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The Galapagos Islands
To visit the Galapagos is to experience one of the world's greatest wildlife locations. It is a unique environment, an archipelago right on the equator, 600 miles west of the Ecuadorian coast, where an amazing range of life exists with absolutely no fear of man. Inhabitants of the islands include the blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, flightless cormorants, the Galapagos waved albatross, sea lions and fur seals, land iguanas and marine iguanas and, of course, the giant Galapagos tortoise. This incredible archipelago is one of the planet's most enthralling and sought-after destinations, therefore it is highly recommended you book your cruise or hotel stay early to avoid disappointment.
Pinta (Abingdon) Genovesa (Tower)
Marchena (Bindloe)
Volcano Wolf
Getting there There are daily flights from Quito and Guayaquil to Baltra and San Cristobal in the Galapagos, taking 1.5-2hrs and costing approx. £208 from Guayaquil and £234 from Quito, per person, return (prices are subject to change). How long to go for To get the best out of your visit to the Galapagos Islands we highly recommend a 7-night cruise. If you are short of time we can offer 3 & 4 night cruises. Or why not stay at Finch Bay Hotel for day trips to the various islands (see page 58). What to pack Backpack, comfortable shoes, waterproof jacket, long&short sleeved shirts, shorts, long trousers, swimming costume, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, binoculars, camera.
San Cristobal
Puerto Moreno
Equator
Bartolome
Volcano Darwin
Puerto Egas
Santiago (James) Rabida (Jervis)
Fernandina (Narborough)
North Seymour Baltra Santa Cruz
Volcano Alcedo
Volcano Sierra Negro
Puerto Ayora
Isabela
Volcano Cerro Azul
Puerto Villamil
Santa Fe (Barrington)
Activities & Meals All activities are included and led by expert naturalists. On a typical cruise you will enjoy early-morning excursions, followed by one after lunch. In the evening, you will be briefed on the next day's activities. All meals are included, drinks are excluded. National Park Entrance Fee An entrance fee of US$100 per person is payable locally (subject to change).
Floreana (Charles)
Española (Hood)
Galapagos Wildlife
Birds Bird life in the Galapagos is spectacular and you will have the rare opportunity to observe endemic bird species from a close distance. Some of the most famous include frigate birds, red-footed and blue-footed boobies and flightless cormorants. Galapagos Penguins congregate along most rocky lava shores - these graceful but rocket fast birds fly through the water like an arrow! And finally visitors are amazed by the spectacular courtship displays between waved albatrosses from April to January. Mammals Sea lions and fur seals are the islands' most famous and most common mammals. You will never tire of seeing these playful characters waddle on land, lazing on the beach, surfing the waves, or gracefully swim through the waters. Be respectful during the mating season MayJanuary and when the female is nursing the pup the large male bulls tend to defend their families passionately. If you are lucky, you may also be able to witness whales or dolphins on your cruise. Reptiles The Galapagos are known for their rich reptilian population. The giant tortoise, or `Galapagos' from which the archipelago derives its name, is best to be observed at the Charles Darwin Research Station, whereas lava lizards are found basking in the sun on dark volcanic rocks on most islands. Also, from the moment you arrive you'll be tripping over marine iguanas, the only lizard in the world that lives in the ocean, and land iguanas, colourful creatures and nothing short of spectacular.
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