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http://www.stellamaris.com.ec/blog/galapagos-luxury-experience
Show Boats International | November 2016
Galapagos report in the journal "Show Boats International" with review of Luxury Yacht Stella Maris of Galapagos.
For more information visit: www.stellamaris.com.ec
Iguana´s Paradise
The world renowned geologist Teodoro Wolf
states that the iguana that abounds in South America is the last living
representative of the dinosaur age that dates back millions of years ago. In
the Enchanted Islands there are two types of iguanas: the marine and the
terrestrial, both very distinctly different in size and general
appearance. Let’s take a look
The Galapagos
marine iguana is an endemic variety that flourishes in the rocky
areas of the island’s north and south. Scientifically known as Amblyrhynchus
cristatus, this scaly reptile species is unique to say the least. This reptile
has the ability to remain under water for 45 minutes, at a depths of 15 meters
in search of fresh, green aquatic vegetation that is its primary source of
food.. It is truly an amazing sight to admire this prehistoric creature sunning
its self, or gorging on algae along the spectacular beaches that surround the
islands.
Iguanas with their
flat tails, long claws and three sharp teeth have the ability to attach
themselves to the rocks and not be swept away by the tides and currents of the
sea. Their bodies measure between 80 to 90 centimeters in length, and are
covered from head to tail to protect themselves. Perhaps this is how they were able to
survive. Making them even more adaptable, they possess a smooth snout and
dorsal fin allowing them to glide through the water like a fish making them
even more elusive.
Marine iguanas have
the ability to move blood away from their outer protective layer like a cold
blooded fish to keep warm. And also has the ability to dramatically reduce its
heart rate to conserve energy in a dormant state. They also possess the ability
to separate salt from the ocean waters through a gland near their nose.
The land iguana starkly
characterized by brilliant colors of yellow, red and brown tones is an entirely
different looking cousin of the aquatic lizard. It has an entirely different
preference for its’s diet. Cactus, Palo Santo leaves and plants of the insular
area like algae and Muyu are among some of its favorites. Also in contrast,
with lizard protects it’s self from foes by hiding in burrows they dig deeply
in the arid desert like portions of the islands. Alarmingly, this land based
variant’s numbers have been decreasing, but still flourish in Fernandina thanks
to the tremendous conservation efforts.
The land based
iguana being an endemic reptile, is more commonly seen in the arid environments
of Isabela, Santa Cruz, Fernandina islands and Plaza.
The most colorful
variations with brilliant colorations of reds and greens, reside in Española
Island; however the largest of the land based are typically seen on Isabela and
Fernandina Island, and for some reason their smaller cousins preferring
Genovesa Island.
Manmade issues constantly pose a threat to both land
and marine iguanas threating their numbers. That dwells on and off the water
creates problems for them. Fishing nets can be deadly for the marine breed,
while plastic water bottles, and other debree is a issue for the land based
lizards. Please keep this in mind during
your visit, and help perserve this one of a kind creature.
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The preservation of Galapagos Island
The preservation of the environment is one of the issues that most attracts the attention for visitors and residents of Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.
Lately have been positive changes towards their maintenance, including the removal of alien species, limited number of people inside the islands, and the creation of important programs for the maintenance of this wonderful natural treasure that is provided with a number huge spectacular flora and fauna that make tourist fall in love as soon as the arrive to this paradise specially in cruises as Stella Maris.
However, it is worrying that the islands face a major threat to global biodiversity loss : invasive species. These species are the second leading cause of biodiversity loss on the planet and in the Galapagos have been the main cause of l extermination of entire populations of plants and animals.
Unsustainable use of natural resources, such as illegal fishing, especially lobsters , sharks and sea cucumbers to meet the demands of the Asian market, affecting the beautiful Ecuadorian islands. Similarly , human settlements exert great pressure on ecosystems . To this we must add the global climate change as responsible for the severity and occurrence of phenomena such as El Niño, which have a dramatic impact on the Archipelago and climate of the region in general.
Currently there project that aims to control selected in the Galapagos Islands introduced species as well as the sustainable development of local communities is developed.
