The Galapagos Islands is one of the most amazing places on the planet. A unique ecosystem filled with plants and animals that you can’t find anywhere else in the world, the islands are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, scientists, and adventurous travellers.
How to get there
One of the best, and certainly the most comfortable way to see this unique and fascinating place up close is with a cruise to the Galapagos. Cruises usually cover a good range of the islands, and the opportunity to get to the more remote islands means you get the chance to see birds and animals that you might not otherwise see.
If you are looking to pack light and spend a little less time on the islands, you can also get yourself to Puerto Ayora from the mainland, then take a day trip, or grab a last minute spot on a cruise ship. This option might give you a little more flexibility, and can certainly help keep you a little more on budget.
What to see
Islands
Santa Cruz is one of the most popular islands, thanks to its beautiful beaches, the main town of Puerto Ayora, and the chance to see giant turtles in their natural habitat, on the island.
Blue footed boobies and frigate birds make the smaller island of North Seymour a favourite for birdwatchers, while Santa Fe tends to attract divers due to its spectacular reefs and underwater habitats.
San Cristobal and Isabela are two of the larger islands. Both have small towns and gorgeous beaches, and on Isabela you can take a tour to the Volcano Sierra Negra.
Wildlife
The wildlife, the plants, the scenery, and just the extraordinary wonders of the natural world are what draws people to the Galapagos Islands. This tiny archipelago is home to an array of species that are found nowhere else on the planet, and the variety and richness of flora and fauna that call these islands home is astounding. Added to this, their remoteness makes for some out-of-this-world views. This truly is a place like no other.
You’ll find creatures that are native only to the Galapagos, like the Galapagos tortoises, the longest-lived animals in the world, the Galapagos fur seals, and the marine iguanas. There are some extraordinary birds living here as well, like Darwin’s finches, who inspired the Theory of Evolution, the flightless cormorants, and the Galapagos penguins, the second smallest penguins on the planet.
When to go
The weather on the islands is pretty good year-round, and you can visit at any time of the year. The warmest time of the year is December through May, and the peak time for visitors is the summer months of June, July and August. Many travellers aim to time their visit to coincide with important times of the year for particular animals, like the tortoise egg hatching season in December and January, or the mating season of the blue-footed boobies in May.
Whenever you go, you will find the Galapagos Islands an extraordinary, unique destination which will leave you with a lifetime of magical, unbelievable memories.
