Meanwhile, the dry season experiences southeast trade winds, which provide a wonderful breeze and signal an increase in marine activity. 19. Why is exploring the Galapagos Islands different than “sailing on a cruise”? 2. They’re the First World Heritage Site World Heritage sites are places of historical, cultural, scientific, or natural value. 8. Born of fire: The Galápagos Archipelago is one the most volcanically active areas in the world. It is heading towards the Galapagos’ access point, the volcanic area responsible for the creation of the islands. We own and operate the finest Galapagos Island Expedition Small Cruise Ship, Yacht and Vessel. 10. The islands see more rainfall in the hot season, which also features calmer seas and slightly warmer ocean temperatures around 79°F (26°C). Check out our top 10 facts about the unrivalled Galapagos… 1. This limits the number of visitors to sites in any set window of time. All rights reserved. 4. } The Galápagos Islands are an equatorial archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean 1,000km off the coast of Ecuador. #1. "acceptedAnswer": { The amount of daylight remains the same all year-round These “Enchanted Isles”, located about 600 mi (970 km) off the coast of Ecuador, are incredibly significant in terms of scientific research. Enjoy comfortable temperatures throughout the year, 16. { Galapagos is named after its tortoises. A mesmerising volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Islands is known as one of the world's leading destinations for wildlife-viewing. Wild animals have little fear of humans, click here for more Galapagos Information, Galapagos Island Expedition Small Cruise Ship, Yacht and Vessel. "@type": "Question", The Galapagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean approximately 906 kilometers (563 miles) west of mainland Ecuador.. To witness incredible volcanic explosions is a unique experience! The Galapagos is an archipelago of 19 islands in the Pacific Ocean. The Islands formed from various internal processes of Earth. I want to travel to the Galapagos Islands! This site became known as Post Office Bay and to this day, it remains a popular attraction for many visitors who wish to leave a letter or postcard, or pick one up, if they believe they can deliver it to the addressee. A piece of the archipelago (along the northern coast of Isabela) happens to be the only place in the Northern Hemisphere where you can see penguins in their natural habitat. "mainEntity": [{ The Galapagos Islands are a small island chain, known for their unique wildlife. E-mail: info@metropolitan-touring.com, Galapagos Islands Cruises & Tours The climate of the Galapagos Islands is characterized by low rainfall, low humidity, and relatively low air and water temperatures. And, with more than 400 species of fish, some of the most unique birds on the planet, and an iconic collection other native and endemic Galapagos wildlife, visiting the islands can feel like you’re literally stepping into a National Geographic-style documentary. Discover amazing creatures like the Nazca Booby. Image Credits: Francisco Dousdebés, I want to go as well! Here are a number of interesting facts about the Galapagos Islands to pique your curiosity. Galapagos Islands Hotel. El Niño originates off the coast of Galapagos and can alter other ocean currents, weather patterns, and food availability in both marine and terrestrial environments. Home to many unique species and landscapes, visitors touring the islands on a live-aboard cruise can see a tremendous amount of wildlife. Thankfully, the Galapagos National Park, established over 60 years ago through Presidential decree, has taken the lead in facilitating these important studies whose conclusions have helped guide conservation and protection efforts in the region. Throughout the year, land temperature averages range from 79° to 86°F (26.1° to 30°C), while ocean temperatures along the island coasts hover around 71° to 78°F (21.7° to 25.6°C). In fact, researchers believe that these turtles swam the ocean and walked the beaches along with dinosaurs. (+593) 2-2988-263 The term “Galapago” refers to the old Castilian word meaning “riding saddle”. 9. Their distinctive diets are responsible for the pigmentation in their feet. The Galapagos penguin is the second smallest species of its kind and is typically observed on the western islands of Isabela and Fernandina. Here are a number of interesting facts about the Galapagos Islands to pique your curiosity. The Galapagos Islands is a group that consists of 13 main islands, 6 smaller islands, and 107 islets or rocks. 3. The average Galapagos giant tortoise can live for well over a century. 13 Awesome Galapagos Tortoise Facts 1. Red-footed boobies spotted resting on the branches. In the 18th Century, on the island of Floreana, a barrel was used as a postal box by crew members traveling aboard various whaling ships in the region. } The most recent eruption in the islands took place in 2018. These “Enchanted Isles”, located about 600 mi (970 km) off the coast of Ecuador, are incredibly significant in terms of scientific research. The Galapagos Islands are famous for the diverse plant and animal life found both on land and in the surrounding seas. They feed almost entirely on seaweed (algae). The highest point in the Galapagos Islands is Volcan Wolf on Isabela which is 1,707 meters (5,600 feet) above sea level. There are still active volcanoes on the Galapagos Islands. The arrival of Charles Darwin to the Galapagos, 13. The Galapagos National Park has established key rules to help protect the animals and their habitats. United StatesDirect sales: (+1) 855-500-0496 The Galapagos Islands are situated in the Pacific Ocean about 575 mi (926 km) to the east of the Ecuadorian mainland. Many of the younger islands are still over this spot. Here are some Galapagos Islands fun facts 1. The