Marchena
Is a relatively large (130 km2/ 50 mi2) uninhabited island, named for a Spanish monk, Fray Antonio de Marchena. It lies in the north of the archipelago and has an active volcano that erupted most recently in 1991 as well as an elliptical caldera filled with reasonably young (500,000-year-old) lava flows. It reached some level of fame when the mummified body of Lorenz, one of the Baroness’ lovers, showed up on the beach in 1934, providing more fuel for the flames of the scandalous Floreana Mystery. Although the island has some endemic wildlife, such as the Marchena lava lizard, there is no land-based visitor site. Instead, visitors are treated to an underwater spectacle at numerous diving and snorkeling sites off the coast.
The outstanding Espejo Point visitor site, offers beginner and advanced divers alike a wonderful underwater show, with everything from schools of blue-striped snappers, grunts, surgeonfishes, and scorpion fishes, to dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, rays, moray eels, garden eels, and schooling hammerhead and Galapagos sharks! Snorkelers moving in the shallower water have a chance to see red-lipped batfishes, while the more adventurous can explore numerous grottos and coves that are home to fur seals.
The Mejia Point aquatic visitor site, located off the southwestern coast of Marchena Island, offers water-lovers a chance of great fauna sightings. As in many sites in Galapagos, various species of colorful fish, including coral fish, can be seen. Also, the area is filled with rays, eels and occasionally, dolphins. It is a relatively easy site for snorkeling in comparison with other northern island habitats that have
| Highlights | Diving and snorkeling site |
| Animals | Galapagos sharks, Galapagos green turtles, Galapagos sea lions, dolphins, whales, Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Wet |
The Black Beach visitor site, located on the northwest coast of Marchena Island. Activities at this site range from dinghy rides to snorkeling to diving (only on liveaboard dive ships). There is an underwater lava grotto for adept snorkelers to explore and even beginners will have an amazing experience as the area is filled with incredible sea life including marine iguanas, Galapagos sharks, bottle-nosed dolphins, and sometimes even cetaceans.
| Highlights | Snorkeling and diving |
| Animals | Galapagos marine iguanas, dolphins |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Wet |
Genovesa Island
Genovesa Island, a horseshoe-shaped 14 km2 (5 mi2) island located in the northeast quadrant of the Galapagos archipelago, stands out as one of both guides’ and visitors’ favorite places in the Enchanted Isles. Nicknamed “Bird Island”, it is filled with colonies who have chosen it as their nesting site. Frigatebirds abound and there is no better place to see red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and storm petrels as well as numerous other types of bird species. The island’s collapsed volcanic caldera is the site of Great Darwin Bay, a crater lake which offers great diving. Salt-lake Arcturus, in the center of the island, fascinates for its geology: its sediment is dated at just 6,000 years old – a true newborn in geological time. A shield volcano in origin, the island also has some young lava flows, but no eruptions have been recorded in known history.
Whether you set out on a panga ride, on kayaks, or with snorkels or dive equipment, Darwin Bay has something for everyone: red-footed boobies and other birds nesting in the cliffs, a coral beach, and abundant aquatic wildlife. Expect to see schools of colorful tropical fish, stingrays, Galapagos sea lions and green turtles, and hammerhead sharks. For those who prefer to stay on land, a short walk around the beach gives you a great viewpoint for the cliffs and the outstanding ocean views.
| Highlights | Land and water-based animal observation |
| Animals | Galapagos fur seal, red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, Galapagos frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls, lava gulls, yellow-crowned herons, lava herons, sting rays, tropical fish, hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos green turtles |
| Difficulty | Easy/Moderate |
| Landing | Wet |
Step off your dinghy onto Prince Phillip’s Steps and be prepared to be astounded! A steep climb up the rock stairway lined by fur seals leads you to a path through a Palo Santo forest filled with one seabird colony after another. It’s one of the few places in the archipelago where you are practically guaranteed to see red-footed boobies, but you will also have the chance to see frigatebirds, storm petrels (uniquely active in the daytime), Nazca boobies, and short-eared owls, as well as numerous other species.
| Highlights | Extraordinary bird watching |
| Animals | Galapagos short-eared owl, red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, Galapagos petrels, tropical birds, Galapagos fur seal, Galapagos doves, |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Landing | Dry |
Fernandina Island
Fernandina Island, whose Spanish name honors Columbus’ patron King Fernando of Spain, was originally known as Narborough Island, after a distinguished English naval commander. At 642 km2 (248 km2) it is the third largest island of the archipelago and the youngest, still actively connected to the Galapagos hotspot. This means that eruptions still occur, like the one in September 2017 that allowed some lucky visitors to watch the natural phenomenon from a safe distance off their cruise ships. The summit caldera shifts with each eruption and occasionally hosts a small lake inside the crater, populated by lava lizards – who as their name suggests, can really take the heat.
A well-known, open-water diving point for advanced divers, Cape Douglas, off the west coast of Fernandina Island, is the kind of diving people come to Galapagos for. Flightless cormorants nesting along the island’s edges and Galapagos penguins and marine iguanas darting in and out of the waters of this unspoiled environment are just some of the wonders you have a great chance of seeing. Some very lucky visitors even have the chance to see horn sharks, sunfish (Mola Mola), and baleen whales.
| Highlights | Superior diving site |
| Animals | Galapagos marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, mola mola, baleen whales, flightless cormorants |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Landing | None |
The only terrestrial visitor site on Fernandina Island, Espinosa Point, is known for its incredibly rich wildlife, including fascinating flightless cormorants, Galapagos marine iguanas, Galapagos hawks, and Galapagos penguins, just to name a few. For those who love geology, this visitor site has numerous lava flow types.
| Highlights | Landscape and wildlife observation |
| Animals | Flightless cormorants, Galapagos marine iguanas, Galapagos snakes, Galapagos hakws, Galapagos lava lizards, Galapagos green turtles, Galapagos penguins, Galapagos sea lions |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Landing | Dry |
The National Park authorities only recently opened up Mangle Point –an aquatic visitor site previously used exclusively for scuba diving – for naturalist cruises. This makes it possible for visitors to snorkel in waters filled with Galapagos sea lions and penguins. There is no landing point so all snorkeling will have to be done off the panga. Of course, divers will still be welcome to explore the depths of this superior site.
| Highlights | Recently opened aquatic visitor site filled with wildlife |
| Animals | Flightless cormorants, Galapagos marine iguanas, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos penguins, blue-footed boobies |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Wet |
Isabella Island
By far the largest island of the archipelago at 4670 km2 (1803 mi2), Isabela Island straddles both the equator and the central and western parts of the archipelago. Known originally as Albemarle Island, after the English Duke of Albemarle, it is also the youngest island in Galapagos, and in fact, continues to be formed on a reasonably regular basis. It is home to the 3rd largest resident population (app. 1800 inhabitants) of the archipelago at Port Villamil on the southeastern coast, with most residents today dedicated to fishing, farming and tourism, and a colorful history that includes whalers, pirates and Charles Darwin.
