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Galapagos Islands

With dramatic volcanic landscape and lying directly on the Equator, the geologically-recent Galapagos Islands rate as one of the most unusual wildlife locations in the world. Above water there are plants and semi-tame animals whose geographical isolation and adaptation to the harsh conditions have led to the evolution of many unique natural histories, including marine iguanas, giant tortoises and the famous Darwin finches. Under the sea, cool currents have introduced otherwise coldwater species to these tropical seas: penguins, orcas and fur seals happily rub along with parrot fish, turtles and manta rays.

Of the 29 species of land birds on the islands, 22 are endemic including 13 species of Darwin’s finches. Nineteen species of seabird include waved albatross, flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, two species of frigatebird and three species of booby. Mammals include the Galapagos sea lion, fur seal and cetaceans such as sperm, humpback and pilot whales, dolphins and orca.  Ray and shark species include the Galapagos shark, scalloped hammerhead and whale shark.

Among resident reptiles are a large nesting population of pacific green turtle, two species of land iguana, marine iguana, seven species of lava lizard, nine species of gecko (five being endemic) and three endemic snakes. Noteworthy is the giant tortoise (Geochelone elephantopus), now sadly restricted to a mere handful of sites around the islands and most likely seen at the Charles Darwin Research Centre on Santa Cruz.
The islands increase in age from west to east, with Fernandina being the youngest and Española the oldest. The western islands contain smouldering volcanoes and huge lava fields, while those in the east have lost most of their volcanic features through erosion.

Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz, one of five inhabited islands, has a verdant highland area, one of the few remaining refuges of the giant tortoise. The island’s main town, Puerto Ayora, has shops and some varied tourist accommodation. Also found here is the famous Charles Darwin Research Centre in Puerto Ayora which preserves and breeds tortoise subspecies from other islands, including ‘Lonesome George’, the sole survivor of the Pinta Island subspecies. 

Finch Bay Hotel
Perhaps the best accommodation on Santa Cruz, the hotel is situated a short boat ride from Puerto Ayora and provides very comfortable rooms, large swimming pool, small beach and trails to nearby sites. Excellent wildlife day trips are also on offer to neighbouring islands aboard the 18 metre-long Sea Finch, a luxury motor yacht with first class facilities and on-board naturalist guide. Perfect for families who do not wish to sleep on board a boat, or who desire relaxation time before or after a cruise.

Cruising the Galapagos

There are a huge range of boats on offer for Galapagos cruises, from eight-berth private yachts to large, 100-passenger cruise ships.  All provide a mixture of land visits and snorkelling, with many offering occasional scuba diving. Two of our preferred cruise options are as follows:

M/Y Eric, Letty & Flamingo  
These three sister vessels provide comfortable cruising in fast, air-conditioned motor yachts, visiting locations missed by slower vessels including Genovesa Island, home to the archipelago’s largest colony of red-footed boobies. A maximum of twenty passengers split between two national park guides means that you are never on the islands in groups of more than ten people.  The boats also offer dedicated family departures with appropriately designed lectures and activities.

M/Y La Pinta
One of the newest yachts in the Galapagos and possibly the most luxurious, the 63-metre La Pinta carries a maximum of 48 guests in 24 spacious air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms, six of which are inter-connected for the benefit of families. Its ‘Young Pirates’ programme provides children with a different educational approach to the adults, with special activities and meals, interpretive material and books. Other attractions include a Jacuzzi, gym, boutique and there is an advanced infirmary with medical doctor on board for your family’s safety.