Galápagos Island are so mysterious, hostile and beautiful

The Galapagos Islands are one of the world's most beautiful and magical places. Part of Ecuador, much of these islands form a wildlife sanctuary and national park, protecting the unique plant and animal species, as well as the complex ecosystems here. These islands are young in Geological terms, possibly having formed as recently as 8 million years ago. Isabela and Fernandina, the youngest of the main islands are still being formed due to active volcanos that still spew lava, causing further growth.
These islands were formed when molten lava forced its way up through the tectonic plates far below the surface of the ocean. As the lava cooled, islands were born, giving rise to the name "Islands born of Fire". The land here is mostly hostile and dry, with fresh water being scarce in many places throughout the islands. Rain is sparse on the coastland, but plentiful in the highlands during the wet season. The animals have had to adapt to water being unreliable, which makes the islands uninhabitable for all but the hardiest. Humans likely found these islands long ago, but until the 1500s, lack of water made it impossible for them to settle.
The animals here have all arrived on the air or ocean currents. The journey from the mainland is a long one and most would perish in the attempt. Those that made the crossing developed new means of finding food and staying hydrated or else they too, perished.
Join these explorers as they visit Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Fernandina, Wolf Island, Darwin Island and other places, taking you on a journey over land and beneath the waves to meet some of the world's most incredible animals up close. You'll see giant Galapagos tortoises, brown pelicans, sally lightfoot crabs, blue-footed boobies, male frigates, land iguanas, a newly hatched frigate, massive whale sharks, curious dolphins, playful sea lions, and surgeon fish. A school of golden rays explodes from the sandy bottom, penguin on the hunt passes by, an orca, the world's most accomplished predator fills the camera, and a Pacific green turtle glides past. Spotted eagle rays, hammerhead sharks, and Galapagos sharks drift on the current. A massive school of big eyed jacks pins a diver against the rock wall. A marine iguana frantically gathers algae before the cool water drives it to the surface to reheat. Take a glimpse of the recently fallen Darwin's arch, one of the most recognizable dive sites in the world.