Isabela harbors more wild tortoises than any other island. The island’s flora shows great variation, from pioneering vegetation on lava flows in volcanic regions to dense red mangroves. For those who prefer aquatic exploration, the waters of the island serve as home to a rich combination of aquatic wildlife, including dolphins and whales.
Albemarle Point, a former American radar base located on the northern shore of Isabela Island, is a true Galapagos secret. Home to the unique flightless cormorants, as well as its largest marine iguanas. It’s also the only visitor site where you can see penguins in the northern hemisphere. Add to that the chance to check out pahoehoe lava flows you’ll see why it’s a fascinating visitors site.
| Highlights | Animal observation and geology |
| Animals | Galapagos marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Galapagos lava lizards, lava herons, Galapagos petrels |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | None |
The Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center plays a key role in guaranteeing survival for threatened Galapagos tortoise subspecies, whose habitat has been reduced due to the negative effects of human inhabitants and introduced species. Set amongst native plant gardens including prickly pear cacti shrubs (Opuntias) and even wetlands, the center provides a home to hundreds of tortoises.
| Highlights | Animal observation and geology |
| Animals | Galapagos marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Galapagos lava lizards, lava herons, Galapagos petrels |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | None |
Diving fanatics travel from around the world to experience the type of wonders you can see at Cape Marshall. It’s a diver’s dream come true! Check out the black coral on the wall dive or try your hand at reef diving, with the direction depending on the currents. Currents can be strong with little surges, so this is a site for more experienced divers on liveaboards only.
| Highlights | World-class diving with aquatic wildlife observation |
| Animals | Galapagos sharks, mantas, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos green turtles |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Landing | None |
Chico Volcano, a collection of small parasitic cone volcanos that last erupted in 2005. It is a wonderful area to see recent lava flows as well as pioneering vegetation that often starts to grow on the rock. Don’t forget to take your panoramic lens as the impressive views from Chico Volcano span numerous islands and volcanic peaks.
| Highlights | Geology and scenic observation |
| Animals | Galapagos lava lizards |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Landing | Dry |
One of the few Galapagos snorkeling sites lying outside the National Park boundaries, Concha Perla’s privileged setup makes it one of the best snorkel spots in the archipelago. This calm, shallow bay with clear turquoise waters overflows with tropical fish, sea lions, rays, turtles, and Galapagos penguins. Stay within the designated area (beyond the reef a guide is required) and watch out for sea urchins and sharp volcanic rocks on the ocean floor and protective male sea lions.
| Highlights | Independent snorkeling and animal observation |
| Animals | Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos penguins, Galapagos green turtles, Galapagos frigatebirds, flamingos |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Dry |
Elizabeth Bay, a marine visitor site of the Galapagos National Park. The sheltered waters of this gentle cove offer a perfect spot for aquatic activities, including kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, and dinghy rides through the surrounding mangrove ecosystem. The rocky reefs are home to a wide variety of fauna, including sea lions, rays and turtles, and flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, masked boobies. It’s a site that never disappoints.
| Highlights | Aquatic activities and land and marine animal observation |
| Animals | Galapagos hawks, Nazca boobies, Darwin’s finches, Galapagos green turtles, Galapagos penguins, spotted eagle rays, herons, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos marine iguanas, Galapagos fur seal, blue-footed boobies |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | None |
Moreno Point is one of the archipelago’s top places for birdwatchers. The secret lies in the lava landscape’s tidal lagoons, small pools of water that have formed in the nooks and crevices. It’s a veritable rainbow of bird species on shore, and a dinghy ride around the point shows off its penguin population as well. Bring good walking shoes, a hat, and, of course, your camera, both for animal life and great views!
| Highlights | Birdwatching, geology |
| Animals | Pintail ducks, flamingos, Galapagos penguins, great blue herons, Galapagos green turtles, Galapagos lava lizards, Galapagos petrels, Galapagos marine iguanas, mockingbirds |
| Difficulty | Moderate/Difficult |
| Landing | Dry |
Roca Redonda Islet, the steep-sided islet serves as a haven for seabirds looking for somewhere to rest in the middle of the ocean. Underwater, though, is where it really has a surprise waiting for visitors: submarine fumaroles that make researchers believe that these shield volcano remains are actually still an active volcano! Advanced divers will have the chance to see hammerhead sharks, sea lions, pelagics and schools of fish including wahoos and big-eye jacks.
| Highlights | Dive site with active submarine fumaroles |
| Animals | Hammerhead sharks, wahoos, big-eye jack |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Landing | None |
The Sierra Negra Volcano, is one of the most active volcanos in Galapagos, with its most recent eruption in the summer of 2018. It can be reached with a short drive from Puerto Villamil followed by a journey by foot that lasts several hours but rewards with sites of numerous volcanos on both Isabela and neighboring Fernandina.
| Highlights | Hiking, geology, ecosystem restoration |
| Animals | Darwin’s finches |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Landing | Dry |
Tagus Cove overflows with Galapago’s history. It was a pirate hideaway and was used for anchorage since as early as the 1800s, as recorded in the carvings and graffiti left on the walls of the cliff above the cove: a veritable “Who’s Who” of the area’s visitors. No matter where you head at Tagus Cove, the views of the beautiful landscapes will amaze you.
| Highlights | Birdwatching. Scenic lookouts. |
| Animals | Darwin’s finches, Galapagos hawks, warblers, large-billed flycatchers, Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants |
| Difficulty | Easy/Moderate |
| Landing | Dry |
The Wall of Tears represents a very sad point in Galapagos’ human history, from 1945-1959 when this area was used as an island penal colony. The cruelty inflicted on the prisoners, forced to build the wall one by one, carrying heavy sharp stones of volcanic slag for long distances, led to thousands of deaths. To this day, local residents claim to feel weighty energy surrounding the site and to hear the painful cries that gave the archipelago’s prison colony the nickname of “Islands of Hell”.
| Highlights | Galapagos history |
| Animals | Galapagos lava lizards, Darwin’s finches, Galapagos hawks |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Dry |
Tintoretas Islet, just a short ride from Villamil Port, considered an aquatic paradise. Visitors to the bay, benefit from a shallow crevice filled with crystal-clear water that sharks just love – in fact, the name of the island comes from a specific breed of shark, the tiger shark (known in Spanish as tintorera). White-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, rays, and sea lions also live here, and its mangrove-covered beaches serve as a successful natural breeding ground for marine iguanas.
