On Flashback Fridays I reflect back on some past travels before I started this blog. Follow at #FlashbackFri.
Weird birds with blue feet, giant tortoises, dragons and menacing sharks - No, I am not talking about a mystical world. I am talking about a place that actually exists on earth. To be precise 926km west of continental Ecuador - The Galapagos Islands.
Ever since I heard about these mysterious islands during my evolution classes at high school I wanted to visit them. The Galapagos Islands have a vast amount of endemic species, which means that they don’t live anywhere else in the world. Most have adapted to life on the islands through evolution and you can therefore see all kinds of weird and wonderful creatures, from blue footed boobies (yes they are really called that), to frigate birds, giant tortoises, sea and land iguanas, sea lions, whales and so many more. So ten years after I first heard about the Galapagos Islands I finally had the chance to visit them as part of my Ecuador trip. I will let the pictures do the rest of the talking though:
Baby blue footed boobie
Adult blue footed boobie
Watch out for those sea iguanas randomly roaming the streets
Land iguana
Luckily this fella is a vegetarian
Getting up close to a giant tortoise
The Galapagos giant tortoise was Steven Spielberg’s inspiration to E.T.
This was lonesome George, the last left of this particular species of tortoises. He sadly died last year, meaning his species is now extinct.
Have you ever been to the Galapagos Islands? What is the weirdest animal you have ever seen?
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No, I have not had the privilege to visit the Galápagos Islands yet, but it is definitely on my wish list. I enjoyed seeing your pictures, especially the curious/hungry sea lion.
Joanne Joseph recently posted…Picture of the day – Falling leaf
Thanks so much Joanne! Glad you enjoyed the photos. He was so cheeky and eventually got some leftover fish heads from the vendor.
No, I’ve not been - and would love to. The monitor lizards on the islands off the east coast of Malaysia are pretty wierd!
Just checked them on Google. They really are weird. 🙂
I’ve never been to the Galapagos, but those blue footed boobies look so unique. And man, I sure wouldn’t want to run into a sea iguana while swimming at the beach!
Dana Carmel @ Time Travel Plans recently posted…Notes on Turkish Carpet Weavers
Ha ha, they look scary don’t they?
I’m so jealous! I’ve always wanted to visit the Galapagos! Something about all the Darwin associations makes this area so mysterious and fascinating for me. I can’t believe how brightly blue the birds’ feet are!
Jessica recently posted…A Tale of Two Towns: Magome and Tsumago
It is really mysterious Jess and I loved those blue feet too! They are incredible, aren’t they?
Wow..you have captured great photos..really amazing
Thanks Tyana! Glad you enjoyed the photos.
TammyOnTheMove recently posted…Flashback Friday: The Galapagos islands in photos
Amazing photos. I love the little creatures. We almost went to Galapagos this year. Time was not on our side. Sooner than!
Teri recently posted…A full cup of “Pura Vida”!
Thanks Teri. We nearly didn’t go for budget reasons, but I am so glad we did. It was worth every penny.
TammyOnTheMove recently posted…Flashback Friday: The Galapagos islands in photos
I went last month and it was magical! Seeing albatrosses feeding their chicks was special as well as seeing giant tortoises in the wild
Jimmy Dau recently posted…Galapagos Islands Day 2 - Genovesa (Tower) Island and Charles Darwin Bay.
Glad you got to go Jimmy. It is definitely one of the most special places I have ever been to.
TammyOnTheMove recently posted…Flashback Friday: The Galapagos islands in photos
A visit to the Galapagos islands has been on my wish list ever since I first read about HMS Beagle’s journey. The lizards in your photos look downright terrifying though - like something out of a mid-50’s Japanese monster movie. Nonetheless, would still fancy a visit. After all, what’s not to like in a place with so many boobies? (sorry, sorry…). Safe travels!
Lunaguava recently posted…Capture the Color 2013
Ha ha, you can even buy T-Shirts there that say ‘I love boobies’. 🙂
TammyOnTheMove recently posted…Flashback Friday: The Galapagos islands in photos
Lots of animals and a nice tune..All photos are so fabulous and full of adventure.. I must say it is your best trip and really enjoyed by exploring this post..I would really wish to visit these islands..
Thanks so much Carla. That means a lot!
Now I’m not too big on nature, but I’d love to go on a trip to the Galapagos! If only to constantly giggle at the name Blue-Footed Boobie…
Tom @ Waegook Tom recently posted…What Am I Doing In England?
I was so tempted to buy a T-Shirt that said ‘I love boobies’ Tom. 🙂
Wow - these animals are just amazing. Sad we didn’t get to Galapagos when we were in SA
Andrea recently posted…Houston Restaurants: Underbelly
Gives you a good reason to go back Andrea! 🙂
Guys, I’m so so so jealous! The Galapagos Islands are on my bucket list and seeing these cute baby blue footed boobie just make me wanna go there right now!
Agness recently posted…Thessaloniki On Less Than $25 A Day
I think they were my favourite animals actually. The baby was so cute!
TammyOnTheMove recently posted…My Cambodia homestay experience
Makes me miss the Galapagos!
Ayngelina recently posted…How to Make Pancetta in 30 Seconds
I know, me too!
Aww, so beautiful! I have always dreamed of visiting the Galapagos. So great that you were able to see Lonesome George before he passed away! The poor little thing…well very big thing!
Steph | DiscoveringIce.com recently posted…Photo of the Week: Diwali Celebrations in New Delhi, India
Thanks Steph. I am really pleased that saw George actually. He was so cute!
Definitely digging the blue feet. …almost as much as the big tortoises.
northierthanthou recently posted…Damn the Science Exhibit; We’re Looking at Dioramas!
Agreed! How can you not adore those big blue feet? 🙂
Beautiful photos! Gotta add the Galapagos islands in my destination list.
Shaun Hoobler recently posted…app dev secrets
Thank you Shaun. Oh you definitely should. It is the most amazing place I have ever been to!
What a nice experience, I cant wait to go there, so much diversity!! Look at those blue legs!!
Alex recently posted…Hack Your Airfare to Asia: Taiwan Edition
I love those blue legs too. So cute, right?