Experience Unique Wildlife on a Galapagos Islands Cruise Or Tour
The Galapagos Islands is a group or archipelago of islands situated in the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean. It is a part of the commonwealth of Ecuador and the islands are approximately 600 miles west of this country. There are 13 core islands with many smaller ones that are inhabited.
All of these islands put together measure approximately 19,000 square miles. The islands are most famous for their rich and diverse wildlife and largely untouched natural environment. The main reason people travel there is to see and experience this wonderfully unique nature preserve.
The wildlife that Galapagos Islands are known for is indeed unique and magnificent. These include many species that are not found anywhere else on the planet. Some examples of the unique fauna include the Galapagos sea lions, marine iguanas, giant tortoise, Galapagos penguins and flamingos, blue footed boobies etc. One of the things that make some of these animals interesting is that they are very tame and have almost no fear of humans. There are several reasons for this. One theory is that because the islands are very remote, it did not give cause for them to develop a natural fear of humans.
Another reason could be that because there is no sizable predator living on the island, the animals did not develop distrust towards anything. The natural environment of these islands is very unique and beautiful. The islands are surrounded by beautiful reefs and the water is teeming with endless varieties of exotic fish. All of these qualities make for one incredible diving and snorkeling experience, perhaps unmatched by any other place in the world. The islands came into being by volcanic eruptions similar to the Hawaiian Islands, which gave it its magnificent soil. It is because of this soil quality the Galapagos Islands can boast of rich plant life.
Some of the islands are situated around the volcanoes which make for some interesting hiking and sight seeing. While hiking around these volcanoes you will be able to enjoy some incredible views of the island. The Geological history of these islands seems to be similar to some of the other islands of the pacific such as Reunion and the Hawaiian Islands. The theory is that giant mantle plumes rose from the depths of the earth and ultimately created the islands. It is the plumes which give the islands its incredibly fertile soil.
The islands were discovered by a person named Fray Tom de Berlanga who was the Bishop of Panama in 1535. The story goes he discovered it by accident when his ship got thrown of course by unexpected currents and winds while on his way to Peru. Centuries later, Charles Darwin visited these islands and made some of his famous observations. In fact he was in awe and dumbstruck by the incredible diversity and the way in which each animal was able to coexist peacefully and live off of the islands natural resources. Like most tropical places in the world there are only 2 seasons a year. A dry season followed by a rainy season.
Gina Buss, M.B.S. is a biologist and science writer. Visit her blog to learn more about conserving nature through exciting sustainable adventure travel at http://www.protectingourenvironment.com
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