The Galapagos Islands lie 600 miles due west of Ecuador in South America. The amazing collection of volcanic islands, islets and rocks straddles the Equator and plays host to a unique and spectacular collection of wildlife. These animals and birds remain largely unconcerned by the presence of man and the ever increasing numbers of tourists. This creates a brilliant opportunity to see wildlife up close.

The islands most celebrated visitor was perhaps Charles Darwin, who arrived in 1835 as the naturalist on board HMS Beagle, captained by Robert Fitzroy who was engaged in producing accurate maps and charts of the region. Darwin's reflections were later to form the inspiration for the theory of evolution published in his major work On The Origin of Species. However, the islands were first discovered by Father Tomas Berlanga, the Bishop of Panama, when his ship stalled and was carried accidentally to the Galapagos whilst en route to Peru.

The islands wildlife include the celebrated Giant Tortoises that can live to well over a hundred years of age.  The almost prehistoric land and marine Iguana are abundant and share the beaches and rocks with Sealions, Crabs and Penguins. Sea birds include the Blue-Footed, Red-Footed and Masked Boobies as well as the Magnificent Frigatebirds and many other spectacular species.  While on land. the spectacular Vermilion Flycatcher and the Yellow Warbler add lots of colour.