The thirteen main islands of the Galapagos are a Natural Heritage Site. This designation is made by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). They recognize this amazing underwater and the terrestrial landscape as truly amazing.
The Galapagos Islands are best known for their place in the life of Charles Darwin. Find out why Galapagos Islands vacations are also an incredible trip for you.
1. Visit Any Time of Year
Most vacation destinations have a particular time of year when it’s best to visit. It’s great to visit the Galapagos Islands at any time of year. This year-round vacation season makes it always incredible to visit.
The time of year doesn’t make much difference to the wildlife either. Travel to Galapagos for unique and iconic species, year-round.
The location of the Galapagos Islands on the equator means that the climate is pretty much the same all year. The marine weather is pleasant and even when it rains it doesn’t rain for long. The sea and air temperature are pretty much ideal.
From January to May it is slightly wetter and warmer with maximum temperatures between 82 and 88-degrees Fahrenheit. There is usually a rain shower or two each day but this is short-lived and refreshing.
From June to November is dryer with maximum temperatures between 74 and 78-degrees Fahrenheit. There is a short transitional period between these main seasons.
2. Unique Wildlife
The diversity of wildlife in the Galapagos islands is enough to satisfy even the most demanding wildlife enthusiast. If you love animals you’ll love these islands.
The marine life is unique. Diving or snorkeling in the Galapagos Marine Reserve is like diving in a well-stocked aquarium. It’s a rich marine environment where you can see manta rays, turtles, and colorful tropical fish.
It’s even safe to swim with the sharks.
Watch sea lions cavorting on the sandy beaches. Watching pelicans fishing and returning with their catch is a special experience. Spend some time with the land iguanas and sea turtles.
Birdwatchers can tick off many species that are unique to the Galapagos Islands. There are ten species of finches that were famously studied by Darwin and key to the development of his thinking on evolution. Boobies, penguins, albatrosses and flightless cormorants are all available to see, so take your binoculars.
Photograph the brightly colored pink flamingos. Marvel at the acrobatic terns and the majestic frigate birds.
3. Amazing Landscape
Diving in the Galapagos Islands allows you to appreciate a huge diversity of geomorphological forms. This variety of shapes and underwater landscape supports fantastic marine life. It also makes for an exciting diving experience.
The tectonic plates of the Pacific, Cocos, and Nazca meet here. The volcanic activity associated with this produces fascinating geology. The eastern islands are very young in geological terms so they give a beautiful insight into the evolution of islands and marine environments.
On the islands, you can stroll through tunnels made of lava or stand on the rim of a huge volcano crater. Red or white beaches contrast with verdant green landscapes. The blue-green sea crashes on dark cliffs with spectacular rock formations.
Galapagos Islands Vacations
Galapagos Islands vacations are a trip back in time. They are largely unchanged since Darwin first explored this living laboratory. Be as amazed as he was and bring back your own stories of wonder.
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