Touring the Galapagos

The Galapagos Archipelago is a premiere wildlife observation, protection and research center visited annually by thousands of tourists. In addition, the diving is world-famous. Some visitors arrive by air, others by tour boat and some by personal craft. Each has a wondrous account or tour experience to share.

Here are some:

• Galapagos Islands: On the fly and on a budget (MiamiHerald.com): "When there's not enough time or money for a leisurely cruise, a shorter land-based tour will take in some highlights of the Galapagos Islands."
• Latin America: Diving the Galapagos Islands (MiamiHerald.com): "In these islands there is as much to see beneath the water as there is above. We are shooting for a grand slam in underwater experiences -- swimming with sea lions, scalloped hammerheads, whale sharks and penguins."
• Eco-conscious travel: Go green in the Galapagos (msnbc.com): "All Galapagos tours allow visitors to see its famously friendly wildlife, but our group cruised with Ecoventura because of the company’s Earth-friendly policies. Ecoventura is one of only seven cruise companies certified by Smart-Voyager — a program run by Rainforest Alliance and the Ecuadorian group CCD giving a “green seal of approval” to Galapagos tourism operators. In June 2006, Ecoventura went one step further, becoming the only Galapagos cruise — and the first in South America — to go carbon neutral. "

Galapagos: The endangered islands (MiamiHerald.com): "Tourism, immigration and invasive species are threatening the health of the Galapagos, says the United Nations, which has put the islands on its list of World Heritage Sites in Danger. The president of Ecuador last April declared the islands in a state of crisis, and the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association has agreed that the fragile environment is precarious. So what does that mean for visitors?"

View of boats at anchor in the Galapagos thanks to ClipArt.com.