Nature

The volcanic islands are spread over both sides of the equator in the Pacific Ocean, and they are home to some truly unique and staggeringly beautiful species of birds and animals. They played a key role in Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, and a lot of the animals have evolved specifically to the climate and temperament of the island they are living on.Take a look at our favourite photos..

The red-billed tropicbird isn't endemic to the islands, but it is one of the more beautiful sea birds around. One of the most fascinating contrasts is watching it on land when, like other seabirds, it looks at its most clumsy. It almost crawls on its belly using its wing. But in the air, it is the picture of elegance.

Isabela was named after the Queen of Spain, and is the largest island in the Galapagos. It's also one of the youngest, formed a million years ago from six volcanos. Five of these volcanos are still active, which makes this one of the most volcanic places on Earth.
 
Kicker rock, also called the sleeping lion for its resemblance to, er, a sleeping lion, is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset. During the day, the clear waters reveal spectacular marine life.


 Pictured is a boat of tourists watching blue-footed boobies dive for fish.






Darwin Lake is a small salt water lagoon near Tagus Cove, and was thought to have been formed by a tidal wave when a volcano erupted. It is fascinating in that it is above sea level and is twice as salty as sea water.