher, Lava heron, Gulls and other coastal birds,
Sally lightfoot crabs, and fur seals. After your walk, swimming
and snorkeling. Early afternoon, you will visit the Island
of San Bartolome, with its volcanic landscapes of such beauty
that its images have traveled all around the world. You
disembark for a swim or to snorkel from the beach. Here
you will swim with sea lions, and the Galapagos penguin,
the second smallest penguin in the world. The last El Nino
current warmed the waters and unfortunately reduced the
Penguin Colony considerably. You can take a short walk from
the beach to the shore behind the bay. Here you cannot swim
but will be amazed by the sharks and manta rays that can
easily be observed swimming and flipping close to the shore.
Later in the afternoon, you will climb the 370 wood stairs
to the top of the island at an altitude of 114 meters. The
climb is certainly worth it, the awesome lunar landscape
contrasting with the beauty of the color of the sea will
enchant you. Take fantastic pictures!
Article © by This is Ecuador Magazine
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