The Galapagos Islands are found approximately 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) west of Ecuador’s coastline and dot a vast area of 17,000 square miles (45,000 square kilometers) of the Pacific Ocean. Luxury ships $450 and up. 00:00. This is barely 15% of the whopping 1,702,887 tourists that visited the Maldives throughout that same year! As to how many people board Expedition Vessels in Galapagos, the annual number is around 75,000. Our brilliant instructors gifted us with 18 dives around the archipelago, focusing on the little-visited outlying islands of Darwin and Wolf where a confluence of nutrient-rich, sweeping currents deliver breathless encounters with pelagic megafauna. Galapagos Islands is part of Ecuador, located in the eastern Pacific Ocean approximately 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) west of Ecuador's mainland. . Where to go in 2024: when to visit our Best in Travel winners. There's something mysterious and unique about the destination. Comprehensive Galapagos Islands hotel guide. 9. The Galápagos Islands have some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving sites in the world, allowing you to spot an array of aquatic creatures up close, including sea turtles, marine iguanas, penguins, sea lions and hammerhead sharks. Galapagos is located on the Nazca tectonic plate. Learn more about Galapagos climate and view our Galapagos Islands climate and water temperature table below. Reserva El Chato. Yes, it’s possible to travel between the major islands (Santa Cruz, Isabela, San Cristobal) by ferry for just $25. Galapagos is a province of Ecuador located 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) off the coast of South America in the Pacific Ocean. 4. The San Cristobal… from. In this travel guide, we share our Ecoventura review, including a day-by-day Galapagos itinerary, wildlife photos, tips on what to see and do. Free cancellation. Over. from $160 per adult. Once you’ve visited the Galapagos, you’ll be spoiled for all other travels. Rebecca Adventure Travel. Unauthorized request. You also get to visit “Hidden Beach” which very few tours, and no cruises, have access to. Monumento de la Tortuga. Natural Wonders, Hiking, Recreation, Sightseeing Type. They’re also the largest and most aggressive of the boobies (but with each other, not people!). 6. The funding enables and encourages new research initiatives in the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador,. Big Turtle, Galapagos Islands. 5/5. Blue-Footed Booby. Maybe it is just an urban legend to spook tourist from visiting this tiny island in the center of Galapagos, far out in the Pacific Ocean known as Baltra. Tortuga Island - Isla Tortuga is unique as the island is in the shape of a crecent. The Galapagos Islands enjoy pretty much perfect weather all year with two distinct seasons offering warmer, rainier months and cooler, drier months. depending on duration and room type (standard, superior, or suite). Air and sea temperature difference creates a layer of mist in the Archipelago sky. 2. But in 2007, threats from increasing tourism, overfishing, and encroaching invasive species put the Galápagos on the List of World Heritage in Danger places. The islands are quite remote and isolated, lying some 1000 km west of the South American continent, and the archipelago is bisected by the equator. It’s super easy to get from Baltra to Puerto Ayora, and everyone will be headed in the same direction. These hotels are located on the four habitable islands, Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Floreana, and Isabela. 00. With its moon-like terrain, volcanic formations and vibrant turquoise water, the scenery here is nothing short of incredible. According to WWF Colombia, at least 10% of marine plastic waste is made up of fishing equipment, and between 500,000 to 1 million tons of fishing gear enters the ocean every year. Sign up for a guided kayaking tour on the Itabaca Channel, watch iguanas sunbathing at Santa Fe Island and hike to the top of Cerro Tijeretas. 17. Galapagos National Park is located about 500 miles (926 km) west of Ecuador, the islands are part of the country. According to a study done by marine biologist Mauricio Castrejón, Ph. Our expedition is aboard one of two carefully chosen small Galapagos cruise ships, the luxurious Relais & Chateaux Origin, Theory & Evolve (from. $249. The cool waters of the Humboldt and Cromwell Currents allow it to survive despite the tropical. The confluence of three major ocean currents brings an upwelling. The Galapagos Penguin is the second smallest penguin species on the planet (the smallest species is the Little Penguin found in New Zealand). Typically, your cruise or tour company will pay these fees in advance. Made famous in 1835, the islands have developed a