Darwin laboratory alive! Galapagos Islands Ecuador 1000km Pacific volcanic archipelago UNESCO unique wildlife endemic fearless animals evolution isolation Charles Darwin 1835 HMS Beagle voyage observations inspired Origin Species 1859 theory natural selection revolutionary. Giant tortoises subspecies islands adaptive radiation different shells environments Lonesome George last Pinta tortoise died 2012 extinction species loss tragic ongoing breeding programs successful recovery populations Santa Cruz Isabela highlands. Marine iguanas only lizards swim feed algae underwater unique Fernandina largest colonies black lava rocks. Blue-footed boobies endemic courtship dance feet brighter healthier males selected females mate choice sexual selection. Galapagos penguins only tropical equator flightless cormorants tiny wings evolution flight loss unnecessary predators absent islands walking swimming sufficient survival successful adaptation remarkable specialized. Sea lions playful curious snorkeling swimming humans approach gentle juveniles playful adults protective pups seasonal breeding rookeries observed distance respectful. Frigate
birds magnificent great males red throat pouch inflates attract females courtship spectacular colonies Genovesa Tower Island northern remote bird paradise. Strict conservation national park 97% land marine reserve protected visitor sites limited permits required certified naturalist guides mandatory groups 16 max rules enforced sustainable tourism model successful preservation ongoing scientific research Charles Darwin Foundation collaboration Ecuador government international support critical continued protection
Day 1:
Fly Baltra from Quito/Guayaquil, park fee paid, zodiac transfer cruise ship settle, briefing orientation, first landing Santa Cruz highlands tortoise reserve wild giants grazing|
Day 2:
Genovesa Tower Island frigatebirds red-footed boobies colonies Prince Philip Steps climb Darwin Bay snorkel|
Day 3:
Bartolome pinnacle rock iconic photo 372 steps summit panoramic volcanic landscape, Sullivan Bay lava flows snorkel penguins|
Day 4:
Fernandina Punta Espinosa marine iguanas thousands, Isabela Tagus Cove flightless cormorants endemic, snorkeling penguins turtles|
Day 5:
Isabela Urbina Bay/Elizabeth Bay mangroves penguins seahorses snorkel, Punta Moreno flamingos lagoons lava cactus|
Day 6:
Santa Cruz Charles Darwin Research Station tortoise breeding, highlands lava tunnels, Puerto Ayora town shopping|
Day 7:
Santa Fe land iguanas endemic pale yellow, Plaza Sur sea lions land iguanas swallow-tailed gulls cliffs|
Day 8:
EspaΒ±ola Hood Island waved albatross April-December only colony world, blue-footed boobies Nazca boobies blowhole Gardner Bay sea lions beach white sand snorkel, flight departure