Galapagos Islands information

Every island in the Galapagos is different one from the other and all this is due to how they were formed. If the 4,600 million years of Earth´s history will be simulated in 24 hours, the Galapagos Islands had been formed in the last two minutes of that day. The 19 islands and 219 islets were created by successive volcanic eruptions over a hot spot located on the seafloor of the Nazca Plate. The first of them emerged in the middle of the Pacific Ocean about 5 million years ago. The islands are settled on the Nazca Plate and move about 5 centimeters a year eastward. That is why the oldest islands of the archipelago are far about 200 kilometers east from the youngest islands that are still above the hot spot.

Explore the Enchanted Islands

1) Isabela Island. 2) North Seymour Island. 3) South Plaza Island. 4) Santa Fe Island. 5) Santa cruz Island. 6) Bartolome Island. 7) Mosquera Island. 8) Santiago Island. 9) Rabida Island. 10) Floreana Island. 11) Genovesa Island. 12) Española Island. 13) San Cristobal Island. 14) Fernandina Island.

Giant Tortoise - Reptiles | Galapagos Islands Animals and Wildlife

The Enduring Giant Tortoises of the Galapagos
Meet the centenarian living fossils and the icons of the Galapagos – the Giant Tortoises and their legendary symbol, Lonesome George.

The Epic Story of Galapagos Giants
Experience the enchanting history of the largest living reptiles – the Galapagos Giant Tortoises. Discover how these astonishing creatures, known to live for over a century, found their home in the archipelago. Join us as our naturalist guides introduce you to these extraordinary creatures – from their unique saddle-backed shells to their uncanny survival instincts.

The Tale of Adaptation and Survival
Marvel at the remarkable journey of survival of these tortoises. Believed to have arrived via floating trees, the Giant Tortoises have shown an uncanny ability to adapt to the diverse landscapes of the Galapagos Islands. Their slow metabolism, herbivore diet, and unique abilities have shaped their enduring legacy.

Long Lifespan: One of the most notable characteristics of the Galapagos tortoise is its longevity. They can live over 100 years, with some recorded to have lived over 150 years.

Diet and Digestion: These tortoises are herbivores, feeding on over 50 kinds of plants, including a poisonous apple tree, endemic guava, opuntia, and various fruits. Because of their slow metabolism, they take them 1 to 3 weeks to digest their food.

Survival without Food or Water: Galapagos giant tortoises have impressive survival skills. Thanks to their slow metabolism and water reserves, they can survive for up to a year without food or water.

Where to Meet the Giant Tortoises
Prepare to meet these magnificent creatures on our luxury yacht cruises to seven enchanting islands

– Española, Fernandina, Pinzón, San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, and Santiago.

As you enter their world, get ready to spot them basking in the highlands or nesting in the lowlands.

Lonesome George’s Legacy

Journey into the heart of Galapagos with the story of its world-famous icon – Lonesome George. The Pinta tortoise was thought to be extinct in the early part of the 20th century. However, in 1971, József Vágvölgyi, a Hungarian scientist, and his wife saw a Pinta tortoise on the island. The sighting was widely reported, and the American media referred to the tortoise as Lonesome George – after George Gobel, a TV comedian.

In the spring of 1972, the Galapagos National Park rangers brought the tortoise to the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island for protetion and further studies. This last-of-its-kind tortoise from Pinta Island is a poignant reminder of preservation’s importance.

You can explore George’s life, from his surprise discovery to his final years, when you visit the Charles Darwin Research Station as part of your GoGalapagos cruise.

Even after his death in 2012, Lonesome George’s impact lives on. Join us in celebrating his life, learning about the extraordinary preservation efforts, and understanding his crucial role in our understanding of evolution.