Beagle's Voyage

  • The Journey Begins

    At the age of 22, Charles Darwin sets sail as the captain's assistant on the HMS Beagle.
  • Cape Verde Islands

    In January, Darwin's first observations are made here, prompting him to consider writing a book on the geology of the places he is going to visit.
  • Crossing the Equator

    In February, Darwin crossed the equator.
  • Punta Alta, Argentina

    In September, Darwin sees fossils at Punta Alta, Argentina and is intrigued by what he finds.
  • Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

    December: A year into his trip, Darwin is there when Captain Robert FitzRoy repatriated thee native people he had brought to England with him on a previous voyage.
  • Falkland Islands

    In March, Darwin finds the Falkland Islands desolate, but upon opening some "primitive looking rocks" and finding fossils, his interest is renewed.
  • Rio Negro, Argentina

    In August, Darwin joins local people, gauchos, in the fertile lowlands known as Pampas and enjoys the freedoms they experience.
  • Chiloé Island, Chile

    From January to February, Darwin is in Chiloé Island, Chile. Here he sees Mount Osorno erupt and experiences an earthquake near Valdiva.
  • Galapagos Islands

    From September to October, Darwin explores the Galapagos Islands. Here he discovers an assortment of new species and studies them.
  • Sydney, Australia

    In January, Darwin spends time in Australia, and notices that there is an entirely different set of mammals in Australia.
  • Cocos Islands

    In April, it is here that Darwin studies coral reefs growing around islands to test his theory of atoll formation.
  • Mauritius

    Here in May Darwin contemplates the quiet, uncultivated land.
  • Cape Town, South Africa

    In June, Darwin notices the numerous bullock wagons and the structure known as Table Mountain.
  • Bahia and Pernambuco, South America

    Arriving here in August, Darwin explores the jungles of South America. However, while here the homesickness and seasickness truly set in.
  • The Journey Comes to an End

    It is here that Darwin returns home to Falmouth, England after his many years of sailing.