The Galapagos Islands are a unique place with an abundance of animal life and plenty of natural beauty. Galapagos Islands vacation packages can be expensive, but with a little planning and research you can find a vacation package to suit your budget. Here are some tips to make your vacation as magical as possible.
1. Get to know the local community You can meet people who are very eager to share their knowledge of the Galapagos and help you plan your trip.
2. Learn about the history of the islands There is a lot of inspiring history behind the islands and you can learn about it when you visit the Darwin station, the interpretation center, or even when you listen to convesrations by the local people.
3. Get to know the flora and fauna This is the Galapagos, after all. There are many species of plants and animals that you can't find in other places.
4. Take advantage of the beaches, not just ideal for sunbathing, but there are great snorkeling and even surfing opportunities around the archipelago.
5. Explore local markets when you go through Ecuador on your way to the islands. What you see on the islands is cheaper to find on the mainland.
6. Go to the island of Santa Cruz and visit the giant tortoises (the world's largest land vertebrates).
7. Visit the island of Pinzon, the home of the pink flamingo.
8. Look for flocks of blue footed boobies in the Galapagos and at the Isla de la Plata, near the Ecuadorian mainland.
9. Try to get to Isabela Island. It is the largest of the Galapagos and one of the best places to see marine iguanas.
10. Look for whales during island to island crossings. From May to September, humpback whales migrate to the islands, providing the perfect opportunity for whale watching.
11. Walk on lava fields at, sea level and trek through the rainforest in the highland areas
12. Enjoy the sunsets, every day you are treated to the magical colors that are produced from the sun setting into the ocean. If you are onboard a liveaboard cruise you will have a different scenery every day.
13. Take a kayak tour to the different bays and inlets off the inhabited islands. The Galapagos is home to more than 150 species of marine birds, so it is no surprise that the sea is filled with amazing wildlife too.
14. If you are going to travel hotel / land based, you can join a day tour to Bartolome, South Plazas or North Seymour island and learn about the different endemic animals that can be found there.
-
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the conservation efforts that are put in place by the scientific community, learn about projects to help the survival of endangered species.
-
You can fly in and out of either Airport in Baltra or San Cristobal. This will give you flexibility to explore the main visitor sites close to each of these islands and having an option to return from the closest airport to mainland Ecuador.
-
There is a park entrance fee that needs to be paid - Remember to bring some cash, the park entry is $100 USD.
-
Bring a waterproof bag for your belongings, it is not uncommon to get wet when board or deboarding your tour vessel or the landing zodiacs
-
Take a liveaboard cruise as the ultimate way to explore the islands, you have twice the excursions, visit more remote areas and can see more wildlife in half the time compared to a land based tour. The downside is that expeditions cruises are extremely expensive.
The Galapagos Islands are a group of stunning islands in the Pacific Ocean
The Galapagos Islands are a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean that is known for its amazing wildlife and unique geology. It is a small and close-guarded natural reserve that is home to curious wildlife. The islands are made up of 13 major islands and dozens of smaller islands, the archipelago has a total land area of 4,900 km² (1,888 sq mi), if you add the marine reserve you have a combined area of 97,000 square miles. The Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and tourist activity is highly regulated.
The Islands are located 1,000 miles west of Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are located 1,000 miles west of Ecuador and is a popular tourist destination, they are the westernmost region of Ecuador. The islands contain many endemic species that can only be found on the islands. We recommend packing sunscreen, a hat, and water shoes.
Also known as the enchanted isles, they are renowned for their biodiversity
Some people say that the Galapagos Islands are an ecosystem like no other in the world. The very first time someone proposed this theory, was when Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands in 1835. The Galapagos National Park was founded on 14 December 1959 and it's main purpose is to regulate human activity in order to safeguard the unique wildlife that inhabits the place. The Galapagos Marine National Park was also established in 1959 to protect the marine life of the archipelago. The islands are protected by two national parks, three nature reserves, and three marine reserves.
The Galapagos Islands offer many habitats and climates
The Galapagos Islands offer many habitats and climates to explore. From beaches to forests to cactus-laden desert, the islands are a mecca for ecotourists, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking to explore nature in a truly unique and diverse environment. There are many islands, each with their own unique attractions. The wildlife found in the Galapagos Islands are 97% endemic, meaning most of the species are not found anywhere else in the world.
The Galapagos Islands are known for their volcanic terrain
The Galapagos Islands are known for their volcanic terrain, which is why they're the perfect spot for an adventurous vacation. The entire archipelago is made up of active volcanoes. The islands are located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is a series of volcanoes and seismic activity in the Pacific Ocean. Most of the islands are still active, with more than 50 eruptions in the past 200 years.
Synopsis
You'll find no shortage of amazing things to do in the Galapagos Islands. UNESCO World Heritage Site, abundant animal life and plenty of natural beauty makes this vacation a magical one. If you're looking for something that will take your breath away, then the beautiful Pacific Ocean is the place to be.