Jan 7, 2020
The Galápagos Islands, one of the world’s most unique lands may just inspire you to view the world differently. Situated in the Pacific Ocean some 1,000kms from the South America continent, these 19 islands and the surrounding marine reserve have been called a living museum and a showcase of evolution.
These islands have been isolated for millennia allowing the plants and animals to evolve into distinctive species that exist nowhere else on earth. They are a natural phenomenon that reveal captivating landscapes, clear waters and unique wildlife, however the most endearing and special aspect to any Galápagos journey is how unperturbed the animals are by human presence. They have no fear and are accustomed to visitors, treating us humans as little more than annoying paparazzi – to be accepted but ignored!
This isolated group of volcanic islands and its fragile ecosystem has taken on almost-mythological status as a showcase of biodiversity. Yet you don’t have to be an evolutionary biologist or an ornithologist to appreciate one of the few places left on the planet where the human footprint is kept to a minimum.
Cruise the Islands with Evergreen on board the deluxe expedition ship, the MV Galápagos Legend or MY Isabela II and visit various islands, beaches, bays and inlets to reveal the bounty of wonders in the Galápagos such as the famous ancient warrior, the Galápagos Tortoise.
Hunted as food by pirates, whalers, and merchantmen during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, many of the tortoise’s subspecies are now listed as endangered
or critically endangered. Fortunately, they have been strictly protected by the Ecuadorian government since 1970.
Galápagos tortoises lead an uncomplicated life, grazing on grass, leaves and cactus, basking in the sun and napping nearly 16 hours per day. A slow metabolism and large internal stores of water mean they can survive up to a year without eating or drinking.
Giant tortoises are the longest-lived of all vertebrates, averaging over 100 years. The oldest on record lived to be 152. It is possible, though perhaps unlikely, that among the remaining giant tortoises of the Galápagos Islands, there exists an old timer that was a hatchling at the time of Charles Darwin’s famous visit in 1835.
