The wildlife in the Galapagos is extreme. Giant tortoises whose saddle-shaped carpaces inspired the name Galapagos. Marine iguanas who have adapted to an ocean-going existence by grazing on seaweed and developing a special gland to rid them of excess salt. The world’s only Equatorial penguin, which has learned to hold its flippers out to cool off and protect its feet from sunburn. Species never developed a fear of man, so they’re unusually easy to approach and observe.
Even though the archipelago has been studied extensively, new species continue to emerge. A new species of giant tortoise was recently discovered not far from the Charles Darwin Station. A hefty pink iguana with black stripes was discovered in 1986 and only announced in 2009. You never know what new wonder you might discover in this UNESCO World Heritage site – a place that has become a “must see” for those who long to continue evolving their own knowledge of the world around them.
Interested in planning a Galapagos trip? You can either tour or cruise the Galapagos Islands. Our travel consultants can help you find the perfect Galapagos vacation.
