The wildlife of the Galapagos is pretty unique. There are many endemic plants and animals. We went on an 8-day cruise of the islands and were amazed at how different each island is. Follow our tour around the islands:
Day One: San Cristobal
San Cristobal is one of the larger islands and has a human population of more than 5500. For those of you who like facts and figures: land surface 558 square km and elevation 730 m.
An endemic dog, well endemic to Jatun Sacha
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| Duke - the naughty pup! | | | | | | | |
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The Giant Tortoise or 'Galapago' population of San Cristobal is healthy and is helped by a breeding programme.
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| Intermediate Type Giant Tortoise - found on San Cristobal |
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There are 3 species of Booby on the islands!
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| This is the blue footed booby - for obvious reasons. |
Sea lions are found everywhere on the islands:
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| On the beach... |
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| ...or the prom! |
Lying off San Cristobal is a large rock structure known as Kicker Rock or in spanish Leon Dormido...
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| Kicker Rock |
... where strange wildlife can be found.
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| What's that strange creature waving at me? |
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Day Two: Espanola
Espanola is one of the oldest islands at about 4 million years old. It is uninhabited by humans except during the day when the cruise ships arrive. Good place to see wildlife.
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| Galapagos Hawk |
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| Baby ...agh...Waved Albatross |
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| Close-up of Galapagos Hawk with prey |
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| Sally Lightfoot Crab |
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| The local mocking birds are very friendly and often try and steal water from the visitors. |
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| Easy life - Marine Iguanas only found on the Galapagos. |
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| American Oystercatcher |
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| Espanola Lava Lizard |
Our transport...
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| The Seaman II at anchor in Gardner Bay Espanola. |
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| Espanola Mocking Bird |
Day Three: Floreana
About 100 people live on Floreana. Ships used to land here to post and collect letters, the tradition is still very much alive today.
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| Post Office Bay Floreana |
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| The local plant life |
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| The Galapagos are volcanic Islands born of fire. |
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| Turtle having a rest. |
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| There is very little rain in the arid zone. |
Day Four: Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz has a large human population. The Darwin Centre is found there as is Lonesome George - a Giant Tortoise from Pinta Island.
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| It's a hard life. |
In the highlands there are craters.
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| Lava craters that are no longer active become wildlife havens. |
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| Darwin's Finches |
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| Track of a .... Marine Iguana |
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| Jelly Fish |
The Giant tortoises on Santa Cruz are really small...
Only kidding!
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| Notice the different shaped shell on the tortoise not Siobhan |
On Santa Cruz you can walk through the lava tubes.
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| Lava tubes |
That's all for now folks. You'll have to wait for the rest of the tour as we have a bus to catch.
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