The Fascinating History of the Galapagos Islands
When pondering what is the history of the Galapagos Islands, there are quite a few questions that may come to mind. For instance, how did those unique species come to inhabit the archipelago? How long have the islands been there? When did humans first arrive in the Galapagos? Each of these questions speaks to a different aspect of the Galapagos Islands’ history, its natural and geological origins, and the presence of humans on the islands. In this blog, we’ll focus on answering these questions and offering some more valuable insights.
First, a quick overview: The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic origins located about 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. Their latitude extends over the equator. This unique cluster of islands is famed for its unparalleled natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and rare species that can’t be found anywhere else on Earth. The islands have captivated the imagination of scientists, nature enthusiasts, and travelers alike, offering a glimpse into a world where nature has flourished largely untouched by human influence.
Formation
Considering the history of the Galapagos Islands, not all the islands emerged at the same time. In fact, the eastern Galapagos Islands of Española and San Cristóbal were likely the first of these to form. The tectonic plate upon which the Galapagos rests is called the Nazca plate. As the Galapagos Conservancy explains on its website, this tectonic plate has been gradually shifting in an easterly direction, which has played an important role in forming this group of islands over approximately five million years.
The youngest islands, located furthest west, could be well under a million years old. This being the case, they also happen to be the ones with the most recent volcanic activity. On March 3, 2024, La Cumbre volcano on Fernandina Island began erupting. This would be its third eruption in the past decade, having also registered activity in 2018 and 2020.
This geological process has created a landscape that is as diverse as it is beautiful, with each island boasting its own unique ecosystem.
Discovery
The islands were officially discovered by Fray Tomás de Berlanga, Bishop of Panama, in March of 1535. Currents inadvertently carried his ship further west to the islands while trying to navigate south to Peru. His account of the islands—an important point in the history of the Galapagos Islands—remarks about giant tortoises and otherworldly terrain, as well as the challenges of locating water and the general inhospitable nature of the islands.
Coincidentally, Galapagos began appearing on maps and charts around the mid-16th century. And, as pirates, fishermen, and others began visiting and depleting many of the islands’ resources, the archipelago suffered devastating consequences. Large swathes of the fur seal and giant tortoise populations began disappearing along with countless sea creatures like lobsters, whales, groupers, and more. This is, after all, an example of how economic interests, when not aligned with the well-being of the destination and its native and endemic species, can result in a rather exploitative culture.
As colonists gradually began arriving on the islands, ecosystems began changing, especially near the shores and in the highlands of inhabited islands like Santa Cruz, Isabela, Baltra, San Cristóbal, and Floreana. This was because new species of plants and animals began arriving with these new visitors.
However, science is arguably the reason why these majestic islands are now so well protected and cared for. You see, explorers and scientists have always been drawn to the Galapagos, the site of so many groundbreaking scientific discoveries! (This is also a huge part of the history of the Galapagos Islands.) It was here that Charles Darwin, during his visit aboard the HMS Beagle in 1835, observed the unique adaptations of plant and animal species, cataloging and studying them.
Upon arriving back in England, Charles Darwin was able to make more sense of his research and documented it in his pivotal work, On the Origin of Species, which he published in 1859. This is known as one of the most important scientific works in that it offered us his Theory of Evolution—that species evolve over time, adapting to constant and unexpected changes.
Darwin was just the first of several scientists that have helped the world understand the importance of protecting and studying these fragile and incredible ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. Today, the Galapagos are home to several giant tortoise breeding centers scattered across a few of the islands, plus one of the most renowned scientific investigation facilities in the Americas, the Charles Darwin Research Station. Most importantly, 97% of the Galapagos Islands comprises the Galapagos National Park. It is the authority in the islands and, as such, is charged with protecting and preserving this incredible place.
Unique Flora and Fauna
The Galapagos Islands are home to an extraordinary array of flora and fauna that is as diverse as it is unique. This archipelago serves as a haven for species that exist nowhere else on Earth. Among the most iconic inhabitants are the giant tortoises and the Galapagos penguin—the only penguin species found north of the equator. Add to these a variety of bird species, such as the flightless cormorant, Nazca booby, great and magnificent frigatebirds, American flamingo, and the Darwin finch, just to name a few. The flora is equally special, with species like the lava and the prickly pear cacti thriving in an often harsh volcanic landscape. Iguanas also abound and vary, from the aquatically agile marine iguana to the endemic Santa Fe land iguana, and from the more traditional land iguana to the nearly extinct Galapagos pink land iguana.
Conservation Efforts and Tourism Impact
Recognizing the unique ecological value of the Galapagos Islands, significant conservation efforts have been made to preserve their natural beauty and biodiversity. The Galapagos National Park’s efforts have been crucial in maintaining the islands’ pristine condition. Part of their work involves approving and coordinating site visits by expedition tours to various sites throughout the islands. So, when you travel aboard an expedition cruise, for instance, your ship’s itinerary has been carefully planned and coordinated in collaboration with the GNP. This process helps monitor the number of visitors to the park and, more specifically, to each individual site. Every ship must carry a certified naturalist guide (or several). No one is allowed to visit the park without a Park-certified naturalist guide, and excursion groups are limited to 16 people per guide. The best expedition cruises offer much smaller ratios of up to 11 or 12 guests per guide, as is the case with Yacht Isabela II and Yacht La Pinta.
There is a strong trend to make this type of nature-based or eco-tourism as sustainable as possible. And this type of tourism helps fund many of the region’s important preservation efforts. You can read more about the positive impact of ecotourism here.
Current Status and Preservation Efforts
The Galapagos Islands have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, acknowledging their global significance and the need for ongoing preservation efforts. Conservation initiatives continue to focus on protecting the islands’ unique ecosystems from threats such as invasive species and climate change. These efforts ensure that Galapagos remains a haven for wildlife and a beacon of natural beauty and scientific importance.
A Unique History
The Galapagos Islands’ history stands as a testament to the wonder of the natural world, showcasing the beauty of evolution and the importance of conservation. From their volcanic origins to their ongoing efforts to preserve this unique ecosystem, the Galapagos Islands hold a special place in both scientific history and the hearts of those who visit. Their story is a reminder of the delicate balance between nature and human impact, showing the importance of preserving such irreplaceable treasures for future generations.