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Cruise the Galapogos

Cruise the Galapagos Islands and see the unique wid life. Frigate bird The Galapogos Islands are an archipeligo of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean 525 miles west of Ecuador. They are part of Ecuador and straddle the equator. They are famed for their unique wildlife which were studied by Charles Darwin on his voyage of the Beagle. The Islands heped him formulate the theory of Evolution, as the animals there have evolved there uniquely .The islands have formed over a plume of hot rock from the mantle which has pierced the crust and formed islands. The most recent eruption was in 2009. Best time to visit is anytime but July, August and December are the busiest times. Flights arrive from Ecuador. Most people book their package from home before they go although it is possible to do this in Ecuador.

There are 18 islands and numerous rocky islets. Baltra island receives flights from Ecuador from where cruise ships leave. The Islands and surrounding waters are under the protection of the Galapogos National Park and there are strict controls on visitors. Tours are available from 3-15 days and its best to go for one with a strong ecological ethos. Shore parties are by zodiac let down from your ship, and once ashore trails are shoet no more than acouple of miles. Its best to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and find the animals active. Snorkelling will let you get close to sea lions,penguins,rays and parrot fish.

The Islands wildlife is the main draw the species here have evolved free from predators so they are incredibly unperturbed by humans and visitors can get very close. They are perhaps most famous for the most northerley penguins in the world,giant tortoises,frigate birds,swimming iguanas, Darwins finches and the spectacularly named Blue footed booby.

Balta Island: Land Iguanas

Brtholemew Island: Galapogos Penguin and the Green Turtele

Darwin Island: Fur seals, frigates, marine iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, sea lions, whales, marine turtles, and red-footed and Nazca boobies

Espanola Island: Española lava lizards, hood mockingbirds, swallow-tailed gulls, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds,Galápagos hawks, 3 species of Darwin's finches, and the waved albatross.

Fernandina Island: The famous flightless cormorants inhabit this island, as do Galápagos penguins, pelicans, Galápagos sea lions and Galápagos fur seals. Recent lava flows .

Floreana Island: Flamingoes,Green Turtles,Galapogos Petrel

Genovesa Tower Island : At Darwin Bay, frigatebirds and swallow-tailed gulls, Red-footed boobies, noddy terns, lava gulls, tropic birds, doves, storm petrels and Darwins Finches.

Isabella Island :Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, pelicans and Sally Lightfoot crabs,land iguanas,Galápagos tortoises,Darwin finches, Galápagos hawks, Galápagos doves

North Seymour Island : Blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls,frigate birds.Great for birdwatching.