FLORA AND FAUNA OF GALAPAGOS

While the land environment of Galapagos appears harsh, characterised by parched, rocky desert-like terrain, the islands support several species of land animals and birds. About a quarter of all plant species and nearly all of the reptiles found here are endemic, species that are found nowhere else and have adapted to the harsh environment of the Galapagos Islands.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE GALAPAGOS

Fray Tomás de Berlanga, the Bishop of Panama, accidentally discovered the Galapagos Islands in 1535 when his ship drifted off course. He was on his way to Peru, and at the time considered the islands to be all but worthless. But in his writings he described the harsh conditions of the islands, the tortoises, iguanas, sea lions and birds of the islands, and the tameness of the animals. The first crude maps including the islands appeared in 1570. They were drawn by the Belgian cartographer Abraham Ortelius and the Flemish mathematician and cartographer Gerardus Mercator, and showed the islands as “Insulae de los Galopegos”, or Islands of the Tortoises.

GALAPAGOS CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY

The Galapagos islands are of volcanic origin, with the younger islands of Isabela and Fernandina remaining volcanically active. The islands are young in geological terms; the oldest of the islands was formed about 5 to 10 million years ago during the Pliocene era. The climate of the Galapagos Islands is mild year round, contrary to what one might expect given the islands location at the equator, and the water temperatures are typically between about 17 and 23 degrees.

RESPECTING THE ISLANDS

Since the European discovery of the Galapagos Islands, humans have had a negative impact on the delicate life of the Galapagos. Over the years, the human population on the islands has risen dramatically, bringing problems of garbage, water pollution, habitat destruction, and introduced species from the smallest seeds to livestock. Today, annual visitors to the islands vastly outnumber residents. Thus, for the preservation of the islands, it is essential that every visitor treat the islands with care, ensuring that the impact of their visit is as close to zero as possible.

Galapagos Yacht Cruises

Perhaps the best way to really experience the Galapagos, we offer cruises from simple and economical (tourist superior class) to the most comfortable and luxurious yachts cruising the islands. Tour the Galapagos Islands on the best yacht cruises in their categories, at the best prices we think you'll find anywhere.

• Tourist Superior Yachts - Simple and basic, very good service and economically priced.
• First Class Yachts - Comfortable and spacious, excellent service.
• Luxury Yachts - Finest service and top notch comfort.
• Frequently Asked Questions

Island Hopping Tours (Land Based tours)

See the Galapagos with one of our Island Hopping Tours (Land/sea combination). These are active tours, with nights spent in hotels instead of on board a yacht. Generally less expensive and more locally based than yacht cruises, varied activities can include hikes, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, biking and more at a variety of great visitor sites. Diving can be included in some of these tours.

Scuba Diving in the Galapagos

Interested in scuba diving during or after your Galapagos tour? The Galapagos Islands are considered among the best scuba diving sites in the world.

There are multiple options for scuba diving in the islands (with PADI certification), including:

• Live aboard diving cruises - Multi day cruises aboard comfortable yachts specially equipped for diving. Cruises include Wolf and Darwin islands, among the best diving sites in the world.
• Diving Day Tours - off the coast of Santa Cruz or Isabela
• Land based tour - A specially designed tour combining island visits with diving, with nights in hotels.

We can also arrange scuba diving classes for those who wish to learn to dive, either in the Galapagos or with schools based on the continent.

HOTELS

Planning a more independent visit to the Galapagos Islands, or want to spend more time enjoying the islands after your tour?

Let us help you find the perfect hotel for you. Galapagos hotels range from basic to luxury, and many are located right on the beach. All provide confortable accommodations, and apart from the most basic, all have air conditioning and hot water. View some options here.

Live Aboard Diving Cruises

Eight day cruises on board specially equipped yachts designed specifically for diving. Visits include some of the best diving sites in the Galapagos with multiple immersions nearly every day, including visits to the islands of Wolf and Darwin, considered among the best diving sites in the world.

Diving Day Tours

Visit the best dive sites accessible from the main islands. Day tours and multi-day tours are available to a variety of different destinations. We can arrange a customized multi-day diving tour with departures from different islands, or add a day or two of diving before or after your Galapagos cruise.

Galapagos Land and Scuba Tour (any day, 2 or more passengers)

For divers looking for a reasonably priced option to visit the Galapagos Islands AND have the opportunity to dive in some of the best diving sites in the world, this is a great option. The tour includes land based activities combined with a total of up to 7 dives (8 day tour) around the islands of San Cristobal, Isabela and Santa Cruz. A great diversity of land and underwater life can be seen on this tour, and the variety of activities make for a truly unforgettable experience. Minimum 2 passengers.

The People of Eos Ecuador

People are the most important part of any business. At Eos, our founders and employees all share a committment to top quality service and social and environmental justice, along with a love for travel, exploration, and new experiences.

Our Mission and Vision

Eos Ecuador is committed to practicing and promoting responsible tourism, not just in words but in practice, and operating in a fair, just and ethical manner in everything we do. We are dedicated to provide our clients with the best, most memorable experience possible while giving something back to the remarkable people and communities of Ecuador.