The Galapagos islands form an archipelago made up of 19 islands, including 5 major islands (Isabela, Fernandina, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz and Santiago), and 42 islets. The Galapagos islands are located in the Pacific ocean, west of the Ecuadorian coast, less than 620 miles offshore.
The Galapagos islands are world-renowned for the richness and diversity of their flora and fauna and are considered a « living museum and showcase of evolution » unique in the world. The Galapagos islands were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 and as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1984.
At the crossroads of several ocean currents, shaped by volcanic activity and isolated from the rest of the world, the Galapagos islands have allowed the development, natural selection, and evolution of many species independently from any external influence.
The Galapagos islands have thus naturally become a sanctuary for many endemic species found exclusively on these islands, such as the giant tortoise, the marine iguana, the Galapagos albatross, and Darwin's finch !
The Galapagos islands, Charles Darwin's natural laboratory
In 1835, the Galapagos islands welcomed Charles Darwin aboard the exploration ship « HMS Beagle ». After returning home, enriched by his observations, he developed his theory of evolution.
In 1964, the Charles Darwin Research Station and Foundation was established on Santa Cruz island. Its mission is to preserve this extraordinary and unique « living treasure » while balancing human activity.
Geographical location
A diver's paradise
Marine biodiversity includes no fewer than 2,900 recorded marine species, one-fifth of which are endemic to the Galapagos islands. Notable species include the marine iguana, the Galapagos sea lion, the Galapagos shark, and the Galapagos penguin, the only penguin species living in warm waters.
Visitor numbers and access to sites are strictly limited on each island of the Galapagos archipelago in order to protect wildlife. Only marked trails are authorized so you can enjoy the hospitality of your hosts responsibly !
The marine species in the Galápagos Islands
Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus)
Galapagos shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis)
Marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus)
Mexican hogfish (Bodianus diplotaenia)
Pacific creolefish (Cephalopholis colonus)
Red-footed booby (Sula sula)
Scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini)
Waved albatross (Phoebastria irrorata)
The islands from eastern tropical Pacific ocean
Clipperton island
Cocos island
Malpelo island
The islands from pacific ocean
Grande Terre island
Lomaiviti islands
Mamanuca islands
Raivavae island
Taveuni island
Tubuai island
Viveros island
Yasawa islands
Explore new islands
Cook islands
Donoussa island
Grand Bahama island
Hamilton island
Iraklia island
Korcula island
Lokrum island
New Providence island
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