rich and intriguing history through this relatively short period, almost as captivating as the natural history they are so well known for. There is a total of 21 islands with 18 of them considered significant. Visitors to the Galápagos Islands will likely pay an increased park fee starting next year, a decision that reflects growing concerns that skyrocketing tourism on. Known for their biodiversity and their connection to the theory of evolution, these volcanic islands are World Heritage Sites. In this next video, you’ll see some of the underwater (and other) animals we saw. Galapagos is a province of Ecuador located 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) off the coast of South America in the Pacific Ocean. The Galapagos Islands are a bucket-list destination for good reason: Thanks to a lack of natural predators, friendly wildlife such as playful sea lions and gigantic sea tortoises let. Pahoehoe lava is rare to the rest of the world, but is common to the volcanoes of Hawaii and the Galápagos Islands. 3. Kicker Rock. To preserve that rarity, most Galápagos tours use a ship as a floating hotel, cruising overnight to new. What are the top attractions to visit in the Galapagos Islands? Here are a few of the best things to do in the Galapagos: El Chato Tortoise Reserve; Tortuga Bay;. The islands are shrouded in a light fog known as "garúa," adding an enchanting ambiance to the surroundings. The remarkable marine iguanas of the Galápagos are testament to the extraordinary powers of natural selection, and resilient proof of evolution in action. As morning rays warm the cool sea mist, marine iguanas – Galápagos dragons –slowly make their way towards the sea. Zodiac to pristine beaches, kayak or stand-up paddleboard along volcanic shores, explore wildlife on land or under the sea. The Galapagos Islands is a volcanic archipelago that contains thirteen primary islands, six smaller isles, and several rocky islets. PRICE = Free to enter. But let’s start with the boring but important part – airports! So the first option is to fly from either Quito or Guayaquil into Baltra’s Seymour Airport, the Galapagos’ “main” (still super small!) airport at the northern tip of Santa Cruz Island. The Galapagos islands are home to an impressive diversity of fauna on land and in the sea. Galapagos Beach at Tortuga Bay. Island hopping involves staying on the main islands and taking day trips to nearby islands. Here's everything you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime. Mid-range cruises price range: $2,000 to $3,000 per person for 5 days; $3,500 to $4,500 per person for 8 days. One important thing to know about the Galapagos Islands is that between June and December, during wet season, cruises are 15% to 20% cheaper. You will be just fine. The seasons. per adult. With Avianca, LATAM and TAME airlines flying. There are three main ways to travel in the Galapagos Islands on a budget: The budget way, Island hopping, a last-minute Galapagos Cruise (with a trustworthy company), and volunteering. Today, the most westerly island, Fernandina, is the youngest and most active. However, if you don’t dive or do snorkeling, then I would say that the Galapagos are not worth the trip, unless you’re an absolute fanatic about sea-lions, tortoises and iguanas (or volcano landscapes). Just south of the Galapagos’ Marchena Island, there’s a dive spot known by locals as the “fish arena. The $100 fee is unchanged since for nearly 20 years, so, in a sense, this would only be catching up with inflation. By 192maryh. Though all of the islands are great for natural beauty, some have larger populations (and therefore more facilities) than others, so where you end up largely depends on what you want to get out. from. 1. Hotels near the sights. & up. 10. Where to stayPrincipais ilhas. The Galapagos Islands are made up of 13 larger islands and more than 60 smaller islands and islets with 5 islands proving habitable to just over 30,000 people. Embark on a Galapagos cruise aboard the Bonita for a private expedition. January – May is the warm season, during which skies are. What makes the Galapagos’s wildlife remarkable is the variety of endemic species living on these lands. 1. I was surprised to learn how the local iguanas and some of the islands' birds assist one another. Urbina Bay is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast of Isabela Island, between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. 6. Interesting Facts. In addition to the 13 large islands, there are many more small islands and islets, all together about 3,000 square. The Islands are part of Ecuador at a distance of 906 km (563 mi) west from continental Ecuador, which is also the closest landmass to them. The Galapagos Islands are uniquely located on both sides of the equator in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This area experienced a major uplift in 1954, causing the land to rise over 16 feet. Rylee recommends, “a minimum of 5 days / 4 nights in the. Originally from California, the Galapagos sea lions adapted to the islands’ warmer environment and evolved into a different type of species. 