Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands have a uniqueness all their own. This archipelago of 19 islands was formed exclusively from volcanic and seismic activity and sits where three ocean currents converge. Combined with its isolation from other land masses has led to the unique development of both land animals and marine life. It’s no wonder that Darwin’s theory of evolution was inspired by his trip to the Galapagos Islands in 1835!

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, a trip to the Galapagos Islands is certainly one that will be filled with wonders you have never seen before – and will want to see over and over again. Make sure you include these highlights on your trip:

Tortuga Bay. Tortuga Bay is one of the top attractions in the Galapagos for good reason: white sandy beaches, great snorkeling, and you’ll see your fair share of Galapagos’ wildlife. Playa Mansa is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling. You’ll share the beach with some interesting animals, including a large marine iguana colony which are the only iguanas in the world that have learned to swim. Take the self-guided trail through the cactus forest, where you will learn more about the flora and fauna of the islands through informative signs along the way. In the water, keep an eye out for the sea turtles and whitetip reef sharks!

Rancho Primicias. Rancho Primicias is the place to see giant tortoises in the Galapagos. Located on Santa Cruz Island,  Rancho Primicias is a privately-owned animal sanctuary where you’ll be able to see the giant tortoises up close and personal (just don’t feed or touch them). Explore the lava tunnels or climb into an empty tortoise shell!

Charles Darwin Research Station. To get a better understanding of the uniqueness of the Galapagos Islands, make sure you visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Part of the Charles Darwin Foundation, its goal is to preserve and study the Galapagos habitats. The Fausto Llerena Breeding Center allows you to catch a glimpse of the differences in the various species of giant tortoises. The baby tortoise house is especially interesting as you will see them before they are resettled in their natural environments – over 7,000 have been successfully released into the wild. You’ll also see several types of iguanas and Darwin’s famous finches, as well as great examples of the islands’ vegetation.

Concha Perla. Located on Isabela Island, Concha Perla is a calm bay with crystal clear waters that is perfect for snorkeling. The marine life is amazing, and you’ll see penguins diving for food, swim with a variety of tropical fish, and play with the sea lions.

Los Tuneles. Also on Isabela Island, Los Tuneles is a microcosm of the Galapagos Islands. Formed by lava flow, its unique arches and tunnels above and below the water is home to many of animals we associate with the Galapagos Islands – penguins, sea lions, tortoises,  black and white reef sharks, pelicans and even blue footed boobies. A must-see stop, even if you don’t snorkel as the waters are so clear you can see most of it from the comfort of a boat.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The province capital of the Galapagos Islands, there is a lot to see in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Make sure you take a tour to Kicker Rock for the snorkeling and view. Or visit Frigatebird Hill if you are up for hiking and bird watching. If you want to lounge with the sea lions, head on out to La Lobería, where you’ll also spot wild iguanas, lava lizards, yellow warblers and frigates and more.
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The Galapagos Islands is clearly a nature-lovers paradise. Let Luxury Destinations Concierge plan your trip to this wonder-filled destination. Give us a call at 805-236-4437.

Is visiting the Galapagos Islands your dream vacation?  Before making the journey to these historic and unique islands, you probably have some questions and most definitely have some decisions to make to ensure your vacation lives up to your expectations.

First, a little history:

The Galapagos Islands, off the coast of Ecuador, is a chain of 19 islands and dozens of islets.  It was formed by a series of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.  Largely untouched until the 1900s, the Galapagos thrived and developed its own ecosystem of plants and animals.  What brought it to the attention of the world was Charles Darwin, who spent some time there, studying the plant and animal life, which helped form the foundation for his book, The Origin of Species. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Without further adieu are our top 4 tips for your trip to the Galapagos Islands:

1. When to visit.  Since the Galapagos Islands are south of the equator, their seasons are opposite those in the US.  The best time to visit typically is December through May, when the air (and water) is warmer, and the chance of rain is lower.  It will rain, but the showers will be much shorter than during the June-November rainy season.
2. Land or Sea.  One of the most important decisions you will have to make is how you will travel.  The most common (and convenient) approach would be by cruise ship, though planning a land vacation is possible.  The beauty of planning a land-based trip is that you are in charge of what you do and see, spending as much time on the activities that interest you the most.  The downside is that a lot of your time may be spent ferrying between island and your hotel, as there are only 4 islands that are inhabited.  On the other hand, a cruise to the Galapagos allows you to enjoy all the onboard amenities plus built-in transportation to your destinations.  It is important to note that travel by boat is limited to 100 passengers per ship, so this is not your typical 5,000+ person cruise.
3. What to Do.  The Galapagos Islands offers a wide array of activities to suit your preferences.  This is a nature lover’s paradise.  You can explore wildlife preserves, rest on beautiful beaches, snorkel, dive – the list is endless.  Here are some of the top must-see sights for your trip:
   • Rancho Primicias (Santa Cruz Island).  If you want to see giant turtles, Rancho Primicias is the place to go.  It is a private animal sanctuary where you will not only see these magnificent creatures, you’ll also get to climb through hardened lava tunnels and even explore and empty tortoise shell or two!
   • Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal Island).  Whether you want to hike and bird watch at Frigatebird Hill or snorkel and explore at nearby Kicker Rock, Puerto Baquerizo is a great place to spend time taking in the natural wonders of the Galapagos.
   • Sierra Negra Volcano (Isabela Island).  This volcanic crater is the second largest in the world, and is still active – though there hasn’t been any activity since 2005.  Hike around the rim to get the full effect and splendor of this site.
4. Animals You Will See.  From giant tortoises to penguins, sea lions, lava lizards and the blue-footed boob, the range of unique animals and marine life is spectacular.  In fact, you can encounter quite a bit of that life up close and personal while snorkeling, diving or just hiking around the islands.

Are you ready to plan your trip to the Galapagos Islands?  Give Luxury Destinations Concierge a call at 805-236-4437.