Galapagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands are famously wonderful - in the literal sense of being full of wonders. Their location is unique and so, in consequence, is much of their wildlife. In the continuing throes of creation by a volcanic hotspot far out in the Pacific Ocean, they provide a natural laboratory for the study of how life first gains a foothold, and then adapts to survive, on new terrain. Moreover, since most of their area has been declared a national park by the Ecuadorian government, every effort is being made to conserve their extraordinary character. Whether this makes them wonderful to visit is a different question, the answer depending on what you look for in ...  Read the complete review

I had always wanted to visit the Galapagos Islands because of the diverse, unique wildlife so unafraid of man and to be found nowhere else on earth. The Galapagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago of 13 islands just under the Equator about 600 miles west of Ecuador in South America. The oldest of the islands is said to be around 4 million years old and are supposed to be one of the most active volcanic areas in the world. The Islands associated with Charles Darwin who visited them in 1835 and came up with his “theory of evolution” that is known about all over the world today. These islands are now a National Park and highly regulated. We did a lot ...  Read the complete review

On the first morning of my Galapagos Island cruise, myself and nine other passengers excitedly boarded a dinghy to take us to shore for our first encounter. After landing and just as we were about to start following the trail, we passed a group from our sister boat who were about to leave following their slightly earlier visit. One of my group spotted a lady she sat next to on the flight over who was looking slightly hot and bothered and admittedly a bit po-faced. Nonetheless my fellow adventurer shouted over enthusiastically to enquire of the experience. The answer “It’s OK….if you like animals”!! Fortunately most people considering a trip to Galapagos ...  Read the complete review

The Galapagos archipelago is simply a stunning place to visit. Sometimes stunning because of the pure ugliness of some of the volcanic formations, and sometime stunning because of the beauty and diversity of the wildlife. It is also one of those destinations which I'm torn on recommending. Certainly I would want people to have seen and experienced all that it has to offer, but I'm also aware of the fragility that humans have brought to its ecological balance. The economic situation further complicates matters because, quite frankly, Ecuador is a poor county which needs the tourist dollars, and the Galapagos islands themselves have to pay the ...  Read the complete review