Darwin’s Arch, Galapagos geological and tourist icon, collapses from natural forces

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The well-known Darwin’s Arch, an iconic geological and tourist formation, located in the north of the Galapagos Islands, collapsed on Monday, May 17, after a natural erosion process, reported the Ministry of Environment of Ecuador.

This giant formation, similar to the Arc de Triomphe in France, was regularly visited by tourists and served as a diving site, according to tour operators in the area, who reported no casualties or other damage.

On Monday “the collapse of Darwin’s Arch, the attractive natural bridge” was reported, located next to Darwin Island, the northernmost island of the Galapagos archipelago, as a “consequence of natural erosion,” the Ministry said on Twitter.

The so-called Darwin’s Arch is a natural rock that was once part of the island of the same name, which can not be visited by land, according to the Ecuadorian archipelago’s biodiversity protection regulations.

However, the site is “considered one of the best places on the planet for diving and observing schools of sharks and other species,” explained the Ministry.

According to images captured by tourists, apparently the lintel of Darwin’s Arch collapsed and only the formation pillars have remained.

El Arco de Darwin, un sitio de buceo al norte de #Galapagos colapsó en la noche de ayer. Es conocido en el mundo por ser un lugar privilegiado para observar escuelas tiburones (cientos de 🦈) @Ambiente_Ec @parquegalapagos @Marcelo_MataG @GustavoManriq_M pic.twitter.com/eqJrQj0ppl

— BitacoraAmbiental (@BitacoraEc) May 17, 2021

“Fishing boats sailing in the area reported what had happened on social networks, due to natural erosion. The passage of time and the constant pounding of the waves affected the arch. Its top collapsed completely and left in its place two pillars joined only at the base. From now on, visitors will no longer be able to observe the splendorous arch over the waters of the Pacific,” reported local newspaper El Telégrafo.

The marine “theater”

The iconic arch is famed as a diving spot for underwater encounters with sea turtles, whale sharks, manta rays and dolphins, according to tour operators in the area.