Snorkel and dive with denizens of the deep, from sea lions to sea turtles at santiagos cousins rock. Discover their fascinating wildlife, which shows no fear of humans. The reader will find an easytouse text which details the natural history of the plants and animals found in the galapagos islands. A read is counted each time someone views a publication summary such as the title, abstract, and list of authors, clicks on a figure, or views or downloads the fulltext. The galapagos islands, thanks to their location and formation, are home to some of the most incredible volcanic landscapes and also to unique and endemic wildlife that has migrated and evolved in this archipelago. Currently tourism is the main driver of change in the galapagos islands, affecting the social, terrestrial, and marine subsystems. Galapagos islands travel guides and tourist information. The galapagos islands still remain one of the few places left on earth where the footprint of the human presence is kept to a minimum. About galapagos powered by natural habitat adventures. The new plan aims to optimize the management actions of the galapagos national park directorate gnpd and to meet the current needs of galapagos society, as well as respond to.
Galapagos islands to visit awr adventures within reach. When you visit the galapagos national park, stick to the following park rules to help preserve the unique flora and fauna on the islands. I have experience in land management, and visitor management although admittedly not in the us or ecuador, and both are expensive extraordinarily so in remote areas, not to mention that. The archipelago is a group of 19 islands, large and 6 small, and dozens of islets and rocks that cover an area of over 17,000 square miles. Since 1975, the gnps has managed a guide certification program. For many, the galapagos islands possess some interest to those seeking out one of the handful of remaining magnificent wild animals encounters on the globe. I have experience in land management, and visitor management although admittedly not in the us or ecuador, and both are expensive extraordinarily so in remote areas, not to mention that the galapagos is a group of islands so up goes the price again due just to the logistics of managing scattered land masses. Management and conservation of the galapagos national park is discussed, and visitor information and notes about the various tourist sites are given.
The galapagos islands, distinguished in the travel world as a place of natural beauty and flora and fauna of an incomparable variety, are a dream destination for the nature enthusiast. In 1979, the galapagos islands became the worlds first unescodesignated world heritage site an honor bestowed upon our planets most magnificent places. Official visitor sites today the galapagos park service has designated over 50 official land sites spread throughout the islands, totaling less than 1% of the national park. Straddling the equator, islands in the chain are located in both the northern and southern hemispheres, with volcan wolf and volcan ecuador on isla isabela being directly on the equator. The site list is based on information posted in the galapagos national park visitor sites guide, which provides more detailed descriptions of 80 terrestrial and 79 marine sites. The galapagos marine environment is a very dynamic oceanic system shaped by sev eral currents. For many, the galapagos islands possess some interest. Tourism in the galapagos islands is under the ecotourism. The galapagos report is a compilation of articles covering topics in human systems, tourism, biodiversity and ecosystem restoration, and marine management. There is a great summary of environmental challenges to the islands at the. Its islands emerged from the bottom of the sea in astonishing volcanic upheavals, the effects of which can still be.
Its purpose is to provide all galapagos stakeholders e. And this galapagos travel guide confirms this, with expert vacation companies that know best how to show off the many islands natural nirvanas. Explore the galapagos islands with one of our amazing tours. Visitor numbers at the galapagos islands rare and unique places are highly valued by tourists and have often been successfully developed for ecotourism, which is the case for the galapagos islands. The galapagos archipelago, without exaggeration, is a place like no other. Galapagos islands visitor sites map galapagos travel center. The galapagos governing council is responsible for the overall management of the archipelago, working to ensure a balance between the populated areas and protected areas. Lying in the pacific ocean 600 miles off ecuador, the galapagos islands truly stand alone. Iucn reactive monitoring mission to the galapagos islands world. They are part of the country of ecuador, but have many of their own laws and regulations, mostly focused on conservation and preservation of the land, sea and wildlife. This archipelago of about 19 islands and many smaller islets sprinkled 620 miles off ecuadors coast in the pacific ocean is. Ecuador established the galapagos islands national park in 1959 covering 90% of galapagos islands area, all the lands are already included, the galapagos islands national park service was started in 1967 until today. Cruise, dive, island hop, stay in a hotel and explore nearby islands choose how you want to experience the islands.
Galapagos conservancy is focused exclusively to the conservation of the galapagos islands distinctive wildlife and vegetation. In fact, when exploring a visitor site on galapagos islands, you have to take care not to trip over a family of basking marine iguanas, step on a bluefooted boobys nest or stumble over a sea lion. Without proper management, the expansion of the industry as. Conceptualizing galapagos as a socioecosystem helps in understanding the dependent relationship between the social system and the.
Following a few simple rules is all it takes to experience the magnificence of the islands in a sustainable way. The governing council of galapagos has its headquarters in puerto baquerizo moreno, san. If you are interested in who first set foot on the islands whether it was the incas, refugees, pirates or seafarers find out more about the human history of the. The first cruise ship, the lina a, arrived in the islands in 1969 and tourism has been increasing continuously ever since. For a lot of, the galapagos islands holds a prodigious amount of intrigue to those trying to find one of the handful of remaining fantastic creatures encounters on the globe. Alongside the entrance fee, the galapagos national park also charges fees to the tour operators and other services and clients.
The galapagos islands are spread out over a small piece of the pacific ocean and are remote from any other land mass. Hike along the darwin trail and see finches, flamingos and iguanas. For this reason, the movement of visitors and inhabitants in and out of the islands requires careful management. This is due in greater part to the fact that the islands dont have any large carnivores the galapagos islands hawk is the biggest predator.
