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The Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos archelipego is out in the Pacific Ocean, 695km off continental Ecuador. There are thirteen main islands, six small islands and about one hundred islets and rocks, which are all grouped around the equator and the ‘Galapagos hotspot’, the source of the islands themselves.
The hotspot is an area of the earth’s crust that is being melted away from the underneath and that forms the volcanoes, which in turn formed the islands. This process takes millions of year and the youngest Galapagos Islands Isabela and Fernandina are still being formed today.
The islands were first discovered in the 16th century, but it wasn’t until later that they gained the name ‘Galapagos’.
The name comes from the Spanish word for saddle (galapago) after the shell of the tortoises that inhabited the islands. The diversity of life on the islands became the inspiration for the most infamous theory in centuries, Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection, after a visit to the islands on the HMS Beagle in the 1700s.
About the Island of Isabela
Isabela is one of the youngest of the Galapagos chain at a mere one million years old! It is on the western end of the archipelago, located close to the “Galapagos Hot Spot”.
The island was formed by the merging of six shield volcanoes – Ecuador, Alcedo, Sierra Negra, Wolf, Darwin and Cerro Azul, five of which are still active today. This means that the island of Isabela is one of the most volcanically active places on earth.
The rich bird, animal and marine life on Isabela is incomparable and provides a home for more wild tortoises than any of the other islands. In the past, Isabela’s lava flows created barriers for the tortoises, as they were unable to cross them. As a result of this, it appears that sub-species of tortoises developed that were able to deal with the topography of the island. Today, tortoises can be found roaming the calderas of Darwin, Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Sierra Negra and Wolf.
About Puerto Villamil
The project base is on the southeast coast of Isabela, in Puerto Villamil. This location is considered among the most beautiful areas on the islands thanks to its palm fringed, white sandy beaches. The town is quiet, friendly and laidback with a population of just 1,000 people. Nightlife is limited to a few small bars.
Climate
The Humboldt Current creates a mild and dry climate around the Galapagos Islands. Even with its equatorial position, temperatures very rarely got over the 80F mark, making the islands fairly pleasant. There are still distinct seasons, however.
January to April is the rainy season, which means heavy rain in the higher elevations but warm sea currents and low winds around the coast. Southeasterly winds between May and December bring much colder and also drier conditions.
Free Time
You are in the perfect position to explore the wonderful Galapagos during your spare time. Here are just some of the activities available to you:
- Explore the extensive marine life by snorkel or scuba and spot all sorts of fish, sharks and rays. There are great hidden coves and a few top dive schools for beginners and advanced alike.
- Scuba/snorkel around Concha Perla to see sea lions, flamingos and multiple species of fish and birds.
- Visit the Sierra Negra volcano on an organised tour – it’s the world’s second largest crater with a 6-mile diameter and a depth of 300 feet.
- Glimpse white-tipped sharks at Las Grietas. Arrange a trip with local fishermen for about $10 – try your hand at bargaining with them.
- See the Galapagos’ largest coastal lagoon, Flamingo lagoon.
- Head to Islote Tintoreras, a crevice of calm, clear water where white-tip sharks rest on the bottom. Spot penguins, marine Iguanas, sea lions and snorkel alongside sharks and tropical fish.
Please note that optional activities are at your own expense.
Getting There
International flights will need to be arranged into Quito, Ecuador on the Sunday that your programme is due to start.
When you arrive, you will be collected and transferred to your two nights accommodation in a hostel or volunteer apartment. On the Tuesday, you’ll get your internal flight to Baltra on Santa Cruz where you will again be met and taken to your accommodation.
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