ABOUT
THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Charles Darwin called the Galapagos Islands "a separate center of creation." Herman Melvine described them as "the Enchanted Islands".

Today the Galapagos remain a living laboratory of evolution where animals and birds have no fear of man. Visitors are limited to 24,000 yearly, so plan early. Here is a brief profile of major islands & representative species & sub-species of flora & fauna and is not meant to be a complete list nor a guarantee that all species listed will be seen.

Since their discovery in 1535 by Frey Tomas de Berlanga, a bishop aboard an off-course Spanish ship, the Galapagos were visited sporadically by pirates, whalers and fur seal hunters who found it a convenient place to replenish their food and water. In 1835 Charles Darwin, aboard the H.M.S. Beagle spent 35 days in the islands and formed his basis for the theory of evolution.

In 1959 the Ecuadorian government created the Galapagos National Park in order to preserve and protect this fascinating area for future generations. Because of these efforts, it is today one of the premier wildlife destinations on earth - abundant and varied wildlife in a protected atmosphere with ample ease and comfort. Difinitively the best of all possible scenarios.