2–3 hours. Check LATAM Airlines and TAME as they often have cheap flights, going for as low as $250 round-trip. Cost: Fares for a 10-night cruise (including two nights in Guayaquil) start from $7,710 per person. Galapagos Science Center and the community of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Despite these conditions, the Dry Season is a popular time to visit the Galapagos. ’. The Galápagos Islands are an , or group of islands, that have been created by volcanoes. 26, 2019. May is one of the most underrated times to visit the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos Islands enjoy warm temperatures all year round. Wildlife wonderment wows visitors to the Galapagos Islands, but the archipelago has so much more to offer. 1: Darwin observed that beak shape varies among finch species. Recommended by 100% of travelers. The area the Galápagos Islands occupy measures 3,093 square miles, spread out in about thirteen major islands and many smaller islands, islets, and rocks. You can see all the jungle you need to see in Ecuador as well (the lands east of the Andes are part of the Amazon basin as well). 17% of Galapagos fish species are endemic to the Galapagos Islands. 1. Galapagos Facts. Galapagos Yacht Charters. In 2013 the figure exceeded 200,000 for the first time. COVID-19 Restrictions to Enter the Galapagos Islands. The Galápagos Islands were the source of Darwin’s theory of evolution and remain a priceless living laboratory for scientists today. 8. This incredibly unusual species of iguana found on all Galapagos islands is the only extant (or still existing) marine lizard on Earth. Santa Cruz Island. Charles Darwin Research Station. Illegal fishing, non-native. They straddle both sides of the Equator, 620 miles (1,000 km) off the coast of Ecuador. Known for their biodiversity and their connection to the theory of evolution, these volcanic islands are World Heritage Sites. The Galapagos Islands are often referred to as a living museum and once you witness the photos below, you will understand why. 3 From the Airport Isla Baltra to Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) 6. The use of the threat of goat reintroduction to islands in the Galápagos as a political tool. 2. View Trip. Diving to 600m, researchers find reefs full of octopus, lobster and fish, raising hopes for corals’ survival amid rising sea temperaturesUrbina Bay. Natural Wonders, Hiking, Recreation, Sightseeing Type. 1. To preserve that rarity, most Galápagos tours use a ship as a floating hotel, cruising overnight to new. Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia. The islands are quite remote and isolated, lying some 1000 km (620 miles) west of the South American continent, and the archipelago is bisected by the equator. Getting to and from the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos Islands got their national park status in 1959, and in 1978 were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hotels near the sights. All Galapagos small ship cruises have 12 - 100 passengers, ensuring a more personalized service and experience. The Galapagos are a naturalist’s dream, filled with a diverse array of plant and animal life unique in the world. 14. Mid-range cruises price range: $2,000 to $3,000 per person for 5 days; $3,500 to $4,500 per person for 8 days. RRP: £19. Visitation is limited by the national park, vessels are small and cabins fill up fast. We have selected the 21 best photos from our recent trip to the Galapagos archipelago to inspire your wanderlust. Scientific name: Chelonoidis. 12 Great Reasons Why You Should Visit Ecuador In 2022. It’s in Ecuador – the Galapagos Islands is not its own country. Whilst the remote nature of the archipelago means that the habitats and wildlife preserved on the islands are some of the most spectacular in the world, it is a travel destination that takes a while to get to, which. Expect to pay somewhere between $5,000 and $12,000 per traveler depending on the ship, itinerary, and length of the voyage. Bartolome Island Galapagos Islands The Wildlife on Galapagos. During June to December the weather is cooler, while from December to May you. Galapagos prices here range from $1,998 to $5,288. Santiago, originally named James Island after England’s King James II, was the second of the Galápagos Islands visited by Charles Darwin. Below we have compiled a 2021 up-to-date guide to the Galápagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biologically diverse places on earth. More Best Things To Do in Galapagos Islands. Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Bonita. 5 Option: Lava Tunnels. It’s located on a junction where 3 tectonic plates meet, and 13 of the islands are volcanic. Once you get to the island you can find specials and deals being offered everywhere for last minute trips. Puerto Ayora, Galápagos Islands: Charles Darwin Foundation; 2007. 00. These creatures are famous for having no fear of humans, thus creating one of the most up close and personal wildlife experiences in the world. Here, take advantage of snorkeling, diving, swimming and boating. According to a new study out today in Earth and Planetary Science Letters, the. . As of February 18, 2023, a declaration of traveler health and insurance is no longer required. 2. The Galápagos Islands are a UNESCO world heritage site and, according to Metropolitan Touring, is one of the most highly regulated conservation sites in the world. This Classic Galapagos Tour offers a combination of interesting day tours, and time to explore the islands by yourself. Of course, Galapagos is unique - there's only one place on the planet that offers what Galapagos has to offer. Alongside the entrance fee, the Galapagos National Park also charges fees to the tour operators and other services and clients. The small uninhabited Bartolome Island is considered to have the most beautiful landscape of the entire Galapagos archipelago. The sea lion is one of the first animals you’re likely to encounter during your Galapagos Islands vacation as there are over 20,000 of them in the island chain. Where Found: The Galápagos Islands (see. These 5 islands are Isla Baltra, Isla Floreana, Isla Isabela, Isla Santa Cruz, and Isla San Cristobal. Kicker Rock. Galápagos Tortoise Facts At A Glance. An illustrative document describing, step-by-step, the biggest successful goat eradication project on the Galapagos Islands 1998–2006. The Galapagos Islands are a dream destination for nature lovers across the globe. Isabela. Start and end point of your journey is the UNESCO World Heritage Site and capital of Ecuador - Quito. The Reason Behind the Cost of a Galapagos Trip. Water Temperature: In the. per adult. per adult (price varies by group size) SPECIAL OFFER. Top attractions: Puerto Ayora, Charles Darwin Research Center, Giant tortoise reserves, lava tunnels, Los Gemelos, Tortuga Bay beach. Our most recommended things to do in Galápagos Islands. There are quite a few misconceptions about this famous archipelago, located 600 miles off the west coast of South America. 397. For comparison an adult Emperor Penguin weighs a full. First-class – First Class cruises in Galapagos are on top-class boats with very similar service as luxury cruises. The main islands would be average at most without these animals. My trips. Biodiversity. The Galapagos archipelago consists of 13 main islands and 6. Galapagos National Park Fee: $100. See Sea Lions at La Loberia. from. Las Grietas. For many years, the islands remained untouched by humanity, allowing wildlife to evolve in isolation and creating a travel destination with a truly unique array of natural habitats. The Galapagos Islands are like a biological ark in the eastern Pacific Ocean. However, despite their potentially major repercussions, little is known about current and expected changes in regional terrestrial climate variables and sea surface temperatures (SST). Click the links below the map to. Keep a distance of at least 6 feet (2 meters) from the wildlife. Featuring excellent Ecuadorian and international menu options for seafood lovers and vegetarians, it’s an. This is an environment famous for being mostly unspoiled by human interaction. Their position 600 miles from the Ecuadorian coast means that everything costs around 2. The Galapagos Islands in Photos. The Galapagos Islands are a global hotspot of environmental change. Genetic tests have confirmed that a giant tortoise found on the Galápagos Islands is from a species which scientists. Charles Darwin Research Station. These islands, islets, and surrounding areas are rich in endemic species and have been. Itinerary #1: Relaxed Family Trip to the Galápagos Islands: Santa Cruz, Isabela & San Cristóbal. First, the good news. Geologic Formations. There are thirteen major islands and a handful of smaller islands that make up the Galápagos archipelago. Boat Tours. 800. Luxury: JW Marriott Hotel, Illa Experience Hotel, and Casa Gangotena. Meta calls the film series. The Island of Española is the furthest South, and. Facts. The 19 islands that form the Galapagos archipielago are. Surf at Punta Carola, San Cristobal. The best time to visit Galapagos is whenever you can fit it into your schedule. Galapagos Intensive 5 days, land base (3Islands) Excludes galapagos flight. Footprints next to marine iguana tracks on one of the stunning beaches on Santa Cruz Island. The Equator cuts across the craters of Wolf Volcano and the extinct, eroded Ecuador. ". The turquoise waters on the Galapagos Islands. 