Galapagos Islands
From Wikitravel
The Galapagos Islands are a small archipelago of islands belonging to Ecuador in the western Pacific Ocean. The islands are quite remote and isolated, lying some 1000 km (620 miles) west of the South American continent. The Galapagos archipelago consists of 13 main islands and 6 smaller isles, which together embrace some 50,000 sq km (19,500 sq miles) of ocean.
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Understand
The Galápagos archipelago is world-renowned for its unique and fearless wildlife - much of which was inspiration for Charles Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection. The islands are therefore very popular amongst natural historians, both professional and amateur. Giant tortoises, sea lions, penguins, marine iguanas and different bird species can all be seen and approached. The landscape of the islands is relatively barren and volcanic, but beautiful nonetheless. The highest mountain amongst the islands is Volcán Wolf on Isla Isabela, 1707 m (5600ft) high.
The Galápagos were claimed by newly-independent Ecuador in 1832, a mere three years before Darwin's visit on the Beagle. During the 19th and early 20th centuries the islands were inhabited by very few settlers and were used as a penal colony, the last closing in 1959 when the islands were declared a national park. The Galapagos were subsequently listed as a World Heritage Site in 1978.
Strict controls on tourist access are maintained in an effort to protect the natural habitats and all visitors must be accompanied by a national park-certified naturalist tour guide. The islands currently receive an average of 60,000 visitors per year.
The Islands
- Baltra & Seymour
- Darwin & Wolf
- Espanola
- Fernandina
- Floreana
- Genovesa
- Isabela - the largest island
- Marchena
- Pinta
- Pinzon
- Rabida
- San Cristobal
- Santa Cruz - the main island and population centre
- Santa Fe
- Santiago
- South Plaza
Cities
Get in
Visiting the Galapagos is not cheap, owing to travel restrictions and the remote nature of the archipelago.
By plane
Flights to the Galapagos are relatively easy to arrange and depart from Quito and Guayaquil on a daily basis for the Isla Baltra airport, about two hours by public transport from Puerto Ayora, the main settlement of the Galapagos, on the central island of Santa Cruz.
Both Aerogal (http://www.aerogal.com.ec/) and Tame TAME (http://www.tame.com.ec) have flights to the Galapagos. The price is the same for both companies, for foreigners around $350 from Quito and slightly cheaper from Guayaquil. Eucadorians pay half the price and there is a 15% discount if you have a ISIC studentcard.
It's not possible to buy a one way ticket without proof of transportation from the islands. It's easy however to change the date of your return ticket.
By boat
It is possible to travel to the islands by boat from Guayaquil, but in general this option is a major hassle that won't save money.
Boat tours
Seeing the sites and wildlife of the Galapagos is best done by boat. Most people book their place well in advance (as the boats are usually full during the high season). Booking a boat tour with a company in your home country will usually be the most convenient, but is often considerably more expensive.
Boat tours can also be arranged from Guayaquil, Quito, and even from Puerto Ayora. While it is possible to get a last-minute deal, be aware that many budget tours may spend extra time in Puerto Ayora, might not always be on the best boats, and may only visit the inner islands.
In either case, when looking for a tour consider the following:
- Number of passengers. Many of the sites in the islands are limited in how many people may visit at any given time, so it is generally best to travel on a boat with fewer passengers (between ten and twenty passengers is ideal).
- Itinerary. Fernandina, Isabela, and Genovesa islands are three of the most interesting islands in the archipelago, but many tours skip these islands and visit only the inner islands.
- Level of Activity. Landings are only permitted during the twelve hours of daylight, so try to find a trip that takes advantage of daylight hours. In addition, the aquatic life is the highlight of the trip for many visitors, so be sure to find a tour that includes at least one daily snorkel.
- Additional costs. Many tours do not include the $100 park entry fee or the cost of a flight from the mainland to the islands (apx. $400 from Quito).
Budget
- Latin Trails (http://www.latintrails.com). Latin Trails offers 4, 5, and 8 day cruises in the islands with prices starting at $130 per day.
Moderate
- Guide2Galapagos (http://www.guide2galapagos.com/). Part of Quito's Sangay Touring, offer a good selection of boats.
- Galapagos Cruise Tours (http://www.galapagoscruise.com.ec/). A company offering standard yacht tours as well as trips aboard the 110 passenger Galapagos Legend.
- Cultural & Natural History Tours (http://cnhtours.com/). A company whose specialty is a 13 day active trip that includes 8 days cruising the islands, a full day on land in Puerto Ayora, and two days in Quito. This trip offers much more activity than the standard Galapagos trip including more landings, more snorkeling, kayaking, and even a midnight snorkel. Costs begin at $2,175, including airfare to/from the islands.
