Darwin's Observation Timeline

  • Charles Darwin starts his journey on the HMS beagle voyage.

    He is the assistant to the captain and has to endure major seasickness.
  • First observations of the trip at Cape Verde Islands.

    Darwin is thoroughly excited by the beginning of the observations.
  • Crossing the equator

    Darwin was shaved and bathed in an awful way aboard the ship
  • Arrival in Salvador, Brazil

    Darwin is "enraptured" by the glory of Brazilian rainforests. He enjoys the wildlife and exotic plants.
  • Punta Alta, Argentina

    Darwin is in awe of everything he sees, specifically the giant fossils.
  • Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

    The captain returns three native people that he brought to England back to their native land. He also tries and fails to start a Christian mission.
  • Falkland Islands

    Darwin dislikes​ the Falkland islands, but after finding fossils that hint at earlier animals that were in abundance at one point on earth he becomes happier.
  • Rio Negro, Argentina

    Darwin observes the Pampas with the local people which are known as 'gauchos'. Darwin enjoys the freedom of the Gaucho lifestyle.
  • Chiloé Island

    While on the island of Chiloé Darwin sees Mount Osorno erupt and feels the earthquake near Valdiva.
  • Galapagos Islands

    Many unique plants and animals found in the Galapagos Islands, but they look similar to plants and animals found on the mainland.
  • Sydney, Australia

    When Darwin docked in Sydney Cove he was glad that he was born an Englishman. Further upon arrival, ​Darwin wondered why Australia's mammals were completely different than those of the rest of the world.
  • Cocos Islands or the Keeling Islands

    Testing his atoll formation theory, Darwin examined​ the coral reefs growing around islands.
  • Mauritius

    Darwin enjoyed the uncultivated peacefulness of this town's north sea coast. The area was made of coarse grass and bushes grown on a field of black lava.
  • Cape Town, South Africa

    Darwin notes the extensive amount of bullock wagons, and "the well known Table Mountain" which is 3,500 feet high.
  • Bahia and Pernambuco, South America

    Darwin sees incredible creatures in the jungles of South America. He is very displeased with this additional stop due to his homesickness and seasickness.
  • Falmouth England

    After many days out at sea, Darwin is very beyond happy to be back in England and have room to move about.