These magical islands are unlike anywhere else on the planet, serving as a lovely reminder of just how incredibly special and profoundly beautiful our world really is. For this reason, I decided to bring you the 10 interesting facts about the Galapagos Islands.
A province of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are located about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Created by a series of volcanic eruptions, this charming place is made up of 19 islands and countless islets.
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Galapagos Islands is the most biodiverse place on Earth
97% of the islands are considered a national park. The Galapagos National Park was established in 1959 as Ecuador's first national park.
Half of terrestrial species (and 1/5 of marine species) are endemic to the Galapagos. There are so many amazing feats of nature to see on these islands; the opportunity to interact with wildlife is endless!
In the Galapagos Islands they have northern penguins
Since adopting South Africa as my new home, I have been able to spy on these adorable little guys walking along the sandy shores of Boulders Beach. When it comes to seeing penguins in the Northern Hemisphere, however, you'll only find them in the Galapagos.
Galapagos Islands Have Perfect Days and Nights
Due to its location on the equator, the Galapagos Islands receive 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night time all year round – so it is a charming destination all year round!
Diving in the Galapagos Islands is magical
There are an impressive 800 species of molluscs and 400 species of fish swimming around the Galapagos Islands.
If you're looking for a dream dive destination, look no further.
Galapagos Islands is an archipelago
The Galapagos Islands are made up of 20 islands, 42 islets and over 250 rocks. The oldest island, Espanola, is estimated to be 3.5 million years old, while the youngest, Fernandina, is still forming after 1 million years.
The islands formed from various internal Earth processes. They are a combination of converging tectonic plates and volcanic formation.
The islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 600 miles from the mainland Equator. There are 180 land and sea destinations for travelers to visit.
Turtles in the Galapagos Islands
If you've seen pictures of the Galapagos Islands before, you probably already know that the Galapagos are famous for their giant tortoises. They are so famous that the islands are named after these large animals.
Legend has it that the name “Galápago” comes from the old Spanish word for “saddle”, which refers to the large saddles that turtles wear on their backs.
Changed the World Scientifically
Charles Darwin spent five transformative weeks on the Galapagos Islands. Years later, he presented his “On the Origin of Species”, which explained the theory of evolution.
The Galapagos were responsible for some of the most remarkable scientific discoveries in history!
UNESCO World Heritage
In 1978, UNESCO designated the Galapagos as the first World Heritage Site! A World Heritage site is a “landmark or area that is selected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as having cultural, historical, scientific or other significance and is legally protected by international treaties. ”.
This also means that there are no human inhabitants on certain islands, and the Galapagos National Park charges an entry fee from visitors.
This site and its unique wildlife have been carefully preserved over the years for future generations to enjoy.
Underwater Reptiles
Life really is different in the Galapagos! The local Galápagos marine iguana is the only lizard on the planet that has evolved to live in the sea.
It's the life of a sea lion
Forget about pushing crowds of people into travel hotspots. The most common mammals you'll find on the Galapagos Islands aren't humans – they're sea lions!
These adorable guys are always sunbathing on the beach and exploring the seaside wonders.
Where to stay in the Galapagos Islands
If your destination is already certain, how about guaranteeing your stay?!
10 interesting facts about the Galapagos Islands
So, what did you think of the 10 facts about the islands? Comment here!
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