This three-part BBC Natural History Unit series, narrated by Tilda Swinton, explores the remarkable Galapagos Islands. They contain a bizarre variety of wildlife, as the islands sit at the convergence of four major ocean currents. These remarkable creatures include the sea-going marine iguanas, which are the real-life inspiration for the film, Godzilla, that can dive up to 20-metres deep in the sea. This is also where the rarest animal on earth lives, an 80-year-old giant tortoise.

These fascinating islands have a bewildering array of animal life and are one of the most volcanic regions on earth. They actually provided the inspiration for Darwin’s theory of evolution, and are now seen very much as a living laboratory.

Galapagos is presented in a pioneering new visual style, combined with stunning cinematography, while the huge variety of wildlife is just fascinating. This can be seen with the different eco-systems of the islands. As the western islands rise from the sea and support life, the eastern islands sink beneath the crashing waves and are intimidating for all life. Meanwhile, the middle islands are fertile and lush, revealing that nowhere else on earth are there two extremes of life so close together.

Programme 1: Born of Fire

The series begins with a description of the creation of the islands from a series of volcanoes located at the heart of the planet. They have arisen at the very centre of many different ocean currents which have brought a huge mix of life to the shores.

Programme 2: The Islands That Changed the World

Charles Darwin visited the islands on 15 January 1835 and his experiences changed our understanding of the world. With reconstruction, and stunning images, this programme explains why they are a showcase for evolution.

Programme 3: Forces of Nature

This programme looks at the geological forces at work in the 13 islands. It focuses on the Fernandina Island, which has the most active of all volcanoes and the remarkable ways the wildlife have adapt to this environment.