About Where is Galápagos Islands Located
Explore the map to locate Galápagos Islands on world map, They are an archipelago (an extensive group of islands) of volcanic islands. Galápagos Islands are scattered in the Pacific Ocean on each side of the equator, encompassing the centre of the earth's Western Hemisphere, and are region of the Republic of Ecuador. Located 563 mi (906 km) west of continental Ecuador, they are well-known for their huge number of endemic species that were researched by Charles Darwin all along the 2nd HMS Beagle voyage. His researches and observations leads to the initiation of Darwin's theory of evolution through natural selection.
Location of Galápagos Islands in the World
The Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of more than 200 islands, rocks and coastlines in the eastern Pacific Ocean about 620 miles/1,000 km west of the mainland of Ecuador in South America. All of the Galápagos Islands are part of Ecuador and make up the Galápagos Province, which is situated on the equator. The unique wildlife, volcanic landscapes and the influence this island group had on the work of Charles Darwin have all gained international recognition. The 7,970 km2/3,077 sq mi Galápagos Islands archipelago comprises 13 large islands, 6 medium-sized islands and over 200 lesser islands, islets and rocks. The remote location of this area has enabled it to develop into one of the most unique and special eco-systems in the world.
Where Are the Galápagos Islands Located on the World Map?
Galápagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of South America and the country of Ecuador. The geographical center of the Galápagos Islands is approximately at 0.7° S latitude and 90.5° W longitude. Note that the Galápagos Islands are spread out over the two hemispheres.
From the coast of Ecuador the Galápagos Islands are some 970–1,000 km (603–621 miles) out in the Pacific Ocean, far from the large landmasses of the earth.
The Equator crosses Isabela Island, so some parts of the Galapagos are in the Northern Hemisphere, while others are in the Southern Hemisphere. The unique geography of the Galapagos contributes to its special environment.
Which Country Do the Galápagos Islands Belong To?
The Galápagos Islands are a part of Ecuador (a country in Northwestern South America) and are divided into the Galápagos Province (1 of 24 provinces in Ecuador).
The capital of Galápagos Province is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, located on San Cristóbal Island. The biggest town, with tourist facilities and a commercial port, is Puerto Ayora, located on Santa Cruz Island.
There are four islands with established human settlements: Santa Cruz Island, San Cristóbal Island, Isabela Island and Floreana Island. As Ecuadorian territory, these islands are far from the main land of Ecuador, but still part of it.
Geography and Major Islands of the Galápagos Archipelago
Largest and Most Important Islands
ß The Galápagos Islands are a chain of volcanic islands. Their geological origin is due to tectonic activity caused by a hotspot within the Nazca tectonic plate.
Isabela Island is the largest island with a surface of approximately 4,588 square km (1,771 sq mi). Several volcanoes are located on Isabela Island, the biggest one being Wolf Volcano, the highest point in the Galápagos Islands, approximately 1,707m / 5,600ft above sea level.
Many of the other major Galapagos Islands include Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Fernandina, Santiago, Floreana, Española and Baltra. Every island of the Galapagos is entirely unique and displays an assortment of landscapes such as volcanic craters and lava fields of earlier eruptions, beautiful sandy beaches and even highland forests and gutters.
Climate and Ocean Currents
The Galápagos Islands are a tropical archipelago greatly affected by the surrounding ocean currents. Their temperature varies with season, but generally ranges from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) depending on the altitude of the land.
Galápagos’ marine environment is influenced by the cool Humboldt Current, warm Panama Current, and nutrient-rich Cromwell Current. This combination of currents provides an exceptional diversity of marine species including sea turtles, sharks, rays, and even marine iguanas.
Wildlife and Ecological Importance of the Galápagos Islands
Galápagos is famous worldwide for its rich biodiversity and the high percentage of endemic species that live there.
Many of the island creatures have long since evolved unique characteristics in order to survive on the Galápagos. Tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Galápagos penguins and the famous Darwin’s finches all inhabit the islands.
British naturalist Charles Darwin traveled to the Galápagos Islands in 1835 on the HMS Beagle. Upon returning home, his time on the islands aided in the evolution of his famous theory of evolution by natural selection through observations of the wildlife residing on the islands.
The Galápagos Islands were one of the very first natural sites to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, in 1978.
Galápagos National Park and Marine Reserve
Galápagos National Park was established in 1959 and covers 97% of the land area of the Galápagos Islands, such as the area marked for human settlement and agriculture, totaling 3% of the land area.
UNESCO World Heritage describes the Galápagos Marine Reserve that surrounds the Galápagos Islands to be approximately 133,000 km² (51,351 sq mi) in size.
These protected areas are sites where unique ecosystems are being conserved. They also support scientific research, environmental education and controlled tourism.
How to Reach the Galápagos Islands
Most visitors arrive in the Galápagos by flying from Quito or Guayaquil in mainland Ecuador. The flights arrive at Seymour Airport on Baltra Island and San Cristóbal Airport on San Cristóbal Island.
Transportation within the islands can be provided by authorized operators who offer land transfers to nearby towns and conservation sites. Galápagos cruises and land excursions can offer visitors a chance to explore many of the Galápagos Islands under guided control.
Why Is the Location of the Galápagos Islands Important?
The Galápagos Islands are a unique place for the development of species and ecosystems. Located far out in the Pacific Ocean near the equator, the Galápagos benefit from the main ocean currents, enabling an exceptional variety of terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
The Galápagos Islands are currently a location for scientific study, wildlife conservation and ecotourism. Because of their unique biodiversity and isolated location, the Galápagos Islands are one of the most unique island locations worldwide.
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