We offer expeditions to the enchanted islands. The fact that these islands are 1000 kilometers (600 miles) away from the coast allowed flora and fauna to develop without man’s interference in an evolutionary process starting thousands of years ago when deep-sea volcanic eruptions formed the archipelago, which slowly through time received its mew inhabitants. This marvelous miniature world is most certainly a living laboratory where it is possible to contemplate even to this day the evolution, which is still going on. UNESCO declared it Patrimony for Humanity, and at the Charles Darwin Scientific Station study and research work are developed in addition to the tasks of conserving this marvelous ecosystem. Strict protective methods have been taken to avoid damage which man’s presence could cause to this fragile ecosystem. Paths have been staked out on all of the islands, and visitors must follow them. Littering is strictly forbidden. Most of the archipelago’s territory is part of the National Park. However, in order to ensure survival of the species inhabiting it only a few sites are available to visitors to the islands.

GALAPAGOS ANIMALS

GIANT TORTOISE
Nombre Científico: Geochelone

The most famous of the reptiles is, of course, the endemic giant tortoise for which the islands are named. Ther is only one species which hs been divided into 14 subspecies- three of these are extinct. One of the best ways to distinguish them (apart form geographic distribution) is by differences in the shape of their shells. Al full grown male can weigh up to 250 kg, more than 3000 times the weight of a new born hatchling which wighs about 80g. These can be seen at the Charles Darwin Research Station where a breeding progran has been under way for some years. Her one can see Lonesome George, an old male, the last of his sub species found on Wolf Island. His compatriots were driven to extintion by the whalers and sealers of the 18th and 19th centuries who hunted them for meat and their oil. About 40 years of age. Once mated, the females look for dry and sandy areas in which to make a nest. They dig a hole about 30 cm deep with their hind legs- this may take several days. Anywhere from 2 to 16 eggs are laid and covered with a protective layer of mud made from soil mixed with urine. The incubation period is about for to five months, the hatchlings usually emerging between December and April.

MARINE IGUANA
Nombre Científico: Amblyrhynchus Cristatus

The marine iguana is the oly sea-going lizard in the world and is found on the coky hores of most islands. This iguana has a blackis skin, whic in the males can change to blues and reds during the breeding season. Breeding occurs at differente times or different islands. Mated females lay two to four eggs in a sandy nest, theses nests are guarded by the mothers although the hatchlings, whic emerge after three or four months are not given much parental protection. Marine iguanas are often seen pilling upo one on top of the other. Whern breeding, the males become territorial and aggresive, fighting and pushing their rivals.

GALÁPAGOS

The Galapagos Islands…there is nothing in the world quite like them. It is a dramatic yet beautiful world of volcanic landscapes and fearless animals: Giant Tortoises, Fur Seals, Sea Lions, Land and Sea iguanas, nad many species of birds. A visit to this impressive wildlife sanctuary will be a memorable experience for those who appreciate nature.

Located in the Pacific Ocean, approximatelly 1000km off the coast of Ecuador, directly on the equator, the isolation of the islands has permitted life forms to evolve into species found only in Galapagos. This was observed by Charles Darwin, and his research contributed to the fame of the islands. Today the Galapagos Islands are a well managed and protected National Park.

THE YACHT EXPERIENCE

Travelling on board a yacht assures a unique experience in the Islands and allows visitors to appreciate their mystery and tranquility. Leaning over the bow, passengers can watch the dolphins playing on the bow wave just a few feet away… or relax on deck in a quiet anchorage…wander along a desolate beach watching the ghost crabs scuttle into their holes, while boobis and pelicans wheel and dive just beyond the surf.
Participants do not need boating experience but should be prepared for life on board. For those who want a sense of adventurre, yacht travel will be exhilarating.

However, for those travellers who prefer to visit the islands aboard large cruise ships, these can be booked through us. If you need any adittional information do not hesitate in contact us. (More information upon request)

UNDERWATER GALAPAGOS

Underwater Galapagos can be as exciting and interesting as Galapagos ashore. The combination of ocean fish, birds, mammals and reptiles sets Galapagos apart form other marine environments. Snorkelers and divers share the water with penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, sea turtles, angel fish, large schools of Amberjacks and many other species of fish.

