1. The Galapagos Islands Are Becoming More Densely Populated:

The population of the islands has been growing since the 1960s, and there has been a dramatic rise in the island’s population in recent times mostly due to travelers and folks on a Galapagos cruise falling in love. During the 1960s, the population of the Islands was only about 4,000. However, the population is now over 20,000. In addition to this population of permanent residents, the island also has many temporary residents.

These population increases are potentially damaging to the islands’ ecosystems. Population growth is likely to become even more damaging in the future. In fact, the population of the Island is expected to double every 11 years. As a result, there has been an increased focus on environmental protection. Source Galapagos Becoming More Densely Populated:

2. Tourism To The Islands Is Increasing:

In fact, there were over 100,000 visitors between January and June of 2015. This was a 5% increase from the same time period of 2014.

It is likely that the number of tourists to the islands will continue to increase. Increases in tourism tends to have a negative effect on the environment, but it is likely to continue to boost the economy of the region. If the negative impact on the environment were ever to become serious, it could result in the island no longer being a popular tourist destination. http://galapagosconservation.org.uk/5-growth-in-the-galapagos-tourism-sector/

3. There Is More To Do Than Just Touring The Island And Hiking:

There are a number of hotels to choose from on the island, and there also are many restaurants to choose from. Many of the islands’ hotels are highly rated boutique hotels. In addition, there are many vacation rentals to choose from. You can also go on cruises from the islands. Furthermore, cruises are often recommended by tourism experts as a way to see the sea life.

4. Tourists To The Islands Come From All Over The World:

While many tourists to the islands originate from the mainland regions of Ecuador, most visitors come from other countries. In fact, only 35% of the islands’ tourists are Ecuadorian. In addition, 25% of the tourists come from the United States. Many other visitors originate from Europe and Australia. As a result, the tourism industry continues to remain well adapted to visitors from these countries.

5. The Islands Have An Exceptional Wildlife Population:

Wildlife is abundant throughout the islands, and there are numerous species of wildlife. In fact, wildlife is so abundant and exotic on the island that the islands were designated as UNESCO’s first world heritage site. The islands remain a world heritage site to this day.

Some animals are exclusive to the islands, and the island is full of animals that are among the world’s rarest creatures. There are many rare tortoises on the islands.

Research of the islands’ wildlife led to the Darwin’s theory of evolution. This theory revolutionized the world of biology. Due to the animals’ relative lack of fear of humans, it is possible for tourists to see the animals up close.

In addition to land based life, there also is an exceptionally wide array of marine life. This is because there are a number of ocean currents that converge in the area of the islands. As people become increasingly aware of the wildlife and sea life on the islands due to discoveries, it’s likely that this will drive increased tourism.

6. The Islands Are Also Geologically Interesting:

In addition to unique flora and fauna, the islands are unique geologically. In fact, there are very few other locations in the world that have such a unique mix of geological features.

There is a lot of seismic and volcanic activity. In fact, the islands are formed due to volcanism. Each one of the islands is a volcanic mountain.

The volcanoes are active due to plate boundaries that are located in the region. These plates are the Nazca plate, the Cocos plate, and the Pacific plate. The movement of these plates creates the volcanic and seismic activity on the islands. Plates are slabs of rock that separate the Earth’s crust. As scientists continue to make geological discoveries on the island, it is likely that this will drive increased tourism.