result is infrequent volcanic activity and incredibly diverse landscapes – a spectacular visual feast! One history, a thousand inspiring stories. Experience the colorful upwellings in the archipielago. Any time is a great time to visit The archipelago’s arid lowlands are covered by an open cactus forest. This includes such exotic flora and fauna as giant cacti, finches, flightless cormorants, and the famed giant tortoise, whose average lifespan of 100 years makes it the longest living vertebrate on earth. Ninety-seven percent of the islands are a national park and half of the land species (and one fifth of the marine species) are endemic to the Galapagos. The number of islands is up for debate, 4. This makes the islands a seafood lover’s delight—as well as a scuba diver's or snorkeler's paradise. Long live the Galapagos giant tortoise, 11. Long live the Galapagos giant tortoise Also, when visiting the park, explorers must be accompanied by a Galapagos National Park-certified Naturalist Guide, and the ratio established by park rules is a maximum of 16 visitors per guide. Interested in learning more? Swimming with sea turtles" 170515, Go 2: Galapagos Cruise, Quito & Otavalo Indigenous Market, GO 3: Galapagos Cruise, Quito, Otavalo & Chaski Route, GO 4: Galapagos Cruise & Otavalo Across the Andes to the Coast, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3OjfK0t1XM. "text": "1. The arrival of Charles Darwin to the Galapagos The islands are home to over 25,000 people clustered in small towns, the capital is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. 1. Ocean currents are rather unpredictable, 19. For Japanese Agents Seeing them in the wild is truly something unique. The submit button will be disabled until you complete the CAPTCHA. The intersection of three tectonic plates 4. Copyright© 2020 - Metropolitan Touring, All Rights Reserved. 4. There are over 400 species of fish surrounding the Galápagos Islands with more than 50 endemic species. The islands have thousands of plant and animal species, of which the vast majority are endemic. They are perhaps the most popular of all seabirds because they occupy some curious habitats and have colorful webbed feet. Coat of arms: Divided in four, with representative images of the islands, such as volcanic cones, the blue sea, a sail boat, and of course the iconic Galapagos tortoise. 13. 12. The shell (carapace) of this giant tortoise certainly resembles a saddle, doesn’t it? Rest of the world: (+593) 99 738 3883, For Travel Agents 8. Less than 79,000 visitors tour Galapagos on live-aboards annually It’s located on a junction where three tectonic plates meet, and 13 of the islands are volcanic. He was largely inspired by the incredible endemic species – like the Galapagos Islands flamingos. Three varieties of colorful boobies (seabirds) 20. Ecuadorian residents: (+593) 99 145 0325 Ocean currents are rather unpredictable Eloy Alfaro N° 34-111 & Catalina Aldaz. Follow Charles Darwin’s footsteps by exploring the same islands and sites that he visited back in 1835. Home » faq » 110 Fun Facts about the Galapagos Islands, USA: 1888 50 KLEIN / CANADA: 1-866-9785990 This number of people is fewer than the amount of folks in attendance at any given sold-out event at a typical professional footbal stadium in the U.S. Geology is constantly in flux The Galapagos is what’s known as an archipelago – a chain or cluster of islands. Get special deals and come explore with us! Explore the amazing Galapagos National park. The word “Galapago” and the Islands’ iconic turtles, 15. "@type": "Question", This is a big deal because 97% of the islands land mass have been declared a national park, and the surrounding waters have been named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Some colonies can be found within the central islands and as far south as Floreana. Make sure to check out the rest of our blog to find out more about these amazing creatures! One of the most strangest facts about the Galapagos Islands is that despite its location at the northern tip of the Nazca plaque, the archipelago is moving constantly to eastward. Their longevity is the highest of any vertebrate on land. So, you can expect to see other people during your visit, but you won’t have to worry about any excessively large crowds within the Galapagos National Park, as site visits are scheduled and approved by the park, and registered with the appropriate permissions. Taken from Cruise Critic’s article ‘So Far from Mass Tourism’: How the Galapagos Islands Could Help Restart Cruises: “One company has already quietly restarted its operations in the Galapagos. The Galapagos are an archipelago of volcanic islands that span across the equator line, consisting of 21 islands and 107 islets or rocks. You can see many of these first hand when snorkeling in the Galapagos National Park. The Galápagos Islands are made up of 20 islands, 42 islets, and over 250 rocks. - Privacy Policy - Terms | MT15134. Visitors must remain a minimum safe distance of 6.5 ft (2 m) from the wildlife at all times. [12] E-mail: sales@metropolitan-touring.com Marine iguanas are excellent swimmers The islands are located at the Galapagos Triple Junction. Home » faq » 110 Fun Facts about the Galapagos Islands. The oldest island, Espanola, is estimated to be 3.5 million years old, while the youngest, Fernandina, is still forming after 1 million years. There have been several volcanic eruptions in the islands over the last 100 years; the most recent being that of the Sierra Negra volcano on the island of Isabela in 2018, raising concerns about the endemic species of pink iguanas found there. How to Get to Galapagos: Prices, Airports and Tips. "name": "galapagos islands facts", Sometimes there are some amazing deals on packages and, occasionally, even some discounted rates. Depending on the season, the islands are either lush, green, and tropical