Galapagos Islands Landmarks

Getting closer to wildlife than at any other place on the planet, on islands where animals have no fear of humans.

 Viewing the mesmerizing courtship “dance” of the blue-footed booby, in which the two birds lift one foot, then the other, and peck at each other with their bills.

 Snorkeling among sea lions, sea turtles, barracuda, and (harmless) sharks in crystal-clear, warm waters.

 Spotting the world’s most northerly -- and some of the world’s smallest -- penguins, frolicking in the water.

 Marveling at sleek black frigate birds – known as the “pirates of the sea” – as they swoop down and steal food out of other birds’ mouths.

 Stepping carefully amid hundreds of marine iguanas as they emerge from the sea where they’ve been feeding, then scurry up on the rocks to dry out.

 Watching as colorful red-orange Sally Lightfoot crabs skitter across a shallow tide pool.

 Climbing a volcanic hill via boardwalk for a panoramic view, which astronaut Buzz Aldrin once compared to a moonscape.

 Sharing a field with dozens of giant tortoises as they inch along, looking like they just emerged from the dinosaur era.

Visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station and learning about his amazing discoveries.