Located about 1,000km off the coast of Ecuador lies this stunning volcanic archipelago. Known for its rich diversity of wildlife, the Galápagos is the perfect destination to charter all year round.
A unique feature of The Galápagos Islands is that its vast array of wildlife can be sighted all year round. These islands played a crucial part in Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution following his visit in 1835. The development of unusual flora and fauna, including a huge array of endemic species, is due to the fact it is located at the confluence of three ocean currents, is isolated from other land, and experiences ongoing seismic and volcanic activity. All these factors resulted in a land filled with huge cacti, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, giant tortoises, magnificent frigatebirds, and many more spectacular creatures.
Although the Galápagos is a great destination in South America to visit all year round, each season does have its benefits. The hot but rainy season which is December to May has daily showers which give way to sunny skies, but it is the time of the year when the ocean is at its calmest. However, the cooler and dryer season is from June to November. Although during this period the seas are rougher, it is ideal for experienced scuba divers as the colder waters attract great marine life such as hammerhead sharks.
Thanks to the diverse nature of these islands there is plenty to do, suiting a wide array of interests. As well as watching all the wildlife, there are also some incredible volcanoes that are defiantly worth hiking up. A stunning natural phenomenon that is certainly a must-see are the Lava Tunnels located at Santa Cruz Island. Formed by flowing lava that moves under the hardened surface of the lava flow, these ‘Lava Tunnels’ drain lava and once the flow stops, the rock then cools down, leaving behind caves.
For those who simply can’t get away from the water, the Galápagos islands offer excellent snorkeling and dive spots, allowing you to get close to magnificent creatures that can’t be seen anywhere else in the world. Some of the best spots include Wolf Island and Darwin Island. A great location for water sports such as kayaking is Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island, where you can sight Galápagos dolphins, humpback whales, orcas, and sea lions… just to name a few.
And when you’re finally ready for a rest from all this action-packed fun, spend some time simply relaxing on one of its idyllic white sand beaches such as Playa El Manglecito and Puerto Chino Beach.
The Galápagos islands are certainly one to add to the bucket list, providing you with that once-in-a-lifetime getaway!
