A Galapagos Islands yacht charter is an adventure like no other. Located 620 nautical miles west of the South American mainland, the Ecuadorian archipelago is renowned for its vast number of endemic species. The islands were named after the giant Galapagos tortoise that is native to the island chain.
The Galapagos Archipelago is comprised of 13 large islands, 6 small islands, 42 islets, and a number of small rocks and pinnacles, which make up a total land surface of 4,897 square miles scattered over 21,000 square miles of ocean.
Although the islands are famous for bio-diversity and strict regulations that allow nature to thrive virtually undisturbed by humankind, the majority of visitors are surprised that the islands have a permanent, very human population. Approximately 25,000 people live mostly on four of the 19 main islands, San Cristobal, Isabela, Santa Cruz, and Floreana. The provincial capital is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, on San Cristobal Island.
Puerto Ayora, the largest town, is on Santa Cruz Island, with a population of roughly 15, 000. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (about 5,000 inhabitants), on San Cristobal Island is smaller, followed by Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island, and a small village on Floreana Island. The Galapagos chain is one of the few places in the world that does not have an indigenous population. Most inhabitants are descendants of Spanish Colonists and indigenous Native Americans who moved from the mainland of Ecuador.
The principal language of the islands is Spanish, and the dominant religion is Catholic. Oddly, the accepted currency is the US dollar, even though the Galapagos are part of the sovereign country of Ecuador.
The government of Ecuador does an outstanding job of protecting the treasure of flora and fauna that inhabit the island chain. Development and tourism is strictly controlled. The number of visitors to each island is limited at any given time. Tour itineraries are coordinated according to regulation and crowding issues are rare. The Galapagos is a year round destination with peak visitation times from June-September and mid-December to mid-January.
Despite the influx of human habitation, the density is concentrated into several small areas and wildlife has an abundance of habitat to live unencumbered by the perils of so-called civilization.
Although the islands share similar volcanic compositions, environment, and climate, each isolated isle is home to its own set of unique species both below and above the water.
The islands today present a living showcase of evolutionary progress. Amazingly, their ecosystems have remained unchanged. Some 95 percent of the islands’ prehuman biodiversity has remained intact, which is remarkable when considering that this little area of paradise hasn’t managed to remain totally pristine.
Nonetheless, a Galapagos Islands yacht charter is a study of nature in its purist form. The term wildlife is almost insulting to the variety of species sharing the same locale in peaceful harmony. Little about them is wild. Visitors are delighted at the lack of fear and even curiosity with which the Galapagos animals regard humans. Close-up encounters are a daily occurrence.
The actively volcanic islands are the habitat of fascinating creatures found nowhere else on Earth, including marine iguanas, giant tortoises, flightless cormorants, a sea lion colony, and a diverse variety of finches. Additionally, a variety of fish and other aquatic creatures are too numerous to list. The Galapagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A naturist is part of the crew on a Churchill Yacht Galapagos Islands yacht charter. These experienced, knowledgeable scientists will help you get the most out of the many nature hikes and tours that are the main attraction of the island chain.
The Galapagos Islands Archipelago may be a giant nature preserve, but that does not mean they are void of modern conveniences. The islands have two airports and 87 restaurants, which is amazing for an area with only 25,000 inhabitants. You will also find a bank with an ATM and international monetary services, as well as Internet cafes if you really find it necessary to contact the outside world after experiencing paradise.
Send us an email at charter@churchillyachts.com and tell us about yourself, and your interests. Also, let us know about your guests, their ages, and interests. The more we know, the easier it is for our yacht charter specialists to recommend the right yacht and crew, and tailor an accurate sample itinerary for your perusal so you can book an adventurous Galapagos Islands yacht charter as soon as possible.
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