Gives description about the Galapagos and the biodiversity at the group of islands. Describes the facts and gives information about the 7 Islands. Also specifies the travel and tourism to Galapagos.
1. Galapagos Islands
Galapagos is the group of seven islands located at around 800 miles from Ecuador, South
America. The islands are famous for The Giant Galapagos tortoises -The biggest growing
tortoises in the world and the tourism. The seven islands are as:
Baltra (South Seymour) Island – Also known as South
Seymour, Baltra is a small flat island located near the
centre of the Galápagos. It was created by geological
uplift. Baltra Airport was the only airport serving the
Galapagos, but now two more airports are built as
increase in the tourism.
Bartolome Island – Bartolome Island is a volcanic islet just off
the east coast of Santiago Island in the Galápagos Islands
group. It is one of the "younger" islands in the Galápagos
archipelago. This island, and neighbouring Sulivan Bay on
Santiago (James) island, is named after lifelong friend of
Charles Darwin, Sir Bartholomew James.
Charles Darwin Islands – This Island is named after the famous naturalist and scientist
Charles Darwin who visited Galapagos and studies on the tortoises and the finches. He
mentioned the most revolutionary theory science has ever seen “Theory of Evolution”.
Espanola Island – Its name was given in honor of Spain. It also is known as Hood,
after Viscount Samuel Hood. It has an area of 60 square km (23 sq mi) and a maximum
altitude of 206 m (676 ft).
Espanola is the oldest island at around 3.5 million years, and the southernmost in the
group. Due to its remote location, Espanola has a large number of endemic species. It has
its own species of lava lizard, mockingbird, and tortoise. Espanola's iguanas exhibit a
distinctive red coloration change between the breeding season and it is the only place
where the Albatross nests.
Fernandina Island – The name was given in honor of King Ferdinand II of Aragon, who
sponsored the voyage of Columbus. Fernandina has an area of 642 square Km. This is the
youngest and westernmost island.
2. Floreana (Charles or Santa Maria) Island – It is one of the islands with the most interesting
human history, and one of the earliest to be inhabited. Flamingos and green sea turtles
nest (December to May) on this island. The patapegada or Galapagos petrel, a sea bird
which spends most of its life away from land, is also found here.
Galapagos Islands
Travel and Tourism:
As Galapagos has such high biodiversity so many tourist visit this place. The number has
increased from few thousands to few lacks in last decade. Travelling to Galapagos is easy
Options available as flight and the cruises from Ecuador to Galapagos islands. For flying
into the Galapagos are limited to two islands San Cristobal and Baltra. Private aircraft must
use Baltra as it is the airport equipped with overnight plane accommodations. The other
way is cruises, as Galapagos is known for its marine beauty cruises are the best way to visit
Galapagos.