Why is Isla Isabela the largest island?
The archipelago’s largest island, Isabela, was formed by the joining of five young volcanoes. While these volcanic regions contain extensive lava fields and little vegetation, the southern highlands and various other regions are covered by dense vegetation including the unique red mangrove.
What is the main Galapagos Island?
Isabela Island Isabela is the largest island in the Galapagos and is bigger then the rest of the islands combined.
What is the smallest island in the Galapagos?
Darwin Island
What is another name for the Galapagos Islands?
Archipelago of Columbus
Is Galapagos Spanish?
The Galápagos Islands and their surrounding waters form the Galápagos Province of Ecuador, the Galápagos National Park, and the Galápagos Marine Reserve. The principal language on the islands is Spanish. The islands have a population of slightly over 25,000.
Is Galapagos Spanish for tortoise?
Spanish explorers, who discovered the islands in the 16th century, named them after the Spanish galápago, meaning “tortoise”. The Galápagos tortoises are native to seven of the Galápagos Islands….
| Galápagos tortoise | |
|---|---|
| Family: | Testudinidae |
| Genus: | Chelonoidis |
| Species complex: | Chelonoidis niger complex Fitzinger, 1835 |
| Species | |
Does Galapagos mean saddle?
Galapagos is an old Spanish word meaning saddle. When Spanish sailors arrived on the islands off the coast of Equator, the turtle shells or tortoises reminded them of sway back saddles. They also might have named the islands, Galapagos, (plural) because they straddle the Equator like a saddle.
What language is Galapagos?
Spanish
What do people do in the Galapagos?
Snorkelling, sunbathing, and wildlife spotting are just a few of the things to do in the Galapagos Islands. Read on for activities as diverse as the Galapagos Islands themselves! The Galapagos Islands are one of the best places to visit in South America.
What is the coolest thing about the Galápagos Islands?
The islands are known for their famously fearless wildlife and as a source of inspiration for Darwin’s theory of evolution. And that’s just part of the story. Born of fire: The Galápagos Archipelago is one the most volcanically active areas in the world.
What should you not miss in the Galapagos?
Three Galapagos Islands You Shouldn’t Miss
- Red-footed booby © Jessica Sotelo / WWF.
- Nazca (or masked) booby sits on egg in the nest © Jessica Sotelo / WWF.
- Frigatebird © Jessica Sotelo / WWF.
- Red-footed booby chick © Jessica Sotelo / WWF.
- Red-footed boobies © Jessica Sotelo / WWF.
Can you swim in the Galapagos?
The variety of sea life is staggering, with sea lions, sea turtles, manta rays and penguins to name but a few. Swimming in the Galapagos is an unforgettable experience, however, you need to be aware that certain marine life such as jellyfish, sharks, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims.