GUIDE TO GALAPAGOS ARCHIPELAGO

Intense Volcanic and Seismic Activity

The western part of the Galapagos Archipelago is volcanically active, in a continuation of the ongoing geologic processes that have created nearly all the islands in the chain. Eruptions, earth tremors, lava flows and ash falls are common occurrences.

Marine Life of the Archipelago
The Galapagos Archipelago is home to fringing coral reefs, hawksbill and green turtles, sharks, rays, whales, myriad seabirds, and nearly 300 species of tropical fish.

Natural Laboratory of Evolution
The remoteness of the islands from the mainland, the differing distances between them, and their distinct elevational and moisture gradients have created an incomparable natural laboratory of evolution -- witness the 13 species of Darwin's finches.

Scuba Diving in the Galapagos
Some of the best diving in the world is found in the vast Galapagos Archipelago, among coral atolls, abundant tropical fish, and giant sea turtles. Dive boats can be reserved from the mainland.

Volcanic Features of the Islands
In addition to volcanic cones, craters, and lava flows, the Galapagos Islands also have crater lakes, fumaroles, sulphur fields, lava tubes, accumulations of pumice and ash, and lava sand beaches.

The park is located directly on the Equator, in the open Pacific Ocean about 1000 km off the coast of the nation of Ecuador. It is accessible by water and by 1.5-hour scheduled airline flight from Guyaquil or Quito, Ecuador, landing either in Baltra or San Cristobal.

Most visits to the Galapagos take the form of guided cruises from the mainland, local-port-based boat trips, or a combination of the above. Unguided exploration is allowed in designated areas of the four inhabited islands.