Visit a ‘living museum’ in the Galapagos Islands

This isn’t your average island vacation. In fact, a visit to the Galapagos Islands is nothing like a stay in the Caribbean or Hawaii. The 19 islands and their surrounding marine reserve are located in the Pacific Ocean, around 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador. The marine reserve has been dubbed a unique “living museum and showcase of evolution.” Here, visitors can experience a melting pot of marine and land species, some of which are only seen here.

Visit the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are located at the confluence of three ocean currents, which makes the islands a “melting pot” of different marine species. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was formed by ongoing volcanic activity.

All the processes involved, along with the extreme isolation of the islands, have led to the development of unusual animal life. Creatures readily seen here include the giant tortoise, the land iguana, flightless cormorants, and several types of mockingbirds and finches. These creatures inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection after his visit to the islands in 1835. The islands are also known for their endemic tree species and huge cacti.

One of the best ways to visit this spectacular place is on a yacht tour of the Galapagos Islands. Being out there on the water brings visitors up close and personal to the fascinating and unique life of the islands.

Underwater wildlife spectacle

The Galapagos Marine Reserve is also an underwater wildlife spectacle. Here the abundant life ranges from beautiful corals and sharks, as well as marine mammals and penguins.

Nowhere else in the world offers the experience of being able to dive among such an amazing diversity of marine life. Even better, that marine life is so accustomed to humans diving in their waters, they even accompany divers on their way.

Not your typical tropical paradise

Visitors must bear in mind that the Galapagos Islands are not your typical tropical paradise. Don’t expect waving palm trees and lush jungles. In fact, most of the islands are devoid of vegetation and many look more like the moon.

Surprisingly, despite their extreme isolation, humans do live here. There is a level of development in the towns on the islands, most of which are geared towards the thriving tourism industry. For those keen on eco-tourism and protecting our fragile world, the Galapagos Islands have taken on an almost mythical status and as incredible showcase of biodiversity.

Visitors don’t need to be an ornithologist, evolutionary biologist and wannabe Charles Darwin to appreciate this magical place. The islands are one of the few places left in the world where the human footprint is kept to a minimum. .