| s/v Nine of Cups Galapagos Islands March-April 2004 |
| Galapagos Islands (Archipiélago de Colón) Capital: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Population: ~18,500 Area/Geography: 3,029 sq miles comprised of 13 volcanic islands and 40-50 islets Language: Spanish, though English is spoken widely Currency: US $ Belonging to Ecuador since being claimed in 1832, the Galapagos Islands lie in the Pacific distributed around the Equator about 600 miles west of Ecuador. They were officially declared a national park in 1959. |
Without a doubt, the highlight of the Galapagos is the wildlife here...much of it unique in the
world. The giant tortoises are one of the main attractions at the Darwin Station.
world. The giant tortoises are one of the main attractions at the Darwin Station.
We saw lots and lots of birds, but
photographing them was another story.
We concluded that the most common bird
on the island was the "blurry" bird. We
saw mockingbirds, pelicans, gulls, many
different types and colors of finches,
warblers, frigate birds, stilts, tropic birds,
herons, flycatchers, flamingos and boobies.
The waders and shorebirds were the
easiest to capture by photo. The lava
heron above was a most patient subject.
photographing them was another story.
We concluded that the most common bird
on the island was the "blurry" bird. We
saw mockingbirds, pelicans, gulls, many
different types and colors of finches,
warblers, frigate birds, stilts, tropic birds,
herons, flycatchers, flamingos and boobies.
The waders and shorebirds were the
easiest to capture by photo. The lava
heron above was a most patient subject.
David and friend take a walk on the malecon.
The arid zone seems a contrast to the vast ocean
which lies beside it. Lava rock is strewn everywhere
interspersed with fine beach sand. Hundreds of
marine iguanas (the only marine iguana in the world,
we're told) sun themselves on lava rock then dive
into the ocean for a snack and to cool off. They are
not bothered by humankind and seem to enjoy a bit
of company once in a while.
which lies beside it. Lava rock is strewn everywhere
interspersed with fine beach sand. Hundreds of
marine iguanas (the only marine iguana in the world,
we're told) sun themselves on lava rock then dive
into the ocean for a snack and to cool off. They are
not bothered by humankind and seem to enjoy a bit
of company once in a while.
Tiny, colorful lava lizards scurry about
everywhere.
everywhere.
| The malecon at Isabela |
Blue-footed boobies soared overhead
before making dive bomb attacks on the
fish below.
before making dive bomb attacks on the
fish below.
The sea lions had no problem
boarding unoccupied boats to laze in
the sun.
boarding unoccupied boats to laze in
the sun.
In all we spent nearly a month in the
Galapagos and they are indeed enchanting.
The effects of tourism are indelibly evident
even though the Park is working hard to
minimize the impact.
Galapagos and they are indeed enchanting.
The effects of tourism are indelibly evident
even though the Park is working hard to
minimize the impact.
See John Santic's website on our visit
to the Galapagos and Easter Island
to the Galapagos and Easter Island
| The five largest of the Galapagos islands are Isabela, Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Fernandina and San Salvador. Cruising yachts are limited to 4 anchorages. We were able to visit 3 of the 4, Isabela being our favorite. |
| The word "galapagos" is actually a type of Spanish riding saddle. Early Spanish explorers thought the tortoise shells resembled these saddles and hence the name. |
The tortoises weren't just in the Darwin
Station...they were all over the island as
evidenced by the warning sign above.
Station...they were all over the island as
evidenced by the warning sign above.
The land iguanas here are different in color
and appearance than any others we've seen
and appearance than any others we've seen
Isla Isabela, the largest island in the
archipelago, has six volcanoes which are
intermittently active, the last eruption being
recorded in 1988. We anchored in a bay
surrounded by reefs just east of of town. The
best part of the anchorage was the sealife
around us...like Galapagos penguins!
archipelago, has six volcanoes which are
intermittently active, the last eruption being
recorded in 1988. We anchored in a bay
surrounded by reefs just east of of town. The
best part of the anchorage was the sealife
around us...like Galapagos penguins!
Follow us now to Easter Island
We have lots more photos of the
Galapagos Islands and are working to sort
and label them so we can post them to this
page. Be patient...it's a long process.
Galapagos Islands and are working to sort
and label them so we can post them to this
page. Be patient...it's a long process.
Crew's Recommended reading...
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