The Galapagos Islands nearly 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador are home to some of the world’s most unique wildlife and where Charles Darwin conceived his Theory of Evolution. The wildlife is world renowned for its lack of fear for humans, as no serious predators exist. Most of the plant and animal species are found nowhere else on the planet, and often are limited to single islands. Galapagos Island tours are plenty, and you should know your optins before flying to Guayaquil.
Here is an island by island guide to the Galapagos:
Santa Cruz - This is the most central of the islands in the archipelago and home to the largest city, Puerto Ayora, which is home to the majority of the population. The Charles Darwin Research Station, most hotels and tourist facilities, and TortugaBay, considered the nicest beach in the archipelago. There are several locations to see Giant tortoises and there is access to various bird life, roaming land iguanas, lava tubes, and hiking trails.
San Cristóbal - This island is on of the most popular in the chain and the second most developed behind Santa Cruz. The beaches on the island are home to many sea lion colonies and frigate bird nesting grounds, while the waters off shore hold some of the best surfing waves in the Galapagos. The city of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the capital of the Galapagos and is slowly becoming a rival to Puerto Ayora as a tourist city. There are many excursions offered around the island to see tortoises in the wild, blue footed boobies, cliffside nesting sites, etc.
Isabela - Six volcanoes make up Isabela and the lava flows form their various eruptions have made it the largest in the archipelago. Five of the volcanoes are active and each has a sub-species of giant tortoise. Other diverse wildlife can be found on the island including Flamingos, Penguins, Flightless Cormorants, Pelicans, and Marine Iguanas. There are several beautiful and serene south Pacific beaches on the island and highland farms for those who are looking for tranquility.
Floreana - Floreana has the longest human history in the archipelago and even has a post office, although mail is only delivered from the island by kind visitors who take the letters with them when they leave and deliver them free of charge. Flamingos and bird life in the highlands are the most significant wildlife.
Santiago - The rocky island is made up of strange lava formations. Sea Lions and Fur Seals are found in abundance on the islands.
Genovesa - Here you will findRed Mangroves, Frigate Birds, Red footed Boobies, and Masked Boobies.
Baltra - Darwin finches and a cactus filled desert make up this isolated island.
