The Galápagos Islands (Spanish names: Islas de Colónumio or Islas Galápagos , from galápago ,
"saddle"—after the shells of saddlebacked Galápagos tortoises ) are an archipelago of volcanic islands
distributed around the equator , 965 kilometres (about 600 miles) west of continental Ecuador
in the Pacific Ocean ( 0° N 91° W ). The group consists of 13 main islands, 6 smaller islands, and 107
rocks and islets . The islands are located at a geological hot spot , a place where the earth's crust
is being melted from below by a mantle plume , creating volcanos. 
The oldest island is thought to
have formed between 5 and 10 million years ago. The youngest islands, Isabela and Fernandina ,
are still being formed, with the most recent volcanic eruption in 2005 .
The Galápagos archipelago is a province of Ecuador , a country in northwestern South America ,
and the islands are all part of Ecuador's national park system
They are famed for their vast number of endemic species and the studies by Charles Darwin during
the voyage of the Beagle that contributed to the inception of Darwin's theory of evolution by
natural selection . 
The adjective "Galápagan" may be used to describe things from or related to the islands. Conservation Though the first protective legislation for the Galápagos was enacted in 1934 and supplemented in 1936, it was not until the late 1950s that positive action was taken to control what was happening to the native flora and fauna. In 1955, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature organized a fact-finding mission to the Galápagos. Two years later, in 1957, UNESCO in cooperation with the government of Ecuador sent another expedition to study the conservation situation and choose a site for a research station. 
In 1959 , the centenary year of Charles Darwin 's publication of The Origin of Species , the Ecuadorian government declared 97.5% of the archipelago's land area a national park , excepting areas already colonised. The Charles Darwin Foundation was founded the same year, with its international headquarters in Brussels . Its primary objectives are to ensure the conservation of unique Galápagos ecosystems and promote the scientific studies necessary to fulfill its conservation functions. Conservation work began with the establishment of the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island in 1964. During the early years, conservation programs, such as eradication of introduced species and protection of native species, were carried out by station personnel. Currently, most resident scientists pursue conservation goals; most visiting scientists' work is oriented towards pure research. 
When the national park was established, approximately 1,000 to 2,000 people called the islands their home. In 1972 a census was done in the archipelago and a population of 3,488 was recorded. By the 1980s, this number had dramatically risen to more than 15,000 people, and 2006 estimates place the population around 30,000 people. 
In 1986 the surrounding 70,000 square kilometres (43,496 sq mi.) of ocean was declared a marine reserve , second only in size to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. In 1990 the archipelago became a whale sanctuary. In 1978 UNESCO recognised the islands as a World Heritage Site , and in 1985 a Biosphere Reserve . This was later extended in December 2001 to include the marine reserve. In the Galapagos Islands, the city Tortuga, was mentioned in P irate s of the Caribbean
TOP 10 REASONS TO EXPLORE THE GALAPAGOS:
1. The Galápagos Islands are one of the world's top wildlife destinations.
2 . The Galápagos offers amazing up-close wildlife photo opportunities. (Bring plenty of film!)
3. You'll spend a week on a small yacht sailing from one incredible island to another - with no developed land in sight.
4. Watch a blue-footed booby do its entertaining (and noisy!) courtship dance.
5. Swim and snorkel with playful sea lion pups, penguins, and sea turtles in their natural habitat.
6. Watch piles of prehistoric-looking iguanas climb all over each other in search of the sunniest spot.
7. Soak up the sun while you sail between the islands - with incredibly beautiful frigate birds soaring above you.
8. Take a week off to spend time with your family. Galápagos is the perfect destination for a fun, active, and educational family adventure.
9. Galápagos is an exciting year-round destination, so you can go whenever the time is right for you.
10. Experience firsthand the world that inspired Darwin's famous theory of evolution.
 
"It appears to me that nothing can be more improving to a young naturalist than a journey in distant countries."
- Charles Darwin, Voyage of the Beagle
 
The Galapagos Islands are blessed with pleasant weather all year round, which means that there is no "better" time to visit those precious Islands. Still, you might take some factors like High Season vs. Low Season, or the climate into account. For yourself, your group, or your family: Check out when to go to the Galapagos Islands!
The Galapagos Islands won't leave you untouched. Travel with us and have the journey of your lifetime amidst playful seals, elegant albatrosses, fiery red Sally Light-foot Crabs, and sneaky Friate birds.  
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