subject: A Tips & Travel Guide To Galapagos Tours [print this page] The Galapagos Islands are one of the most unique and beautiful places in the world, with various amounts of exciting wildlife and views that will make you never want to leave. By partaking in various Galapagos tours, you'll be able to see the various different islands and what they have to offer. There are fourteen main islands to tour through, some of which are: Bartolom Island, Tower (Genovesa) Island, Santiago (James) Island, Fernandina (Narborough) Island, and Isabela (Albemarle) Island.
Bartolom Island, known for its awesome beach environment, is rich in both wildlife and places to explore. Located off the eastern coast of Santiago Island, not many plants and animals inhabit this area because of its harsh volcanic landscape. Tidal pools are located throughout and snorkeling can be done right along the beach. Many travelers love to walk the trails along Bartolom Island and both spatter cones and lava flows can be seen. When snorkeling, white-tipped reef sharks can be spotted swimming near the coast, but you shouldn't worry, as they don't normally bother swimmers. Sea Lions are also seen roaming the area.
Tower Island, hidden throughout the year because of the mist surrounding it, is also nicknamed the "bird island", and for good reason. Tons of different species and types of birds inhabit this island including cactus finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, and swallow-tailed gulls. The Palo Santo forest is a favorite site among travelers to venture through because of its rich wildlife and bird watching opportunities.
Santiago Island, which is also known by many as San Salvador, is home to tons of amazing wildlife not seen in other places. Flamingos, sea turtles, and sea lions are just some of the many seen inhabiting this place. Fur Seals can be spotted in the Fur Seal Grotto, where travelers can relax along the beach, snorkel, or actually play and interact with the Galapagos Fur Seals, which are known to be extremely friendly.
The third largest of the Galapagos Islands, Fernandina Island has been active with volcanoes since 2009 and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. Visitors are only able to check out the outer limits for their own safety and because of the volcanoes, there isn't much wildlife present. Punta Espinoza, a neat strip of land where iguanas number in the hundreds and are spotted all along the lava rock is a favorite of visitors.
Isabela Island, which is around 1 million years old, is the largest of all the islands in the Galapagos. Five of the six volcanoes located here are still active and volcanic activity can normally be seen on a daily basis. Tuff cones at Tagus Cove and uplifts at Urvina Bay are some of the many amazing and natural geological features that make this island special. Marine iguanas, penguins, and dolphins are just some of the many creatures known to inhabit this island, as well as wild tortoises. Isabela Island has the largest amount of wild tortoises compared to any other island. The "Wall of Tears", also known as El Muro de las Lagrimas, and the Flamingo Lagoon are two other spots that are favorites among travelers.
Before traveling to the Galapagos Islands, it is important that you take along many essentials for your trip. Be sure to first bring your swimwear and snorkeling gear, as there are many essential swimming spots at each of the islands. Also be sure to bring two different pairs of shoes. One can be used for wet environments and another for dry environments. Sunscreen is probably the most important item that you'll need, as you'll be out in the sun for most of the day. Because of this, make sure to bring a sunscreen with extra protection.
When taking Galapagos tours during your stay, you can see any one or all of the fourteen different islands, if desired. Each island is special in its own way and should be visited. Take a few tours to each island, pack well before hand, and have a great time. Visiting the Galapagos Islands is a fantastic experience.
by: ashtonalvarez
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