The Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz (Indefatigable) Island promotes scientific studies and protects the indigenous vegetation and animal life of the Galapagos. It is situated in the center of the Galapagos archipelago. Seeming like shadows upon the sea from one another, the 13 main islands are Baltra, Española, Fernandina, Floreana, Genovesa, Isabela, Marchena, Pinta, Pinzon, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, and Santiago. The second largest island is Santa Cruz. Africa. The satellite view will help you to navigate your way through foreign places with more precise image of the location. Updates? All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions © 2020 worldatlas.com. Located approximately 600 miles (1,000 km) directly west of . Galapagos Islands, Spanish Islas Galápagos, officially Archipiélago de Colón (“Columbus Archipelago”), island group of the eastern Pacific Ocean, administratively a province of Ecuador. Lava flowing into the sea from Fernandina Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. His discovery of the Galapagos Islands was entirely accidental and occurred in 1535 as he was navigating towards the coast of Peru from Central America on an apostolic mission. The islands became internationally famous as a result of their being visited in 1835 by the English naturalist Charles Darwin; their unusual fauna contributed to the groundbreaking theories on natural selection presented in his On the Origin of Species (1859). About Galapagos Islands Abundant wildlife above and below the waves draws eco-tourists to Ecuador's Galapagos. Tourism, fishing, and agriculture are the main economic activities. Best in Travel 2021. The Galápagos Islands are a chain of islands, or archipelago, in the eastern Pacific Ocean.They are part of the country of Ecuador, in South America. Sitting right atop the Equator, approximately 600 miles directly west of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands had no original inhabitants. The swimming marine iguanas, which feed on seaweed and in some places cover the coastal rocks by the hundreds, are unique and endemic. In 1920's and 1930's, a group of Norwegian settlers arrived in the islands. If you plan on visiting the Galapagos, you'll need to book several flights, as there are no direct flights right into the islands. Galapagos Islands pictures: Check out Tripadvisor members' 2,526 candid photos and videos of landmarks, hotels, and attractions in Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos Islands are part of the country of Ecuador and are situated in the Pacific Ocean about 605 miles (1,000 kilometers) west of northern South America. Pacific Ocean Ecuador, they're bordered completely by the . Over the next few decades, whale ships continued to exploit the new whaling ground and the Galapagos Islands became a frequent stop for the whalers. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/place/Galapagos-Islands, World Wildlife Fund - The Galapagos, Pacific Ocean, UNESCO World Heritage Convention - Galápagos Islands, CRW Flags - Flag of Galapagos Province, Ecuador, Galápagos Islands - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Galápagos Islands - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). The area had been unclaimed for almost 300 years before colonization began on what is now Santa María Island in 1832, when Ecuador took official possession of the archipelago. The striking ruggedness of the arid landscape is accentuated by high volcanic mountains, craters, and cliffs. The Galapagos Islands were discovered in 1535 by the bishop of Panama, Tomás de Berlanga, whose ship had drifted off course while en route to Peru. The archipelago is renowned for its unusual animal life. The islands are located in the eastern Pacific Ocean, 973 km (605 mi) off the west coast of South America. Enchanted Galapagos Lodge Santa Cruz Island Recinto El Cascajo , Puerto Ayora, 200350 Galapagos Collection Inc 5193 Old Post Rd , Charlestown, RI 02813 Chez Manany Galapagos Ecolodge Isabela Island , Puerto Villamil, EC200350 Galapagos Travel Agency 2932 Northern Blvd E, Location Galapagos Islands World Map. The iguana can dive over 9 m (30 ft) into the water. They are easily located on a map because they are the closest clearly visible cluster of islands to the west (left) of mainland Ecuador. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Search Lonely Planet. The islands have thousands of plant and animal species, of which the vast majority are endemic. He named them Las Encantadas (“The Enchanted”), and in his writings he marveled at the thousands of large galápagos (tortoises) found there. When word of this deal spread to America and Europe, additional settlers arrived. Australia & Pacific. The largest of the islands, Isabela (Albemarle), is approximately 82 miles (132 km) long and constitutes more than half of the total land area of the archipelago; it contains Mount Azul, at 5,541 feet (1,689 metres) the highest point of the Galapagos Islands. The islands emerged from the bottom of the sea in the form of astonishing volcanic upheavals. How Many Countries Are There In The Middle East? hemispheres. Spread over 45,000 square kilometers of ocean and at a distance of over 970km from the nearest mainland, the Galapagos Islands, or Bewitched Islands as they were once known, are … In 1978 the islands were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, and in 1986 the Galapagos Marine Resources Reserve was created to protect the surrounding waters. Snorkel and dive with denizens of the deep, from sea lions to sea turtles at Santiago's Cousin's Rock. The … The first navigation chart of the Galapagos islands was done by the buccaneer Ambrose Cowley in 1684, and he reportedly named the individual islands after some of his fellow pirates, as well as European nobility. Search. Consequently, thousands of the Galapagos tortoises were captured and kept on board whale ships as a means of providing of fresh protein. Some of the islands are virtually untouched by humans, but many have been altered by the introduction of nonnative plants, the growth of the local human population, and tourist traffic. Travel to