The Islands You Will Discover
February to April - During these months, the water and the
air are warmer. It drizzles almost daily for a short period
of time. Ironically, this is also the sunniest time of year.
This is much quieter time to visit the region. Also because
the water is warmer at this time, swimming and snorkeling
are more enticing. This is the breeding season for land birds,
so it's a good time to watch some unusual mating rituals.
If you're into turtles, this is when you want to be here;
you can watch sea turtles nesting on the beach, and March
through May, you can often see land tortoises searching for
mates around the lowland areas of the islands. Sea lions also
mate in the rainy season -- it's entertaining to watch as
the males fight for the females. Around March and April, you'll
see he adorable newborn pups crawling around the islands.
In February, March, and April, as the rains dissipate, flowers
start to blossom and the islands are awash in bright colours.
Another benefit of travelling to the Galápagos at this
time of year: The ocean is much calmer, so you'll have less
chance of being seasick.
Bartolomé
Bartolomé is the most visited and most photographed
island in the Galápagos. The island consists of an
extinct volcano and a variety of red, orange, green, and glistening
black volcanic formations. Frequented by the Galápagos
penguins, you can snorkel next to Pinnacle Rock or take a
walk up the sandy trail to the island’s summit for dramatic
views.
Española
Española, or Hood Island, is the oldest and the southernmost
island in the chain. Española’s remote location
helped make it a unique jewel with a large number of endemic
creatures. Secluded from the other islands, wildlife on Española
adapted to the island’s environment and natural resources.
Visitors find migrant, resident, and endemic wildlife including
brightly coloured marine iguanas, Española lava lizards,
Hood mockingbirds, swallow tailed gulls, blue-footed and masked
boobies, Galápagos hawks, and a selection of finch.
The island is also home to the only Galápagos colony
of waved albatross.
Fernandina
The youngest of the Galápagos Islands, Fernandina is
located to the west and on the far side of Isabela making
it one of the least visited islands. Fernandina is one of
the most volcanically active and eruptions generally occur
every few years. The Island is home to thousands of marine
iguanas as well as flightless cormorants, sea lions, and Galápagos
penguins.
Floreana
Located approximately 4 to 5 hours west of Española
and an equal distance south of Santa Cruz, Floreana (or Santa
Maria Island) has long been a favourite site of visitors including
pirates, whalers and early settlers. One of the oldest islands,
Floreana illustrates the ageing process of a volcanic island.
Unlike the younger western islands, Floreana’s volcano
has long been extinct and is in the advanced stages of erosion.
Unusual sights include an olivine beach, flamingos, pintail
ducks and the ‘Devil’s Crown’.
Genovesa
Also known as Tower Island, Genovesa is located in the northeast
of Galápagos. Genovesa is a relatively small island
and is an oasis for sea birds, hence the nickname ‘Bird
Island’. It is home to many unique bird species including
red-footed boobies, masked boobies, Darwin’s famous finches
and the magnificent frigatebirds.
Isabela
Shaped like a sea horse, Isabela is the largest of the islands
in the Galápagos, more than four times larger than
Santa Cruz, the next largest. Isabela is 80 miles in length
and is remarkably beautiful. Wildlife includes flightless
cormorants, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and brown
pelicans.
San Salvador
Also known as James or Santiago Island, San Salvador’s
central location and numerous landing sites make Santiago
a part of almost every Galápagos itinerary. A favourite
island for pirates and whalers, Santiago has a long human
history as well as some outstanding opportunities for wildlife
viewing. Enjoy an opportunity to swim amongst pelicans, fur
seals, sea lions and a myriad of colourful fish.
Santa Cruz
Located near the centre of the archipelago, Santa Cruz is
the centre of tourism in the Galápagos. Charles Darwin
arrived as a naturalist aboard HMS Beagle in 1835 and 24 years
later he used his findings for ‘The Origin of the Species’.
A visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station gives an insight
into the government’s dedicated conservation efforts.
Witness the ongoing preservation of the giant tortoise, and
observe baby tortoises in special breeding pens.
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