Galapagos Islands: Archipelago Of Volcanic Islands

The Galapagos Islands distributed around equator in Pacific Ocean are an archipelago of volcanic islands. Spread over vast 7880 sq km the islands got iconic view that’s why it was short listed for the new 7Wonders of Nature by the new 7 Wonders of World foundation. It is a UNESCO world heritage site. The islands and surroundings waters are part of the province, national park and biological marine reserve. Charles Darwin studied vast endemic species during the voyage of Beagle, his observation and collection contributed to the inception of Darwin’s theory of evolution by selection.

From the pages of past

First crude navigation of islands chart was done way back in 1684 by buccaneer Ambrose Cowley and he named the islands after his fellow pirates and some English noblemen.

Location

The islands are located in the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean, 973 km west coast of South America. Islands are in the coordinates 1°40′N-1°36′S, 89°16′-92°01′W.

Main islands

• Baltra island
• Bartolome island
• Darwin island
• Espanola island
• Fernandina island
• Floreana island
• Genovesa island
• Isabela island
• Marchena island
• North saymeour island
• Pinzon island
• Pinta island
• Santa cruz island
• Rabida island
• Sant cristobal island
• Santafe island
• Santiago island
• Wolf  island

Wildlife

The islands are known for its rich wildlife reserve and species found are Galapagos land iguana, marine iguana, Galapagos green turtle, Galapagos tortoise, sea cucumbers, flightless cormorant, great frigate bird, blue footed booby, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos hawks, penguins, waved albatross  etc;

Weather

Humboldt Current brings cold water to the islands and causes frequent drizzles entire year. The weather is influenced by El-Nino phenomenon which brings rain to the island and warmer temperature.

With the change in the altitude the weather changes, temperature decreases and precipitation rises with increase in the altitude.

How to reach

Air
Baltra Airport