About Galapagos

The Galapagos Archipelago are a set of incredible islands located roughly 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. There are 21 islands, of which only 4 are inhabited by humans. The rest of the islands belong to the Galapagos National Park, which was established in 1959. The islands are also a part of the Galapagos Marine Reserve. The reserve covers over 51 thousand miles of the eastern pacific ocean. The reserve is one of the largest and most biologically diverse marine reserves in the world.

In 1835, Charles Darwin arrived in the Galapagos. It is during his time on the islands that he started his theory of evolution. It was his study of finches, now called Darwin finches, that spurred his studies and then his conclusions about evolution.

The Galapagos are home to some of the most rare animals on the planet. Some which can only be found on certain islands in the archipelago. Animals like the giant tortoises, which were almost completely wiped out by pirates and sailors, flightless cormorants and marine iguanas. The islands are a natural laboratory, showcasing biodiversity at its finest.

The islands straddle the equator. This means the air and water temperatures remain stable through out the year. From December to May the water and air temperatures are slightly warmer. And the seas are calmer. June through November tend to be colder, both in the water and out. If you are a diver, this is the time you would like to dive.