BARTOLOME ISLAND is home of the famous Pinnacle Rock, which is the most representative landmark of the Bartolome Island in Ecuador's Galapagos Islands. Climbing to the top of this popular landmark rewards visitors with panoramic views of varied lave formations, volcanic peaks and moon-like landscape. Walking on the rocks at the base of Pinnacle Rock are Galapagos Penguins. This is the smallest species of penguins and the only species found north of the Equator. CHARLES DARWIN CENTER Visit the world famous Charles Darwin Research Center where efforts to protect and preserve the native and endemic animals are developed. Learn about the giant tortoise rearing programs and, of course, visit Lonesome George, the last of his subspecies. |
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DARWIN ISLAND This flat island is surrounded by high vertical cliffs on all sides. It does not have any land visitor sites and is best known for its premier diving. In particular, scuba divers explore the waters around Darwin in search of hammerhead and whale sharks. |
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| ESPANOLA ISLAND is the southernmost island and because of its remote location, it has a high proportion of endemic fauna. For example it is the breeding site of nearly all of the world's 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses. These large birds perform one of the most spectacular rituals of the animal world. Watching them take off is an unforgettable moment. Espanola teems with mockingbirds, blue-footed and masked boobies, Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, hawks, red and green marine iguanas, and sea lions and Blue-footed boobies. |
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FERNANDINA ISLAND The colossal shield of Fernandina Volcano reaches 1.494 m and is still very active. Its vegetation, typical of the arid zone, is concentrated in “kipukas” (small areas left untouched by recent lava). It also provides a broad variety of wildlife and volcanic features. |
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FLOREANA ISLAND is one of the islands that has the most interesting human history. It was one of the earliest islands to be inhabited. In 1793 a post office barrel was erected on Floreana to facilitate delivery to the United States and Europe. Today, this area of the island is of course called Post Office Bay. You will also find the remains of a Norwegian commercial fish drying and canning operation in this area and a lava tube that extends to the sea. |
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| GENOVESA ISLAND is a sensation of unspoiled nature and is considered a bird-watchers paradise. The volcanic sea cliffs around Darwin Bay offer prime breeding places for frigate birds, swallow-tailed gulls, storm petrels, tropic birds and red-footed boobies. If you climb up the Prince Phillip's Steps onto the plateau, you will find that no matter where you look there will be a bird. Genovesa offers good snorkeling opportunities at the beach or alongside the cliffs on the shoreline. Because of the richness of nutrients in the bay, you never know what you might encounter. |
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| ISABELA ISLAND is the largest and one of the most volcanically active islands in the Galapagos. The island has six volcanoes and it is well known for the 5 subspecies of giant tortoise that live in the cloudforests of Isabela. These forests, as well as the massive volcanoes silhouetting against the sky, offers a remarkable contrast to the lower islands of the eastern archipelago. West of Isabela, you might very well catch a glimpse of humpback whales breaching completely out of the water, as well as playful dolphins. Stingrays, small sharks, and turtles are found in mangrove lagoons on Isabela. Tagus Cove is one of the landing spots on the island and was historically used as an anchoring site for pirates and whalers. The trail that goes from Tagus Cove will take you through many different vegetation zones and offers spectacular views of Darwin Lake, which is a saltwater crater lake. Once you get to the top of the trail, you will be able to see Darwin Volcano as well as Wolf Volcano, which is the highest point of the islands. |
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| LOBOS This tiny, rocky outcrop is a haven for sea lions and a blue-footed booby colony. A short trail along the island is commonly frequented by lava lizards as well. |
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| NORTH SEYMOUR was like a few other islands, uplifted by underground seismic activity. This tiny island is packed with countless sea lions and it's one of the most popular breeding grounds for sea birds. A very large colony of frigate birds nest here, and it's almost guaranteed to see a few males proudly displaying their red pouches to impress a mate. It is also one of the best places to see blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds. If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of their courtship dance, which is quite peculiar and amusing. Also, while visiting this island, you might very well witness a great show of acrobatic flight, namely a frigate bird robbing a booby, a gull or even another frigate bird of their food. |
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| RABIDA ISLAND One of the special features of Rabida is the remarkable red color, which is a result of the high percentage of oxidized iron in the composition of the lava. Rábida is a bird-watchers delight. Some of the rarest species are in abundance, such as 9 varieties of finches, large billed flycatchers, Galapagos hawks and brown pelicans. The dark red sand beaches and a horde of snoring sea lions make for spectacular snorkeling. Also, the island is home to the skinny legged Flamingo, which can be seen in a salt-water lagoon near the beach. From the observatory on the southeastern part of the island, you can appreciate the red color of the beach and the rocks surrounding it. |
