A trip to the Galapagos has been at the top of my must-do trips for awhile now. Frolicking among the wildlife offers a sense of seclusion and exclusivity that surely would make for once-in-a-lifetime travel.  The Galapagos Islands are a grouping of volcanic islands off the Western coast of Ecuador. A biological marine reserve, the islands were made famous by Charles Darwin's study of evolution by natural selection there.

Historical Significance

In 1959, the year of Charles Darwin published The Origin of Species, the Ecuadorian government declared 97.5% of the Galapagos a national park. The Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) was founded the same year to conduct research for effective management of Galápagos.  In 1986, the 70,000 square kilometers (27,000 sq mi.) of Pacific Ocean surrounding the islands was declared a marine reserve, second in size only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. The island was also declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, a place of special cultural or physical significance.

What You'll See 

Special species and fauna available nowhere else in the world.

-Iguanas- the Galapagos land iguana, the marine iguana (the only iguana feeding in the sea)

-Galapagos Tortoise- derived from Spanish, these Giant Tortoises are what gave the Galapagos their name, as well as another variation of green turtles

-Sea cucumbers- an Asian delicacy and the cause of many environmental battles with fishermen

-Birds, birds, birds- some of the world's rarest species include the Flightless Cormorant (Galapagos Cormorant), great frigatebird, blue-footed booby, mockingbirds- the first species discovered by Darwin, thirteen endangered species of tanagers (aka Darwin's famous finches)

-Galapagos Penguin- the only tropical living penguin in the world

-Waved albatross- the only tropical residing albatross

-Galapagos Hawk- the island's scavenger

-Galapagos sea lions

Can you stay on the Galapagos Islands?

Yes and no.  Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela and Floreana are inhabited islands with small towns or villages which offer you the opportunity to sleep ashore. Most people though, visit by cruise which gives you greater flexibility to see more of the islands. Lindblad Expeditions has partnered with National Geographic to offer you the best of both worlds. The luxury and comfort of a cruise ship, but with the flexibility and size to change the itinerary on a fly. Explore by land, sea, and underwater. History and education for the family blended with the active adventures of kayaking and snorkeling.

What are you waiting for? Start planning your journey now with our comprehensive Galapagos Guide.