Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are a small archipelago of islands belonging to Ecuador in the western Pacific Ocean. The islands are quite remote and isolated, lying some 1000 km (620 miles) west of the South American continent. The Galapagos archipelago consists of 13 main islands and 6 smaller isles, which together embrace some 50,000 sq km (19,500 sq miles) of ocean.
The Islands
- Baltra & Seymour
- Darwin & Wolf
- Espanola
- Fernandina
- Floreana
- Genovesa
- Isabela - the largest island
- Marchena
- Pinta
- Pinzon
- Rabida
- San Cristobal
- Santa Cruz - the main island and population centre
- Santa Fe
- Santiago
- South Plaza
Recommended activities
- Climb the hill on Bartolome for the classic Galapagos view
- Visit the Giant Tortoise breeding centre at the Charles Darwin Research Centre on Santa Cruz.
- See the red neck sacks of the Magnificent Frigatebird on Seymour.
- Visit unique species like the Galapagos penguin and Galapagos flamingo on Isabela or Floreana.
- Go snorkeling as often as possible.
Snorkeling & scuba diving
Snorkeling and diving are very popular activities as the sea life is so rich and colourful.
Snorkeling equipment should be available from your tour operator (but check first) if you don't have your own. You may also want to bring a waterproof camera. Remember to wear at least a T-shirt and suntan lotion if you are snorkeling, as it's all to easy to get sunburnt in the strong sun.
Diving in the Galapagos is incredible as noted by Rodale's Scuba Diving Magazine. Ranked as the best dive destination in the world in the categories of Healthiest Marine Environment, Best Big Animal Dive and Best Advanced Diving.
Scuba Diving Cruises/ Liveaboards
- Exploramar Diving Padi IDC. Exploramar Diving is the only PADI IDC center in Ecuador who can provide PADI Certication for Diving courses in Galapagos and Ecuador, runs charter diving cruises at Galapagos Islands, check for their vessels and departures.
- Finch Bay Galapagos Eco Hotel. The Finch Bay Galapagos Eco Hotel offers PADI diving programs in their facilities, starting with OWD and advanced PADI courses certification, check for rooms spaces and activities at their official site.
- Galasam Diving Cruises. Galasam had prepare their Estrella de Mar I and II cruises with diving facilities, both cruises has tanks, wetsuits, and all the equipment, Their itinerary visit the best Galapagos diving sites like Wolf and Darwin. Check prices, availabilities and more information about their Galapagos Scuba Diving Cruises.