Among the strategies developed for this purpose are creating a system that extracts selected introduced species on farms of farmers on private land, the construction of a small mobile plant to process plant materials; and the production and sale of a variety of organic products including handicrafts, essential oils, dyes, plant extracts, resins and herbs.
With the profits generated by these products organic crops are grown on farms providing farmers with a source of income, regrowth of problematic species is prevented; systems reforestation with native species increases; you educate communities about the problems faced by their environment, improving their ability to protect and conserve them. Also there are many programs to boost tourism fishing to catch fish and then return to their habitat.
In this regard several tourist companies as Galasam care about the ecosystem while respecting the environment. Thus when tourists visit the Galapagos Islands are aware of proper care and protection of natural species one of the most beautiful places are there in our planet and worth to know and love as the first sight.
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Carnival in Galapagos
All listen up: Carnival season is almost upon us. This popular festival season is celebrated around the world from Venice, Italy, Rio in Brazil and the infamous Mardi Grass in New Orleans.
This grand festival is also celebrated in Latin America with a vengeance, and people flock to places like The Galapagos Islands in Ecuador to celebrate Carnival Season surrounded by the stunning nature and exotic beauty that abounds here. You can feel the distinct ambience the celebration creates and is clearly visible in the vibrant mood of the tourists visiting from around the world, specially in Tortuga Bay.
The celebration starts in February, and last for five exciting not stop, action packed days, with the excitement of all the parades and public street parties. The energy never stops and the mood is a nonstop festival, the pulsating music never stops, visitors join in and dance with the locals. If you don’t dance well, no worries, there are plenty of gorgeous local ladies and handsome boys that will be happy to teach you. Just let go and have the time of your life in the most beautiful island in the whole world: Galapagos.
If you choose to slow it down a bit from all the partying and festivities, the options are endless. Take a day and visit the beach, or go snorkeling exploring the pristine waters with the most spectacular variety of underwater life on the planet, walk with the giant turtles that make the islands famous. Numerous day cruises with all the comfort like Stella Maris or Humbolt Explorer are available for all budgets and tastes. The scenery is spectacular and the restaurants are fabulous in bars like La Panga in Santa Cruz Island.
During the pre- Lenten period before Ash Wednesday, there is a mass in the catholic district that kicks off the start of Cuaresma, a word meaning the beginning of death of Jesus Christ.Visitors are always welcome to participate in these events and you can fully expect to be swept up in festive atmosphere.
What are you waiting for, pick up the phone and make your reservation with Galasam, the
Tour operator with the know how to make it happen, and prepare yourself to have the most exciting Carnival celebration of your life. I can’t wait to get back again and party away in this fantastic and unique island.
For more information visit our websites:
http://www.galasam.com.ec/
http://www.stellamaris.com.ec/
http://www.galapagosscubadiving.com/
Charles Darwin Station
If you are wondering how the Galapagos Islands were named and its origin, the answer is very simple: from the tremendous amount of Galapagos turtles that inhabit the islands.
Scientists,
volunteers and students from around the world flock to the islands to study
about the majestic creature called the Galapagos turtle. Any trip to the
Galapagos islands will certainly including watching this creatures in
amazement, and what better way to learn about these magical islands including,
the conservation efforts to preserve the islands, the issues threatening the
eco-system all while having the opportunity these giant Tortoises in their
natural setting.
If you choose to stay in Puerto Ayora, before casting off in your boat of
choice, be sure to make time to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here
you will gain an amazing education of the islands' geography, eco-system, wild
life, and climate as well as a up close and personal view of some of the most
amazing wildlife that has made these islands the go to destination for some
many wild life lovers.
CharlesDarwin Research Centre is located on Santa Cruz (a very cool and one of kind
destination). The research center is a
foundation and driving force of the conservation, environmental and
biodiversity efforts to maintain the islands in their pristine state. The research center plays a crucial role
educating the public the role all must play in the conservation efforts of this
one of a kind destination
Another of the research center’s efforts is
to collect some of the tortoise eggs and raise them until they are large enough
to survive own their own. Evasive creatures such as dogs and rodents, brought
ashore from mankind, pose a threat to the young turtles, and the research
centers efforts insure a viable future for the turtles inhabiting the islands.
