Video recording of Celebrity Cruises Destination Seminar – Galapagos
In order to help travel enthusiasts gain a better understanding of the Galapagos Islands, Celebrity Cruise line hosted an online webinar about the Galapagos Islands on 30 April 2024. The webinar was led by Camila Madero, the Lead Communications Specialist for the Galapagos Cruise Tour of Celebrity Cruises Inc. She provided a comprehensive overview and shared information about the unique beauty and rich sights of the Galapagos Islands.
• Medium of instruction: English
Galapagos
Galapagos belongs to Ecuador and is a truly unique place where each island has its own distinct ecological environment—a must-visit in one's lifetime! In this extraordinary ecosystem, you can have up-close encounters with ancient giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies, as well as hike through otherworldly volcanic landscapes. Following in Darwin's footsteps, you'll be closer to the natural world than ever before.
Galapagos played a crucial role in Darwin's writing of "On the Origin of Species," earning it the names "Darwin's Island" or the "Islands of Evolution." The wildlife on these islands has evolved in isolation, with some species found nowhere else, and many of them are endangered. In Galapagos, everything feels primordial, as if you've entered another world—it will undoubtedly broaden your horizons!
Many people choose to explore the different islands by taking a cruise, and Celebrity Cruises is one of the renowned companies that offers Galapagos tours with extensive experience. Their itineraries include various onshore excursions such as snorkeling, exploring volcanic valleys, kayaking, and hiking, allowing you to be in close proximity to the natural world. You'll encounter plant species that can't be found elsewhere and have face-to-face interactions with fearless wildlife. Expert guides will accompany you on hikes to explore these remarkable landscapes.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Island is the largest island in the Galapagos Archipelago and serves as the main transportation hub to the surrounding islands. It offers convenient beaches and off-the-beaten-path highlands, perfect for adventurous activities. On this land, you can encounter adorable seals, sea lions, and penguins while marveling at the magnificent island landscapes.
The volcanic crater on Santa Cruz Island is incredibly deep, allowing you to imagine the spectacular sight of an erupting volcano. Every year, hundreds of visitors flock here to witness the breathtaking spectacle of hot lava erupting from the volcano's crater and flowing down the slopes. Standing at the edge of the crater, you can see the traces of lava streaming towards the ocean shortly after the eruption, truly experiencing the power of nature.
Espanola Island
Espanola Island is the southernmost island in the Galapagos Archipelago and is estimated to be over 4 million years old by geologists! It is the sole known breeding site for the waved albatross globally and is home to a rich and diverse array of unique species, including the Espanola mockingbird and Espanola lava lizard. The waved albatross is currently in a critically endangered state, and its population is closely monitored with conservation measures in place to protect their habitat within the national park.
Gardner Bay
Gardner Bay boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos Islands, with its expansive white coral sand that is truly breathtaking. It is the perfect spot on the entire archipelago to sit back, relax, and marvel at the surrounding wildlife spectacle. On the beach, it's easy to spot Galapagos sea lions and Galapagos mockingbirds. Moreover, in the shallow waters, you can often observe the stunning Galapagos green turtles, along with a variety of colorful coral reef fish, making Gardner Bay an ideal location for swimming and snorkeling.
Isabela Island
Isabela Island is one of the most volcanically active places in the Galapagos Islands, renowned for its volcanic activity. Located in the center of the archipelago, it has five volcanic craters, two of which are still active. Between the volcanic craters and the coastal sandy areas, there is a hilly region covered with forests, vines, and orchids. The island is unique and is home to flightless cormorants and penguins.
Penguins are often associated with Antarctica. However, due to the influence of two cold currents on the Galapagos Islands, the water temperature there is much lower than in other equatorial regions. As a result, the Galapagos Islands provide a habitat for Galapagos penguins, the only species of penguins that can live in the equatorial region. It is precisely because of this that the cold-sensitive penguins have found a suitable living environment in the Galapagos Islands.
Floreana
Floreana, formerly the capital of the Galapagos Islands, holds a wealth of human historical stories. It is one of the oldest islands that served as a resting place for pirates after plundering the South American coast. Puerto Ayora not only offers abundant wildlife and scenic exploration but is also one of the world's top snorkeling destinations.
Here, you'll find lagoons and mangroves, which serve as habitats for flamingos, stilts, and white-cheeked pintail ducks. Cormorant Point is an excellent location for observing flamingos. During the breeding season, you can witness their courtship dances and remarkable nesting activities.