these islands is strictly controlled by Ecuador, and a visit to the home of the giant tortoise, marine iguanas, and Darwin's finches must (should) be done through a professional tour operator, of which there are many operating through Quito and Quayaquil. In addition, penguins and fur seals live on the islands side by side with tropical animals. Sort out the facts about islands across the globe. It may not be the largest of the Galapagos Islands but it considered the most important. Blue-footed booby, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. The islands became Ecuador's first national park in 1959, and these now aggressively-protected islands and the surrounding marine reserve were both declared World Heritage sites. Asia. One unique thing about the Galapagos Islands location is the fact that they are located in the northern and southern hemispheres, on both sides of the equator. Iguana in Galapagos National Park, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. The Galapagos Islands are made up of 18 main islands with each island measuring at least 1 km2 in land area. Santa Cruz is the main island and population center for the Galapagos. Galapagos Islands, Spanish Islas Galápagos, officially Archipiélago de Colón (“Columbus Archipelago”), island group of the eastern Pacific Ocean, administratively a province of Ecuador. This page shows the location of Galapagos Islands, Ecuador on a detailed satellite map. Omissions? The islands are quite remote and isolated, lying some 1000 km west of the South American continent. Marine Iguana: The islands' marine lizard is the only existing species of marine lizard on the planet. The Galapagos consist of 13 major islands (ranging in area from 5.4 to 1,771 square miles [14 to 4,588 square km]), 6 smaller islands, and scores of islets and rocks lying athwart the Equator 600 miles (1,000 km) west of the mainland of Ecuador. Caribbean. The following map will give you a precise location of every visitor site in the Galapagos. The closest land mass is that of mainland Ecuador, the country to which they belong, 926 km (500 nmi) to the east. Pop. The close affinities of Galapagos animals to the fauna of South and Central America indicate that most of the islands’ species originated there. From street and road map to high-resolution satellite imagery of Galapagos Islands. Ecuador annexed the Galapagos Islands in 1831, and named them the Archipelago of Ecuador. A year later a group of convicts were shipped in to populate the island of Floreana; Spanish name Isla Santa Maria. Galapagos Islands The Galapagos Islands are a small archipelago of islands belonging to Ecuador in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Ecuador. Because of subsequent evolutionary adaptations, an amazing range of subspecies are found on the islands today. … Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Get free map for your website. There are a total of 19 islands in the Galapagos archipelago, with 13 main and 6 smaller ones. The Galapagos archipelago consists of 13 major islands, 6 smaller islands and many islets. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Choose from several map styles. The Galapagos Islands are located in South America, off the coast of Ecuador. A geologic study published in 1992 suggested that underwater seamounts near the Galapagos had formed islands between 5,000,000 and 9,000,000 years ago; this helped explain the great amount of endemic speciation, which many biologists believe could not have occurred in a lesser amount of time. Featured. The Galapagos Spreading Center is an east-west ridge that rises above the surrounding seafloor, and is most shallow (depth ~1600 m) north of the Galapagos Islands. Help us preserve, protect, and restore Galapagos. The Galapagos Islands—made up of 13 main islands, 6 smaller islands, and 107 rocks and islets—is well-known for its amazing wildlife. Diagram of the eastern equatorial Pacific showing the location of the Galapagos Spreading Center and Galapagos Islands. Find out about the famous Islands taking a trip with us! Get exclusive access to content from our 1768 First Edition with your subscription. There is, however, some variation driven … In 1793, James Colnett, an officer of the British Royal Navy, and explorer, suggested the islands could be used as base for the whalers operating in the Pacific Ocean as they offered fresh water, and an almost endless supply of meat. The government of Ecuador has designated 97% of the land area of the Galápagos Islands as the country's first national park. Location and General Description The Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador although they lie in the Pacific Ocean about 960 km to the west of mainland South America. Our Island-by-Island guide is the best resource for providing a wealth of information about each of the 13 major islands and 7 smaller islands that make up the Galapagos archipelago. That hunting orgy almost brought the indigenous tortoise close to extinction. They were discovered in 1535 by Tomas de Berlanga, the Spanish Bishop of Panama, when his ship drifted by the islands. Largest Nature Parks In And Around Urban Areas In The United States. They are a group of islands and islets situated along the Equator in the Tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean. Get up close on a stroll or in a Zodiac boat. Its giant tortoises are thought to have some of the longest life spans (up to 150 years) of any creature on Earth. NOW 50% OFF! Destinations. The Galapagos Islands Climate Galapagos Weather and Climate The Galapagos Islands are on the equator and the climate does not vary dramatically over the year. Santiago Island, Galapagos Santiago Island has a narrow, steep-sided point of land, which provides an extraordinarily beautiful landscape complete with cliffs and … The climate of the Islands can best be described as subtropical. The islands’ human inhabitants, mostly Ecuadorans, live in settlements on San Cristóbal, Santa María, Isabela, and Santa Cruz islands; Baltra has an Ecuadoran military base. The Galapagos Islands, thanks to their location and formation, are home to some of the most incredible volcanic landscapes and also to