Thoddoo is a local island in the North Ari Atoll of the Maldives, distinguished by its unusually strong agricultural tradition. While coral reefs, beaches, and lagoons surround the island, much of its interior is covered by productive farmland, with watermelon, papaya, eggplant, chili, drumstick, breadfruit, and other crops cultivated for local consumption and markets. The island’s broad green interior sets it apart from many smaller Maldivian islands where available land is more limited.
Manhattan Beach is a coastal city in Los Angeles County, California, located along Santa Monica Bay between El Segundo and Hermosa Beach. Its setting combines a broad sandy shoreline with gently sloping residential streets, small commercial districts, and a compact downtown near the ocean.
Mountain Zebra National Park lies in the Eastern Cape near Cradock, protecting a rugged section of the Great Karoo. The park’s landscape includes open grassland, rocky mountains, valleys, and dry plateaus, with vegetation adapted to the region’s semi-arid conditions. It was established to protect the Cape mountain zebra, a species that was once severely reduced in number.
The Seine River, meandering gracefully through the heart of Paris, is a living testament to the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. From the picturesque quays to the iconic landmarks lining its banks, the Seine offers an enchanting journey through Parisian elegance.
Heceta Head is a prominent coastal headland on Oregon’s central coast, rising above the Pacific Ocean north of Florence. The area is part of the Siuslaw National Forest and is known for its steep forested slopes, rocky shoreline, and sweeping ocean views. Heceta Head Lighthouse stands on the headland above the coast and remains one of Oregon’s best-known navigational landmarks.
Photo Credit: Photo by Bjarn Bronsveld on Unsplash
Marine iguana
Photo Credit: Photo by Bjarn Bronsveld on Unsplash
Blue Footed Boobies
Photo Credit: Photo by Bjarn Bronsveld on Unsplash
Blue Footed Boobies
Photo Credit: Photo by Bjarn Bronsveld on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Rein Ketelaars on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Sofia on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Sofia on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Dallas Krentzel Wikimedia
Photo Credit: Photo by Dallas Krentzel from Wikimedia
Isabela Island is the largest of the Galapagos islands, on the western end of the archipelago. Shaped like a seahorse when viewed from above, Isabela is home to more wild tortoises than any other island, as well as a wide variety of other animal, bird and marine life.
On Isabela's west coast lies Tagus Cove, a natural protected harbor where centuries ago whalers safely spent the night and left their ships' signatures painted on the rocks. Near Elizabeth Bay, Moreno Point is a birdwatcher's delight. Further inland, visitors will find six volcanoes, five of which are still active and two that sit directly on the Equator. At the base of Alcedo Volcano is Urbina Bay, a perfect spot for snorkeling and home to the biggest land iguanas in the Galapagos.
To the north, located at the "mouth" of the island, is Punta Vicente Roca. Although it's a marine-only site (meaning it can only be accessed via dinghy or SCUBA diving), the formation nonetheless draws plenty of visitors eager to see its spectacular sea life - penguins, seahorses, sea turtles, sunfish, and more.
Other Popular Destinations in Ecuador
Galapagos Islands
Off the coast of Ecuador, the iconic and biodiverse Galápagos Islands, made famous by Charles Darwin’s nineteenth-century research expeditions on HMS Beagle, beckon you. This glittering archipelago, surrounded by vivid turquoise waves, abounds with stunning beaches and spectacular wildlife, perfect for the adventurous traveler.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil, Ecuador, is a vibrant port city and a frequent starting point for cruises to the Galapagos Islands.