| Highlights | Aquatic wildlife observation, marine iguana breeding ground |
| Animals | Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos sharks, Galapagos marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, Galapagos green turtles |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Wet |
If you’ve ever wondered what life looks like under the sea but you are not proficient at snorkeling or SCUBA diving, a visit to Urbina Bay may give you a small taste of what you’re missing. In 1954, a major submarine uplift led the land to rise and the coast to expand, leaving coral reefs and other marine skeletons in an unusual place: above the water level. This is a great site to see some of the biggest land iguanas in the archipelago as well as some favorite Galapagos bird species, such as blue-footed boobies, pelicans, flightless cormorants, and penguins.
| Highlights | Marine and land geology, wildlife observation |
| Animals | Galapagos land iguanas, Galapagos giant tortoises, Darwin’s finches, Galapagos hawks, mockingbirds, Galapagos lava lizards |
| Difficulty | Easy/Moderate |
| Landing | Wet |
Grab your masks and fins for some great snorkeling – or SCUBA diving! – at Vicente Roca Point, located on the northwest shore of Isabela Island. Its two covers are known as a top Galapagos snorkeling area because of the cool Cromwell Current that brings a rich food supply to the area – and therefore attracts all sorts of aquatic wildlife. As if this weren’t enough, the snorkeling route in this large bay will take you by an ancient volcano and two shallow underwater caves that you will have the opportunity to explore.
| Highlights | Snorkeling, diving and aquatic wildlife |
| Animals | Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, flightless cormorants, Galapagos sea lions, brown pelicans, Galapagos penguins, Galapagos fur seal, Galapagos green turtles, dolphins, whales |
| Difficulty | Easy/Moderate |
| Landing | Wet |
Villamil Port holds the archipelago’s 3rd largest population. Lined with palm trees and defined by its long, white-sand beach, the town boasts a boardwalk leading to a tortoise breeding center – home to numerous bird species. This amazing little spot became popular for tourism in the 1990s. Before then, residents dedicated themselves almost exclusively to fishing and agriculture.
| Highlights | Beach, birdwatching, boardwalk with local food and accommodation options |
| Animals | Flamingos, Galapagos marine iguanas, common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintails, gallinules, blue-footed boobies, Galapagos giant tortoise, Galapagos sea lions |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Dry |
Bike or walk on the trails network around the wetlands of Isabela Island and discover gorgeous concealed beaches, lava tunnels, and areas featuring all four species of Galapagos mangroves. You will also find brackish water lagoons that join the mangroves as nesting sites for numerous migratory bird species, including common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintails, gallinules, and many others. And to add to the excitement, you will have a chance to see pink flamingos, as this is a key mating area.
| Highlights | Flora and fauna observation, unusual natural habitat |
| Animals | Flamingos, stilts, whimbrels, gallinules, Darwin’s finches, pintail ducks, brown pelicans |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Dry |
Fernandina Island
Santiago Island, at 572 km2 (221 mi2) the fourth largest island in the Galapagos archipelago, was named to honor Columbus’ first island discovery in the Caribbean, although it was also known as James Island. A central island, it is composed of two overlapping volcanoes, whose steep slopes are accompanied by stunning black lava flows and impressive Palo Santo forests. Long inhabited, first by buccaneers and whalers and then by colonists trying to start a salt business, the island has suffered significant ecological damage. In 1835, most of its original species, including tortoises and Galapagos land iguanas, were still commonly found on Santiago, but they were eventually wiped out by introduced species such as goats and pigs who upset the delicate ecosystem. A long-running program to eradicate introduced animals has been effective and now land iguanas that had originally been carried to North Seymour to save them from extinction are being brought back to their original habitat.
Albany Islet, a crescent-shaped islet located off the northwest coast of Santiago Island, offers fabulous diving opportunities. Whether exploring the sandy bottom, or the sloping rock wall filled with nooks, advanced open water divers with at least 40 logged dives will get a real eyeful, ranging from tiny sea thrushes to Galapagos and hammerhead sharks.
| Highlights | Advanced diving site |
| Animals | Galapagos green turtles, barracudas, golden rays, spotted rays, Galapagos shark |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Landing | None |
Buccaneer Cove pays homage to the days when pirates ruled the waves and the Galapagos. This cove was a hideaway, great for resting on the reddish-purple sand beach protected by the unusual rock formations and steep cliffs. Today, bird lovers will enjoy viewing brown noddies, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and Galapagos hawks in their natural habitat, while snorkelers can peruse the clear waters for tropical fish, stingrays, green sea turtles, and both sea lions and Galapagos fur seals.
| Highlights | Birdwatching and snorkeling |
| Animals | Blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, Galapagos fur seal, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos hawks |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Wet |
One of the favorite dive sites in Galapagos, Cousin’s Rock Islet, is located off the eastern coast of Santiago. The islet itself may not seem like much to write home about… but tell that to the penguins, pelicans, blue-footed boobies and sea lions that use it as a resting spot before diving back into the fascinating depths that attract impressive schools of aquatic life. The currents are strong, so this is a site for advanced divers only.
| Highlights | Diving |
| Animals | Seahorses, octopuses, hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, Galapagos green turtles, eagle rays, barracudas, Galapagos sea lions |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Landing | None |
The southern side of James Bay is the setting for Egas Port and its two fascinating visitor trails. One trail leads to the grottoes, where you will have a chance to catch a glimpse of the difficult-to-find Galapagos fur seal. The other trail takes you inland, to the top of the salt mine volcano. This is an important place for crews on Galapagos cruise ships because part of it has been designated a soccer field by the National Park authorities and ships stop here to allow their crews to disembark and blow off some steam.
| Highlights | Animal observation (Galapagos fur seals), human history and snorkeling |
| Animals | Darwin’s finches, Galapagos doves, Galapagos hawks, Galapagos marine iguanas, Galapagos fur seals, Galapagos sea lions, flamingos |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Wet |
Espumilla Beach lives up to its name as gentle ocean waves burst into foam on the golden sandy beach. Keep your eyes open for turtle eggs: this is a nesting site. And behind the beach, a palo santo forest surrounds a dried lagoon that still occasionally attracts flamingos and pintail ducks. You should have time for a little swimming and snorkeling at the end of your visit.
| Highlights | Wildlife observation and snorkeling |
| Animals | Galapagos green turtles, sting rays, Galapagos sharks, Galapagos penguins, tropical fish |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Wet |
James Bay, located on the northwest coast of Santiago Island, it is a starting point to reach a number of visitor sites, including the historic Salt Mine, as well as a visitor site in its own right. Sea turtles use the north end of the bay for nesting, while inland, a small seasonal lagoon hosts flamingos and white-cheeked pintail ducks. Try to get out to snorkel as well, for an exciting adventure with seahorses, puffers, scorpionfish, and sharks.
