Galapagos Islands | AboutGalapagos.com

18th & 19th Centuries

Pirates were not the last to take advantage of the Galapagos Islands' natural resources. By the 18th century, whalers and sealers were exploiting the islands’ rich marine life. Fur seals and Galapagos tortoises were nearly hunted to extinction.

Activity was so heavy during this time that a makeshift post office was established on Floreana. While it was no more than a marked barrel, the post office still exists today, and tourists can leave letters for future visitors to take home and mail.

This period also saw the establishment of permanent settlements in the Galapagos Islands. Patrick Watkins, an Irish crewmember on a British ship, was the first known settler, although it isn’t clear whether or not his stay was by choice. In 1832 the Galapagos Islands were annexed by Ecuador, and colonists established formal settlements on the islands of Floreana and Santa Cruz.

From pirates, to whalers, to early colonists the Galapagos Islands have attracted a myriad of visitors and residents over the past few centuries. And while human involvement has only increased, so have conservation efforts to ensure the future preservation of its amazing flora and fauna, including the Galapagos tortoise.

Planning a visit to the Galapagos?
Learn more about the history and natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands. Natural Habitat Adventures offers a wide variety of Galapagos tours.