 Galapagos : Profile
The Galapagos are known the world over for their tame and unique wildlife, sea lions, birds and iguanas, living amidst a barren volcanic scenery. Made famous by Charles Darwin who visited the archipelago with the ship Beagle in 1835, the Islands are today a national park, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The islands are volcanic and some of the volcanoes are still active. The highest peak is the volcano Wolf, some 1707 metres above sea level. The vegetation is sparse. The islands are one of the 20 provinces of Ecuador and the Ecuadorian authorities take their custody of this wildlife sanctuary seriously. This is the reason for the difficulty for yachts to get permission to cruise these islands. In the past some yachtsmen have abused the privilege, by stealing eggs, shooting birds and causing destruction of the environment. Formalities requirements constantly change, and the situation confronting visiting yachts is often very confusing. Much depends on the day and the person one encounters, but on the whole the authorities now allow yachts to visit the islands if they call at one of the official ports. Noonsite endevours to post details of the latest known situation. Occasionally day trips are allowed to some of the islands, when an official guide must accompany the boat, but overnight permits for private vessels are very difficult to obtain. There is a very high fee to be paid for this privilege and it is compulsory to have an official guide permanently on board. The simplest, and cheapest, solution is to go as a passenger on a local excursion boat, or to charter such a boat and go on a chosen itinerary.
The climate is equatorial, cooled by the Humboldt current. December to May is the better season when the weather is pleasantly warm and the winds are light. From June to November the weather is overcast and cool. The water around the islands is surprisingly cold and the meeting of the Humboldt current and the warm air sometimes causes mist over the islands. Occasionally the Humboldt current is replaced by the warm El Niņo current, a phenomenon which can affect weather conditions throughout the South Pacific.
Isabela: Puerto Villamil
San Cristobal: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Wreck Bay
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Santa Cruz: Puerto Ayora, Academy Bay
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*Indicates a port of entry.
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