| Highlights | Landscape and animal observation, snorkeling |
| Animals | Galapagos marine iguanas, Sally lightfoot crabs, herons, Galapagos fur seal, Galapagos sea lions, tropical fish, Galapagos sharks, moray eels, octopuses, great blue herons, lava gulls, lava herons, Galapagos lava lizards, Galapagos petrels, mockingbirds |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Landing | Wet |
Sullivan Bay’s coral beach is your entrance to an otherworldly landscape. Rippled black lava on the great pahoehoe field, one of the largest lava expanses of this type in the archipelago. Some hardy species, like marine iguanas and Galapagos lava lizards, find a way to coexist in this barren landscape. It’s a fascinating study in geology as well as an up-close view of a natural sculpture whose fluid movement never ceases to amaze.
| Highlights | Landscape observation, geology |
| Animals | Galapagos marine iguanas, mockingbird, great blue herons, oystercatchers, lava herons, Galapagos lava lizards |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Dry |
Bartholome Island
Bartolome Island is an uninhabited volcanic island set in the middle of the Galapagos archipelago, just east of Santiago Island. This extinct volcano measures a mere 1.2 km2 (0.5 mi2) in area and rises to 114 m (375 ft) in height.
The island’s spatter cones and colorful lava fields in shades of black, red, orange and green, serve as backdrop to the amazing views you will encounter on your Bartolome Island Tour. Climb to the summit on wooden walkways for great photo opps and enjoy excellent swimming and snorkeling in the waters around Pinnacle Rock.
The Galapagos National Park built wooden walkways to protect the colorful lava flows and volcanic formations of Bartolome Island’s extinct volcano from erosion. We’re happy to say it also makes the climb to Pinnacle Rock Overlook a bit easier. And totally worth it! From the summit, you’ll enjoy a privileged view not just of Pinnacle Rock, the obelisk-shaped Galapagos landmark rising out of the ocean, but also of Daphne Major and Minor, Baltra, North Seymour and Santa Cruz islands. There’s a reason why this is one of the most photographed views in the archipelago.
| Highlights | Panoramic views |
| Animals | Galapagos lava lizards, lava herons, mockingbirds |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Landing | Dry |
Award-winning white-sand beach has long been considered a top Galapagos beach destination, which is a lot to say considering the quality of the archipelago’s shorelines. What makes it so popular? First, it’s one of the gentler beaches in terms of water movement, which makes it a great spot for snorkeling, even for relative beginners. And then there’s the wildlife! It’s a place where green turtles nest, Galapagos penguins play, and you have a good chance of seeing colorful tropical fish, red-lipped batfish, sting rays, and white-tipped reef sharks. A real aquatic paradise!
| Highlights | Galapagos penguins and nesting beaches for green sea turtles |
| Animals | Galapagos green turtles, sting rays, Galapagos sharks, Galapagos penguins, tropical fish |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Wet |
Chinese Hat
A small islet located off the southeast coast of Santiago Island, is – in geological terms – a recent volcanic cone formed when a volcano on Santiago Island spewed lava and rocks into the nearby ocean. The small water channel between the two formed as the spatter cone eroded and is now a top snorkeling site, where you will have the opportunity to see fabulous marine life, including white-tipped reef sharks, sea lions, penguins, and rays.
The path of the land-based visitor site starts at a spectacular white coral beach where you can spot Sally lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and American Oyster catchers, as well as lava cactus, doing its best to gain a foothold in the pillow-type lava formations that are more recent additions to the islet’s geology.
| Highlights | Snorkeling and landscape observation |
| Animals | Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos penguins, Sally lightfoot crabs, rays, eagles, oystercatchers, Galapagos lava lizards, Galapagos marine iguanas |
| Difficulty | Easy/Moderate |
| Landing | Wet |
Rabida Island
If ever a place could be considered Mars on Earth, it would be on the red sand beaches of Rabida Island (Spanish: Isla Rabida), whose high iron oxidized content provides the characteristic sand color and creates otherworldly landscapes marked by craters and cliffs. This small island, measuring just 4.9 km2 (1.89 mi2), is home to numerous rare bird species, including blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, large-billed flycatchers, Galapagos hawks, Galapagos doves, yellow warblers, mockingbirds and all 9 finch varieties. It is a great place to see nesting pelicans up close and, though rare, at certain times of the year, flamingos flock to the island’s lagoons, delighting visitors. The beach is home to a large sea lion colony that coexists with marine iguanas. It’s the perfect starting point for aquatic adventure: sea turtles, Eagle rays, garden eels and sea lions will accompany you as you snorkel, kayak or use the zodiac to explore the island’s coast. Sometimes you’ll even get to see white tipped sharks, penguins or fur seals.
| Highlights | Red sand beaches, birdwatching, snorkeling |
| Animals | Brown pelicans, flamingos, lucky snorkelers, tropical fish, Galapagos sea lions , Galapagos green turtles |
| Difficulty | Easy/Moderate |
| Landing | Wet |
Daphne
The Daphne Islands are actually two islands (Daphne Major and Minor) formed from tuff cones and set between Santa Cruz, Baltra and Santiago Islands. Extremely fragile, they are devoid of trees and are at continuous risk from introduced species, yet they have been a treasure of scientific research aiming to unravel the mystery of evolution through a 40-year study by Rosemary and Peter Grant of over 20,000 of the Darwin’s finches that populate much of the islands’ barren land. Many of the archipelago’s famous endemic bird species (Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, Galapagos frigatebirds and others) make these islands their home but there is no land-based visitor site, so observation is only possible from a distance.
| Highlights | Darwin’s finches and other endemic bird species |
| Animals | Darwin’s finches, Nazca boobies, short-eared owls, Galapagos martins, red-billed tropicbirds, Galapagos frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, great blue herons |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Landing | Dry |
North Seymour
Located just north of Baltra Island, 1.9 km2 (0.73 mi2) North Seymour Island is an unusual island for the Galapagos archipelago because it was formed by a submarine lava uplift, rather than by volcanic eruption. The relatively flat landscape, covered in low bushy vegetation, features cliffs along the sea lion-covered shoreline that serve as home to fork-tailed seagulls and other birds. The landing site is your gateway to a silver-grey Palo Santo forest that will accompany you through much of the inland visitor trail that also skirts coastal areas. Bird lovers will be in heaven here thanks to significant numbers of blue-footed boobies and one of the largest populations of magnificent frigatebirds, whose puffed red pouches make them easy to spot. It’s interesting to note that great frigatebirds nest here the first half of the year while the magnificent frigatebirds nest during the second half of the year. The island also has a claim to fame as an early conservation haven, as early expedition parties recognized that the US military presence on Baltra and the consequent introduction of invasive species was wiping out the land iguanas. They transferred a group of iguanas to North Seymour, where they have been slowly reproducing ever since.
| Highlights | Birdwatching (magnificent frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies) |
| Animals | Great frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, Galapagos land iguanas, Galapagos sea lions, magnificent frigatebirds |
| Difficulty | Moderate/Difficult |
| Landing | Dry |
Mosquera
A small islet located off the southeast coast of Santiago Island, is – in geological terms – a recent volcanic cone formed when a volcano on Santiago Island spewed lava and rocks into the nearby ocean. The small water channel between the two formed as the spatter cone eroded and is now a top snorkeling site, where you will have the opportunity to see fabulous marine life, including white-tipped reef sharks, sea lions, penguins, and rays.
