Introduction
The Galapagos island, with a population over 25,000 is known as “Insulae de los Galapegos” (Islands of the tortoises) because of the giant tortoises that reside there. Apart from being an island, it is a national park and a biological marine reserve. Its surrounding waters make it an Ecuadorian province. This island is famous for its unique wildlife. Giant tortoises, sea lions, penguins, marine iguanas and different bird species are most common in this island. The unique wildlife of this island was an inspiration for Charles Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection. The island is quite secluded and isolated with a landscape which is barren and volcanic, and yet, beautiful.
History
This island became famous when HMS Beagle the survey ship of Charles Darwin arrived in Galapagos on September 15, 1835. It was discovered in 1535 by a Spanish bishop of Panama. It originally had no inhabitants. However, with the passage of time it developed but still is not as popular a tourist spot as maybe Hawaii or the Bahamas. For this reason, it makes the perfect vacationing spot for people who do not like crowded areas or want to spend some alone time with their loved ones in the heart of paradise.
Features
In our busy, hectic and chaotic lives when we sit down and plan our vacations, we want to go to a place where we can find a calm, peaceful and serene atmosphere. However, almost every place is filled with tourists and visitors which make it crowded. This has also made our routine life distant from nature. Our children instead of going camping, getting aware of nature, animals and plants are busy playing video games and other electronics. In order to bring yourself and your family in direct contact with nature, Galapagos is the perfect place. Furthermore, if you want a quiet, romantic honeymoon or vacation, even then, the islands make the most appropriate place that there is. However, the place also offers a lot of fun things. Yachts and boats are the best source of sightseeing in Galapagos. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving are the famous recreational activities as the sea life is so rich and colorful. Cruising is almost done by every tourist as it is the only option to see greater part of inaccessible islands. Hiking, biking, surfing and kayaking water is also very famous. It is a means of transporting and accessing fishing grounds.
Tips and comments
Keep in mind that going to Galapagos is not cheap. You have the option of traveling by air or via sea. You cannot scuba dive without a certificate there, and for those who do not, snorkeling is the best way to explore the underwater world. The whole stay is usually on a yacht and the ships have everything, starting from electricity to the toilets that are eco-sensitive. A visit to the island of tortoise, monster-sized land iguanas and Darwin finches should be done with a professional tour operator who will guide you throughout and give you detailed information about the hidden aspects of the island.
