As a result of the extreme isolation of the Galapagos Islands, nearly a
quarter of all species are endemic and much of the wildlife has no
instinctive fear of man. On your explorations of the islands the
wildlife will astound you. Blue-footed, red-footed, and masked boobies
are found alongside pelicans and frigate birds. There are giant
Galapagos tortoises, land and marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals,
dolphins, whales and sea turtles - a myriad of fascinating wildlife to
be discovered.
Bartolome is a relatively new island in the chain and traces of its
volcanic past can be seen everywhere, as evident by the amazing
lunar-like landscape. The Pinnacle Rock is one of the most photographed
sites in the Galapagos. Here we can hike to the top of a once-active
volcano and enjoy superb views across to Sullivan Bay, on nearby
Santiago Island.
Santa Cruz is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, where we
observe the tortoise research and breeding programs. We also head up
into the highlands for a total change of scenery. Here it is a lush
humid zone containing miconia bushes, scalesia and inactive volcanic
cones. We can visit a pair of large pit craters called 'Los Gemelos'
and the largest lava tunnels found in the Galapagos.
Espanola is the southernmost island of the Galapagos. Because of its
remote location this place has a large population of endemic fauna. It
is the breeding site for nearly all of the world's 12,000 pairs of
waved albatrosses and also home to colonies of blue-footed and masked
boobies.