The path of the land-based visitor site starts at a spectacular white coral beach where you can spot Sally lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and American Oyster catchers, as well as lava cactus, doing its best to gain a foothold in the pillow-type lava formations that are more recent additions to the islet’s geology.
| Highlights | Largest sea lion colony in Galapagos and easy snorkeling |
| Animals | Galapagos sea lions, lava gulls, shorebirds, Sally lightfoot crabs, Galapagos sharks, Galapagos green turtles, rays |
| Difficulty | Easy/Moderate |
| Landing | Wet |
Baltra
Baltra is home to one of two airports connecting Galapagos with mainland Ecuador and is the point of arrival for most travelers to the islands. The Seymour Airport is hailed as the world’s first green airport thanks to its solar power and energy- and water-efficient design. The fact that it is flat made it the obvious choice when the US, looking for a strategic site from which to defend the Panama Canal from attack by submarines during World War II, decided to establish a military base, known informally as “the Rock”. In 1945, after the war, the US turned the base over to the Ecuadorian government for use by its military.
| Highlights | Baltra green airport, iguana reintroduction program |
| Animals | Galapagos land iguanas, Darwin’s finches |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Dry |
South Plaza
Is one of a pair of small islands located just off the eastern coast of Santa Cruz Island. Its partner island, North Plazas, is accessible only for research and conservation purposes. South Plazas emerged from the ocean due to an uplifting. Its tiny area (0.13 km2/0.05 mi2) offers surprisingly rich opportunities to see unusual flora and fauna. The sea bluffs serve as home to numerous bird species, including red-billed tropic birds and swallow-tailed gulls. Unusually, due to overlapping mating seasons, this is the only place in Galapagos where hybrid iguanas have developed between land and marine iguanas. And the island proper is home to fascinating flora like the chameleonic Sesuvium succulent ground vegetation whose color changes from green during the rainy season to orange and purple in the dry season. Opuntia cacti (prickly pear cactus) also dominate the landscape and serve as food for a significant land iguana population, comprised primarily of the smallest iguanas in the archipelago. Finally, keep your eyes open for sea lion pups who love to frolic in the calmer waters of the channel between the two Plazas islands.
| Highlights | Flora and fauna observation |
| Animals | Galapagos land iguanas, Galapagos sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, Nazca boobies, red-billed, tropical birds, Galapagos frigatebirds, lava gulls |
| Difficulty | Dry |
| Landing | Dry |
Santa Fe Island
Originally named Barrington Island for a well-known British admiral, was formed by a mix of volcanic uplift and volcanic eruptions over 4 million years ago, making it one of the oldest islands in the archipelago. As you approach the visitor site’s beach to reach either of the two visitor trails, playful sea lion pups will be everywhere around. Make sure to be respectful of the bulls who will be carefully guarding their territory. You will have a reasonably strenuous hike on the island, but the views of Galapagos hawks and the endemic Santa Fe land iguana will quickly help you forget about the effort. Climb the trail past Opuntia cacti and Palo Santo trees towards the weathered cliffs for an unforgettable view of the ocean beyond.
| Highlights | Panoramic views and animal observation |
| Animals | Frigatebirds, Galapagos hawks, Galapagos marine iguanas, Galapagos land iguanas, manta rays, Galapagos green turtles, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos lava lizards, mockingbirds |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Landing | Wet |
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island, is the second largest island in Galapagos, located in the central area of the archipelago. Formed by a now extinct volcano, it is home to 15,000 inhabitants, the largest human population of any single island in the Galapagos. The island’s history of human settlement goes back for centuries. Pirates and whalers gave way to a failed attempt by Norwegian colonists to set up a fishing operation. Now, most inhabitants are dedicated to tourism, cattle ranching and farming numerous crops. Puerto Ayora, offers a boardwalk filled with small shops and restaurants serving fish and seafood delicacies. And up in the humid highlands, check out the pit craters and an incredible 7 distinct vegetation zones. The island is filled with numerous exciting visitor sites, from pure sandy beaches with fascinating marine iguanas to lava tunnels and the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Center.
Head north to Santa Cruz Island’s Bachas Beach for a fascinating close-up view of sea turtles and their nesting behavior. The white coral swimming beach was originally known for the abandoned barges left by the US military after World War II. Behind the beach, a small lagoon is home to flamingos and both migratory birds and aquatic birds such as black necked stilts.
| Highlights | Swimming and animal observation |
| Animals | Galapagos green turtles, Sally lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, whimbrels, black-necked stilt, flamingos, Galapagos sea lions |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Wet |
Baltra is home to one of two airports connecting Galapagos with mainland Ecuador and is the point of arrival for most travelers to the islands. The Seymour Airport is hailed as the world’s first green airport thanks to its solar power and energy- and water-efficient design. The fact that it is flat made it the obvious choice when the US, looking for a strategic site from which to defend the Panama Canal from attack by submarines during World War II, decided to establish a military base, known informally as “the Rock”. In 1945, after the war, the US turned the base over to the Ecuadorian government for use by its military.
| Highlights | Baltra green airport, iguana reintroduction program |
| Animals | Galapagos land iguanas, Darwin’s finches |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Dry |
Take to your dinghy with your guide for a quiet, motor-free ride around Black Turtle Cove for an amazing view of aquatic wildlife, including sea turtles, golden cownose rays and blacktip and whitetip reef sharks. Hammerhead sharks sometimes show up as well. Its clear, calm waters are a true paradise for ocean fauna lovers.
| Highlights | Dinghy ride for aquatic wildlife observation |
| Animals | Hammerhead sharks, Galapagos green turtles, herons, Golden ray |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | None |
Carrion Point, is a well-known as Galapago’s snorkeling and dive site. The sheltered cove harbors beautiful sea life including a variety of colorful tropical fish, rays, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos green turtles, white tip reef sharks, and even the occasional Galapagos shark, hammerhead or dolphin.
| Highlights | Snorkeling and sea life observation |
| Animals | Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos green turtles, tropical fish, rays, Galapagos sharks |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | None |
Low-lying Dragon Hill, one of the lengthier Galapagos walking trails, offers numerous highlights that are sure to please visitors with varied interests. These “dragons,” Galapagos land iguanas that have been rescued from near extinction by a highly successful joint program between the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galapagos National Park, roam the hill as well as the nearby Venecia Islet, where they are released from the captive breeding program before transfer to Dragon Hill.