While visiting the research center, you can see the baby turtles being raised
before being released in the wild. Also, large orphaned pet are adopted by the
agency, and set free to roam the islands. Once released, the animals are
tracked by the research center to monitor their activities for research
purposes providing additional knowledge required to ensure the longevity of the
wild life here.
I highly recommend a visit to the research center. It offers viewing of some of
the most spectacular wild life on the planet without the zoo like feeling.
At the
end of the tour, don’t forget you’ll have some fantastic photography
opportunities where you can pose with some of the gentle giants. This is the place to come to get up close and
personal with a giant tortoise and to pose for that classic photo of a
lifetime.
If you
closely, you may notice that the tortoise has a number etched into its
carapace. I have seen people going around checking tortoises' numbers to find
their lucky to take a photo of themselves with the lucky numbered turtle. I've
already got plenty of pictures of myself, so I'm giving the next opportunity to
take the next photo with some lucky and sexy turtle.
The most notably and popular turtle in
the world was Lonesome George, the last giant turtle species who lived 130
years, but unfortunately he pasted away two years ago. Poor George!
For more information visit our websites:
Humboldt Explorer
Allow
a day or two in Guayaquil or Quito and then again on San Cristobal as a buffer,
just in case; would not want to miss the boat.
This was part of a two week trip, which included another
boat, Coral II, for land and snorkeling adventures to other islands. All good
stuff plus exploring San Cristobal and Santa Cruz on our own. But you go to dive
Wolf and Darwin. This is as I had always heard, bit, cold, tough diving. Strong
currents, most dives were get to the bottom fast then grab a rock. After
settling into a hole, or nestled against a big rock you watch the parade go by.
Hammerheads, Galapagos and Silky sharks cruise by like high school band parade.
They are generally on the edge of good visibility but somewhat regularly one
or
more will come closer to the reef for a look at us. When
working along the reef there were more morays and turtles than I have ever seen
anywhere. The morays were often out, never timid. You had to check out your rock
for scorpion fish and morays before grabbing on. Smaller fish, often in large
schools, were everywhere. Simply the greatest display of fish life I have ever
seen. The capper was a whale shark that swam through six of us as we were
ascending one morning, totally unexpected in Feb.
William and Jimmie were our dive guides, 15 divers split
into two groups. Both were bi-lingual Spanish/English, excellent divers, and
excellent spotters. DM's rotated between our groups everday. William is a superb
videographer. What he produced far surpassed any photos that the rest of us
took. He offered us the video for $50, half of which goes to a Non Profit
teaching local kids to dive. Well worth it. Boat was fine. Cabins were big
enough for two, clean, although the hanging disinfectant in the bath was
obnoxious, we threw ours away. Dive area was great, setup gear once, tanks were
refilled after every dive,pretty much everyone dove Nitrox 32. We only had to
reattach the regs and weights. Good storage for wetsuits, fins, etc. A camera
rinse tank and bench. Cabin lounge and top deck were both popular places. Good
buffet style food with plenty of variety for both protein courses and
vegies/salads. My wife thoughtthe desserts were too sweet and cloying. Unlimited
drinks at no extra charge, including a decent pina colada.
Guests were a great international mix, all fun, good
divers.
Not cheap, not easy, and worth every cent.
------------------------------------
"If you like to see large
pelagics, this is a 'must do' trip"
Humboldt Explorer in Wolf & Darwin mostly, Apr 2015
(Rpt #8220)
by W
Stanley Wilson
(Email author), MD, US. 2 reports filed. Dive Experience: 251-500
dives.
Where Else
Diving:
Caribbean, Great Barrier Reef, Kona Coast, California,
Florida Keys, Fiji, Flower Garden.
Airport: San Cristobal. Getting There:
Miami
direct to Guayaquil (or Quito), then to San Cristobal.
Galapagos Islands: Liveaboard:
386/1.004
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