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| The
Galapagos Islands - A Brief Introduction |
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Bartolome
Island
On Bartolome, it seems like we are walking
on the moon. This young Island is inhospitable
to most plants and animals. After a dry landing,
climb 30 minutes up a steep slope to the summit
of a once active volcano. Pause along the
way to marvel at lava bombs, spatter cones
and cinder cones. From the top, gaze out across
a panoramic view including the famous "Pinnacle
Rock", an eroded tuff cone. Down below,
crystal clear water invites you to snorkel
with schools of tropical fish. Penguins often
swim in this area. On the other side of the
Island encounter sea turtles and white-tipped
sharks.
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Tower
(Genovesa) Island
Tower Island is one of the most spectacular
islands in Galapagos. After a wet landing
on Darwin Bay’s coral beach, wind your
way past tide pools where swallow-tailed and
lava gulls gather. Enter a forest of mangroves
where colonies of great frigate birds nest.
The males inflate their red-throated pouches
to attract females that fly overhead. Take
a "panga" or dinghy ride along the
jagged shoreline. See the beautiful red-billed
tropic bird. At Prince Philip’s Steps,
find storm petrels and the elusive short-eared
owl, and watch the famous red-footed boobies
nesting in palo santo trees.
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Santiago
(James) Island
Puerto Egas - This is a wonderful location
for looking for octopus, starfish and other
sea life caught in the tide pools. At low
tide, catch a glimpse of marine iguanas as
they feed on exposed green algae. Watch for
great blue herons, lava herons, oystercatchers
and yellow-crowned night herons. Our walk
ends at the grottos, deep pools of clear water
where we encounter fur sea lions that were
once on the verge of extinction.
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Fernandina
(Narborough) Island
Punta Espinosa - Located in the western part
of the archipelago, Fernandina is the youngest
and most pristine island found in Galapagos.
Hundreds of marine iguanas, the largest colony
in Galapagos, bask in the sun along the rugged
shoreline. Observe sea lion harems with resident
bulls carefully guarding their territory.
Flightless Cormorants build their nest on
the point and Galapagos Hawk fly overhead.
Evidence of recent lava flows formed by an
active volcano stretch their way around the
coast.
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Isabela
(Albemarle) Island
Tagus Cove - Six volcanoes flowed together
and formed Isabela, the largest island in
Galapagos. On a nature walk, discover a salt-water
lagoon, flamingo lagoon, a scenic overlook,
and a spectacular view of lava fields, volcanic
formations and the ocean. Note graffiti dating
back to the 1800's is written on the rocky
cliffs. Explore Tagus Cove in pangas or sea
kayaks and find Galapagos penguins and other
seabirds.
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Santa
Cruz Island
Watch the scenery change as we wind our way
through all seven vegetation zones found in
Galapagos. From June to January you can find
giant tortoises on a private farm in the highlands.
We also visit Los Gemelos "The Twins",
a pair of large pit craters where we find
the bright red male vermilion flycatcher.
Afterwards, we head to "the tunnels",
the largest lava tubes found in Galapagos.
After lunch at a highland ranch, we visit
the Charles Darwin Research Station. Scientists
from all over the globe work at the station
and conduct biological research from anatomy
to zoology. Get your picture taken with the
giant tortoises. Observe year-old tortoises
and learn about the captive-breeding program.
Next, stroll through the town of Puerto Ayora
(population: 10,000) –the largest town
in the Galapagos. Buy souvenirs, mail postcards
and absorb local charm in the social heart
of the Islands.
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Hood
(Española) Island
Walk along seemingly endless stretches of
sandy beach where you’ll find colonies
of sea lions. Swim and snorkel with the sea
lions and enjoy the colorful diversity of
sea life near Gardner Islet.
This afternoon, we disembark at Punta Suarez,
where we witness the highest rate of "endemism"
in the Galapagos. Sea lions noisily green
us as we land on their beach. Curious mockingbirds
peck at our shoelaces. From April to November
waved albatross perform their wild mating
rituals only on Espanola. Colonies of blue-footed
boobies engage in "sky-pointing"
while masked boobies busily care for their
young. Stunning swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed
tropicbirds take shelter under the cliffs.
Other species endemic to Galapagos and found
on Espanola include Darwin’s Finches,
Galapagos Doves and Galapagos Hawks. Observe
a unique species of marine iguana identified
with traces of red and green colorings. Colorful
lightfoot crabs crawl along the shoreline
near to the famous "blow hole".
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