Great Bird Island, lying just off Antigua’s northeastern coast, is a tiny, uninhabited gem known for its remarkable biodiversity and tranquil beauty. Despite its modest size, the island is home to some of the Caribbean’s rarest wildlife.
M’diq is a coastal town on Morocco’s Mediterranean shore, situated between Tetouan and Fnideq along the sheltered waters of Tamuda Bay. The town combines a working fishing port with a long sandy beach, a seafront promenade, and access to nearby marinas. Its position at the foot of the Rif Mountains gives the coastline a backdrop of wooded hills, while the Mediterranean provides calm waters for swimming and boating.
Andringitra National Park lies in southeastern Madagascar across the regions of Haute Matsiatra and Ihorombe, protecting about 31,160 hectares of mountains, valleys, forests, and high-altitude grasslands. The park is part of the Andringitra Massif, where granite ridges and steep cliffs rise above deep valleys. Its elevation creates several distinct environments, ranging from humid forest to exposed mountain vegetation. The park is also part of the UNESCO-listed Rainforests of the Atsinanana.
Athabasca Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the Canadian Rockies, located in Jasper National Park along the Columbia Icefield Parkway in Alberta. It forms part of the Columbia Icefield, a vast area of ice and snow that feeds several major river systems. The glacier extends down from the icefield between rugged mountain peaks, with its lower section visible from a marked viewpoint and trail.
North of Cancun, the island was first discovered by the Spanish in the 1500's. It has numerous Mayan ruins, many badly eroded. It is also a sanctuary for sea turtles.
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Whale
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Iguana
Photo Credit: Photo by Dylan Shaw on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Dylan Shaw on Unsplash
Galapagos Tortoise
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Photo Credit: Photo by Sofia on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by The Official CTBTO Photostream on Wikimedia
Photo Credit: Photo by The Official CTBTO Photostream on Wikimedia
Photo Credit: Photo by The Official CTBTO Photostream on Wikimedia
Albatross in flight
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Photo Credit: Photo by Heidi Bruce on Unsplash
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A male Magnificent Frigatebird
Photo Credit: Photo by Andrew Turneron Wikimedia
Photo Credit: Photo by Lieutenant Elizabeth Crapo, NOAA Corps. Wikimedia
Galapagos Brown Pelican - Pelecanus occidentalis urinator
Photo Credit: Photo by Judy Gallagher from Wikimedia
Galápagos lava lizard
Photo Credit: Photo by Peter Wilto from Wikimedia
Swallow-tailed Gulls
Photo Credit: Photo by suecan1 from Wikimedia
Off the coast of Ecuador, the iconic and biodiverse Galápagos Islands, made famous by Charles Darwin’s nineteenth-century research expeditions on HMS Beagle, beckon you. This glittering archipelago, surrounded by vivid turquoise waves, abounds with stunning beaches and spectacular wildlife, perfect for the adventurous traveler.
A popular destination for South American cruises, you’ll find plenty to see and do on each island. Sea lions, iguanas, blue-footed boobies, penguins, and the infamous Galápagos tortoises are just a few of the many indigenous wildlife that make these islands home. Favorite spots for animal watching include Tortuga Bay, Reserva El Chato (a tortoise reserve), and Parque Nacional Galápagos. Venture to San Cristóbal Island and Isabela Island for the archipelago’s best snorkeling or trek up the Sierra Negra volcano, the only Galápagos volcano accessible to hikers, for panoramic island views. Unwind in the island’s picturesque towns, including Puerto Ayora and Puerto Villamil, and be sure to sample authentic Ecuadorian cuisine and fresh seafood dishes.
Discover your next adventure in the Galápagos Islands!
Other Popular Destinations in Ecuador
Guayaquil
Guayaquil, Ecuador, is a vibrant port city and a frequent starting point for cruises to the Galapagos Islands.
Quito
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you.