The Galapagos Islands are isolated from other land masses, and the islands from each other. This has allowed endemic animal species to develop.
Since these islands have not been populated by man, the animals have little fear of humans. This has been maintained by making the area a National Park of Ecuador, limiting the number of human visitors, and providing paths which separate the animals from the viewers. Many close encounters with animals can be experienced. My favorites are:
the Blue Footed Booby,
a male Frigate Bird displaying to attract a mate,
More Photos of the Birds of the Galapagos Islands
a colorful land Iguana,
and a dominate male seal who chased me up the beach since he thought I was getting too close to his female "harem". Notice his sand bib, from having dropped in the sand after his dash up the beach. He is now erect and barking at me.
One of the
famous landmarks is this inlet from the sea
formed by a volcanic crater.
a panoramic view
black sea iguanas
a land iguana
mother and child
ready to fly
along the nature trail
a Galapagos tortoise
a sleeping seal
