A Few Interesting Tidbits

Interesting Facts Galapagos Islands

Here are some interesting Galapagos Islands Facts and important information you should know before arriving. To begin with, the Galapagos are World's Second Largest Marine Reserve.

LOCATION: The Galapagos Islands are located North West of South America.

Exactly 600 miles off the coast of (This is the country to which the Galapagos Islands belong) in the Pacific Ocean.

  • The Galapagos Islands were declared a in 1986.
  • Whale and Shark Sanctuary in 1990.
  • World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001.
  • Seven major oceanic currents assemble the Galapagos marine ecosystems. Most marine species originally came with the Panama Current.
  • 17% percent of species are "endemic" to Galapagos.
  • Galapagos is divided in 3 ocean zones: A) Central and Southern Islands (most fish species), B) Northern Islands (warmest waters), and C) Western Islands (coolest waters).
  • About 800 species of mollusks have been identified. 18% of mollusk species are endemic.
  • Mollusks: Gastropods (73%); Bivalves (24%); Chitons, Scaphopods, Octopus and Cuddle Fish (3%).
  • Echinoderms (Sea Stars, Urchins, Sea Cucumbers): 200 species; 17% endemic.
  • The Galapagos were rated as World's # 1 destination in the Pacific Ocean by Rodale's Scuba Diving from 2000-2002.
  • Strange Opposites in the Marine Reserve: Moorish Idol (from the warm Indo Pacific) gently swimming next to
  • Sea Temperature Variation: average of 8°C (from season to season)
  • is one of the highest satisfaction rate of any outing: 100%
Source: www.galapagos-islands-tourguide.com
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