Science & Nature Tour Notes

Galapagos Islands

Charles Darwin (1809-1882) first visited the Galapagos Islands during his voyage on the HMS Beagle, a voyage that lasted nearly five years, from December 1831 to October 1836. Darwin spent five weeks on the Galapagos Islands, and he was particularly impressed by the variations in form found in the finches of the islands. He recorded 14 different species of finches, each species thriving in a particular region of the islands, and he came to believe that all of the species had evolved from a common ancestor. Upon returning to England in 1836, he started work on his theory of evolution by natural selection, first presented in what is probably the most important book in the history of biology, The Origin of Species (1859).

There are 19 islands and 42 islets in the Galapagos.  They were formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions, and it's believed that most Galapagos species originally floated to the islands from the mainland, or were transported by birds, or deposited by whalers and buccaneers. Others, like penguins and sea lions, arrived by way of the Humboldt Current, a cold stream of ocean water flowing from the southern coast of Chile.

Because most animals on the islands are without natural predators, the various species never evolved a sense of fear, and unique close-up viewing by humans is one of the attractions for the naturalist.

Due to their remarkable flora and fauna and their importance in the history of biology, these islands are an ideal destination for anyone interested in science. The islands constitute a province of Ecuador, and are located 570 miles west of the Ecuadorian coast. Since the islands lie directly on the Equator, the climate is warm most of the year. The hottest season is from January to April, with average temperatures ranging from a low of 70 degrees to a high of 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Thundershowers are common every afternoon. The "cool" and dry season is from April to December, with temperatures ranging from a low of 68 to a high of 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and a misty rain common in the morning.

During the "hot" season, because of the afternoon rain showers, the islands are generally greener and the land birds most active. Also during this period, the ocean temperature is higher and more favorable for snorkeling and swimming. The cool season is the best time for observing courtship displays among the sea birds. In general, wildlife activity is considerable all year round.

The islands were discovered in 1535 by a Spanish ship that ran off course on the way to Peru. The archipelago was first named Las Encantadas ("The Enchanted"), and later renamed after the giant tortoises (galapagos) that are found there. In the early years after discovery, the islands were used by pirates, whale hunters, and seal hunters.  Ecuador took official possession of the islands in 1832.

These islands are geologically and biologically spectacular and a treat for anyone with an interest in biology and the natural world. The islands are formed of lava piles and have numerous volcanoes, many of which are periodically active.  The largest of the islands, Isabela, is about 82 miles long. Tourism is an important industry in the islands, with about 5000 tourists visiting the islands each month.

Transportation is not complicated, with daily flights from Miami and Houston to Quito and Guayaquil in Ecuador, and daily flights from both Quito and Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands. Hotels are available on the islands. You can also cruise by ship to the islands and use the ship as your hotel.

ScienceWeek highly recommends the Galapagos Islands as a travel destination, and coupled with some time in Ecuador, the trip should be even more memorable. And of course we suggest that at least Darwin's A Naturalist's Voyage on the Beagle (1839) be read before or during the trip. Bon voyage!