Discover the unique geology of the islands and how they came to be formed. Then climb to the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano on the island of Isabela and look down into the mouth of a modern-day volcano. Cameras capture the first eruption in 25 years—from the very edge of the lava flow. Stunning cinematography also takes you from the simmering summits to the bustling shores. Surf the waves with a 500-pound (227-kilogram) sea lion, marvel at the "beachmaster" protecting his access to females, and see the world's only sea lizard that dives up to 30 feet (9 meters) under water in search of algae.

Delve deeper into these islands and what makes them a vibrant crucible of life. Follow Darwin's legendary exploration as he journeys from island to island observing how nature evolves and adapts to survive. From finches to mockingbirds, explore the living laboratory of evolution that inspired Darwin, offering him additional clues as he unraveled one of nature's greatest riddles and arrived at his theory of natural selection. And see for yourself the variations in the islands' most famous occupants, the tortoises, from those with dome-shaped shells found at higher elevations to those with saddle-shaped shells found at lower elevations.

Learn how these islands continue to be shaped by relentless forces of change. While life on the islands has proven both resilient and adaptable, recently, a threatening new force has emerged: humans. More than 100,000 visitors come to the Galápagos each year, and with them come non-native species and other intrusions that threaten the unblemished character of the islands. What can be done to curb these problems and protect this precisely balanced ecosystem? Today, it is our impact on Galápagos—and how we choose to manage it—that will determine the islands' future.