Galapagos Family Trip 2023
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The Galapagos, located close to 600 miles west of the continent of Latin America, is quite possibly the best possible location to witness evolution in all of its purely natural magnificence.
Named, in Spanish language, after the species that’s without doubt the most well-known of the island archipelago: The Galapagos Tortoise; the Galapagos boasts many groups of little dainty islands which all are born of below surface volcanoes eruptions.
Positioned directly on the equator, the Galapagos gains everyone of the rewards of such a overseas location in that the 16 islands have sunny climatic conditions all through the year! If that wasn’t sufficient they are on the crossroads for two really important trade winds: The North East trade winds (coming from North and the South East trade winds (from South America). All these winds are in all probability what initiated the influx of self-sufficient life on the island chain – and are believed to have been the agent responsible for the large woods spreading over the higher mountains of the islands.
These island of extreme natural charm have resulted in the evolution of countless varied, and quite unique, environments which have in turn made it possible for (or even caused) the regional wildlife, both plant life and animals likewise, to develop in manners that quite simply has numerous scientists stunned.
The rest of the Galapagos island chain is yet another scenario of distinctive, inter-dependent, not to mention pretty spectacular fauna.
Galapagos Islands Weather Today
Thanks to the confluence of cold waters flows from the west, the Galapagos archipelago has an unusual dry and gentle weather for the tropics and it is in general classified as sub-tropical. This makes Galapagos travel a year-round vacation option. Galapagos temperature is considered tropical, cooled down because of the Humboldt Current, and is also known by two principal periods:
The warm, wet period
Late December to June is definitely the warm and wet season, with March and April usually remaining the hottest and wettest weeks. Around December, the trade winds fall and the climatic equator adjusts south toward the Galapagos, producing the westward-flowing current to slow, lowering the upwelling and letting hotter water from the Panama Current to wash the archipelago. Galapagos climate is characterized by rain clouds that form once the inversion breaks down, in addition to the air gets warm and goes up, causing regular afternoon rains. Even in this period; but, the low elevations get limited rain.
The colder, dry season
This period, also called the “garua season” goes from the later part of June to December, when it is relatively cool and dry with an increase of overcast skies and infrequent drizzle or mist through the day. August is the colder month. In this dry season, Galapagos climate is nice, water temperature is lower and there are generally clouds around the larger elevations. Line of sight is frequently lower in the water because of plankton blossom, but this mixture of circumstances generates a much more activity in the water and food is plentiful. Because Galapagos weather conditions are not very hot during this time of year, it is also the reproduction time period for many sea birds and shore birds, iguanas, sea lions and fur seals.
The Galapagos is a year-round vacation destination, and nature-loving guests can anticipate to be shocked by the flora and fauna in any month. Nonetheless, the 2 main principal “seasons,” both of which has its draws and downsides.
High season, when tourists often push occupancy levels to the maximum, is considered mid-June until September and mid-December until January. From June through November, the Humboldt Current brings cooler, nutrient-rich water and (a little) colder temperature ranges. Average highs are generally close to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds and seas are often a bit harder. Skies are often overcast, but rain is rare. The alteration in water attracts fish and sea birds, making this an incredible time to snorkel. Due to the cooler water temperatures using a diving suit is a great idea for swimmers trying to be in the water a bit longer. This is the mating period for the blue-footed boobies.
December through May, the air and water conditions are generally hotter, in the high 80’s, and seas are usually more calm. Light rain drops for a short period once a day, but the humidity is balanced with powerful sun rays. Sun-lovers may be proven in February, when tropical heat scorches the lava. Land vegetation grows, with flowers everywhere. Many varieties of birds mate during this time, and sea turtle nesting can also happen.
El Nino, a weather phenomenon, can upend weather-related expectations, bringing a tropical feel to the atmosphere at surprising periods.
Sierra Negra Volcano: Hiking enthusiasts are certain to adore the chance of this steep ascent to the rim of Sierra Negra Volcano. The hike up takes approximately two hours with fantastic vistas all around. Horse riding provides a different perspective of the gorgeous location.
Moreno Point and Elizabeth Bay: bursting a little further north, Moreno Point presents terrific dinghy trips, complete with terrific bird-spotting opportunities. Alternatively, you can enjoy panoramic hiking through the lava stones and look for whale-tip sharks in the oceans. Climb to a little dinghy to explore the small islets off the coast of Elizabeth Bay, watching unique mangrove forests, celebrating penguins and blue-footed boobies on the rocky rocks, and getting close to sea lions and various fish species using some snorkeling adventures.
Urbina Bay – Sitting at the bottom of Alcedo Volcano, the land round Urbina Bay rose significantly in the 1950s, leading to much stranded aquatic life. Now, you can wander across areas of land which were once at the base of the ocean, marveling at dried coral and shells. Snorkeling lets you explore the fascinating underwater world, seeing schools of colorful fish, rays, and turtles. Hawks fly overhead, and the sandy beaches are rife with the large leathery-looking land iguanas and, in the wet season, giant tortoises.
Bolivar Channel: Many Isabela island cruises sail through the Bolivar Channel, a station that divides Isabela Island as well as the neighboring Fernandina Island. The coldest waters at the Galapagos area, it’s common to see dolphins and whales swimming close to your cruise ship.
Tagus Cove: named after a British ship, sits close to the Bolivar Channel. Just take a peaceful ride in a small boat below the seas, keeping your eyes peeled for nesting pelicans and blue-footed boobies, as well as penguins, brown nodes, and cormorants. Flex your muscles with a hike, taking from the jagged coastal stone, volcanic landscapes, dry vegetation, and views of the glistening Darwin Lake. There are plenty of lovely sandy shores too, perfect for relaxing and soaking up some sunshine post hike.
Vicente Roca Point: In the north of Isabela Island, Vicente Roca Point is a top spot for snorkeling and boating. The twin coves shield a variety of odd species, including sunfish, seahorses, and puffer fish. Bird lovers will not be disappointed either, with terns, blue-footed boobies, and penguins, amongst others.
Giant Tortoises
The giant tortoises of Galapagos are one of the most well-known of the temples of the Islands. While giant tortoises once thrived on the majority of the continents of the world, the Galapagos tortoises now represent one of the remaining two groups of giant tortoises in the entire world -another band living on Aldabra Atoll in the Indian Ocean. The Galapagos Islands were named for their giant tortoises; the old Spanish word galapago meant saddle, a phrase ancient explorers used for its tortoises due to the form of the shells.
The closest surviving relative of the Galapagos giant tortoise is the little Chaco tortoise out of South America, although it is not a direct ancestor. Scientists believe the initial tortoises came to Galapagos 2–3 million years back by drifting 800 kilometers from the South American coast on vegetation rafts or on their own. They were massive animals long time before arriving in Galapagos. Colonizing the eastern-most islands of Española and San Cristobal very first, then they spread throughout the archipelago, finally establishing at least 15 separate populations on ten of the largest Galapagos Islands.
Although there is a great amount of variation in size and shape one of Galapagos tortoises, two primary morphological forms exist -the domed shells (similar to their ancestral form) as well as the saddle-backed carapace. Domed tortoises tend to be considerably bigger in size and don’t have the up thrust into the front of the carapace; they reside on the larger, higher islands having humid highlands where forage is usually abundant and easily obtainable. Saddle-backed shells evolved on the arctic islands in response to the lack of accessible food during drought. The front part of the carapace angles upward, allowing the tortoise to expand its head higher to achieve the higher vegetation, such as cactus pads.
GALAPAGOS CRUISES 2024
NEMO 3
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