BALTRA

The US. Army occupied this island during World War II and built the first landing strip for jets whic is presently used for daily flights to and from the Islands. The main plants on this barren island are cat, Palo Santo trees, and grasses.

SANTA CRUZ

The Charles Darwin Research Station and headquartes of the Galapagos Natonal Park may be visited at Puerto Ayora, the Islands’s most populate human settlement. The highlands offer the lush humid zone with ist vegetation of Miconia bushes, Scalesia and inactive volcanic cone. Santa Cruz has more endemic plants than any other island in the Galapagos.

The Galapagos tortoises can be seen in their natural habitat here.

SOUTH PLAZA

This island was formed by uplifted lava and is covered by Opuntia cacti growing over low pathches of Sesuvium.

Here, Land Iguanas, Sea Lions, Swallow-Tailed Gulls, Red Billed Tropic birds, Audubon’s Shearwaters and more can be seen.

BARRINGTON

Here we find an endemic species of Land Iguana and forest of impressively tall Opuntia cati “trees”. Also the Galapagos Mockingbird, Magnificent Frigate, Brown Pelican and several species of Darwin’s Finches are common sights.

FLOREANA

All Point Cormorant we visit a flamingo lagoon where other species of shore birds may also be seen. Es snorkel at he Devil’s Crown, a submerged volcanic cone, and at Pos Office Bay, one may leave letters kile whalers did in the 18th century, in a wooden barrel mailbox.

HOOD

Punta Suarez offers the visitor quite a display of wildlife: Marine Iguanas with copper red patches. Swallow Tailed Gulls, th endemic Long Billed Mocking Bird, Finches, Masked and Blue Footed Boobies, Oystercatchers, Sea Lions and Lava Lizards. This is the only island where the Waved Albatross is to be seen durin the bedeing season, April to December.

JAMES

At Puerto Egas you will see Galapagos Fur Seals in pools cut into lava cliffs and there is a good chance of spotting the Galapagos Hawk, the Galapagos Dove and Vermilion Flycatcher. Tucked behind Espumilla Beach are salt-water lagoons wher Flamingoes and White Cheeked Pintail Ducks may be seen.

BARTOLOME/SULLIVAN BAY

Nowhere eles is the geological history of the archipelago better portayed than her. The most impressive volcanic scenery may be viewed from the top of Bartolome: varied lava formation, volcanic peaks and the moon-like landscape.

JERVIS

Its volcanic rocks are covered by Opuntia cacti, Palo Santo trees and low scrubbhy bushes. Sea Lions abound on the red sand beach, behind which is a flamingo lagoon. Several species of Darwin’s Finches may be seen here.

SOMBRERO CHINO

Very scenic little island in the shape of a Chines hat. A good spot to snorkel with the Sea Lions and the Galapagos Penguin.

NORTH SEYMOUR

The largest colony of Magnificent Frigate Birds is found here, as well as nestin Blue Footed Boobis and Swallow Tailed Gulls.

TOWER

Here one finds Red Footed and Masked Boobie colonies, Lava Gulls, Night Herons, Mockingbirds, Frigate Birds and Finches surrounding the white coral sands of Darwin’s bay. To the East of the Prince Philip landin, one may observe Red Billed Tropic Birds, nestin Boobies and a colony of Storm Petrels.

FERNANDINA

At Punta Espinoza Flightless Cormorants, Pelicans, Sea Lions, Sally Light Foot Crabs and an abundance of Mrien Iguanas cna be ssen alon the shores of one of world’s most active volcanoes.

TAGUS COVE (ISABELA)

Tagus Cove is located on the Western side of Isabela and was once a favorite anchorage for whalers and pirates. Here the trail leads to a high point for an impressive view of the crater lake and the lava flows of Darwin Volcano. A boat ride along the cliffs is taken to observe the Galapagos Penguin and the Flightless Cormorant.

URBINA BAY (ISABELA)

We will visit Urbina Bay with ist dramatic landscape formed by uplifted coral. Flightless cormorants, marine iguanas and sometimes giant tortoise can be seen here.

PUNTA MORENO (ISABELA)

Punta Moreno is anohter sight of interst with lava fields and pioneer plants. Occasionally flamingos in oasis-like green lagoons, flightles cormorant and marine iguanas.

TOURS GALAPAGOS ISLANDS – BOATS