Take An Alternative Island Vacation In The Galapagos Islands

When most travelers think of an island vacation, they immediately think of the Caribbean or Hawaii, but the Galapagos Islands are something more. Dubbed a “living museum,” the islands are nestled in the Pacific Ocean, 620 miles off the coast of Ecuador. Consisting of 19 islands and their surrounding marine reserve, they have also been called the “showcase of evolution.” The reason is that this part of the world is a melting pot of marine and land species, some of which are only found here.

The ‘melting pot’ of the Galapagos Islands

The islands are also located at the confluence of three ocean currents, making this a melting pot of varied marine species. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the islands were formed by ongoing volcanic activity. The volcanic process, and the extreme isolation of the islands, are what led to the development of such unusual life. Some of the most unique creatures include the land iguana, the giant tortoise, flightless cormorants and a number of types of finches and mockingbirds.

The Galapagos Islands first came to notice when Charles Darwin visited here in 1835. In fact, these unusual animals were what inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection. However, it isn’t just about the animals, the islands are also famed for their huge cacti and endemic tree species.

Galapagos Marine Reserve

Moreover, the Galapagos Marine Reserve is an underwater marine life spectacle. Among the abundant marine life are colorful corals, sharks, marine mammals and penguins. There is nowhere else in the world that offers a chance to dive among such a wonderful diversity of marine life.

What also makes it special is that the marine life has grown accustomed to humans diving among them they often accompany divers on their journey. Being able to do so is a treat on this unusual island vacation.

How can you visit the islands?

Among the best ways of visiting the Galapagos Islands is on a yacht tour. Even while out on the water, visitors can get up close to the unique and amazing life of the islands.

However, it is important to note that these islands are not the typical tropical paradise. Here, there are no waving palm trees for shade, or lush jungles. Only some have some scrub growth as in the image below.

Moreover, the islands are mostly devoid of vegetation, sometimes looking more like the moon’s surface. Obviously, with marine life so used to humans, it is important to always be respectful.

Surprising to note, while the Galapagos Islands are remote, people do live here. A certain amount of development in the towns is geared towards the thriving tourism industry. For anyone keen on ecotourism and protecting our fragile world, the islands have acquired an almost mythical status for their incredible biodiversity.

Meanwhile, you don’t need to be an evolutionary biologist or an ornithologist to appreciate this wonderful place. This is one of the few places remaining in the world where the human footprint is kept to a minimum.

Find out more about visiting the Galapagos Islands from companies like Galapatours, which offer a range of options. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be at one with nature learning about the land, marine and birdlife on a unique island vacation.