Galapagos Expedition
(23rd or June - 4th of July 2003)
Definitely more than just volcanoes! Even though our planned trip to
"Isla Fernandino",
the current active vent of the Galapagos Hot-Spot did not work out, Galapagos
was one
of the most amazing places we visited along our whole trip from Alaska to South
America.
Our 7 days trip around the Galapagos islands was a true highlight of
our travellings
so far. We did this trip with the "Yolita"
- a small boat - with only 10 other people and a
very knowledable guide (Miguel), who gave us a lot of "freedom" to explore the Islands.
If You plan a trip Yourself click
here for some hints...
The Galapagos Islands are pure volcanic Islands formed over the "Galapagos
Hot Spot"
which currently forms the geologic younger Islands "Wolf" and
"Isabella" at the western
end of the chain with constant volcanic activities. The Galapagos Islands
lie on the
Nazca plate which (forced by the pacific plate) moves towards mainland South
America
with an average of about 5cm's per year.
The Islands fauna&floare evolved different from any other place on earth
and formed a
unique environment with a lot of endemic species in both: plants and
animals. As the
Islands are reached by warm northern currents (Panama current) and cold southern
currents (el Ninjo) the unique climate also helped to make it possible to meet
animals
from both tropical and cold environments at the same time.
The most amazing adventure for us was the fact that most of the animals that
inhabit the
islands are not afraid of humains. We ended up playing with seals,
pinguins, birds who
all take big interest in these "funny tourists" on shore or in the
water.
While snorkeling sealions and pinguins come so close to check You out that we
forgot
about the cold water temperature and staid in the water for ages. Important:
Hire a 5mm suit!
That helps....
Once a pinguin kept on grabbing and playing with my fins and my suit at
different
places (arms, legs, aso). I hope I was able to get some funny shots with our
cheap
underwater camera... - Well, I'll definitely never forget this funny experience
and hope
to be able to post some more pictures as soon as we get them developed.
You really have to see these animals to believe it....!
