Travel

The Once-in-a-lifetime Galapagos Islands

There is a reason why the Galapagos Islands are on most savvy travelers’ “bucket-lists.”

Located just 600 miles off the Ecuadorian coast, the Galapagos Islands are one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Nothing can prepare you for a visit to this exotic masterpiece of Mother Nature. The Galapagos archipelago is made up of thirteen main islands, six smaller islands and more than 100 islets and tiny rock formations sticking their heads above the sea just far enough to support the tenacious lives that cling to them.

The Galapagos are every bit as miraculous and magical as people have been saying ever since explorers and pirates first landed on those volcanic shores 500 years ago. These “enchanted islands” feel supremely ancient, visiting is like stepping on a newly born Earth. Rippling waves of long-cooled lava meet the sea, where spectacularly camouflaged Iguanas sneeze seawater after a dip beneath the waves, with small salty geysers spouting in front of their eyes. Enormous land tortoises roam the islands like primitive sculptures moving to their own primeval rhythms.

Nature’s incredible generosity has provided a distinct giant tortoise species for each and every volcano! Coral-colored flamingos hover overhead, while flightless cormorants dance their ancient tangos, and blue-footed boobies stare undaunted as fascinated visitors step gingerly around their nests.

Lucky explorers who visit here can splash in the waves and revel at the chance to play tag with precocious sea lions, or snorkel through air-sculpted lava tunnels with sea turtles and penguins – far, far away from either of the Earth’s frozen poles. This is an other-worldly sort of place, quite literally bursting with life and waiting to be explored.

But if you think that enjoying such wild pleasures requires sacrificing all comforts – think again! The Galapagos play host to a wide variety of seagoing vessels to suit every taste and pocketbook: from luxury motor yachts, to catamarans and sailing ships, all giving you an inkling of what it must have been like when Charles Darwin and his colleagues sailed these very same waters in years gone by.

For any “land lovers” in the crowd, or those who just like to kick back and relax, the Galapagos Islands are dotted with little pockets of civilization – some with selections of very comfortable hotels and lodges – as well as bars, restaurants and some charming boutiques. Indeed, island-hopping can be great on its own or as an extension to your cruise.

At Surtrek, we’ve had an intimate relationship with the Galapagos Islands for years, therefore we can guarantee that your island experience meets your expectations and hopefully exceeds them. We are committed to exceptional, detail-orientated service. So, fill us in on what you want, what you need, your budget and what your interests are. then just relax and leave the rest to us. We will find the best Galapagos Islands tour for you.

Geography

Politically, the Galapagos Islands constitute a province of Ecuador, with their capital being Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The Galapagos Island archipelago consist of thirteen large volcanic islands, six smaller islands and 107 cays and islets – all distributed close to the earth's equator.

Travellers are continually attracted by the appeal of these "enchanted islands."

History

The Galapagos Islands were declared a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve  by UNESCO  in 1978.