28. 5 Galapagos Itinerary (10 Days) 6 Galapagos Travel Itinerary – Day 1. Guide to the best hotels and things to do in Galapagos Islands. If I'm not mistaken, larger ships aren't even permitted by law. The capital is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island. Galapagos Islands cruises visitor site. Tortuga Island - Isla Tortuga is unique as the island is in the shape of a crecent. The higher-end charters with private cabins, gourmet fare and National Geographic-level guides can cost anywhere from $750 to more than $1,000 per day, while more modest cruises with standard. Most of the reptiles in the Galapagos Islands (such as land & marine iguanas and green sea turtles) breed and nest during the rainy season, from December to May. The flight is about 1. Wildlife wonderment wows visitors to the Galapagos. from $100 per adult. If you need help choosing where to. 75 miles (0. Essential Facts. The Galapagos Islands aren’t a bargain destination. In Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz), San Cristobal, and Isabela Island, first-class lodging may run about $450-$650. Much like the people who came to live in the Galápagos, the plants that found a home in the islands had to be hardy types. Go Wild! 7 Spectacular Travel Adventures: ‘Incredible Animal Journeys. The archipelago is actually a result of numerous volcanic eruptions over millions of years (including 13 in the last century). But the magnitude of the eradication campaigns in the Galápagos is staggering: 79,579 goats “removed” from Santiago, 41,683 from Pinta, 7,726 in San Cristóbal—in all, 201,285 goats have. A 2014 scientific study from Stanford University and the University of Hawaii of tourism dollars spent in the Galapagos concluded that nearly 60% of all tourism revenue generated on the islands is. The islands are situated at a point in the Pacific Ocean where three ocean currents collide, creating a unique area in the sea where warm and varying degrees of cold water meet. Maximum Altitude: 2,835 ft (864 m) Notable Wildlife: Galapagos Giant tortoise, Marine iguana, Land iguana, Galapagos sea lion, Sally lightfoot crabs. Sogar jetzt können Sie direkt von Ihrem. Below are some of the most iconic birds you are likely to see in the Galapagos. [4] Most inhabit Fernandina Island and the west coast of Isabela Island. customize ⤍David Adam Kess of Wikimedia Commons. Snorkelling with dozens of sea turtles in the Galapagos Islands is almost a guarantee. By Maise14. The islands are quite remote and isolated, lying some 1000 km (620 miles) west of the South American continent, and the archipelago is bisected by the equator. First things first: you’ll need to book a flight. 1 to 2 hours Time to Spend #1 La Ruta de la Tortuga (Santa Cruz Island)Abstract. In fact, from mid-June to early-September, the islands can get very crowded with travelers from around the globe descending upon the region. Fishing Charters & Tours. The best way to get to Galapagos is by flying from mainland Ecuador – from either Quito or Guayaquil, with the latter often being cheaper. When arriving at the airport on San Cristóbal or Baltra, all travelers must pay the Galápagos National Park entrance fee ($100. Experience the Galápagos aboard our elegant and nimble ship, well-equipped for up-close. Tip: Do not book your flight until you know how. A popularly held belief is that the original species that evolved into the unique Galapagos variety found their way to the islands on flotation rafts of vegetation and other waste and were carried to the island via wind. September 2, 2020. $11,977. Grades 5 - 8 Subjects Biology, Ecology Image Marine Iguana A marine iguana sits next to a crab on a stony lava coast in the Galapagos Islands. Free cancellation. A species of iguana that went extinct nearly 200 years ago on one of the Galápagos Islands appears to be. The islands are. Budget Around $50-60 a day. The only penguins in the Northern Hemisphere can be found on the Galápagos Islands. Animal Family: Testudinidae. m. The national park is home to the Galapagos Islands with the park boundaries encompassing an area of 3,040 square miles (7,880 sq km). Browse 18,233 authentic galapagos islands stock photos, high-res images, and pictures, or explore additional galapagos aerial or galapagos cruise stock images to find the right photo at the right size and resolution for. These islands consist of approximately 145. per adult (price varies by group size) 7-Day Galapagos Island Hopping Tour: Tortuga Bay, Tintoreras, Wildlife Watching. El Niño, which happens every 3 to 7 years, brings warm water to the islands and depletes its nutrients. Regis St Louis: While the majority of visitors to the Galápagos travel around the islands on a cruise – which come in at somewhere between $400 and $1000 per person per day – there is indeed a far more economical way to explore different facets of the archipelago. 