Galapagos Islands - Part II, ECUADOR
Airing Date: Mar 13th, 2006
The Galapagos Islands afford a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness animals found nowhere else on the planet.
From the moment you step onto these dazzling shores you're confronted by giant tortoises basking in the sun, lava lizards darting between rocks, and frigates swooping overhead. The Galapagos Islands, a chain of rocky, highly active volcanic islands is located about 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador.
The Post Office Box was used in the old days by whalers and others to stay in touch with their loved ones at home. Leaving the letters behind in the wooden barrel, other sailors returning home took it with them.
Nowadays tourists have taken the tradition over and leave post cards behind in the barrel to be picked up later by others. It may take weeks, months or years for them to be delivered so don't send important mail!
Must -sees when you're there include a large inland lagoon, flamingos and other wading birds, sandy beach coves with turtles, rays and seabirds, and off the coast is Devil's Crown, a half submerged volcanic crater, which is also a great snorkelling site with starfish, sea urchins and tropical fish in the shallow centre and larger fish like sharks and rays outside rock area.
Further Information
Air New Zealand flies to San Francisco from $1800 ex Sydney, $1880 ex Melbourne, $1882 ex Brisbane and $2337 ex Perth. *This price includes taxes. Conditions apply
Website: www.airnewzealand.com.au
American Airlines will connect you to Quito, Ecuador from $972 return. For more information contact American Airlines on 1300 650 747
Cruises to the Galapagos Islands start at $2990 for 5 days and $3990 for 8 days. Price includes meals & guide. For details call World Expeditions on 1300 720 000
Website: www.worldexpeditions.com.au
Prices correct at 13/3/06