Expensive
- Galapagos Travel (http://www.galapagostravel.com/). An American company that specializes in 11 and 14 day trips around the islands. This company caters to photographers and provides service in luxury-class yachts with extensive itineraries. Costs begin at $3850 (does not include park entry fee or airfare to Baltra).
- Cheeseman's Ecology Safaris (http://www.cheesemans.com/). Another American company that specializes in high-quality trips. Cheeseman trips will always include at least one naturalist in addition the to park guide, and are geared towards photographers and nature lovers. All Cheeseman trips are non-smoking, and most Galapagos trips are 15 days. Costs begin at $5800 and do not include park entry fee or airfare to Baltra.
See
On each island, the number of visitors are limited and there are only a small number of official landing and visitor sites. You must follow the instructions of your guide to protect the wildlife and you are not allowed off the marked paths. This is not a problem as the animals are so tame they will sit right on the path or cross it without caring about mere tourists.
Do
Recommended activities
- Climb the hill on Bartolome for the classic Galapagos view
- Visit the Giant Tortoise breeding centre at the Charles Darwin Research Centre[1] (http://www.darwinfoundation.org/) on Santa Cruz.
- See the red neck sacks of the Magnificent Frigatebird on Seymour.
- Go snorkelling as often as possible.
Snorkelling & scuba diving
Snorkelling and diving are very popular activities as the sea life is so rich and colourful.
Snorkelling equipment should be available from your tour operator (but check first) if you don't have your own. You may also want to bring a waterproof camera. Remember to wear at least a T-shirt and suntan lotion if you are snorkelling, as it's all to easy to get sunburnt in the strong sun.
Diving in the Galapagos is incredible as noted by Rodale's Scuba Diving Magazine. Ranked as the best dive destination in the world in the categories of Healthiest Marine Environment, Best Big Animal Dive and Best Advanced Diving.
Sleep
There are hotels and other accommodation in the towns of Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, however if you really want to see lots of good wildlife, you are best taking at least a 3 day boat tour (see Boat tours above).
Stay safe
In general, crime is not a problem in the Galapagos. Petty crime may occur in the towns, and occasionally fisherman will stage strikes or demonstrations that affect tourists, but for the most part there is little to be concerned about. It should be noted, however, that some items that have been reported missing have been found in the crews` quarters! As most boats do not have lockable cabins, it might be advisable to keep your items locked away in bags in your cabins.
The animal life in the islands is mostly docile with the exception of the large bull sea lions. These animals will vigorously protect their harems, and can inflict dangerous and potentially deadly bites. Do not snorkel close to sea lion colonies. If a bull sea lion approaches you, swim away from the nearest colony. Note that it is only the bulls that are dangerous; swimming with juvenile sea lions can be one of the most exciting parts of a trip.
In addition to sea lions, there is a minimal danger from sharks. In general sharks will not attack unless provoked, although attacks can sometimes occur in murky water when sharks mistake humans for other animals. However, by exercising simple common sense experiences will be almost always be positive.
Respect
The park is strictly regulated. Outside of the towns visitors must be accompanied by guides, and visitors are only allowed on land from sunrise until sunset. Itineraries must be registered with the park prior to embarking on a trip, and animals should never be disturbed; while the wildlife in the Galapagos will usually ignore your presence, a general rule of thumb is that if an animal notices your presence then you are too close. Two meters is generally given as a minimum distance to keep away from animals; you will find that if you are calm and respectful that many animals will walk right up to investigate you.
One of the greatest dangers to the islands is introduced species. The park service is trying to eliminate goats, rats, cats, dogs, and introduced plant species on many of the islands, but it is a difficult battle; after evolving for thousands of years without predators, the Galapagos wildlife is not adapted to handle these new species. When traveling to the islands, do not bring any plant or animal life with you, and be sure to always clean your footwear when traveling between islands to avoid accidentally transferring seeds.
The codified park rules are:
- No plant, animal, or remains of such (including shells, bones, and pieces of wood), or other natural objects should be removed or disturbed.
- Be careful not to transport any live material to the islands, or from island to island.
- Do not take any food to the uninhabited islands, for the same reason.
- Do not touch or handle the animals.
- Do not feed the animals. It can be dangerous to you, and in the long run would destroy the animals' social structure and breeding habits.
- Do not startle or chase any animal from its resting or nesting spot.
- Stay within the areas designated as visitor sites.
- Do not leave any litter on the islands, or throw any off your boat.
- Do not deface the rocks.
- Do not buy souvenirs or objects made of plants or animals from the islands.
- Do not visit the islands unless accompanied by a licensed National Park Guide.
- Restrict your visits to officially approved areas.
- Show your conservationist attitude.
External links
- Charles Darwin Foundation (http://www.darwinfoundation.org/). Administrators of the Charles Darwin Research Station.