Galapagos Islands » Galapagos Islands guide

The Galapagos Islands straddle the equator 1,000km off the coast of mainland Ecuador.

The islands represent the best preserved tropical archipelago in the world, they are also home to a unique mix of animal species. Find out how the Galapagos were formed.

Really what makes the islands special is that they have been populated by animals really very recently – these animals have then adapted to the subtly different conditions on each of the islands.

In a very small geographical area, in a very short span of time, you can track evolutionary changes in the animals.

Each of the Galapagos Islands is distinctive. Even neighbouring islands which look physically similar may house completely different species.

Our guide to the Galapagos Islands will help you to understand what each island has to offer.

On a more practical note, you might like to read through our Galapagos travel tips to ensure that you are as well prepared for your holiday to the Galapagos as you can be.

Visiting the Galapagos

Visiting the Galapagos Islands is to experience a little bit of what life must have been like before humans started hunting everything.

The wildlife of the islands is not tame, it just that generally, the animals are not scared of humans.

What this means is that you can be remarkably close to animals behaving in the way they are meant to behave. It is like being in a wildlife documentary much of the time.

Our guide to photography in the Galapagos will hopefully allow you to capture some of your holiday on film.

In a visit to the islands you might watch Blue Footed Boobies mating, swim with feeding sea turtles and stand by as a giant tortoise lumbers past.

In short, it is a place that most of us would love to be able to see in our lifetime. And it is somewhere we would love to imagine being here in another 100 years time for our grandchildren.

Whilst there are challenges to the islands, we believe that responsible travel to the Galapagos is possible.

With careful consideration and selection, you can ensure that your Galapagos holiday leaves a positive footprint.

If you have any questions at all about holidays to the Galapagos islands and beyond, please do contact one of our experts on 01273 676712.