Luxury Galapagos Islands Holidays

The Galapagos Islands consist of thirteen main islands, six small islands and scores of rocky islets. Following a series of volcanic eruptions, the islands’ barren landscape and rugged volcanic terrain became a safe haven for a number of animal species. Here you’ll find a bizarre mix of oddly-integrated wildlife, from giant tortoises, to sea lions, penguins and hefty iguanas. Charles Darwin once famously (albeit rather unfairly) described Galapagos’ iguanas as ‘hideous and stupid’. He did however, go on to learn a lot from these blighted creatures.

The Galapagos look their most stunning early morning, when an enchanting fog engulfs the island, often merging completely into a misty, majestic illusion. Once on land, the animals of the Galapagos appear incredibly tame; a result of the island’s isolation and centuries of survival void of predators, most notably, the threat of humans. This tameness was also noted by Charles Darwin after he somewhat boisterously manhandled the creatures – it’s believed he would frequently ride on the back of a tortoise, pull the tails of Iguanas and catch a bird by his hat.

These days the animals retain their nonchalance although their habitat is fiercely protected; excursions are always guided, there are strict rules and only a limited number of visitors are granted access at any one time. Nevertheless there are also numerous opportunities to be enjoyed - nowhere else in the world could you snorkel through schools of tropical fish in pursuit of a penguin, or wander the beach with an iguana on your heels, or allow a sea lion to lick your face. A truly remarkable piece on Planet Earth, the Galapagos Islands showcases nature exactly as it should be.