Core Expeditions, LLC
253 Craven Drive
Thomasville, NC - 27360
336.329.8112
 info@coreexpeditions.com

info@coreexpeditions.com

Bartolome
Espanola
Floreana
Genovesa
Isabela
Plaza Sur
San Cristobal
Santa Cruz
Santa Fe
Seymour Norte

The Galapagos Archipelago, a collection of seventy islands dubbed a "living laboratory" is home to several unique species: golden land and blue-green marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises. The archipelago is situated at the confluence of three distinct ocean currents, which forms a unique marine environment where both temperate and tropical marine life thrive. One in four marine species is unique to the Galapagos.

1979 UNESCO World Heritage Site

1989 CEDAM International
1 of the 7 Underwater Wonders of the World

In 1959, the Galapagos Islands were established as a National Park by the Ecuadorian government in a major preservation attempt. Settlements were limited to those already existing and many islands were closed completely to tourism. Presently, out of the 70 islands, only 13 are opened to tourism.   In 1964, the Charles Darwin Research Station was built on Santa Cruz Island in an attempt to understand and preserve the delicate ecosystems here. In 1986, the Marine Research Reserve was established to help in the restoration efforts.

1992 Whale Sanctuary

1998 Marine Reserve, one of the largest in the world, includes all waters surround the islands to a distance of 40 nautical miles.

1 in 4 marine species endemic

Bartolome Volcanic formations carve a surreal technicolor landscape offering breathtaking vistas from Pinnacle Rock. Amid the black shores, you'll find indigenous miniature Galapagos penguins patrolling the shore as red sally lightfoot crabs scuttle about.

Charles Darwin developed his theory "Origins of Species" based on the islands

Animals unique to the islands: marine and land iguanas (herbivores), 6 species of giant tortoise, 85 different species of birds including flightless cormorants, boobies, finches and penguins

Espanola is the southernmost island in the archipelago and also the most isolated. It offers a high proportion of endemic fauna, most notedly the Waved Albatross. There are approximately 10 to 12,000 pairs on Espanola. Their mating rituals rival that of the blue-footed booby.

Floreana is visited not only for its animals but for its interesting human history - the post office bay, the mysterious disappearance of a baroness and her lover and the Wittmer’s. Floreana is one of the few islands with a reliable supply of fresh water, an artesian spring at the base of Cerro Olympus in the lush southeast highlands. The long history of settlement has adversely affected the native flora and fauna. The Floreana race of giant tortoises was extinct by 1846. However, flamingos may still be seen in Flamingo Bay and sea turtles may be seen nesting on the beach near Cormorant Point.

Genovesa is known as the “bird island”.  Darwin Bay Beach is filled with frigate birds and their bustling activity. Everywhere you look there is a bird, masked boobies on the ground, red -footed Boobies in the trees along with other sea birds such as lava gulls, pintail ducks, yellow crowned and lava herons and whimbrels.

Isabela is the largest island in the Galapagos composed of six shield volcanoes that have merged into a land mass. The largest and most active volcano resides in the highlands, Sierra Negra located on the southern part of Isabela Island. It boasts the second largest caldera in the world. Visitors are transported into a surreal volcanic world of active fumaroles and breathtaking black volcanic soil.  There are two small towns in Isabela, Puerto Villamil on the coast and Santo Tomas in the highlands.

Plaza Sur The shore lines are controlled by a colony of sea lions basking lazily in the sun, a few looking curiously at the new visitors. Overlooking the interior, the land iguana searches for shade to hide from the hot sun. Stand like a cactus tree and watch as land iguanas use your shadow as shade.

San Cristobal is the eastern most island in the Galapagos.  The town of Puerto Baquerizo now welcomes visitors to its new Interpretation Center, an excellent starting point to introduce visitors to the Galapagos Islands. San Cristobal has the only permanent freshwater lake in the islands. El Junco is located in the highlands of San Cristobal. The hike to the lake rewards visitors with changing landscapes as we move through different vegetation zones.  Isla Lobos just North of San Cristobal takes its name from the playful sea lions that swim and bathe in the channel. Also a nesting ground for blue-footed boobies.

Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the Galapagos. The town of Puerto Ayora is the tourist center of the Archipelago with the largest population of the four inhabited islands (San Cristobal, Isabela, Floreana and Santa Cruz). The Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park offices are based here.  The station functions also as a tortoise breeding and rearing center where tortoises of different subspecies are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats.

Santa Fe As the yacht drifts quietly into the clear blue waters of the bay, visitors are welcomed by the strange figures of Opuntia cactus trees. Santa Fe, the oldest island in the archipelago is a sanctuary for the dragons of the Galapagos, the land and marine iguanas. Snorkel in the bay as curious sea lions come join in the play. A sea turtle or a white-tipped shark may swim by.

Seymour Norte  A bird watchers delight, catch the blue-footed boobies dancing, stumble across the largest township of frigate birds. Watch as the male frigate birds inflate their red breasts vying for female attention. Other inhabitants include the ever-present land iguanas, swallow tailed gulls, pelicans, and red-billed tropic birds.

info@coreexpeditions.com