Learn about the Galapagos Islands

There’s truly nothing quite like the Galapagos Islands. Walk in the footsteps of Darwin and get closer to the natural world than you ever thought you could! Join Cruise Planners virtually with Celebrity Cruises on May 17th at 6 P.M. to learn how to make the most of your Galapagos vacation, with all the best exploring tips and tricks. Plus, all attendees will receive an exclusive offer to help jumpstart your journey of a lifetime.

 

Penguins and dolphins, sea lions and iguanas, tropical birds and giant tortoises—this collection of species comes together in a single destination on the equator. It's no surprise that these islands, 600 mi/970 km off the coast of Ecuador, are so special. Their remoteness from other landmasses and the absence of human settlements until the past century allowed their animal inhabitants to live with little fear of predators. As a result, the islands have an abundance of animals, birds and reptiles that are easily viewed, with or without binoculars.

The islands are best known as the home of giant tortoises that can weigh up to 500 lb/227 kg and live over 100 years. Visitors will also see marine iguanas (the only seagoing lizards in the world); scarlet-breasted frigate birds; blue-footed, red-footed, masked and Nazca boobies; tiny penguins at home in the tropics; mammoth sea lions; and giant, graceful albatrosses. About half of the species are endemic to the islands, found nowhere else on Earth.