| Highlights | Flora and fauna observation, hiking, snorkeling |
| Animals | Galapagos land iguanas, flycatchers, warblers, flamingos, pintail ducks |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Dry |
Charles Darwin Research Station, offers visitors a fascinating, science-based glimpse into the incredible Galapagos ecosystem with a strong conservation focus. Run by the international non-profit Charles Darwin Foundation, it offers education to visitors, calling attention to crucial environmental issues and creating and implementing programs designed to educate and prevent further degradation of the delicate island ecosystem. Admission is free.
| Highlights | Galapagos tortoise breeding program and conservation education |
| Animals | Galapagos giant tortoises, Galapagos land iguanas |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Dry |
This long, white, mangrove beach, surrounded by turquoise waters that call out to visitors who want to pursue all of the Galapagos multisport options (swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and even mountain biking), sits outside the Galapagos National Park, so no guide is needed. It’s also the only beach in Galapagos where you can camp overnight, although this requires a permit.
| Highlights | Galapagos multisport options and birdwatching |
| Animals | Flamingos, herons, grebes, stilts |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Dry |
It’s a fabulous advanced diving site for seeing pelagic big fish such as the highly unusual Oceanic Sunfish as well as 4 different types of rays, Galapagos green turtles, octopuses, moray eels, barracudas and sea lions. But what keeps the divers coming back is the opportunity to swim amongst the hammerheads: it’s one of the best places in the world for dancing underwater with these incredible creatures!
| Highlights | Advanced diving site with aquatic wildlife observation |
| Animals | Hammerhead sharks, tropical fish, big fish, manta rays, Galapagos green turtles, octopuses, moray eels |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Landing | None |
Feel like you’re traveling to the center of the Earth in Santa Cruz’s lava tunnels, a series of empty tubes that form underground channels, some up to 3 km (1.86 mi) long. The tunnels are located on private property and do not require a guide, but flashlights and sturdy shoes are recommended.
| Highlights | Volcanic geology |
| Animals | Galapagos lava lizards, Darwin’s finches |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Landing | Dry |
Ride up to the private nature reserve at Mesa Hill for one of the archipelagos’ most impressive views, as well as great birdwatching opportunities and a close-up encounter with Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat. So far, the birding list encompasses at least 19 birds, including the vermillion flycatcher and numerous finch species.
| Highlights | Panoramic view, birdwatching, Galapagos tortoises in the wild |
| Animals | Galapagos giant tortoises, flycatcher, mockingbirds, Darwin’s finches |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Dry |
If you’re looking for a little bit of modern life in the Galapagos, Port Ayora on the south of Santa Cruz Island is probably your spot. Home to approximately 12,000 inhabitants, it is the largest town in the Galapagos and by far its economic center, with restaurants, souvenir shops, discotheques, bars, internet coffee shops and stores, many of which are located along its boardwalk.
| Highlights | Economic, tourism and business center, boardwalk, urban animal observation |
| Animals | Brown pelicans, golden rays, Galapagos marine iguanas, herons, lava gulls, frigatebirds, Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Dry |
As you drive up from Puerto Ayora and the coastal area, you will pass through the deep, green fields of the agricultural area to the misty, lush Santa Cruz Highlands Ranch that is one of the most popular visitor sites in the archipelago, thanks to its easy access and great opportunity to see giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat.
| Highlights | Wildlife and flora observation, tortoises in their natural habitat, lava tunnels |
| Animals | Galapagos flycatchers, Darwin s finches |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Dry |
Tortuga Bay Beach, a fabulous white-sand popular beach, awaits just a short walk (2.5 km / 1.55 mi) on a paved path through salt bushes and Palo Santo trees from Port Ayora. Tortuga Bay is comprised of two separate beaches: the first, expansive section actually has very strong currents, making it perfect for surfing but rather dangerous for swimmers. If you want a more relaxing experience, walk past the marine iguanas sunning themselves along the path to the smaller beach surrounded by a bay that ensures calmer waters, perfect for snorkeling.
| Highlights | Aquatic sports and wildlife observation |
| Animals | Galapagos green turtles, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos marine iguanas, brown pelicans, flamingos, lava gulls, Galapagos sharks |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Dry |
The Twin Craters, in spite of their name, are actually not real craters, but rather two volcanic depressions caused when empty magma chambers collapsed due to underground fissures. Located close to the road to Baltra, they are a popular stop on the way to the Santa Cruz highlands. Most visits last only about half an hour, but botany fans might want to come back for a more extended walk along the trail to have more time for deeper exploration.
| Highlights | Flora and fauna observation |
| Animals | Darwin’s finches, vermilion flycatchers, mockingbirds |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Dry |
Whale Bay, provides a concrete glimpse into Galapagos history. The small cove was home to the islands’ oldest whaling camps, a place where whalers would disembark to look for fresh water and the tortoises that would provide them with food on their long voyages. Birdwatchers will love seeing Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, frigatebirds, and blue-footed boobies.
| Highlights | History and landscape appreciation |
| Animals | Galapagos hawks, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos marine iguanas, Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Landing | Wet |
Floreana Island
Floreana Island has one of the most colorful histories of the archipelago. Originally called Charles Island (after the King of England), and then Santa Maria (after Columbus’ ship), the island was christened with its current name to honor Juan José Flores, Ecuador’s first president, who took possession of the formerly unwanted archipelago. A shield volcano, with over 50 scoria cones, it measures 173 km2 (67 mi2), and once offered whalers and pirates an abundant supply of fresh water, plants and animals that served as food for long voyages. Unfortunately, human impact left the island scorched and the endemic Floreana tortoise extinct and the endemic Floreana mockingbird critically endangered, although there are plans to bring the giant tortoises back with a reintroduction program based on some rare hybrids discovered on Isabela Island. The island has been the site of a penal colony, a fish canning plant and the Galapagos Affair, a scandalous experiment in alternative lifestyles that led to an unsolved murder mystery famous in Europe thanks to the “pirate mail” of Post Office Bay!
Located 15 minutes’ drive away from Port Velasco Ibarra. This hill reaches a maximum altitude of 1,115 Feet. Be prepared for a muddy and raining visit. Through your hike, you will have the opportunity of observing native vegetation such as Lippia salicifolia, Linum cratericola, Lecocarpus pinnatifidus, Scalesia pedunculata.
