Crude navigational maps of the Galapagos created by pirates in the 1600s were later used by Darwin during his famous 1835 survey of the islands aboard the HMS Beagle.
You’ll rub shoulders with the giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies, snorkel with sea turtles and baby sharks, and maybe catch a glimpse of a dolphin or humpback whale as you go island-hopping.
As you enjoy the rare beauty of the area, you’ll also learn about the environmental impact humans have had on the fragile ecology of the islands over the years, and how the government of Ecuador is working to save this unique, natural jewel created by millions of years of evolution.
