The Galapagos Islands are one of the most famous remote destinations in the world. Traveling to the archipelago can be a real challenge, but nothing is impossible, especially if you decide to travel to the Galapagos Islands by private jet.
Located about 1,000 km from the coast of Ecuador, the country to which they belong, and made up of 13 large islands, 9 small islands, and 107 islets. The Galapagos Islands are a remote and exclusive destination in the Pacific Ocean.
Its 13 largest islands exceed 10 km2 each. The largest is Isabela Island, which concentrates more than half of the land surface of the entire archipelago. It is also the only one that crosses the equator line.
The Galapagos Islands are the second most active volcanic islands in the world, after Hawaii. Its highest point is the Wolf volcano with 1707 meters high. The Archipelago is located at the confluence of three large ocean currents, which tend to push away everything that floats, which favored isolation.
Due to a large number of endemic species, the Galapagos are a great symbol of biodiversity on earth. It is that not only do we find animals or plants that are not found anywhere else in the world, but the species vary from one island to another.
HISTORY OF THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS.
The English scientist Charles Darwin found the Galapagos one of his most relevant visits to develop his theory of the evolution of species. It was the observation of so many unique animals that influenced the development of his research.
The first recorded settler was known in the 19th century. It was the Irishman Patrick Watkins who was stranded on Floreana Island and lived in isolation for 2 years.
In 1832 the islands have officially declared the territory of Ecuador and the population began to increase. During this period of growth, Floreana and San Cristóbal Islands were turned into open-air prisons due to their natural isolation and there being no way to escape. These natural prisons lasted only a few years.
During World War II, the United States settled on Isabela Island, since from there it could have control over the Panama Canal. After the war ended, Ecuadorian President José María Velasco Ibarra decided to use the facilities as a prison. Currently, you can see the wall of tears, built by the prisoners between 1946 and 1959.
The second half of the 20th century meant a change for the islands, in 1959 the National Park was created, which covers 97% of the territory. From there, the care of biodiversity and the conservation of unique species began to be increasingly prioritized, so much so that UNESCO considered them a world heritage site in 1978.
WHAT TO DO IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS?
Year after year the number of tourists entering the archipelago has increased. For the year 1989, there were approximately 40,000 tourists per year. Thirty years later, according to the official data available for 2019, 270,000 tourists visited the islands.
The Galapagos have abundant biodiversity, landscapes, animals, and plants found on each island are unique. There are dozens of activities to do in this beautiful archipelago and hundreds of wonderful things to see, so much so that a single trip is not enough to cover it completely.
Do Diving And Snorkeling
A few meters from the San Cristóbal archipelago there is an incredible rock called “sleeping lion” or Kicker’s Rock, in whose crack you can experience one of the best snorkels and dives in the world. Around it are a large number of different species of fish, sea turtles, rays, white-tip sharks, and hammerhead sharks. An important detail is that, since Las Islas is located in the Pacific Ocean, the water is very cold, but the guide team is prepared to assist as soon as you get out of the water.
In the Bartolomé and Darwin Islands, you can also dive and snorkel, and enjoy beautiful underwater views, which will show you the wonders of the ocean and its diverse species. It is an experience worth living and enjoying in all its splendor.
Walk with the largest turtles on earth
Only in the Galapagos Islands can you see and walk alongside Giant Tortoises. This species of turtle weighing up to 250 kg and 2 meters in length can live up to 150 years.
The image of the Galapagos Islands is the portrait of a giant tortoise named George, who passed away in 2012 and became the symbol of the islands.
A vast majority of these tortoises live in forests. Although there are also farms for breeding this species where you can enjoy a guided tour and learn everything about this magnificent species.
Visit the only Red Sand Island of the Archipelago
Rábida Island differs from the rest of the islands as it is famous for its eroded hills, volcanic craters, and red beaches, a result of the high levels of iron present in the surrounding cliffs and rocks.
You can hike a trail inland from the beach to further enjoy the moon-like landscapes. On this island, you will be able to observe sea lions and iguanas resting on the sand and in the caves.
The saltwater lagoon is located behind the beach where you will be able to see the flocks of pink flamingos. These beautiful specimens feed there for more than 7 hours a day, eating pink shrimp larvae and other aquatic critters.
Meet the blue-footed booby
This is another of the emblematic animals of the Islands. The blue-footed booby is a unique bird, easily recognized thanks to its blue-colored patent feet.
His portrait has become, along with that of the turtles, a stamp for souvenirs and t-shirts for visitors to the islands.
You can see them in all their splendor on Isabela Island or North Seymour, where you can see up close that their legs are an intense light blue color.
Discover biodiversity
Wherever you turn in the Galapagos Islands there will be something new to see and discover. It is undoubtedly a special and ideal place for adventurers and nature lovers.
In its seas, you can enjoy a great diversity of fish, dolphins, manta rays, hammerhead sharks, starfish, sea turtles, white tip sharks, seahorses, sea lions, and even penguins, among other species that inhabit the seabed.
On its beaches, you will be able to see iguanas, turtles, and sea lions resting and sunbathing next to the waves.
Once on land, the Galapagos offer incredible views, volcanoes, lava tunnels, and walks to enjoy nature at its best.
There are endless activities to do on these incredible islands that will undoubtedly be a wonderful experience.
TRAVEL TO THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS BY PRIVATE JET
Visiting the Galapagos Islands is a longing for many. But few know that this exclusive Pacific destination is closer than they think when taking a private flight
Traveling to the Galapagos Islands is not a trip that you can decide to do from one day to the next, since they are a protected area. Trips to the Islands must be made at least 15 days in advance, during which time the flight permits are processed.
At South American Jets, the safety of our passengers is our priority. To fly to the Galapagos Islands, our team takes into account that there is no fuel-filling station on the islands, so private aircraft must be long-range, which allows the plane to have the capacity to go to the Galapagos and return to their starting base.
How much does it cost to travel to the Galapagos Islands by Private Jet?
Since the only way to get to know the Islands is by plane, private flights represent a great advantage, maintaining the privacy and comfort of traveling with the people you choose, and carrying the luggage you want, such as equipment for going snorkeling.
Below, we show you estimated prices to travel to and from the Islands, with a stay of 5 days. Considering that sometimes 5 days are not enough to enjoy all the wonders that this remote place has to offer, even if it is a short time, it is worth knowing.
The cost of the trip departing from Bogotá to Guayaquil and then to the Galapagos in the Super Midsize Jet category jet, Gulfstream G200, with a capacity for 10 people, is approximately USD 118,500. Flight time is around 4 hours due to stops.
You can also depart from Argentina, in a Gulfstream G-IV aircraft that is of the Heavy jet category, and which is considered to be a more optimal jet, with a maximum capacity of 14 passengers. The travel route would be from Buenos Aires to Guayaquil and from Guayaquil to San Cristóbal Island, the approximate value would be USD 132,290.
Traveling to the Galapagos Islands in a private jet gives you the security, comfort, and peace of mind that you can enjoy your vacation, with the certainty that our operations team together with the crew will take care of all the necessary details to make your flight, one of the best experiences. Quote your flight here
Thanks for sharing this amazing post with us. Very informative and well described post it was.