5 times more than on the mainland as it has to be brought in on container ships which take 2-3 days to reach the archipelago. Sept. . Galapagos Islands in Ecuador are on the top of the list of the most beautiful and sought-after destinations in the world. Sogar jetzt können Sie direkt von Ihrem. The Galápagos Islands, located roughly 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, remained a closely guarded natural secret for millions of years. Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and birds unique to the area greeted Charles Darwin when he arrived on the Galápagos Islands in 1835. 15. Drivers of economic growth in the Galapagos Islands There are four key drivers of economic growth in the Galapagos, and the importance of each increased between 1999 and 2005. The Galapagos archipelago is one of the most famous groups of islands in the world. Santa Fé Snorkelling Tour $60/£36. 1. The combine area of the islands is just above 3,000 square miles of land, inhabited by about 25,000 people. This Classic Galapagos Tour offers a combination of interesting day tours, and time to explore the islands by yourself. Book boat cruise, land-based tour or day trips. 03 Galapagos Islands are a group of islands in the eastern region of the Pacific Ocean. Got to the center late, but our guide, Darwin was able to get us in to see Lonesome George. Good to Know: December through May, the wetter, warmer season, brings the best visibility, but as the water around the islands will be rich. W hen the first of the Galápagos Islands arose from the ocean floor around 3m years ago, they were naked, angry, lava-spewing cones devoid of life. 5. Each expedition is guided by an experienced, Galápagos-trained guide. This represents only 3% of the Islands!Summary. Galapagos penguin. The Galapagos was home to the only surviving giant Pinta tortoise, 'Lonesome George' which unfortunately died in June 2012. These are the best places for adrenaline seekers looking for tours in Galapagos Islands: Smart Galapagos; Shark Bay Dive Center; Guiding Galapagos Expeditions; Galapagos. Ensuring that World Heritage sites sustain their outstanding universal value is an increasingly challenging mission in today’s complex world, where sites are vulnerable to the effects of uncontrolled urban development, unsustainable tourism practices, neglect, natural calamities, pollution, political instability,. Spielautomaten sind schon seit Jahren als eine Form der Unterhaltung bekannt. The Galapagos National Park (GNP) covers 97% of the land of the pristine paradise that is the archipelago. The Galápagos Islands are volcanic in origin; the oldest extant island in the eastern part of the archipelago is less than 5 million years (myr) old (); volcanic activity is ongoing, especially on the younger western islands. It is perhaps most famous for being the place where Charles Darwin first formulated his revolutionary. As its name specifies, Ecuador is located on the equatorial line of the earth, giving the Galapagos Islands warm weather all year round. It doesn’t seem to bother the iguanas and penguins of Las Tintoreras, a nearby island cluster and popular snorkeling site. Source: FOTOGRIN / shutterstock. Estimated Cost: $600 - $1500 USD depending on how many days you want to spend cruising around the Galapagos Islands. 2 Arriving in Galapagos – Isla Baltra. Rain and fog can occur seasonally, and wind can be a factor influencing ocean conditions. Multi-day Tours. The summit of this volcano (1097m) is famous for its 7km-wide caldera and steaming fumaroles. O seu ponto mais elevado é vulcão do lobo com uma altitude de 1 707 metros. Com uma área de 4 640 km², é a maior ilha do arquipélago. These currents create the perfect conditions to support and attract marine life. If he could have peeked below the waves, Darwin would have found an abundance and diversity of life to rival his famed finches. Bartolome Island full-day tour, Viator. Weather in the Galapagos. 0. The Galapagos National Park covers 97% of the islands, and this helps fund conservation efforts. I just heard from a reliable source that a new park entrance fee will soon be officially announced by the Galapagos governing council. Local materials and labor on the island were used in the construction of this hotel, considered one of the best. Choosing a Galapagos Islands vacation is to tread in the legendary footsteps of pioneering Charles Darwin, who visited the Galápagos aboard the HMS Beagle nearly 200 years ago, sparking an entirely new way of thinking about life on Earth.