Galápagos Island PART 1, General Information PART 2, Blogs, Pictures & Gallery PART 3, Video PART 1. GENERAL INFORMATION Capital city: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Population: 25000 Currency: Peru Peso Km travelled: 8 days island hopping Days in The Galapagos Islands; 13 Languages: Spanish Discover the Galápagos Islands: A Wildlife Lover’s Paradise Located approximately 1,100 kilometers off the coast of South America, the Galápagos Islands are one of the most extraordinary wildlife destinations on Earth. Though often mistakenly attributed to Peru, the Galápagos are actually a province of Ecuador and consist of 19 main islands, each with a land area of at least 1 km². Formed by ongoing seismic and volcanic activity, these islands are a living geological wonder. Their remote location and unique formation processes have led to the evolution of an incredible range of endemic species, found nowhere else on the planet. Here, you can encounter iconic creatures such as the land iguana, giant tortoise, and an astonishing variety of birds. Wildlife and Natural Beauty Few places rival the Galápagos in terms of raw natural beauty and biodiversity. The islands are a haven for animal lovers, offering opportunities to see and interact with: Giant tortoises Marine and land iguanas Fur seals and sea lions Galápagos penguins Blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca boobies Over 290 species of fish Whether you’re snorkeling in crystal-clear waters or hiking through lava fields, you’ll find yourself surrounded by wildlife that has no natural fear of humans—making for unforgettable close encounters. Human Settlements and Conservation About 98% of the Galápagos Islands are protected as a national park, preserving this fragile ecosystem for future generations. The two largest settlements are: Puerto Ayora (population ~12,000) on Santa Cruz Island Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (population ~7,000) on San Cristóbal Island Near Puerto Ayora lies one of the world’s top 10 beaches, where visitors can relax while watching marine iguanas bask in the sun and even spot the famous giant tortoises in nearby highlands. Island-Hopping Adventures During our visit, we explored several of the main islands, including: Baltra San Cristóbal Santa Cruz Fernandina Floreana Isabela North Seymour Española Santiago Bartolomé Each island offers something unique—from lava fields and mangrove forests to pristine beaches and hidden coves. PART 2, BLOG & GALLERY Galápagos Adventure: A Bucket List Journey The Oriente region of Ecuador had been a highlight of our travels, but it was time to return to Quito and prepare for the next leg of our journey — a long-anticipated adventure to the Galápagos Islands. We parked our truck at Aries Bikes, knowing we were about to embark on something truly special. After nearly 16 years of overland travel around the world, only four destinations remained on our bucket list that couldn’t be explored by vehicle: the North Pole, Antarctica, Greenland — and the Galápagos Islands. The Galápagos Archipelago, located over 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador, consists of seven large islands (over 100 sq km), a dozen smaller islands, around 50 islets, and a couple dozen rocks. Isabela is the largest, spanning 4,588 sq km. Altogether, the archipelago covers about 7,800 sq km and is home to around 23,000 people, with 15,000 residing on Santa Cruz Island. Our cruise through the Galápagos included: 7 dry landings 8 wet landings Visits to 11 islands 18 unique sites (including 3 coves) A stop in Puerto Ayora, the capital of the Galápagos Discovered in the 16th century, the Galápagos Islands have long inspired explorers, scientists, and travelers alike — most famously Charles Darwin. Their remote location has helped preserve a unique and delicate ecosystem, largely untouched by the outside world. One of the most remarkable aspects of the Galápagos is how unafraid the wildlife is of humans. Animals calmly go about their lives as if we weren’t there at all. The islands remain one of the most volcanically active regions on Earth, still forming today. Of the 13 large islands, 6 smaller ones, and 42 islets, most were declared part of Galápagos National Park in the 1950s. Exploring this fragile environment can only be done through guided tours to designated visitor sites, though there are a few places on Santa Cruz and Isabela where independent exploration is permitted. Birdwatching is a major highlight — nearly 30 species are endemic to the Galápagos. Among the most iconic are the Galápagos penguin, the flightless cormorant, and the blue-footed booby. Sadly, we didn’t get to see the waved albatross, but we were still awed by the incredible diversity. The islands we visited: Baltra San Cristóbal Santa Cruz Fernandina Floreana Isabela North Seymour Española Santiago Bartolomé Mosquera Each island offered something different — from dramatic volcanic landscapes to crystal-clear coves teeming with marine life. This was more than just a trip; it was the realization of a dream. PHOTOS COMING SOON PART 3 VIDEO PART 1. Galapagos Islands 14 days in 14 minutes PART 2.Galapagos Island, 10 Minute video clip LONG VERSION no voice over Part 1 PART 3.Galapagos Island, 10 Minute video clip LONG VERSION no voice over Part 2 PART 1 Galapagos Islands 14 days in 14 minutes https://www.doubledutchworldsafari.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Galapagos-Islands-14-days-in-14-minutes-LOW-RES.mp4 PART 2 Galapagos Island, 10 Minute video clip LONG VERSION no voice over Part 1 https://www.doubledutchworldsafari.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Galapagos-Islands-Part-1-LOW-RESOLUTION.mp4 PART 3. Galapagos Island, 10 Minute video clip LONG VERSION no voice over Part 2 https://www.doubledutchworldsafari.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Galapagos-Islands-Part-2-Low-Resolution-1.mp4