or slightly barren, colorful, and arid. The islands are home to a convergence of currents. For this reason wave action here is unpredictable, and there can be some variance in water temperatures, clarity and marine species due to upswelling. "@type": "FAQPage", The Equatorial, Humboldt, Cromwell, and Panama currents converge in this region. Enjoy the beautiful shade of green in Galapagos hot season. In actuality, a visit to this remakable archipelago may be a lot more viable than you think. Red-footed boobies, use the branches of trees and bushes as nesting areas, while blue-footed boobies and Nazca boobies nest along the ground, a little further inland. "@type": "Answer", Facts about the Galapagos Islands to sparkle your curiosity about extraordinary wildlife and the evidence of evolution: 1; The Galapagos Islands named after tortoises. The oldest of the islands are about 4 million years old and the youngest are still in the process of being formed. } The Galapagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, 575 mi west of Ecuador, South America, and are a territory of Ecuador. 17% of Galapagos fish species are endemic to the Galapagos Islands. Taking the Whole Family to the Galapagos: A Good Idea? 14. "text": "11. And while the number of actual islands or islets is always changing due to volcanic activity the number of islands has been static for thousands of years at around 20. Ph: (593) 2 - 2267000 / (593) 2 - 2267080, Go Galapagos Ltda. Located near the equator, the islands experience a year-round temperate climate. The Galapagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, 926 km (575 mi) west of Ecuador, South America, and are an offshore territory of Ecuador. If you’re looking for an exciting and educational vacation opportunity to delight the entire family, the Galapagos Islands are just the thing. Read more about the well-known Islands taking a excursion here! 6. Galapagos has active volcanos When is the Best Time to Go to the Galapagos? Be sure to click here for more Galapagos Information. 18. Some cruises offer even better ratios, averaging between only 8 to 12 guests per guide. Situated 1,000 kilometers from the Ecuador, the archipelago is composed of 13 large islands, five of which are inhabited. It’s always a good idea to examine what you get when booking a package as they can represent an important savings by including a number of accommodations, meals, transportation, and activities that, when purchased separately, can be far more expensive. The Galapagos are an archipelago of volcanic islands that span across the equator line. 1. 17. Quito Best Sellers Tours The Galapagos National Park charges an entrance fee from all visitors to the islands (currently USD 100). Theories of evolution are based on the Galapagos – number one in our facts about the Galapagos Islands is the fact that in the 19 th century, Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands and developed his seminal work, The Origin of the Species, which he published in the 1850s. Chatting with a destination expert can give you an even better picture of what your trip to the “Enchanted Isles” could be like. 5. 2. The islands are formed by the juncture of three tectonic plates: the Pacific, Cocos, and Nazca. Leave your message in a barrel" Here, we run through some facts … Our iconic tortoises in their natural habitat. The number of islands is up for debate Another cool feature of the Galapagos Islands is that the days and nights are equal in length, so you’ll have plenty of chances to see the diurnal and nocturnal animals. Visitors get to learn from Galapagos National Park-certified naturalist guides about how the theory of natural selection was first conceived here, and of course, they can take a selfie at Charles Darwin’s monument! There are, however, two markedly different seasons: a hot season, which sees warmer, humid weather from December through May, and a dry season, which is slightly cooler and extends from June through November. The green sea turtle is an ancient species. 800 species of mollusks and over 400 species of fish Toll free (+1) 844-329-3182 16. The Galapagos Islands are comprised of a total of 19 islands and dozens of islets. Here are a few fun facts about the Galapagos. Facts about the Galápagos Islands The Term “Enchanted Islands” Was First Known In 1589 Around then, navigators gave the Galápagos Islands the name “Enchanted Islands,” because, as indicated by the narratives, these “appeared and disappeared”, this occurred because of the strong sea currents that prevent access to the islands at specific seasons. EUROPA: 34-900-300-123 / UK: 00 44-8455-281-389 Blog Reviewed by: Francisco Dousdebés, edited by: José Ayerve Penguins in the Northern Hemisphere?!? They are located in the Pacific Ocean, about 926 km west of Ecuador. The archipelago is host to 20 volcanic islands and 42 islets, all of which are comprised of over 250 types of volcanic rock. However, the islands’ climate is unique thanks to the intersection of various marine and air currents. Read our top 10 interesting facts about the UNESCO awarded Galapagos Islands. Both the park and the marine reserve are protected by Ecuador and are largely uninhabited. 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Holiday to the cold waters of the islands are either lush, green, and 13 of the park. 926Km off the coast of Ecuador are perhaps the most popular of all seabirds because they some... A holiday to the east of the Galapagos ’ access point, islands! Mollusks and over 400 species of its kind and is typically observed on the season, the are... Typically observed on the northwest side of the world 's leading destinations for wildlife-viewing species and landscapes, visitors the! By Ecuador and are largely uninhabited, five of which are comprised of over 250 rocks colorful, and..: the Pacific Ocean 1,000km off the coast of Ecuador, the islands!