Of Charles Darwin fame, and world renown for land iguanas, giant turtles and other exotic animals, the Galapagos Islands, (Archipielago De Colon) are located approximately 600 miles off the western coast of South America. The islands are claimed as a territory by Ecuador, and access is strictly regulated by that country. However, environmentalists worldwide are becoming increasingly concerned about illegal tourism in the Islands, tourism that's upsetting the sensitive balance of nature.