The Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands located around the equator in the Pacific Ocean approximately 525 miles off the coast of Ecuador, they were created by a volcanic hotspot and are considered to be geologically young. The islands are a biological marine reserve and an Ecuadorian national park due to their vast number of endemic species and richness of other wildlife, they are famous for being studied by the British naturalist Charles Darwin.
Disclaimer: I do not claim to own the rights to any of the images used in this blog post, links to the original image sources have been given where necessary.
The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands located around the equator in the Pacific Ocean approximately 525 miles off the coast of Ecuador, they were created by a volcanic hotspot and are considered to be geologically young. The islands are a biological marine reserve and an Ecuadorian national park due to their vast number of endemic species and richness of other wildlife, they are famous for being studied by the British naturalist Charles Darwin.
The Galapagos Islands from Google Earth.
Because the wildlife of these islands is so rich they are considered to be an excellent diving location featuring many species of shark and temperate and tropical fish species.
The flight time to the islands from the UK is ~18 hours, this is quite a long flight though still shorter than to Australia, the unique biodiversity is great enough to make the flight time more than worth it.
Diving is also pleasant due to the ocean temperatures which are generally 15°C to 26°C, while 15 degrees is a little cool and will require a proper wetsuit, 26 degrees is much warmer and very pleasant to dive in.
There are many highlights to be experienced at this location including: whale sharks, hammerheads, rays, various species of turtle, endemic marine iguanas, seals and even penguins! The islands can certainly be considered a top class, unique diving location, although unfortunately it does come with a large price tag.
Here are some great photos of some of the diving sites:
An image of the amazing hammerhead sharks that swim in the archipelagos waters.
Original picture source.
An image of the breath-taking whale shark, the largest fish in the world.
Original picture source.
An image of a Spotted Eagle Ray just off the coast of Wolf Island.
Original picture source.
An image of fish swimming over a large boulder coral.
Original picture source.
An image of a SCUBA diver in a school of fish.
Original picture source.
An image of playing sealions in the waters of the archipelago.
Original picture source.
An image of a green turtle, one of the many turtles that inhabit the island's waters.
Original picture source.
An image of a Goldrimmed surgeon fish.
Original picture source.
The summer months of the Northern hemipsphere are considered to be the best months to visit the Galapagos Islands, particularly to see whale sharks, melon-headed pilot whales and humpback whales as well as many other plankon feeders.
Overall, a visit to the Galapagos islands may but a dent in your bank account but it will provide you with an absolutely unforgettable experience!
Disclaimer: I do not claim to own the rights to any of the images used in this blog post, links to the original image sources have been given where necessary.
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