Galapagos Islands, Latin America

Famously reported on by Charles Darwin in ‘The Origin of Species’, The Galapagos Islands continue to offer the visitor a view of an unspoilt, natural island. 600 miles to the off the west coast of Ecuador, there are 13 main islands. Although a UNESCO World Heritage site, the visitor is offered the chance to view a wide range of animal and marine inhabitants. Protection is offered against by the government in the form of a policed marine park but the resources available do not deter illegal fishing. The diving is with strong currents, often with surging waters, so a fair level of experience is required. Although lying on the equator, conditions vary with warm and cold currents mixing. This creates the mix of tropical and temperate climatic conditions to sustain all manner of creatures from marine iguanas to angel fish, from penguins to turtle. The playful sealions are not shy of divers and so offer a thrilling experience watching their fast manoeuvres. Around a third of these are unique to the Galapagos which attracts marine scientists from the world over. Your liveaboard will take you to sites that often see eagle rays, mantas and reef sharks. Wolf Islands offer hammerhead dives. With giant tortoises, land iguanas, albatross & flamingo, shore trips are outstanding with naturalist-led tours offering expert information. And not forgetting, the Whale Sharks. A truly unique island to visit both under and above the water.