he Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of 13 volcanic islands, located around the equator 600 miles off the coast of South America, and are part of the country of Ecuador. The Spanish were the first visitors to these islands naming them 'Las Encantadas' or bewitched islands for the strong currents and light winds which made them hard to find. They had little use for the inhospitable, barren nature of the islands, considered one of the most active volcanic areas in the world.  European sailors, pirates and buccaneers later found them to be a useful hideaway, and location for water and food in the form of the tortoises.

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In 1835, Charles Darwin reached the Galapagos Archipelago. His short five-week visit to these strange volcanic islands formed the basis for his theories on the evolution of species, concepts which shook the beliefs of people throughout the world and continue to do so to this time.

In 1978, the Galapagos Islands were named the world’s first World Heritage site, with the Marine Reserve being added in 1988 on its inception. June 2007 brought the addition of the islands to UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in Danger list and added support to the conservation effort.

The Galapagos Islands are truly one of the natural wonders of the world and one of the most beautiful and magical places on earth.  They are a place on the must-see lists of people of all backgrounds, races and religions. The main islands are Espanola, Fernandina, Genovesa, Isabela, Marchena, Pinta, San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, Santa Fé and Santa María,. The highest peak is Wolf Volcano, which towers 5,600 feet above sea level.

Visitors come from worldwide to these islands to see the famous land tortoises, marine iguanas, sea lions and penguins that are trademarks of the Galapagos. Others come to the other Galapagos – the underwater world. Undersea in the colliding currents it is possible to see great varities of Pacific fish, schools of Hammerhead Sharks, Galapagos Sharks, Manta Rays, Eagle Rays, Sea Lions, Dolphins and even the gentle giant of the ocean  - the Whale Shark.