The Galapagos Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean, are a popular destination for wildlife viewing. This province belongs to Ecuador and has a location approximately 1000 kilometers off its coast. Many plant and animal species are unique to the Galapagos, with a diversity that excited and inspired Charles Darwin in 1835; his visit was instrumental in the formulation of Darwin's theory of evolution.

Consisting of 127 islands, inlets and rocks, 19 islands are considered a showcase for evolution as well as a living museum. You'll find the giant tortoise, the land iguana and a diverse variety of finch species as well as different mockingbird species. Geologic interest is also held by the Galapagos, as the Nazca, Cocos and Pacific tectonic plates all meet here in the Pacific Ocean. The oldest Galapagos islands, Española and San Cristóbal, are approximately 3 to 5 million years old.

The Galápagos became Ecuador's first national park in 1959, and in 1978, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In recent years, the Galápagos Islands have attracted over 275,000 visitors every year, who come to see those unique and amazing animals and landscapes for themselves. If you plan to go there, you must first decide which island to visit and then make a decision regarding a hotel or live-aboard boat. You may want to explore several islands while there. This destination is where the wildlife takes center stage, instead of the humans who pass through.

You can book a Galapagos cruise and be able to see the incredible sites without wasting a lot of time. Scuba divers can find boats especially suited for their underwater exploration. You might see manta rays, whale sharks, sunfish, and hammerhead sharks in its deeper waters if you are an experienced scuba diver.

Santa Cruz Island and San Cristóbal Island are the most inhabited islands of the Galapagos; there are several boats that leave the harbors of these islands. You may want to book a hotel that is close to their harbors instead of on the highlands. Some hotels, such as the Golden Bay Galapagos, allow you to watch sea lions across the street; its location is at the harbor of San Cristóbal Island.

Set in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel, also has its own yacht, named the Sea Lion. Day trips to several islands are part of its itinerary. In order to mitigate stress on the environment and crowding, routes are dictated by Galápagos National Park officials. Land excursions may be included as part of your boat trip.

Some inhabitants of the Galapagos are seasonal only, so you might miss them. For example, the waved albatross, also called the Galápagos albatross, does not live there full-time. It shows up only during mating season, which is in the spring and summer. Your guide can give you more information.

If nature excites you, a trip to the Galapagos might be in store. Prepare to see the unexpected and enjoy an adventure.