WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Tell me about The Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands distributed around the equator in the Pacific Ocean, 972 km west of continental Ecuador, of which they are a part. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The islands and its surrounding waters form an Ecuadorian province, a national park, and a biological marine reserve. Discovered in 1535, when the vessel carrying the fourth Bishop of Panama, Tomas Berlanga, from central American to Peru blew off course, the islands today have a population of around 23,000.
Documented by Charles Darwin during the second Voyage of the Beagle in September 1835, the endemic and fearless wildlife of the Galapagos Islands today provides a unique and captivating experience for visiting naturalists, eco-tourists and photographers.
NATURETREK TOURS TO THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Naturetrek charters its own vessel, the 16-berth sailing schooner Cachalote, for two weeks duration several times a year. This length of cruise allows us to visit many more of the visitor sites than is possible during a standard one-week cruise. Air-conditioned throughout, with an exceptional crew and guide, Cachalote is an ideal base as we make an in-depth exploration of the Galapagos Islands, from the Darwin story, to volcanology and geology, swimming, snorkelling, wildlife photography, birding and botanising.