For millions of years, 18 islands sat alone more than 800 miles out in the Pacific Ocean, undisturbed by outside influences, generating a micro-ecological environment unlike any other place on earth. They remained unseen by man until the 16^th century. But with a lack of fresh water, they were only considered a hostile curiosity...until Charles Darwin introduced the marvel of the Galapagos Islands to the world in his 1859 book On the Origin of the Species. Today the Galapagos remain an exceptional research and teaching laboratory, while the number of tourists are carefully controlled and monitored. Only about 275,000 visited the mystical archipelago each year, compared to 10.2 million at The Louvre in Paris. They are a remarkable preserve of unique plant and animal diversity. And pristine beauty. Now without ever leaving home, you can join intrepid traveler Jay Mark on a special visit to this magical archipelago.