The Galapagos Islands

Lying almost 1,000 km off the Ecuadorian coast the Galapagos Islands, or "Bewitched Isles" as it was referred to by the Spaniards, is home to an incredible bio diversity and unique animals, endemic to the islands; the rare and endangered giant tortoise, lava, lizards, flightless cormorants and blue footed boobies. The surrounding waters are teaming with life - sea lions, dolphins, and the only species of penguin in the world to be found in tropical waters. This is one of the planet’s natural paradises; its barren, volcanic landscape unrivalled in its haunting beauty. The island’s shores are fringed with seemingly unending white beaches, unique flora and fauna and incredible tunnels of lava, making the Galapagos the most visited National Reserve on Earth.

The giant tortoise is the most famed creature within the Galapagos. Once a common food source, their numbers were heavily depleted by whalers and sealers during the 19th century. Another fascinating animal species found here is the marine iguana, a descendant of land iguanas but having evolved to hunt for food underwater when food became scarce on the land.

The Galapagos is also an eco-marine paradise for divers - certain areas perfect for both deep and shallow dives. Here you’ll encounter pristine pacific coral reefs, the incredible whale and hammerhead sharks, sting rays and turtles, amongst many other marine creatures. In depths of the ocean on deep dives encounter strong ocean currents and the incredible lava tunnels, with lava still flowing in this exotic marine world. For nature lovers, the Galapagos Islands are true bliss, offering a close-up view of a wondrous natural world, virtually unchanged since Charles Darwin’s historic advent here in 1831.