"The Galapagos Islands" Galápagos Islands by roamer61

Galápagos Islands Travel Guide: 1,001 reviews and 4,014 photos

The Galapogos Islands are a series of volcanic islands 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. They are a living laboratory in Evolution.
The main islands are Hood and Fernadina. Others include Baltra, Seymour and Tower way to the north. Straddling the equator, the temperature can be quite warm. It is the animals that make the Galapogos special. Giant toroises, land and marine iguana and a wealth of birdlife. A nature lovers paradise. Made famous by Charles Darwin, it was here that he formulated his theory on the origin of species.
Though the animals are very tame, you are not allowed to touch or feed them, for your safety as well as theirs. You'll encounter huge colonies of Blue Footed Boobies on Hood Island as well as Sea Lions, Marine Iguanas, and many other bird species. You'll also encounter Waved Albatross, Gulls, and the finches Darwin made famous. It is probably the best island for wildlife. Between the scenery, wildlife and overall feeling about the place, the Galapogos Islands are most certainly, one of the most exciting destinations of any kind in the world. The photo above is that of an Endemic Land Iguana.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Fascinating Wildlife and stunning Scenery
Cons:Can be expensive to get there. Must be with a tour.
In a nutshell:A Totally fascinating destination.

Last visit to Galápagos Islands: Apr 1985
Intro Updated Mar 26, 2005
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Reviews (12)

Unique and Endemic Wildlife - Galápagos Islands

Unique and Endemic Wildlife Things to Do (6)

The Galapagos Land Iguana. This large lizard, measureing 3 feet including tail, evolved into the unique species it is... more travel advice

Endemic Birdlife Things to Do (6)

On the Galapagos, you will find many species of birds found nowhere else. An example is this handsome speciman, a... more travel advice

Blow Hole Things to Do (6)

On Hood Island, you can see this blowhole. Its formed when the water surges into a narrow crack in the rock, that it... more travel advice

Galapogos Islands Favorites (2)

The wonderous archipelago is located 600 miles of the coast of Ecuador in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. more travel advice

Travelogues (1)

Written Nov 22, 2004

3 photos

Galapagos Fauna

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Comments (93)

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sim1 Jul 31, 2011 at 10:18 AM

The Galapagos Islands have always fascinated me! Thinking of visiting this fall while travelling to South America, although unfortunately not sure if my budget will stretch that far.
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MalenaN Oct 26, 2010 at 9:32 AM

Hope I can make it to Galapagos when I visit Ecuador next year!
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jumpingnorman Feb 17, 2009 at 6:45 PM

Hi Stephen - hope that frigate bird on intro page is okay (looks scary on the electric poles)...nice galapagos tips! Hope I'll do the Gap tour someday, Norman :)
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K.Knight Jan 2, 2008 at 3:04 AM

Stephen, thanks for sharing your Galapagos experience. Africa is a magnificent destination but the Galapagos would be fantastic to see. G'day from Australia.
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mim95 Nov 4, 2007 at 5:55 AM

This is one of my dream destinations! Thanks for the overview of the islands.
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Bwana_Brown Jun 26, 2007 at 7:32 AM

Stephen, I really enjoyed your Galápagos Islands page! Would love to visit one day myself. Thanks for visiting my Hopkins page!
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toonsarah May 20, 2007 at 11:26 AM

The Galapagos are high up my wish list so i envy you this trip! Your iguana photos and landscapes are really good.
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Ekahau May 4, 2007 at 7:43 PM

And I am very jealous because you have been to The Galapagos Islands -- that is so wonderful. You are into Historical Trip, Archeology, Rain Forest, Bird watching, all the stuff I like so i look forward to meeting you in the NYC meet up
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Stephen-KarenConn Feb 13, 2007 at 6:05 AM

The Galapagos are truly a dream destination. We expect to be there - someday....
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zrim Jan 16, 2007 at 8:08 AM

A year ago today I first saw the Galapagos with my own eyes--how long before I get back? You have some nice landscapes here.