What country are Galapagos Islands part of?

country of Ecuador
The Galápagos Islands are a chain of islands, or archipelago, in the eastern Pacific Ocean. They are part of the country of Ecuador, in South America. The Galápagos lie about 966 kilometers (600 miles) off of the Ecuadorian coast.

Where is Galapagos exactly located?

Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are part of the country of Ecuador, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a renown National Park. They are situated in the Pacific Ocean about 605 miles (1,000 kilometers) west of northern South America. The islands emerged from the bottom of the sea in the form of astonishing volcanic upheavals.

What is the best time to visit Galapagos Islands?

But that said, our experts generally agree that the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is from December to May. Why? These months coincide with the warm season and ocean conditions are clear, warm excellent for snorkeling and diving.

What country is closest to Galapagos?

Ecuador and the Galapagos The country is the closest landmass to the islands, though still lies over 600 miles to the east. At first, Ecuador named the island chain the “Archipelago of Ecuador”, which then changed to “Archipelago de Colon” in 1892 as a tribute to Christopher Columbus and his discovery of the Americas.

Are there snakes on the Galapagos Islands?

The Galápagos racer (Pseudalsophis biserialis) is a colubrid snake in the genus Pseudalsophis that is endemic to the Galápagos Islands. It is a mildly venomous constrictor but it is not considered aggressive or harmful to humans.

Are there sharks in Galapagos?

The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the most unique and biodiverse marine life worldwide, including many species that can be found nowhere else on Earth. Globally, there are over 400 known shark species and 32 of these have been recorded as being present in Galapagos.

How long is the boat ride from Ecuador to Galapagos?

3 days
By sea it takes 3 days to reach the Galapagos Islands from Ecuador. Boats depart from Guayaquil to the Galapagos. Most often these are cargo ships with basic accommodations not matching the luxury cruises in the archipelago.

Where are the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands area situated in the Pacific Ocean some 1,000 km from the Ecuadorian coast. This archipelago and its immense marine reserve is known as the unique ‘living museum and showcase of evolution’.

What is the Galapagos Marine Reserve?

Criterion vii: The Galapagos Marine Reserve is an underwater wildlife spectacle with abundant life ranging from corals to sharks to penguins to marine mammals. No other site in the world can offer the experience of diving with such a diversity of marine life forms that are so familiar with human beings, that they accompany divers.

Why are the Galapagos Islands so special?

The endemic and unique native flora and fauna make the Galapagos Islands one of the world’s truly exceptional places. In recognition of its importance, the islands were designated a Natural World Heritage site in 1976, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1984 and a Ramsar Site in 2001.

What are the main threats to the Galapagos Islands?

The main threats to the Galapagos are the introduction of invasive species, increased tourism, demographic growth, illegal fishing and governance issues (i.e. who takes responsibility for decisions given the large number of stakeholders with conflicting interests involved in managing the islands).