Human History

  • March 14, 2018

    British Science Week Special – Exploration and Discovery by Beth Byrne »

    This week we’re delighted to celebrate British Science Week (9th-18th March 2018) and where better to dive into the theme of Exploration and Discovery than the Galapagos Islands? Charles Darwin travelled to Galapagos during his voyage on the Beagle 183 years ago. His experience on the Islands inspired him to develop his “theory of evolution”. read more

  • November 7, 2017

    The need for sustainable tourism practices in Galapagos by Ben Stockwell »

    As the birthplace of Darwin’s theory of evolution, and with one of the highest rates of endemism in the world, the argument for conserving the unique flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands may appear to be straightforward. Putting aside the intrinsic value of nature and our moral duty to preserve it, the findings made read more

  • August 5, 2016

    Treasure Islands! From Pirates to UNESCO »

    When we say that something is near or far, we usually do so in comparison to other things or other points of reference. When it comes to locating areas of land or sea, the science that places them on maps, called cartography, has been very useful to guide people on their travels. When it comes read more

  • January 30, 2015

    Galapagos Cargo Ships: Recent Ship Groundings »

    On the 28th of January 2015 the cargo ship  Floreana ran aground just off Baquerizo Moreno. En-route from San Cristobal to Puerto Ayora, the ship was carrying 1,400 tons of cargo consisting of mostly food and gas cylinders. Holding 50 tons of fuel, authorities have set up oil booms as a precaution whilst authorities attempt to remove the fuel as read more

    Grounded Ship Banner (©Heidi Snell)
  • October 12, 2014

    Patrick Watkins: The first man to call Galapagos home »

    Not much is known about Patrick Watkins, save for the fact that he was marooned on the island of Floreana in 1807. For two years he lived feral, growing vegetables on a two-acre plot of land in a small valley. He became known for trading his vegetables for rum from passing ships and according to read more

    Galapagos People: Captain Porter