The galapagos islands are a bucketlist destination for good reason. The galapagos islands are the result of volcanic activity that occurred approximately 5 million years ago as these young islands were cooling off. Training the next generation of conservation leaders is important for the longterm conservation of the galapagos islands. Thanks to a lack of natural predators, friendly wildlife such as playful sea lions and gigantic sea tortoises let visitors get up. Neverthe less, tourism is also the main driver of change, affecting the social and ecological systems. Galapagos tourism offers costume trips ecuador, galapagos islands, the volcano avenue and the jungle, within other destinations. Tourism also has direct and indirect consequences for the. Be careful not to bring any live material or food to the islands, or from one. The galapagos national park directorate has its headquarters in puerto ayora, santa cruz island, galapagos and is the ecuadorian governmental institution responsible for the administration and management of the protected areas of galapagos.
The islands are found at the coordinates 140n6s, 89169201w. The list may be sorted by site, island name, category or description. The galapagos islands offers everyone the possibility to enjoy a great. Galapagos islands a visitors guide soft adventure tourism. They are part of the country of ecuador, but have many. While this fee is not related to the fact that the galapagos. Visitors are also allowed in the towns and designated public areas as well at a few sites not within the park services management plan. The galapagos islands, thanks to their location and formation, are home to some of the most incredible volcanic landscapes and also to unique and endemic wildlife that has migrated and. The archipelago is comprised of 18 main islands, three smaller islands and over 100 rocky islets and outcroppings, encompassing 3,040 square miles of land mass spread out over 23,000 square miles of ocean. Aug 08, 2012 the galapagos islands are spread out over a small piece of the pacific ocean and are remote from any other land mass. For over 25 years, it has been helping to fund a wide array of ontheground research that aids in conservation management, public policy and sustainable initiatives. Coastal and marine resource management in the galapagos islands and the archipelago of san andres.
Espanola island, the southernmost islet of the archipelago, and darwin island, the northernmost one, are spread out over a. Visitor numbers at the galapagos islands rare and unique places are highly valued by tourists and have often been successfully developed for ecotourism, which is. Abundant wildlife above and below the waves draws ecotourists to ecuadors galapagos. Unesco world heritage centre state of conservation soc. Galapagos cruise really should be high on virtually all parents destination bucket list. Reactive monitoring mission report, galapagos islands, 27 april 6 may 2010. Galapagos islands information metropolitan touring. What are the best galapagos islands to visit galapagos luxury cruise have to be at the top of many peoples destination bucket list. Galapagos islands tourism galapagos cruises southern. Its closest point to the mainland is off 600 miles from the west coast of ecuador in south america. Does tourism growth in the galapagos islands contribute to.
The galapagos marine reserve was open in 1999 to preserve the marine wildlife in the sea near to the galapagos islands. Read about the islands and the dynamic geological forces that formed them, providing habitat for unusual flora and fauna. The closest land mass is the mainland of ecuador to the east the country to which they belong, to the north is cocos island 720 km 447 miles and to the south is easter island and san felix island at 3200 km 1,990 miles. Discover their fascinating wildlife, which shows no fear of. Dont forget, galapagos travel center is here to help you customize your perfect trip.
A look at the galapagos islands and their relationship with tourists and conservation. Sustainable tourism in galapagos galapagos conservancy, inc. The islands are located in the eastern pacific ocean, 973 km 604 miles off the west coast of south america. Tourism management planning in the galapagos national park. Galapagos islands information complete guide and travel tips. Galapagos islands travel guide an archipelago a thousand miles off ecuador in the middle of the pacific that is famous for being one of the most stunning places to see wildlife in the world. Galapagos islands ecuador sustainable destinations. Galapagos hawks, various species of finches, galapagos snake, sealions, turtles, and endemic subspecies of land iguanas. The 19 islands that make up the archipelago are situated in the pacific ocean 600 miles km from the south american continent, and are uniquely located at the confluence of five ocean currents. Official visitor sites today the galapagos park service has designated over 50 official land sites spread throughout the islands, totaling less than 1% of the national park area.
During this eight days itinerary you will visit the main attractions of the galapagos islands in a different way, you wont need to overnight on a cruise. A list of galapagos islands terrestrial and marine visitor sites has been prepared from data provided by the galapagos national park service. Principles of the 2014 management plan for the protected areas of galapagos for good living. Snorkel and dive with denizens of the deep, from sea lions. The galapagos islands activities, tickets and more. The fact that only 1 of the 4 inhabited islands has a decent fresh water supply is also a major issue. The archipelago is comprised of 18 main islands, three smaller islands and over. Famous for many rare species of fauna and flora and the fact that it was charles darwins voyage and stay here that inspired the origin of the species, these. Jun 27, 2008 a look at the galapagos islands and their relationship with tourists and conservation.
Do not remove any plant, animal, or remains of such including shells, bones, and pieces of wood, or other natural objects. We provide you with permanent assistance, customized itineraries, and the best service for your dream travel in our friendly and easy to use website. The following map will give you a precise location of every visitor site in the galapagos. Since 2007, wwf has been awarding scholarships to outstanding galapagos students to pursue training in environmental management, tourism and business administration. During this eight days itinerary you will visit the main attractions of the galapagos islands in a different way, you wont need to overnight on a cruise as per usual, with this itinerary you will overnight at the best lodges the islands haveread more. Galapagos islands best time to visit galapagosinformation. The islands main town, puerto baquerizo moreno, is the administrative capital of the galapagos islands. The galapagos islands are governed by a special law that supports. The list is still under construction and the marine visitor sites list is not yet complete. While this fee is not related to the fact that the galapagos islands are a world heritage site, it is clear that the status helps in justifying the fee to the visitors and users. Thanks to a lack of natural predators, friendly wildlife such as playful sea lions and gigantic sea tortoises let visitors get up close and personal. Looking for the best rated galapagos tour operator.