Things to Do in Galapagos Islands

Being the largest of the Galapagos Islands, Isla Isabela is one of the most intriguing tropical islands in the world. Approximately 1 million years old, the island is composed of six volcanoes, all of which but one are active. The unique geology of the island has drawn visitors from all over the world to see the surface uplifts at Bolivar Channel and Urvina Bay, as well as the incredible tuff cones at Tagus Cove. Also enjoy the amazing wildlife that dominates Isabela, including the famous Galapagos tortoises, as well as hundreds of tropical bird species, penguins, marine iguanas, Darwin's finches, and cormorants. Also be sure to check out the tortoise breeding center.

Along with incredible flora and fauna to explore, visitors who wish to stay on Isabela will find the settlement of Puerto Villamil to be laidback and welcoming. The white, sandy beaches and quiet lagoons are the quintessential Galapagos experience.

One of Santa Cruz’s most peaceful and tranquil settings, the 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) of sand that compose El Garrapatero Beach is a tropical paradise. It is about 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) northeast of Puerto Ayora, and is well worth the trip. Surrounded by beautiful mangrove trees, the beach is home to an incredible array of birds, most notably, flamingos and mockingbirds. You can also find marine iguanas, shrimp, Galapagos penguins, oystercatchers, and patillos amongst the white sands and clear blue water. There’s also a freshwater lake nearby that is home to even more tropical animals, such as herons, grebes, and many of shore birds.

Enjoy the wonderful swimming and snorkeling opportunities, and take advantage of the lovely picnic area, complete with grills. If you find yourself wanting more of this beautiful beach, look into a campsite.

Santa Cruz is easily the most central island for Galapagos visitors. Welcoming overnight visitors (only four of the islands do so), it can serve as the perfect home base from which you can explore the islands. Though it is not the largest island, it is certainly the most popular urban center. In addition to being the most cosmopolitan, however, Santa Cruz also offers beautiful beaches and wildlife.

Test out the waters by snorkeling in Tortuga Bay, Punta Estrada, or Las Grietas, the three most popular beaches for interacting with the underwater world. If you'd like to try your hand at surfing, there are plenty of opportunities, most notably at Tortuga. When you're ready to dry off, check out the incredible lava tunnels around the island, or visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, the unique conservation organization dedicated to preserving the incredible Galapagos tortoises, as well as sharing information about them with visitors.

Anyone who is looking to make the most of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos cannot miss an opportunity to see the Canal del Amor, or the Love Channel. The complete natural adventure, Canal del Amor is not considered a visitor site, but has a spectacular turquoise channel bedded in between mountainous rock. At the channel you can also spot shore birds and reef sharks, or if you have the means, have a swim or go snorkeling, and explore its diverse and plentiful aqua-life and flora.

In the same afternoon, from here you will be able to explore the beautiful La Loberia island and of course, Port of Punta Estrada, where you can get to know the sea iguanas.

Isla Bartolome, located off the east shore of Sullivan Bay, is a small but beautiful island most famous for its iconic Pinnacle Rock, arguably one of the most recognizable landmarks of the Galapagos. This incredible geological site is a staggering rock face, formed from an eroded lava formation from the eruption of an underwater volcano. Visitors can summit the island via a 600-meter (about 2,000 foot) trail and enjoy some of the most breathtaking views of Pinnacle Rock, Sullivan Bay, Isla San Salvador (or Santiago), and Isla Daphne. Photographic opportunities abound at this ideal spot.

Visit the north beach for wonderful snorkeling opportunities. Swim with beautiful fish and Galapagos penguins, or visit the southern shore to see white-tipped sharks, spotted eagle rays, and stingrays. Keep your eyes out for the green sea turtles, especially if you’re there during mating season (typically November to January).

A must-see while in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, the biological research station known as the Charles Darwin Research Station is a great way to take in some interesting facts about the environment of the Galapagos many take for granted while relaxing on the beach and having a pina colada. On display, the center has available information on local conservation, habitats, and other interesting relevant statistics.

Certainly the station's most impressive attraction is the tortoise breeding center, where you can see tortoises of all shapes and sizes, including the famous Lonesome George, at 90+ years old, and the last remaining member of the Pinta Island subspecies. Access to the tortoises is quite open and visitors can feel free to walk amongst them as well enjoy a last-minute photo-op.

Not to be confused with the island of South Seymour, more commonly referred to as Baltra (the location of the main Galapagos airport, as well as a military base), North Seymour is a small island that is flat and uplifted, unlike many of its volcanic neighbors. The most intriguing aspect of North Seymour for visitors is the renowned Blue-footed Boobies that inhabit the island. While walking along the visitor’s pathway, one can often catch the famous courtship dance of the boobies, along with incredible frigate birds, swallow-tail gulls, and other Galapagos birds. Watch along the coastline for marine iguanas and playful sea lions as well. Also be sure to take notice of the spectacular black-and-white lava rocks that surround the coast.

If you’re traveling to the Galapagos to dive, be sure not to miss the wonderful opportunities that Seymour has to offer. Keep your eyes open for Hammerheads, sea lions, the pacific green sea turtle, garden eels, and hundreds of beautifully colored tropical fish.