The original settlers of Floreana Island, just like the approximately 100 inhabitants that live on the island today, depend on freshwater from Asilo de la Paz, located at the base of Straw Hill. It is a freshwater spring with sufficient production to irrigate crops and the community came together to install a pipe that brings the water to their fields and homes. Enjoy the beautiful views from the hill, including a Scalesia pedunculata woodland, and take a short walk to see Galapagos tortoises in captivity in a nearby corral.
| Highlights | Scenic views, history and Galapagos tortoises |
| Animals | Galapagos petrel, Galapagos giant tortoise, Darwin’s finches, Galapagos land iguanas, Galapagos mockingbird |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Dry |
The Baroness’ Observatory, located on the north side of Floreana Island, offers a fabulous setting of clear Galapagos waters as backdrop to a murder mystery story. The alleged Baroness Eloise Wehrborn de Wagner-Bosquet, infamous for her decision to leave behind her Austrian home to come with her two lovers to what at the time was the end of the world, ended up embroiled in a still-unsolved case of disappearance and death that has been the subject of countless articles, a book, and a feature film.
| Highlights | Scenic viewpoint and history |
| Animals | Galapagos green turtles |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Wet |
Champion Islet, located just northeast of Floreana Island, holds the distinction of being one of the last remaining homes for the endemic Floreana mockingbird, now extinct on the main island. The fragility of this and other species has led the National Park authorities to limit visitors to panga rides, snorkeling, and scuba diving, but this is hardly a sacrifice: Champion Islet is one of the top aquatic visitor sites in the archipelago! Grab your underwater camera and go wild with photographs!
| Highlights | Underwater wildlife observation |
| Animals | Galapagos green turtles, salema, surgeonfish, pacific seahorse, Galapagos hawksfish, Galapagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, Galapagos frigatebirds, Galapagos sea lions, |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Wet |
Visitors to Cormorant Point are in for a real treat! As you ride on the dinghy to the shocking green olivine beach, keep your eyes open for the incredible wildlife, including blue-footed boobies and lava herons. Climb a small hill to Flour Beach, named for the fine white coral-derived sand popular not just with human visitors but also with the green sea turtles who love to use it as their nesting site. There will be time for snorkeling at this popular visitor site.
| Highlights | Two beaches, flamingo observation and abundant plant diversity |
| Animals | Flamingos, large-billed flycatchers, Galapagos green turtles, rays |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Wet |
Fans of marine life will fall in love with Devil’s Crown. Coral formations serve as home to numerous varieties of reef fish, yellow surgeonfish, spotted eagle rays, and even the imposing hammerhead shark. Above the waterline, boobies, pelicans, and frigatebirds take short rests on the reefs. Currents can be a bit strong, but good swimmers will enjoy the underwater exploration of a tube on the western side of the crown.
| Highlights | Underwater aquatic observation |
| Animals | Blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, Galapagos frigatebirds, red-billed tropical birds, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos green turtles, Galapagos sharks |
| Difficulty | Easy/Moderate |
| Landing | Wet |
Loberia, true to its name, is a stunning beach teeming with – you guessed it! – sea lions. The beach is set in a small bay, surrounded by rocky shores and is perfect for snorkeling, dinghy rides, and beachcombing – though remember that you’re not allowed to take anything (not even a shell!) out of the National Park area. There is a 900 m (2953 ft) long trail filled with sea lion areas, where you can also see Galapagos marine iguanas in their natural habitat. Galapagos green turtles also love the waters of this beach. Numerous local trees provide some shade, making this trail and beach area a favorite with locals and visitors alike.
| Highlights | A beautiful beach filled with sea lions and marine iguanas |
| Animals | Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos marine iguanas, Galapagos green turtles |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Dry |
It may not seem like much – just a hodgepodge collection of wooden signs, barrels, and boxes covered in pieces of paper – but Post Office Bay has been an important communications center for homesick sailors and novel-seeking tourists since 1792! Originally, this most unusual post office started out as an old barrel, rumored to have been left here by whalers passing by on their extended trips to pick up the now extinct Giant Tortoises that they kept in the hold to serve as food for their crews. Then, as today, visitors would leave letters in the barrel for their loved ones, rummaging through the mail to find correspondence destined for their home countries, which by tradition they would hand-deliver upon returning home.
| Highlights | History and lava cave exploration |
| Animals | Galapagos sea lions, great blue herons, Galapagos petrels, tropical fish, blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Wet |
On the northwest coast of Floreana Island, the small Velasco Ibarra Port still serves as a mooring point for visitors to the island, much as it did when the first colonists arrived. There are a few small places to stay and eat, but this little town still retains an old-time, laid-back Galapagos feeling. Slightly farther inland, the higher elevations have permitted the growth of Scalesia pedunculate trees which serve as home to the critically endangered medium tree finch.
| Highlights | Easy walking around town, black sand beach |
| Animals | Galapagos sea lions, great blue herons, Galapagos petrels, tropical fish |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Dry |
Española Island
Española Island, at 14 million years old, is considered one of the oldest islands in the Galapagos and has a vast variety of endemic species to prove it, including the Española lava lizard and Española mockingbirds. In fact, she s famous for many reasons, but especially for romance! This is the only site in the world where waved albatrosses come to mate for life (March to January only), and where blue-footed booby dances happen in plain sight. Nazca boobies also have significant colonies here. It also has little rainfall, but that doesn’t seem to bother the marine iguanas, who thrive in this environment, showing off red coloring that turns decidedly greener during mating and nesting season, earning them the playful nickname of “Christmas” iguanas. Incredible birdwatching and blowhole observation at Punta Suarez, the great beach at Gardner Bay, and panga rides around Osborn Islet make this stop a favorite with guides and visitors alike.
This large bay hosts a stunning and relaxing beach, one of the archipelago’s longest at 2 km (1.2 mi). It is a great place to swim and snorkel, watch napping sea lions, or observe green sea turtle hatchlings as they take their first steps towards the water (February thru May). Keep your eyes open for the Española mockingbirds, the only carnivorous mockingbird species. They’re not afraid of anyone and just might pay you a visit on your shoulder if you’re not careful! All in all, though, it’s just good clean fun.
| Highlights | Swimming with sea lions, great Galapagos beach |
| Animals | Galapagos sea lions, Española mockingbirds, Galapagos marine iguanas, crabs, tropical fish, wading Birds, Galapagos petrels |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Put on your gear and climb into your panga for some panoramic views en route to deep water snorkeling around Osborn Islet, right off the coast of Española Island. There is no visitor site on this islet, but there is so much to see along its cliffs and in its surrounding calm waters that you won’t miss the hiking. Tropical fish, including butterfly fish, parrot fish, and green pencil urchins abound in these waters, and you may have a chance to meet up with playful sea lions as well.
| Highlights | Snorkel |
| Animals | Galapagos sea lions, tropical fish |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Wet |
The Suarez Point visitor site on Española Island has the type of birdwatching that makes Galapagos a bucket list destination for thousands of avid birders each year. Where else can you see a waved albatross egg being cared for by both its parents or blue-footed boobies performing an intricate mating dance in the sparse vegetation that is the norm for such a dry climate. You probably won’t even need binoculars to catch a good look at swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Galapagos doves, Galapagos hawks, Darwin’s finches… and the list just goes on.
| Highlights | Incredible birdwatching and blowhole |
| Animals | Mockingbirds, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, waved albatross, red-billed tropical birds, Galapagos hawks, Galapagos lava lizards, Galapagos marine iguanas, Galapagos doves |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Landing | Dry |
San Cristobal Island
San Cristobal a 558 km2 (215 mi2)island, consisting of 3-4 fused extinct volcanos, is home to the capital of the Galapagos, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and one of its two airports. Its original claim to fame is that it is the first island visited on Charles Darwin’s Beagle voyage, where he collected the first specimen (the Galapagos mockingbird) that would lead to his Theory of Evolution.