unique and endemic wildlife that has migrated and evolved in this archipelago. The archipelago’s arid lowlands are covered by an open cactus forest. The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago located about 621 miles (1,000 km) from the continent of South America in the Pacific Ocean.The archipelago is composed of 19 volcanic islands that are claimed by Ecuador.The Galapagos Islands are famous for their variety of endemic (native only to the islands) wildlife that was studied by Charles Darwin during his voyage on the HMS Beagle. (2001) 18,640; (2010) 25,124. Corrections? What are the islands of the Maldives made of? They were discovered in 1535 by Tomas de Berlanga, the Spanish Bishop of Panama, when his ship drifted by the islands. Sierra Negra (“Black Range”), Isabela Island, Galapagos National Park, Ecuador. The Galápagos lie about 966 kilometers (600 miles) off of the Ecuadorian coast.. The Galapagos Islands are located 600 miles away from the Ecuadorian coastline, formed by 61 islands and islets with 13 main islands. There are thirteen major islands and a handful of smaller islands that make up the Galápagos archipelago. Welcome to Galapagos Conservancy, the only U.S. nonprofit exclusively dedicated to the conservation of the Galapagos Islands. Map of Galapagos Islands and travel information about Galapagos Islands brought to you by Lonely Planet. What is the world’s largest archipelago? Found only on the Galápagos Islands, it has the ability, unique among modern lizards, to live and forage in the sea, making it a marine reptile. The Galapagos Islands are formed by volcanic activity and the government declared the islands a national park in 1959, covering 97% of the land area. Sitting right atop the Equator, approximately 600 miles directly west of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands had no original inhabitants. The Galápagos Islands are located 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) from the South American mainland but a world apart from anywhere else on Earth. The existing Galapagos Islands were formed between 700,000 and 5,000,000 years ago, making them geologically young. Maphill is more than just a map … The first known person to set foot on the Galapagos Islands was Tomas de Berlanga, a Spanish bishop. Ecuador provided them with free land, and no taxation for the first ten years. Discover the beauty hidden in the maps. Galapagos finches, for example, have developed a multitude of adaptive types from one common ancestral type; their subspecies now differ mainly in beak shape and size. Found 1,000 kilometers from the Ecuador, the islands chain contains 13 huge islands, five of which are populated. Numerous Spanish voyagers stopped at the islands from the 16th century, and the Galapagos also came to be used by pirates and by whale and seal hunters. Tour San Salvador (Santiago) Island, in the Galápagos Islands, where Charles Darwin studied wildlife in 1835. Galapagos Islands from Mapcarta, the free map. The Galapagos Islands are located 1000 km off Ecuador’s coast in the Pacific Ocean. This island is situated on the Galapagos map to the south east of Santa Cruz Island. The treeless upland zone is covered with ferns and grasses. Deeper regions (>3500 m deep) are blue on this map. Bartolomé Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. The climate of the Galapagos Islands is characterized by low rainfall, low humidity, and relatively low air and water temperatures. The northernmost island of the Galapagos, Darwin Island, is 137 miles away from the southernmost place of the archipelago, Española Island. Until the early 19th century the islands were used as a hideout by pirates who pilfered Spanishgalleons carrying gold and silver from South America, back to Spain. Antarctica. These include Gardner Bay and Punta Suarez. Galapagos Islands Map. A transition zone at higher elevations is covered with a forest in which pisonia (a four o’clock plant) and guava trees dominate, and the moist forest region above the transition zone is dominated by a Scalesia forest with dense underbrush. Another species of interest is the flightless cormorant. The Galapagos Islands are formed of lava piles and dotted with shield volcanoes, many of which are periodically active. The Galapagos Archipelago, without exaggeration, is a place like no other.Its islands emerged from the bottom of the sea in astonishing volcanic upheavals, the effects of which can still be observed today. As with all voyages of discovery, a trip to the Galapagos Islands is greatly enhanced by having a little bit of knowledge about your destination before you arrive, and one way of familiarising yourself with the archipelago is to take a look at our Galapagos Islands map. The remaining 3% is distributed between the inhabited areas of Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Baltra, Floreana and Isabela. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). A holiday to the Galapagos Islands could possibly be the journey of your entire life. Galapagos Islands Geography. What to tell about the geography of the islands? South America. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, designated a World Heritage site in 1978. Their total land area of 3,093 square miles (8,010 square km) is scattered over 23,000 square miles (59,500 square km) of ocean. The government of Ecuador designated part of the Galapagos a wildlife sanctuary in 1935, and in 1959 the sanctuary became the Galapagos National Park. Britannica Kids Holiday Bundle! On Galapagos Islands maps it is easy to two of the main points of interest on this island clearly depicted. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. The combine area of the islands is just ab… The street map of Galapagos Islands is the most basic version which provides you with a comprehensive outline of the city’s essentials. Darwin's subsequent studies of local wildlife noted that almost all of the animals and plants here were endemic to the islands, which of course contributed to his famous theory of natural selection, and put these special islands on the map for the rest of the world to experience. 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