Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Galapagos Islands

The islands are well known because of the research the Charles Darwin did in the region; but the region is so much more than that. The islands are off of the coast of Ecuador and are part of that country. But what makes them so special? Well I will tell you: the animals, the weather, and the views.

Most people will go to the Galapagos Islands for the fauna. The wildlife on the islands are unlike the rest of the world and are enough to make the visit worth it. The first major animal is the Galapagos tortoise which can only be found on these islands, but sadly there are only 200 have them still alive. These are the tortoises that Darwin studied when he was on the islands. Another unique animal only found here is the Galapagos land iguanas. There is also the only marine iguana that eats out of the ocean. One of the most popular animals with the tourists are the Blue-footed Booby. These are seagull type birds with large blue feet that they show off during mating season. Another popular species is the Galapagos Penguin which is the only tropical penguin still in existance.

Besides the animals that are unlike the rest of the world, there is also weather that will attract many tourists. The islands are scattered about the Equator, however they are located in a current that tends to bring light rains and cooler water during the colder months (June to November). Then during the summer months (December to May) the temperatures increase and the water temperature rises. The amount of rains varies A LOT between the different altitudes and the different islands. On the beaches, the usual hangout spot, there tends to not be much rain.

The views at the islands are some that could be gawked over for a long time. Within the islands, there are 13 main islands and six smaller islands. Each island is slightly different and are used for different reasons. There are just four islands that people live on. The biggest of these is Isabela Island. This is where you will be able to find the airport and other ammenities of civilization. Many of the smaller islands are used for SCUBA diving. One highlights for most people is going snorkeling with penguins at these islands. There are tons of fish and coral around these islands making for some great diving. The sea lions on the islands are also unlike those of other places. They tend to be very curious and are not afraid of people. It is not uncommon to have a sea lion come up to you to see what you are doing.

The Galapagos Islands are not the typical vacation for most, but they can offer much to it's visitors. Because of all the different species, the islands are commonly used for educational purposes. The beaches or the SCUBA diving seem to be the main attractions to the rest of the visitors. If you are interested in visiting these islands, Jeopardy is currently doing a sweepstakes so you can spend a couple weeks with Alex Trebek.

2 comments:

  1. The Galapagos Islands are the most incredible living museum of evolutionary changes, with a huge variety of exotic species (birds, land and sea animals, plants) and landscapes not seen anywhere else.
    Galapagos islands attractions

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  2. Hi! Nice blog!
    What I can tell you is that I knew the island of Ecuador last year, participating of Galapagos incentives tours and I fell in love with the place!
    There you can have fun and relax... all at the same time!
    Hope I can go back this year again!

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