The Galapagos Islands [1] are a small archipelago of islands and part of Ecuador in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Understand [edit] The islands are quite remote and isolated, lying some 1000 km (620 miles) west of the South American continent. The Galapagos archipelago consists of 13 main islands and 6 smaller islets, a total land mass of about 7900 sq km (4900 sq ml). The Galapagos National Park comprises about 97% percent of the land mass of the islands. Less than 1% of the islands are ... Learn about the unique wildlife, geology, history and conservation of the Galapagos Islands, a naturalist's dream and a living laboratory. Find the best Galapagos cruise promotions, real time availability and book direct with the experts. Galapagos Islands, island group of the eastern Pacific Ocean , administratively a province of Ecuador. The islands became internationally famous as a result of their being visited in 1835 by Charles Darwin; their unusual fauna contributed to his groundbreaking theories on natural selection. Galapagos islands information, an overview of the history, approved activities for visitors, maps, facts and attractions for travelers.