Why
go to the Galapagos Islands?
This
is one of the must-sees in the world if you are interested in Charles Darwin,
natural history or wildlife. Watching unique species of birds and
animals that are totally fearless of humans is a stunning experience.
Compared to African safaris they are both extreme wildlife experience,
but while Africa has more variety the Galapagos Islands have more
birds [relative to the land area] and you get a lot closer to wild
things without endangering your life.
Apart from the critters, this is also a good place for diving and
snorkelling with sea lions, iguanas, dolphins and sharks.
Downsides:
- Since it 1,000 km [620 miles] from the mainland, you need
to travel there by air. Combine this with a boat tour and it will
be an expensive trip.
Alternatively see 'Organized wildlife tours'.
- The islands are mostly bleak and blasted volcanic remnants, not
exactly picturesque!
- It's not so good for seasick prone travellers, though you can
reduce your chances of a daily chunder with some planning:
a] choose a calmer time of year.
b] pick the biggest, newest cruise ship possible and ask about stabilisers!
c] Sickly Bugbog members find acupressure wrist bands pretty effective
and there are some good motion-sickness potions around these days
too.
Galapagos
Islands climate:
Best:
Jan-March. Mainly warm and sunny but a little wet. Calmer,
clearer ocean because the trade winds die down.
Worst; July/Aug [busy, expensive, windy, rough] Sept-Nov, [rough
seas, cold, less services].
OK: the rest, though June to December is cool, cloudy and dry season.
Beware of the infamous El Niño, too.
Length
of stay:
Minimum worthwhile stay, not incl. flights:
5 days. [3-4 days is possible if you go with prearranged package
tour.]
Recommended: at least 1 week.
Main
Islands:
There are 13 larger islands and as many as 50 smaller islets.
Most places should be visited with a guide.
***Isla
Santa Cruz, the second largest of the archipelago [island
group] and the most important island, with the Darwin Research Station
as well as other facilities.
Turtle Bay, is one of the best marine sites, with a white, sandy,
swimming beach. You can see Giant Tortoises at Tortoise Reserve near Santa Rosa.
***Isla
Isabela, the largest island, is known for the Volcano Sierra
Negra, located at the southern end - one of the best examples of
volcanos in the Galapagos, it is also one of the world's largest
and home to thousands of colourful land iguanas.
***Isla
Española is the most southerly of the islands, with
the Galapagos' only colony of Waved Albatross' [late March-early
December]. The best site is Punta Suarez - follow the trail of lava
rocks where Blue-footed Boobies make their nests and iguanas like to sunbathe. The trail continues
on to a colony of Waved Albatrosses.
The island's best swimming beach can be found there too.
**Isla
Seymour, covered with low, bushy vegetation and the best
place to see a colony of puffed-up Frigate Birds.
**Isla
Bartolome,
is known for its Pinnacle Rock,
where Sea Lions and Galapagos Penguins like to hang out. On the
beach in the south nesting sea turtles can be seen - seasonal though
- as well as white-tipped reef sharks. This beach is excellent for
swimming and snorkelling too.
And
if you like wildlife and are going to Ecuador, then Costa Rica's
famous rainforest birds, plants, animals and volcanoes are not so
far away.
Activities:
Organized wildlife tours: Although most tourists travel with
a package tour booked in advance from home or on the Ecuador mainland
[Quito or Guayaquil], it can be arranged more cheaply on the islands
if you are not on a tight schedule.
This will require time, planning, organization and Spanish competence
would help too!
The best place to make individual arrangements is Puerto Ayora on
Isla Santa Cruz.
Animals: you can expect to see - and
get really, really close to - land and sea iguanas,
Fur Seals, Sea Lions, Galapagos Penguins,
Giant Tortoises,
sharks and - if you're lucky - Sperm Whales and Orcas.
Birds: This is a birdwatcher's paradise,
with Blue-footed Boobies at their silly best, varied herons,
Oyster Catchers,
Pelicans,
Frigate Birds,
Waved Albatrosses, Swallow-tailed Gulls and even Flamingos.
Scuba diving is excellent, but mainly
for those experienced in underwater travel. You are advised to bring
your own gear and book in advance. Be aware that most of the best
sites have strong currents, surge and cold waters. The best dive
centre is in Puerto Ayora on Isla Santa Cruz.
Snorkelling is also a great way to
see the Galapagos' wildlife and is easy to arrange, though just
swimming with sea creatures is possible and fun.
Equipment is provided by the boats, unless you prefer to bring your
own. The islands of Isla Plaza Sur and Isla Bartolome have especially
good snorkel sites.
Shopping:
Not much choice, but some crafts and Galapagos T-shirts are available.
Needless to say you should not buy anything made of tortoise/turtle
shell, or black coral - protected species.
Accommodation:
Although most travellers stay on boats, hotels or B& Bs
and places to eat can be easily found at Puerto Ayora in Isla Santa
Cruz. There are also a handful of hotels at Puerto Baquerizo in
Isla San Cristobal, and in Isla Isabela.
Also see our Ecuador
travel guide, map or Galapagos Tours.
|
