Galapagos Island, Ecuador

There is no place on Earth quite like the extraordinary Galapagos Islands, an archipelago of volcanic islands distributed around the equator in the Pacific Ocean, 972 kilometers west of continental Ecuador. The islands are geologically young and are famed for their great number of endemic species (that is, species unique to a particular geographic location) which were studied by Charles Darwin during the voyage of the Beagle. Darwin's research there contributed to the inception of his theory of evolution by natural selection.

The Galapagos Islands, formed due to an uneven line of chasms and ridges known as the Galapagos Rift, are in and of themselves a study of geology in action; in fact, the Galapagos Islands comprise one of the most volcanically active areas on Earth. More than 50 eruptions in 200 years have been recorded from the Galapagos volcanoes, six of which are still active. Most of the islands were made from a single volcanic cone rising to a high point with gentle slopes and a flat coastline. Española (the oldest of the chain) and Fernandina (the youngest), with their single volcanic cones, represent typical Galapagos volcanoes which are known as shield volcanoes - said to resemble a warrior's shield.

The creation of the islands was due mainly to the existence of three plates of the Earth's crust: the Pacific, the Nacza, and the Cocos. As a result of the spreading of the sea floor along the Galapagos Rift and the East Pacific Rise, the islands are moving east at more than seven centimeters per year. Because of this movement, the "hot spot" that formed the islands keeps forming new islands, resulting in the "trail" of islands that we call the Galapagos.

The best way to see Galapagos is on a boat-based cruise, although it is also possible to make day trips from a hotel on the islands. The islands are managed by the Galapagos National Park (GNP), which require all tourists to be accompanied by a qualified naturalist guide. The Park has designated more than 60 visitors' sites, enabling tourists to see all the best wildlife; the rest of the National Park is out of bounds to tourists. In addition to the land sites, Galapagos offers excellent diving opportunities.
There is no place on Earth quite like the extraordinary Galapagos Islands, an archipelago of volcanic islands distributed around the equator in the Pacific Ocean, 972 kilometers west of continental Ecuador. The islands are geologically young and are famed for their great number of endemic species (that is, species unique to a particular geographic location) which were studied by Charles Darwin during the voyage of the Beagle. Darwin's research there contributed to the inception of his theory of evolution by natural selection.

The Galapagos Islands, formed due to an uneven line of chasms and ridges known as the Galapagos Rift, are in and of themselves a study of geology in action; in fact, the Galapagos Islands comprise one of the most volcanically active areas on Earth. More than 50 eruptions in 200 years have been recorded from the Galapagos volcanoes, six of which are still active. Most of the islands were made from a single volcanic cone rising to a high point with gentle slopes and a flat coastline. Española (the oldest of the chain) and Fernandina (the youngest), with their single volcanic cones, represent typical Galapagos volcanoes which are known as shield volcanoes - said to resemble a warrior's shield.

The creation of the islands was due mainly to the existence of three plates of the Earth's crust: the Pacific, the Nacza, and the Cocos. As a result of the spreading of the sea floor along the Galapagos Rift and the East Pacific Rise, the islands are moving east at more than seven centimeters per year. Because of this movement, the "hot spot" that formed the islands keeps forming new islands, resulting in the "trail" of islands that we call the Galapagos.

The best way to see Galapagos is on a boat-based cruise, although it is also possible to make day trips from a hotel on the islands. The islands are managed by the Galapagos National Park (GNP), which require all tourists to be accompanied by a qualified naturalist guide. The Park has designated more than 60 visitors' sites, enabling tourists to see all the best wildlife; the rest of the National Park is out of bounds to tourists. In addition to the land sites, Galapagos offers excellent diving opportunities.

Galapagos Islands Family Travel

The Galapagos Islands make up an expansive archipelago with various islands and ports. Positioned at the center of three distinct ocean currents and home to highest levels of endemic creatures anywhere, the Galapagos is the perfect place for an educational and enjoyable vacation. Galapagos Islands family travel can be on the expensive side, but Galapagos travel packages can help keep the costs low. A bevy of tours and activities await families traveling to the Galapagos.

Galapagos Island family travel can easily be booked as a travel package. Hundreds of companies offer Galapagos Island family travel packages. Since the only way to reach the Galapagos Islands is by plane, many family Galapagos Island travel packages will include airfare from Quito or another major Ecuadorian airport to the islands. The airport is Baltra is the largest on the islands and the most frequently trafficked.

Once you have arrived in the Galapagos, there are a number of different options for getting around. Perhaps the most popular is passage on a cruise ship, which will take travelers around to the different islands and ports. Family Galapagos Island travel by cruise ship can be quite comfortable and safe, with many cruise ships specializing in family travel. Families should be aware that although the cruise ships are quite modern, they are smaller then the typical cruise ship, and are meant to provide lodging and meals rather then endless entertainment. Since the best family Galapagos Island travel fun will be happening on the islands themselves, this should not present a problem.

Galapagos travel for children is an experience that will not be soon forgotten. Home to so many native animals, the Galapagos Islands present endless opportunities for children to experience up close and personal interactions with the animals of the islands. With almost no natural predators on the islands, the animals of the Galapagos have no fear of people, young or old, and are happy to hop on a child's shoulder or rest on a foot. Swimming with the world's only tropical penguins, or coming face to face with the famous Galapagos tortoise is an every day occurrence during Galapagos travel.

In addition to all of the animal interaction and tours of the islands, safety is also a major consideration when planning a trip to South America, and bringing along a Galapagos travel guide is often a good idea. Adults and children will need vaccinations before traveling to the Galapagos Island. Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, Malaria, and typhoid are all recommended, and a yellow fever vaccination is required. It is also a good idea to check with your local healthcare provider for additional information about traveling outside your native country. Travelers should also stick strictly to bottled water when traveling and keep an eye out for ice that has not been previously boiled.

In addition to vaccinations and a good Galapagos travel guide, families will also want to bring along a few other items to ensure their safety and comfort. Items to include when packing your travel bag should start with hats with a brim to keep out the sun, sunglasses, plenty of sun block, lightweight long-sleeved shirt and pants, and insect repellent. Packing lightly is a must for anyone traveling to the Galapagos.

Whether you and your family plan to stay in Galapagos for a week or a month, the adventure that awaits all travelers is sure to delight. Consult your Galapagos travel guide or your local travel agency for more information about planning your trip.

Galapagos Island

Giant Galapagos tortoises meander distant highlands, and prehistoric marine iguanas sun themselves on black lava rocks along the shore. Flightless cormorants and tiny penguins dart through the waters while graceful red-billed tropicbirds screech across the sky. In the company of a Galapagos naturalist guide aboard a luxury Galapagos cruise, you set out to explore remarkable island ecosystems as you inch past lounging sea lions, scout for breaching whales offshore and pink flamingos in hidden lagoons. The volcanic Galapagos islands sit about 650 miles west of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. At first, they appear to be desolate. Yet, these rough and rocky isles are home to wonderfully strange and abundant wildlife. As Charles Darwin some 200 years before us, we marvel at the highly adapted creatures found nowhere else on earth.

When it comes to arranging distinctive Galapagos tours and Galapagos cruises, there is no substitute for the in-depth knowledge offered by the experienced staff at Big Five Tours & Expeditions. Galapagos tours and cruises begin right here, at Galapagos.com. Learn more about this remote yet surprisingly easy-to-reach destination from the comfort of our luxury Galapagos cruises.