The Galapagos Islands
There is no single place on earth that means as much as the Galapagos when it comes to our understanding of the natural world. Central to stimulating the seismic thoughts of Charles Darwin, and to nurturing his understanding of evolution by natural selection, the Galapagos continues to intrigue and delight lovers of nature. These days, people flock to the islands to enjoy their natural beauty, the myriad landscapes and creatures of the land and air. Naturalist cruises mean you can tour in comfort from island to island, observing and learning all about the bird life and unique land animals, including the famous giant Galapagos tortoises.
However, it is below the surface of the water where the Galapagos showcases some of it richest life. The sheer numbers and variety of marine creatures here is breathtaking, which explains why divers from all over the world make a pilgrimage here to enjoy a spectacular week long liveaboard cruise. Sharks are often the headliners with species including whale sharks, hammerheads, Galapagos sharks and silky sharks. However other amazing species such as marine iguanas, seals, sea lions, sunfish, red-lipped batfish, plus rays and schooling fish add to the underwater splendor.
Recent Galapagos Islands Articles
Galapagos Islands National Park and Marine Reserve – the Living Laboratory of Evolution
Turtles are abundant at the islands In 1959 the Ecuadorian government formed the Galapagos National Park. In 1978 the Galápagos Islands were among the first group of sites that were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. By 1998 the Galapagos Marine Reserve had been...
The Gentle Giant Tortoises of Galapagos
No other creature represents the Galapagos Islands more than the giant tortoise. There is a fascination with seeing such huge versions of a creature many of us are familiar with. Galapagos giant tortoises crossing a field Galapagos tortoises display 'gigantism', a...
Diving with Marine Iguanas – Dinosaurs on the Shore
Endemic to the Galápagos Islands and found throughout the archipelago, marine iguanas are the only true marine lizard in the world. It is thought that they evolved from land iguanas that drifted to the islands from South America, adapting to a marine environment with...
Diving with Trevallies – Apex Predators of the Reef
Trevally are among the more common fish encountered by divers, in a variety of species. These powerful silvery predators patrol the reefs and are often seen preying on smaller fish, making exciting, sudden dashes around the reef and thrilling any on-looking scuba...
Diving with Turtles – Underwater Ninjas
Turtles are among the best loved of sea-dwelling creatures. This is due both to their cute appearance and personality, as well as their declining numbers and their need for human protection, turtles are among the best loved of sea-dwelling creatures. Everyone loves an...
Diving with Sea Lions – Playful Puppies of the Sea
sharpening its teeth on hard corals in the Sea of Cortez. Photo Courtesy: Nautilus Few marine creatures seem to delight so much in the joy of life as a sea lion. Watching them play with each other, with divers and with other marine creatures, it is hard not to imagine...
Diving with scorpionfish: Motionless and Venomous
Scorpionfish are among the ocean’s most fascinating and enigmatic creatures, captivating divers with their extraordinary camouflage and formidable venomous spines. Belonging to the family Scorpaenidae, these ambush predators are found in tropical and temperate waters...
Diving with Sunfish – the Mighty Mola Mola
There are not too many dive sites in the world that can boast the presence of the magnificent Mola Mola, but those that do are rightfully proud of the fact. Diving with sunfish will provide you with an unforgettable memory - the odd looking flat disc lolling near the...
Diving with Moray Eels – a Foray into the World of Morays
You are finning along a reef with fish swimming all around you when suddenly something makes you stop on your tracks. You see a sight that at once captivates you and implores you to fix your gaze on a head protruding from a hole, seemingly glaring out and opening and...