luluIn previous posts, you have seen some of the animals and birds that inhabit the Galapagos archipelago, but what about the islands themselves? All are volcanic formations that will in time disappear to be replaced by new ones. Each has its own characteristics, some of which change depending on the season.
Late afternoon sun softened the brown, arid landscape that is Santa Cruz.
It is dotted with enormous cactuses that are food sources for the species that inhabit the island.
On another side of Santa Cruz are mangrove swamps, home to large sea turtles, sharks and rays and were explored by dinghy.
Rabida has a rugged coastline and is characterized by its rich red tones.
Santiago has tuff stone layers, lava flows and a spiritual beauty.
Fernandina is identified by its black lava rocks
upon which literally thousands of marine iguanas lounge.
Isabella is a large, craggy island that is inhabited by the human species though we didn’t see any!
It is also the site of Darwin Lake, discovered by and named for Charles Darwin whose theories of evolution are associated with the Galapagos.
Bartolome is barren with little sign of life forms,
but from its high peak are amazing views of other islands.
Exploring the Galapagos Islands is truly an adventure, one that is appreciated more by some than others if responses to these posts are any indication. Seeing all there is to see requires lots of hiking, which can be quite challenging, but at every turn there is something new and unexpected. This was a trip truly worthy of being on the Bucket List!
I am linking to Outdoor Wednesday.
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What an amazing trip you enjoyed.
It looks like a totally unreal place. Such a cool trip.
Wow Linda, these are stunning. I love the last photo….what a wonderful trip..and such great memories 🙂
Jeanne xxx
What gorgeous photos of your trip! The scenery is beautiful~ your last photo looks like a calendar shot! You should share these for Outdoor Wednesday 🙂
The Galapagos Islands are the most incredible living museum of evolutionary changes, with a huge variety of endemic species (birds, land and sea animals, plants) and landscapes not seen anywhere else.
BEAUTIFUL PLACES AND PHOTOS — EXCEPT FOR THOSE IGUANA THINGIES MAKES ONE WANT TO BE THERE!! THANKS FOR SHARING THESE, LULU!!
I agree, wonderful photos of such unusual islands. Sandy G
this is on my short list, would cameron like it? Thanks for the insider info to this amazing place
Visiting the Galapagos is a trip my husband and I have been wanting to take! We have two young children and are not sure if it would be a good trip for them, but we intend to get there soon!!! Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos with us. Happy Outdoor Wednesday.
~Holly
Your photos are just awesome. What a trip you had.