"The Galapagos Islands" Galápagos Islands by bsfreeloader

Galápagos Islands Travel Guide: 1,003 reviews and 4,030 photos

Marine Iguanas Enjoying the Perfect Beach.

The Galapagos Islands is one of the few travel destinations that not only lives up to, but exceeds, the hype it generates. If you can afford it, it is not to be missed. I was lucky enough to spend ten days on the islands in April of 2006 - two days on Santa Cruz and eight days touring the islands by boat. It may not have been a perfect holiday, but it was about as close as it gets. The cruise itinerary included stops at Baltra, North Seymour, Espanola, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, and Bartolome. Volcanic in origin, each island is unique. Together, they offer an array of landscapes, habitats, and activities second to none. There are sun-drenched, soft, white sand beaches washed by azure and turquoise waters favored by humans and sea lions alike. There are rocky shores and seaside cliffs replete with blowholes, caves, grottoes, and attendant wildlife. There are geologically fascinating lava beds, pit craters, and lava tubes. There are mangrove lagoons best explored by kayak. There are arid landscapes with soaring cacti, and there are humid landscapes reminiscent of cloud forests. And, offshore, there is the world's second largest marine reserve with pristine waters and abundant marine life, making for remarkable snorkeling and diving. It is this marine life, as well as the on-shore fauna that steals the show. On land, there are dancing boobies, bill-rattling and bill-snapping albatross, sunbathing iguanas and sea lions, scurrying lava lizards, lethargic tortoises, and a host of other creatures all so tame that you must take great care not to step on them or invade their territories. In the water, there are curious and inquisitive sea lions, disinterested but graceful sea turtles, torpedo-like penguins, reclusive sharks and rays, more than 300 species of fish, and a host of other marine creatures. If you have any interest in the natural world, the Galapagos should be at or near the top of your list of places to visit.

Last visit to Galápagos Islands: Apr 2006
Intro Written Jul 19, 2006
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Reviews (30)

Watch out for Marine Iguanas Warnings and Dangers (2)

Marine Iguanas generally pose no threat. The do, however, frequently discharge salt water from their noses, with a... more travel advice

Marine Iguana and Sally Lightfoot Crab - Galápagos Islands

Avoid Stepping on the Marine Iguanas Things to Do (27)

Described by Charles Darwin as "a hideous-looking creature, of a dirty black colour, stupid and sluggish in its... more travel advice

Welsh subspecies of Giant Tortoise - Galápagos Islands

Climb into a Tortoise Shell Things to Do (27)

Although easily possibly, it is illegal to climb on the back of a Giant Tortoise and ride it. But to get an idea of just... more travel advice

Visit the Highlands to See Giant... Things to Do (27)

In many ways, the Giant Tortoises of the Galapagos have come to symbolize the islands. Weighing up to 250 kilograms,... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Tour the Galapagos on the Beluga

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Comments (3)

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Agraichen Sep 24, 2008 at 9:21 PM

VERY WELL written. I think I described my entire trip in less words than your introduction. I'll have to work on that. Great pics as well.
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coccinella169 Mar 20, 2007 at 4:01 AM

Very nice sea lions pictures :)
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Shajenn Jul 20, 2006 at 8:28 AM

great page, I love those photographs !