In August, 2025, we travelled to the Galapagos Islands to explore the diversity of nature and the source point for Darwin’s exploration into evolution.

The islands are situated near the equator in the Pacific Ocean about 900 kilometers from the Ecuadorian coast. They were formed successively by a underwater volcanic eruptions over the last 4 million years. The tectonic plate moved over 200 kilometers east during that time. The youngest island on the west side is about 50,000 years old and is still forming. The oldest on the east side is about 3,200,000 years old. The young islands are tall and rugged with little vegetation and the older ones are rounded and vegetated. Some are no longer islands but just the top of a crater sticking out of the water.

This diversity of landscape has resulted in each island having uniquely evolved species and sub-species as individuals changed to meet the challenges of the local environment. Igaunas, giant tortoises and birds all developed new adaptations on each island. It is fascinating to see all of this in such a small place.

The real highlight of travelling to the Galapagos is underwater. We snorkelled with sharks, sea turtles, rays and sea lions. The young sea lions are very curious and swam around us playing with each other and checking us out. Here is a link to an underwater video on my you-tube page.