In 1835 Charles Darwin sailed on the British ship H.M.S. Beagle and visited the islands. His theory of the origin of species, which shook up the scientific world, was inspired by the evidence he found in this unique volcanic archipelago. The islands provide a living museum of evolutionary changes that profoundly affect all those who witness their splendor. In 1936 the Galápagos was declared a National Park to preserve its unique vegetation and wildlife. UNESCO declared Galápagos a World Natural Heritage Site in 1978 and subsequently a World Biosphere Reserve in 1985. Protection was further strengthened in 1994 with the creation of the Reserva Marina de Galápagos, which was recently extended to cover the 130,000 square kilometers within a 40-nautical mile radius of the islands making the Galápagos the second largest marine reserve in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
The archipelago is purely volcanic in origin and features beautiful volcanic formations not found on the mainland. The islands emerged from lava eruptions that came from the bottom of the ocean and rise as much as 2,600 feet above sea level. Lava from more than 2,000 craters has continually altered the terrain of this region. Currently the archipelago contains 13 large islands, 6 minor ones, and more than 40 islets. Some of the younger islands still have active volcanoes. Many variables, such as isolation, climate, altitude, and the texture of the land on the islands account for the archipelago’s distinct flora and fauna.
Multi-sport
Something for everyone! Increasingly popular with our repeat travelers, our multi-sport adventures are an easygoing way to explore; combining sea kayaking and hiking with other fun-filled activities that take advantage of the best this region has to offer. Activities on the Galápagos Multi-Sport include sea kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, surfing, snorkeling, horseback riding and plenty of time for relaxing on your own agenda.
Galapagos Multi-Sport Photo Gallery
Find out what past participants have said about this trip on the ROAM blog.
Galapagos Multi-Sport Adventure Travel Planner
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Wildlife
Galápagos is one of those rare destinations where you become accustomed to being surprised. Nothing quite compares to the joy of observing animals in the wild here, or the sense of wonder and privilege felt while spending time with creatures that don’t run or fly away when humans approach. Galápagos is home to many endemic animals, most of which are fearless because of their lack of natural predators.
From the world’s only seagoing lizards to flightless cormorants and penguins, flamingos, inflatable frigate birds, wave albatrosses, clownish boobies, patriarchal giant tortoises, and 13 species of Darwin finches, you can enjoy thrilling encounters with animals—up close and in large numbers—who are completely at ease among human visitors.
There are extraordinary opportunities to swim with marine mammals such as sea lions, fur seals, dolphins, and manta, eagle, and golden rays, as well as thousands of the 300 species of colorful fish. The more adventurous may relish the chance to snorkel with the friendly Galápagos sharks or even hammerheads and white-tipped reef sharks. Marine turtles and whales are commonplace and simply add to the magic of these enchanted isles.
Ironically, no species has done more to upset the delicately balanced ecosystem of the Galápagos than Homo sapiens. Almost all extinctions of native species began with and followed the arrival of the first recorded visitor to the archipelago in 1535. The islands are now safeguarded by the Galápagos National Park Service and the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Flora
The plants of Galápagos are equally fascinating. In the highlands are many species of indigenous Scalesia (“tree daisies”) as well as tree ferns, bromeliads, and orchids. Around the coasts are giant prickly pear and candelabra cacti while tiny Brachycereus cacti grow on barren lava flows. Vivid morning glories and mats of bright red sesuvium can be found on the shores. Galápagos also has its very own native species of cotton, tomato, pepper, guava, and passion flower. Many kinds of plants, particularly those belonging to the daisy family, have evolved on the different islands into whole arrays of endemic species, providing scientists with classic examples of adaptive radiation.
History
Galápagos had no aboriginal inhabitants and was officially discovered in 1535 by Tomas de Berlanga, the Bishop of Panama, when his ship was becalmed and carried there by currents. During the 17th and 18th centuries, buccaneers and pirates used the islands as a staging post, stocking up on water and giant tortoises (which they stowed alive on board their ships for fresh meat) before carrying out raids on the South American coast. During the 19th century, whalers and fur sealers further exploited the islands. Galápagos was annexed by Ecuador in 1832 and small colonies were gradually established on several of the islands. In the 1930s several mysterious deaths and disappearances among the European community on the island of Floreana put Galápagos in the news. Most of the present-day inhabitants moved to the islands from the Ecuadorian mainland during the last 20 years. Until the Special Law for Galápagos was passed, the population was increasing at more than 8-percent per annum.
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