While he only spent five weeks here, Darwin’s observations of the animal and plant species that had successfully adapted and survived for centuries in the Galapagos’ harsh environment were key to the development of the theory of evolution detailed in his landmark work “Origin of the Species” published in 1859.

The rare creatures Darwin encountered here, from giant tortoises to marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies, continue to attract thousands of tourists every year from around the globe. More than 100 vessels, from motorized sailboats to small cruise ships, transport visitors on cruises through the islands. By far Ecuador’s number one tourism draw, the Galapagos is protected by government regulations which impose limits on the number and size of vessels allowed to cruise around the islands.

Everyone must strictly adhere to national park regulations as no one is allowed to explore islands on their own, and visitors can only go ashore on organized tours led by government-approved guides. When exploring an island it’s mandatory to stay on designated paths and trails, so as not to disturb nesting sites and leave each island’s natural habitat as undisturbed as possible.

The following is a brief overview of wildlife encounters that may be experienced on several of the most frequently visited islands on Galapagos’ itineraries. Each island is volcanic in origin and emerged from the ocean during a series of violent eruptions over a period of a million years.

Espanola (Hood) Island

Bird watchers are especially enamored of this place that is home to several seldom seen species including Darwin’s finches, waved albatross and Hood mockingbirds. Also thriving here are red and green marine iguanas which get their vivid coloration from the seaweed that is their main food source. At Gardner Bay it’s possible to swim and snorkel amidst a friendly colony of sea lions.

Fernandina Island

The youngest and most volcanically active of the islands is home to a substantial population of flightless cormorants as well as the largest colony of marine iguanas found in the Galapagos. The most distinctive aspect of these iguanas’ anatomy is the row of spines along their back, while their scaly skin morphs from black to blue to red during mating season.(more)