Sunday, May 6, 2012

The Various Islands That Make-Up the Galapagos Islands

By James Brow


The gorgeous, wildlife-filled Galapagos Islands can be found in the Pacific Ocean. This island chain is made-up of a number of small islets. If you are planning to visit the Galapagos Islands, it is important to have an idea of which isles you want to see. Below, you will learn general information about many isles that make-up the Galapagos Islands.

1. Baltra Island, also known as South Seymour Island, has flat terrain and can be found near the center of the archipelago. Baltra Island is home to one of only two airports in the Galapagos Island. All private plans must fly into Baltra Airport as it has the capability to keep planes overnight, which the other airport does not. This island also features a picturesque bay where there are boats tourists can rent to cruise the Galapagos Islands.

2. One of the Galapagos Islands' newer isles is Bartholomew Island. This isle, like most of the others, is volcanic. On Bartholomew Island, you can find Galapagos penguins, which reside on very few of the archipelago's isles. This species of penguin is the only one that can be found in the wild on the Equator. This isle is also home to the green turtle, which you might see if you visit.

3. Darwin Island was named after the well-known scientist who was fascinated by the Galapagos Islands. Sometimes, you might here this isle called Culpepper Island. The number of plants and animals that can be found on Darwin Island is astounding. Whales, fur seals, sea lions, and marine iguanas are just a few of the creatures you might witness. Those who come to the Galapagos Islands to go bird watching will also enjoy Darwin Island. Two of the many bird species that reside here are the red-footed booby and the swallow-tailed gull.

4. Espanola Island was called such out of respect for Spain. Sometimes it is also called Hood Island. Situated in the extreme south of the Galapagos Islands, this is one of the oldest isles in this island chain. Espanola Island is fairly isolated and houses some of the archipelago's most interesting species, including the lava lizard and the Galapagos tortoise.

5. Ferandina Island is situated in the westernmost portion of the archipelago. There are a variety of birds and animals that can be seen here. Marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, fur seals, pelicans, and well-known flightless cormorants are a few of these species.

6. Floreana Island was inhabited by humans before most other isles in the Galapagos Islands. There are number of flamingos and Galapagos petrels on this island. Just off the coast of Floreana Island there are a variety of coral structures, so this isle is also popular for scuba diving and snorkeling.




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