GIANT TORTOISES
The Galapagos Islands are perhaps most identified with the Giant Tortoises that live there. The very name Galapagos is derived from the Spanish word meaning saddle, reflecting the shape of the Tortoises' huge shells. These giant animals can attain very large sizes, reaching a shell length of some 5 ft (measured along the curve) and weighing some 500 lbs. They keep growing for up to 40 years and can live to be 150 years old.
Unfortunately, these slow moving creatures became easy prey for the pirates, whalers and other adventurers that began to visit the islands from the 16th century onwards. Estimated as numbering in the hundreds of thousands at that time, by the twentieth century their numbers were severely reduced, four of the 14 species becoming extinct. The tortoises were especially popular with sailors as a source of fresh meat, as they could be kept on board ship without food or water for up to a year.
When the Galapagos National Park Service was established in 1969 all ten remaining sub species were at risk. Now populations are recovering with the help of breeding centres such as that established on Isabela Island.
Other points of interest in the Galapagos Islands are El Géiser, El Soplador, and Cucubes, all of which are home to a variety of exotic and rare birdlife. Santiago is well known for having some of the best and most accessible scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands and also because it offers the chance to walk between lava flow formations all the way to the volcanic conic peak of Bartolomé, where furry seals and sea lions dwell. On North Seymour, there are colonies of frigate birds, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies. The Plazas Islands are an important habitat of sea lions, iguanas, cactus, and seagulls. Santa Fe is a bay surrounded by forests of giant cactus, sea lions, sparrow hawks, and iguanas. Isabela is home to a nursery of turtles and constant volcanic activity. In 1998, after twenty years of activity, Volcano Cerro Azul suddenly erupted.
The Galapagos Islands are home to a Marine Reserve which has been declared a Natural Heritage Site. There are 62 destinations to visit in the islands.
Sports and Adventure Tourism
In certain areas of the Galapagos Marine Reserve, it is possible to partake in both deep or shallow diving and to have close-up contact with the impressive aquatic species of the sea: coral reefs, whales, whale sharks, hammer head sharks, sting rays, manta rays, sword fish, turtles, and many others. In the depths of the sea, there are strong ocean currents and the impressive extrusions of lava that shouldn't be missed by divers while they are enjoying the exotic marine wildlife. Other marine habitats are formed of rocky bottoms, vertical walls, and mangroves. The area is sometimes affected by natural phenomena, such as cold water currents and the effects of El Niño.
