Family Galapagos Cruises
The Islands That Changed The World
Just Imagine Darwin’s First Gaze
Nowhere on earth is there a natural laboratory as rich as what you’ll see on Galapagos cruises. What’s more, the Islands share their wonders for all takers in your family, from grandparents to children and all ages in between. Remarkably, it is likely the most unique destination for high adventure in combination with scientific stimulation in the natural world you can share with your family.
While on one of the three, five, or seven day Galapagos cruises, you will have opportunities to discover through your own eyes what Darwin initially must have seen through his. Just imagine looking at dramatic flamingoes in the ‘Humedal’ lagoon on Santa Cruz Island. Or being mesmerized by finches, mocking birds, or lava lizards. Imagine staring at small colonies of blue-footed boobies as they lift their feet in their mating ritual, or exotic pelicans, or even seeing the famous oyster catchers in the beach zone.
Santa Cruz Island hosts the Charles Darwin Station, which continues the rich scientific tradition its namesake became famous for. After visiting the Station you might want to discover more interior wildlife and geographical formations. Bird watching in or near the lagoon sports a highly unusual climate condition: the lava beds that increase the environmental temperature due to solar refraction from the field. When on one of the stunning Galapagos cruises, your crew from the Explorer II loves to share this ‘hot spot’ to visitors while on the Island.
Also, the Explorer II stops at the infamous Fernandina Island, home of the most active volcano on earth—Punta Espinoza. Its huge domed cone reaches 1463 meters and is breath-taking to view. As the one of the youngest islands in the island chain, it sports relatively new lava flows that provided early colonization of plant and animal life. Plus, there are numerous lava tunnels to explore; fun for the whole family.
Fernandina Island is home to the flightless Cormorants, also known as Shags. There is a sizable colony on Fernandina of these distinctive birds. They can be up to eleven pounds, and as eel or fish eaters, they troll the waters for seafood in coastal areas of the island. While in the area you’ll likely see blue herons, marine iguanas, and sparrow hawks. Time permitting, you can take the entire family on a hike and see more wildlife. Or, there are dinghy rides for more relaxing views.
No matter what activity you choose on either Santa Cruz or Fernandina Islands while on one of the Galapagos cruises, the breathtaking beauty you will encounter on your family vacation will not disappoint. See the Galapagos Islands through Darwin’s eyes and you will know the thrill and adventure of science in the most unusual vacation destination on earth.
