GALÁ PAGOS
The Galapagos Islands, a Natural Heritage Site for Mankind and a wonderful place to visit.
History
The oldest Galapagos Island is not even 6 million years old, while the youngest of the group are still growing through volcanic eruptions.
This new archipelago, originally devoid of all organic life, is now home for an amazing array of plants and animals unique in the planet.
The first Europeans who accidentally set foot on the islands, failed to see such wonders because they were desperate to find water to save their lives.
Fray Tomas de Berlanga, travelling from Panama to Peru to mediate in a quarrel between the conquistadores Gonzalo Pizarro and Diego de Almagro, was taken by unexpected currents to the barren shores of these strange islands.
He and his group spent a few days desperately searching for fresh water, and soon left without naming the places they had visited.
Centuries went by during which, pirates and privateers occasionally used the islands as a base to stop and share the exploits of their trade, and mariners came to hunt for whales and fur seals.
In 1835, a young naturalist came on a surveying trip on board a British navy ship and almost a quarter of a century later presented a theory that revolutionized the way mankind understands life.
Only 3 years prior to Charles Darwin`s visit, the new Republic of Ecuador, took possession of the islands. In 1959 the Ecuadorian government declared 97% of its land area National Park, thus providing the maximum level of protection to its flora and fauna.
In 1998 the protection increased with the creation of the Galapagos Marine Reserve and as recently as 2023, expanded it even more by creating the reserve Amistad, protecting the migratory routes of whales, sharks and sea turtles who know nothing about political limits or borderlines, but need protection nevertheless.
Climate
Even though the archipelago is located right at the Equator line in the eastern tropical Pacific, the oceanic current system that surrounds the islands and its vastness, creates at least 5 different ocean temperature zones depending on the direction of the sea currents.
This, together with the normal seasonality* demands all visitors to bring clothing that includes shorts, long and short sleeved T-shirts, a 3-5 mm wetsuit for water activities and a light windbreaker for the land.
Good walking shoes for land hikes are a must. During the cold season, for evenings on deck, long trousers and a jacket are recommended.
The sun at the equator is always very strong, so do bring adequate protection. Always keep in mind that the above recommendations are for the average folk during an average year.
If you are the type of person who gets cold easily, bring extra layers. In case of doubt, you can always drop us a line and ask for the latest weather reports.
*GALAPAGOS SEASONS
Warm, rainy season: December until April.
Air temperature ranges from 76˚F to 86˚F and water temperature from 76˚F to 80˚F.
Tipically seas are calm, but although it is called “rainy season“ it only rains sporadically as this is a semi-desert climate.
Cool, dry season: May to November.
Air temperature ranges from 65˚F to 74˚F and water temperature from 59˚F to 74˚F.
The climate is very temperate and can be windy, so jackets and wetsuits are recommended. It is often overcast but rains are very rare, except for light cool drizzles.
Don`t let the “cool” season discourage you from a visit to the Galapagos. There are always beautiful spots to see, amazing wildlife to encounter and wonderful experiences to live.
Visiting the Galapagos National Park
More than two decades after the establishment of the National Park, visiting the islands became possible thanks to a few local families who offered the occasional visitors the possibility to sail to other islands to look for wildlife.
Ever since then, the Park stablished some locations as visitor sites, as they combined safe landing, spectacular scenery and amazing wildlife.
A scheme of GUIDED visits was developed as early as the 70s, and a set of VISITORS RULES was issued to preserve what was already recognized as unique and fragile.
In the 1980s the number of visitors rapidly increased, so the management of the visitor sites took relevance and became much more regulated in order the control the impact of tourist activities.
The Galapagos National Park Service has now a roster of 176 visitor sites, divided in between terrestrial (85) and marine (91).
These visitor sites allow the execution of different activities depending on the resident wildlife, their degree of fragility and general characteristics.
At Captain Max, we know all of them like the back of our hand, so we can organize and accommodate the best tour of the Galapagos archipelago anybody can dream on.
GALÁPAGOS NATIONAL PARK RULES
- Visitors to any protected areas within the Galapagos National Park must be accompanied by a naturalist guide authorized by the GNPD.
- Travel only with tour operators and/or boats authorized to work in the protected areas of Galapagos.
- Remain on marked trails at visitor sites and respect signs at all times for the protection of wildlife, and for your safety.
- Maintain a distance of at least six feet (two meters) from wildlife to avoid disturbing them, even if they approach you.
- Never feed wildlife, as this can cause health problems.
- Flash photography is not permitted when taking photos of wildlife. Professional photography and videos recorded for commercial purposes must be authorized by the GNPD.
- Camping is only allowed in a few authorized areas in the Islands. Request authorization to camp at the Galapagos National Park’s offices at least 48 hours in advance.
- It is your responsibility not to introduce food, animals, or plants into the Archipelago. Cooperate fully with all environmental inspection and quarantine officials during your visit.
- Do not take or buy any products or souvenirs made from banned substances, including black coral, shells, lava rock, animal parts, or any native wood or vegetation prior to leaving Galapagos. This is illegal and must be reported.
- Practice “leave-no-trace” principles in order to maintain the beauty of the environment.
- Pack out all trash and dispose of or recycle it in the populated areas or on your tour boat.
- Smoking and/or campfires are strictly prohibited within the Galapagos National Park, as fires poses a serious risk to the flora and fauna of Galapagos.
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