Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are a group of 13 volcanic islands that straddle he equator in the Pacific Ocean 600 miles off the coast of South America. They received their name from the Spanish, who first found them in 1500’s Galapagos means "tortoises" in Spanish. Their proper name is Archipelago de Colon and they are a province of Ecuador.

The view of Pinnacle Rock from the top of a volcanic cone on Bartolome Island provides the most scenic panorama in all the islands.

The marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) enters the ocean to feed on algae and may forage 50-65 ft. underwater.

The giant land tortoise (Testudo) can reach a weight of 500 lbs.

The Greater Frigatebirds are found on many of the islands. The male attracts the female by pushing air in a sack at the base of his throat creating a red balloon shaped sack.

Click HERE for more pictures from the Galapagos Islands.