The
Galapagos Islands are the tips of ancient volcanoes emerging from
the ocean's surface. Life has evolved separately on these islands
from the rest of South America, and the animals on each island also
vary from one another. Daily excursions onto the islands from the
cruise ships
allow you to walk among the endemic species and observe their way
of life. The terrain, mostly dry and low lying, varies from cacti
to mangroves. Unusual species such as the giant tortoise, Galapagos
penguin, Galapagos hawk, marine iguanas and frigate birds populate
the islands.