The island has historically been used for various types of settlements, including a penal colony, a military base, and an export center for agricultural projects. Today, it boasts a population of approximately 6000 people, dedicated primarily to farming, government, and tourism. The island is also home to a Tortoise Reserve, dedicated to conserving San Cristobal’s own endemic species of land tortoises.
Baquerizo Moreno Port, is the Galapagos Islands’ capital, founded in the mid-1800s, it was named after Ecuadorian president Alfredo Baquerizo Moreno, the first head of state of the country to visit the archipelago. The town has a relatively new boardwalk lined with hotels, restaurants, shops and open-air performance spaces, as well as an interpretation center. And last but not least, the surfing crowd has advanced surfing waters of Tongo Reef.
| Highlights | Airport, public and tourist services, Natural History Museum and Interpretation Center |
| Animals | N/A |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Dry |
If you’re a fan of small, scenic beaches with shiny white sand, Chino Port may be just the place for you. Remember to take plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection! Once you get there, the sea lions and turtles never fail to surprise with their playful aquatic antics. Or head up the beach path and look for the blue-footed boobies. With so many things to see, Chino Port is a great day-trip if you have some extra time in the archipelago!
| Highlights | Swimming, snorkeling, wildlife observation |
| Animals | Blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigatebirds |
| Difficulty | Moderate/Difficult |
| Landing | Dry |
Colorado Hill is set aside as semi-natural habitat for the local Giant Tortoise population; whose numbers are growing thanks to the dedicated work of the tortoise breeding center.
| Highlights | Landscape and wildlife observation |
| Animals | Mockingbirds, canaries, tortoises |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Dry |
El Junco Lagoon, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the Galapagos, is located in the highlands of San Cristobal, its only inflow of water comes from rainwater, as a result of which its water level decreases substantially during drought periods. It’s a resting place for frigatebirds – who come to clean their wings–, San Cristobal mockingbirds, white-cheeked pintails and common gallinules, who arrive as part of their annual winter migration.
| Highlights | Birdwatching, botany and Galapagos history |
| Animals | Frigatebirds, Galapagos pintails, moorhens, pied-billed grebes |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Dry |
A short trip to the western edge of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno brings you to the Interpretation Center, an environmental education project that teaches visitors about Galapagos’ natural and human history with a self-guided walking tour and interactive exhibits. The center is a great place to learn about how the islands were formed, how it was colonized, and current conservation efforts. Trails from the center lead to Tijeretas Hill and to nearby beaches.
| Highlights | Human and natural history of Galapagos with focus on conservation |
| Animals | N/A |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Dry |
A couple of hours northwest of San Cristobal Island, the spectacular rock formation known as Kicker Rock rises impressively out of the depths of the Pacific Ocean. It is a divers’ and snorkeler’s paradise, with huge schools of pelagic fish, Galapagos green turtles, rays, white-tipped sharks and hammerhead sharks awaiting your underwater camera in an area with mild to moderate currents.
| Highlights | Wildlife observation, snorkeling and diving |
| Animals | great frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, hammerhead sharks, Galapagos green turtles |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Wet |
La Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado, home to the Jacinto Gordillo Tortoise Breeding Center, is easily reached by bus leaving Baquerizo Moreno Port. This manmade reproduction center recreates the natural conditions that the island’s land tortoises need in order to breed. Visitors have the opportunity to see the hatchling tortoises that are held in captivity until they are prepared for release into the reserve’s protected natural habitat.
| Highlights | Tortoise breeding program, natural reserve and information center |
| Animals | Galapagos giant tortoise |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Dry |
Lobos Island is a small island located to the west of San Cristobal Island, “right around the corner” from Ochoa beach. Although it is best known for the huge colony of sea lions that occupy almost the entire island and give it its name, it is also a great place to see sea lions and numerous bird species. Most tours to the island offer dinghy rides and swimming and snorkeling options are often available, with visitors delighting as juvenile sea lions play around them in the water and Galapagos green turtles and hammerhead sharks sometimes make an appearance.
| Highlights | Animal observation on land and in water |
| Animals | Great frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, hammerhead sharks, Galapagos green turtles ,Galapagos sea lions |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Wet |
The white sands and clear, turquoise waters of Ochoa Beach offer a relaxing break after visits to Kicker Rock or Lobos Island. Although the beach is located just 30 minutes from Baquerizo Moreno port, it is only accessible as part of tours to either of these two visitor sites.
| Highlights | Swimming and snorkeling, birdwatching |
| Animals | Brown pelicans, Chatham mockingbirds, Galapagos sea lions |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Dry |
Pitt Point’s olivine beach, comprised of Peridot, a mineral that turns the sands green in the light, receives you as you step out of your dinghy into the clear Galapagos waters after having passed by amazingly scenic cliff landscapes that serve as home to numerous bird species. Set out on the trail up a volcanic tuff hill. And its great variety of tropical fish also makes it a wonderful place for diving!
| Highlights | Birdwatching, landscapes and diving |
| Animals | Chatham mockingbirds, red-footed boobies, Galapagos lava lizards, Galapagos petrels, Galapagos sea lions |
| Difficulty | Moderate/Difficult |
| Landing | Wet |
History buffs, photographers, birdwatchers and surfers will each find their own reason to love Tijeretas Hill, also known as Frigatebird Hill. This rocky bay is the first place where Charles Darwin stepped foot on the islands that would change his life and the course of history. The calm waters inside the bay provide great snorkeling with sea lions, rays and turtles and further out, surfers can catch a wave at one of Galapagos’ favorite surfing locations
| Highlights | History, panoramic view, snorkeling and surfing |
| Animals | Frigatebirds |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Easy |
Witch Hill visitor site, known for its coral sand beach and amazing wildlife. Close to shore, marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot crabs draw your eye, while along the paths, brown pelicans, frigate birds, and others take to the skies. This is the only site in the archipelago to see red-footed boobies, blue-footed boobies, and Nazca boobies nesting together.
| Highlights | Wildlife and plant observation, snorkeling |
| Animals | Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos marine iguanas, tropical birds, Darwin’s finches, mockingbirds |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Landing | Wet |
