The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands distributed around the equator, 972 km west of continental Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. 97% of the land area is designated as a national park and visits can only be made to specific landing sites with certified naturalist guides. The Galapagos National Park coordinates visits to these sites, scrutinizes ship itineraries and monitors ecological conditions.The Galapagos Islands are a photographer’s delight. The animals are not afraid, allowing you to capture amazing images without the aid of a long, heavy zoom lens.
During your cruise you can swim with the only penguins found north of the equator, walk alongside the endangered giant tortoises that gave the Galapagos Islands their name and visit blue and red footed boobies, scarlet throated frigate birds and many other diverse and fascinating species. Along the way you can snorkel in waters inhabited by many varieties of fish, sharks, rays and marine iguanas, hike across varied volcanic landscapes, from barren lava rocks to lush green vistas. Ask your guide and get to know the theory of Charles Darwin about the species.
