Wildlife wanders freely and almost fearlessly in the Galapagos. This remote island group with its dramatic and desolate beauty is home to some of the most unique species in the world. Many are endemic such as the Galapagos tortoise, marine and land iguanas, the flightless cormorant and, of course, Darwin’s famous finches. Darwin noted that different species adapted to fit different niches on individual islands, which gave rise to his idea of natural selection.
You may glimpse a frigate bird in courtship, his bright-red breast puffed up in a dazzling display, or the spectacular dive of a blue-footed booby fishing close to shore, or the graceful waved albatross – so comical and clumsy when taking flight. It’s all here in the Galapagos, a treasure-trove of natural history awaiting your discovery.
Shore excursions on Galapagos Island tours include hiking ancient lava fields where you will encounter prehistoric reptiles such as the iconic giant Galapagos tortoise, endemic land and marine iguanas. See the courtship dance of the blue-footed boobies, Galapagos Penguins, Flightless Cormorants and Waved Albatross, just to name a few of the comical sea birds. Explore beaches of black, red and green sand leading to the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Being able to snorkel or kayak while on a cruise to the Galapagos Islands is one of the highlights. Encounter a range of ocean life, including sea lions, dolphins, whales and tame sharks in the marine reserve surrounding these extraordinary islands.
We offer all kinds of active exploration. Go on a nature walk and marvel at pre-historic land iguanas and lava lizards. Slip into a sea kayak and discover hidden tide pools, mangrove forests, beaches of red, green and black sand and the hardened lava fields smeared into the edges of the shores. Swim back and forth across the equator with sea lions that perform an underwater ballet. Go birding to look for the Nazca booby. Or put on a mask and enter the delicate balance of life underwater, watching schools of graceful spotted eagle rays gliding beneath you.
Exploring the undersea is a major part of the Galapagos experience where cold and warm waters intermingle and where fur sea lions, sea turtles, dolphins, whales and tame reef sharks thrive. We provide complimentary snorkeling equipment, wet suits and kayaks. Before dinner, attend a briefing by one of our naturalists. With so few guests, your guide can take the time to explore a topic that interests you personally.
Experience moment after moment of wonder in a land where time stands still. Our comprehensive 7-night cruise itineraries explore the entire archipelago. And thanks to an outstanding guide-to-guest ratio, you’ll venture ashore in small groups of no more than ten fellow explorers, experiencing this magical realm in the most authentic and educational way possible.
Come and experience a world of evolutionary enchantment with Ecoventura.
Articles from our blog https://www.ecoventura.com/top-10-must-see-wildlife-on-your-galapagos-itinerary/
For a full list of Galapagos flora and fauna, see our Wildlife Check list here: Download (PDF)