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| SAN CRISTOBAL is the Eastern most island in the Galapagos, located in the southeast corner. It is home of the oldest settlement in the islands, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, which is also the capital of the province Galapagos. Here, the Interpretation Center was recently opened by the Galapagos National Park. This is an amazing educational and informational contribution to the island community and travelers. San Cristobal claims some of the most spectacular landscape. The cloudforest in the highlands is perfect habitat for giant tortoises. Frigatebird Hill is a short distance walk from the Interpretation Center. Here you can see Magnificent Frigatebirds and Great Frigatebirds in the same colony, which offers great opportunities for studying and learning to distinguish the two species. El Junco Lagoon is one of the few permanent fresh water lakes in the Galapagos. It is located at an altitude of 2,300 ft/700m, about 45 minutes with bus from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. On your way to El Junco Lagoon you will pass different vegetation zones, before you reach the panoramic site, where the bird watching is exceptional as well as the view. About 1 hour travel across a small channel, will take you to Isla Lobos. The name means Sea Lion Island, which is certainly appropriate since many sea lions frolic, leap and make their homes here. This island is also a great place for snorkeling opportunities as well as to view blue-footed boobies. Kicker Rock (or Leon Dormido) is an enormous rock, located off the north west coast of San Cristobal, that rises 500 feet straight up from the ocean. It has the shape of a sleeping lion, and a split with towering verticals on either side, forming a narrow channel. |
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| SANTA CRUZ ISLAND is the second largest island of the Archipelago and colonized since the 1920’s. The town of Puerto Ayora has the largest population of the islands with 8,000 people, and is the most important harbor of the Archipelago. The headquarters of the Galapagos national Park and the Charles Darwin Station are located on Santa Cruz. Tourism, fishing, boat building and commerce are the major productive activities. Santa Cruz is also the only island where six different vegetation zones can be seen: Coastal, Arid, Transition, Scalesia, Miconia and Pampa zones. Santa Cruz is home to the Charles Darwin Station, where visitors can observe tortoise research and breeding programs. Scientists, park rangers, and park managers among others conduct the conservation of the islands and make huge efforts to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don't forget to say hello to the tortoise Lonesome George - the last of his species. A trip to the lush greenery of the Santa Cruz highlands offers a welcome contrast with the arid scenery of the smaller, lower islands. You will get a chance to see enormous pit craters, lava tunnels and giant tortoises roaming freely. |
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| SANTA FE ISLAND, Unlike most of the islands in the Galapagos that were formed by volcanic eruptions, was formed by an uplift caused by tectonic activity. This means that the island does not have the typical cone shape. Santa Fe has one of the most beautiful coves of all the visitor sites in the region - a turquoise lagoon protected by a peninsula of rocks and small islands that extends from the shore. Hike along the coastline and discover colorful flora and fauna. The well-known land iguanas here can grow over five feet long. The Sanfa Fe species of iguana are more bright yellow and have uncommonly large spikes on their spine. In true Galapagos style the opuntia cactus, a favorite food of the land iguana, has responded by growing tall and woody - up to 33 feet high and are the largest of their kind in Galapagos. Manta rays and sea turtles flit by as dark shadows against the sandy bottom of Santa Fe's beautiful anchorage. After a long hike, relax with a swim in the calm waters of the beautiful bay, or snorkel along in the company of sea lions at the base of the rocks. This island is the result of an uplifting that raised the sea floor 259 meters above the sea level. The vegetation of the island is characterized by the presence of the largest species of the giant opuntia cactus. |
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| SANTIAGO ISLAND was once home to a salt mining enterprise and its remains can still be seen if you walk from the black beach where you land, and continue along the coast. You will also see many inter-tidal pools that are homes to a large variety of invertebrate organisms. Fur seals were thought to have gone extinct by 1905, but have since made a dramatic comeback. Santiago provides habitat for many of the 30-40,000 fur seals that call the Galapagos home. If you plan on taking pictures of the fur seals, Puerto Egas is an excellent spot. At dawn or sunset, the light is perfect for great photography. There are also plenty of sea lions on the black beach of Puerto Egas. Take a moment after exploring the island and swim with the playful sea lions off the coast of two small coral-lined beaches. It is the fourth largest island and has main volcano rises. All vegetation zones, from costal to humid are present. Santiago is one of the best islands to see fur seals and hawks. |
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| SOUTH PLAZA This small steep-cliffed island was formed by uplifted lava and is covered by opuntia cactuses - a tree like cactus endemic to Galapagos. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies. Be careful not to get too close! Each colony is lead by a bull and consists of 15-20 females. After about 3 months of playing king, these bulls retire to the "Bachelors" colony and rest. These colonies consist also of very young bulls that are still too young to hold a territory or be a threat to the reining bull. Also, on South Plaza, you will find the lazy but colorful yellow and red land iguana. This animal likes this island because of its richness in the opuntia cactus, which is an iguana delicacy. There are about 700 iguanas on the island and this species seems to be one of the smallest iguana species. |
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| WOLF ISLAND Primarily known as an exceptional dive site, this island does not have any land visitor sites. Hammerhead sharks and dolphins frequent its waters. High cliffed walls climb 800 feet above the waters and provide prime nesting spots for sea birds such as boobies, gulls, and frigate birds. |
The Islands of Galapagos
Natural History of the Islands
The Galapagos Archipelago is a cluster of 13 major islands, 6 smaller ones and scores of low-lying islets in the Pacific Ocean, 600 miles (1000 kilometers) off the coast of South America, directly under the equatorial line. Galapagos is a province of Ecuador. Five of the islands are inhabited, and the rest of the archipelago is Ecuador's most important national park as well as a biosphere and marine reserve -- a protected world of animals and plants, of soils and surf that preceded man by millions of years. The Galapagos is one of the few places left on earth where an unhurried nature evolves undisturbed, maintaining a delicate ecological balance. Seeing it is an inspiring experience -- ask a young British naturalist named Charles Darwin. Just down from Cambridge, England, young Darwin reached the Galapagos in the fall of 1835 as an unpaid naturalist aboard the HMS Beagle, a brigantine circling the globe on a mapping expedition.