Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Cruises

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Cruise Port

Located in the Pacific Ocean on both sides of the equator, the Galapagos Islands are a group of volcanic islands and an unforgettable cruise destination for nature-loving travelers. These islands and their surrounding waters form a national park and biological marine reserve. Once studied by Charles Darwin for their large number of rare and indigenous species, his observations from the Galapagos facilitated his theory of evolution by natural selection. Become one with nature as you explore the abundant wildlife such as sea turtles, iguanas, blue-footed boobies and sea lions, along with many other native species. The Galapagos Islands are an island chain, and here are some of the things you must do on your visit:

• Birds in the Galapagos are very interesting. There are 13 species of finches, red-footed and blue-footed boobies, and on Fernandina and Isabela Islands you can see the Galapagos penguins.
   
• Walk through a lava tube on Santa Cruz Island. This odd natural formation occurs because the outer layer of lava hardens as the inner lava flows through.
   
• See the famous giant tortoises that live to be 100 and older and can weigh up to 550 pounds. The Charles Darwin Research Center runs a breeding program to make sure these animals don’t go extinct.
   
• Scuba or snorkel in the water that’s inhabited by flounder, sea lions and manta rays. The water is so clear that you can see up to 80 feet down.