A once in a lifetime opportunity awaits people who are thinking of going on one of the many spring Galapagos tours. Starting in 2014, people who take part in a tour of the Galapagos Islands will be able to see and experience a rare turtle race.
(prHWY.com) March 14, 2013 - Seattle, WA -- A once in a lifetime opportunity awaits people who are thinking of going on one of the many spring Galapagos tours. Starting in 2014, people who take part in a tour of the Galapagos Islands will be able to see and experience a rare turtle race.
"The Galapagos Islands have played host to this rare and exciting turtle race for a number of years. People just weren't aware of it", said Sammy Trinket, a tourist expert for the Galapagos Islands. "This is a rare and exciting turtle race that many people don't get to see or experience. We decided to incorporate these turtle races into the tours starting next year as a way to increase interest in people coming to the area."
The turtle race is extremely rare because it includes the island's most notable residents - the Galapagos turtles. These turtles are typically slow moving and rarely come out for a visit. However, for a few weeks every year they come out for a rare chance to bask in the sun.
"When people
think of the Galapagos Islands they think of the huge turtles", said Trinket. "What they don't know is these turtles actually engage in a small race. That race is what people will be seeing for the first time starting in 2014."
The race includes anywhere from 10 to 50 Galapagos turtles as they try to crawl their way from the water to the 'finish line'. Marine biologists have set up a small finish line that includes turtle treats and food for those turtles that finish.
"We worked closely with marine biologists to include items that the turtles will love into the race", said Trinket. "The truth is these turtles were doing this long before we made it a race. We just thought we'd add a fun and exciting element to it."
Tourists on one of the spring Galapagos tours will get the chance to watch this slow moving race up close and personal. Each tour will include at least two to three hours of viewing time for the races, in addition to the other activities and events that are in the area.
"We have included other activities into the tours", said Trinket. "We want people to really experience the islands like never before and see the beauty they hold. Now, they get to do that while seeing everyone's favorite turtles of the island and friends in a rare and exciting race!"
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