The Best of the Galápagos Islands

With unique, world-famous flora and fauna, the Galápagos Islands are truly unlike anywhere else on earth. This archipelago, formed from volcanic activity off the coast of mainland Ecuador, consists of 127 islands. Most land-based visitors spend their time on the islands of Santa Cruz, Isla Isabela and San Cristobal. The most popular way to experience the Galápagos is via a cruise, which takes in the main sights around these three islands and many others.

Here is just some of the best of what the Galápagos Islands have to offer…

Beaches

Glistening white sand, clear blue skies and calm seas- the beaches of the Galápagos are postcard-perfect. The black volcanic rock, unique vegetation, and of course, the native wildlife, set them apart from anywhere else in the world.

There are countless beaches on the Galápagos Islands, and you’ll likely be spending a lot of time relaxing on the sand, watching wildlife from the shore, and exploring the warm Pacific waters.  It’s hard to narrow down which beaches to visit, and you’ll likely have an incredible experience regardless of which ones you sample!

That said, be sure to take a visit to Tortuga Bay, on Santa Cruz. Accessible via a scenic 3 km walk from the town of Puerto Ayora, the bay consists of a string of beautiful beaches. With perfectly still water, a scenic backdrop, and an abundance of wildlife, these beaches rank among the Galapagos’ best.

Wildlife

The wildlife of the Galápagos Islands is world-famous, and many of the native animals cannot be found anywhere else on earth. It’s here that Charles Darwin first developed his theory of evolution, observing adaptations in the finches that can be seen flying around the islands. Other unique birds that call the Galápagos home are the unique and bizarre- looking blue-footed booby and the Galápagos penguin, the only penguin that lives north of the equator. There are also plenty of pelicans, flamingos, ducks, albatrosses, and many more.

Marine iguanas can be found sunning themselves on the volcanic rock, and colourful crabs scuttle across the sand. Sea lions can be found just about everywhere along the shore, even roaming through the towns!  Just under the water’s surface lies an astounding array of sea life, from sharks to rays to giant sea turtles.

And of course, the islands are home to the giant tortoise. These fascinating animals are seen roaming the grounds at the Tortoise Ranches on Santa Cruz, but can also be observed in the wild, munching on grass next to paths and hiking trails. The Darwin Station and Tortoise Centre on Santa Cruz are well worth a visit. Not only can you see these huge beasts up close, but you can also learn all about the ecology of the area and the islands’ volcanic origins and formations, as well as Darwin’s voyages to the Galápagos and the importance of his observations here.

Landscapes

It can be hard to tear yourself away from the beaches, but head inland and you’ll find other-worldly volcanic formations and landscapes.

On Isla Isabela, the Wall of Tears hike takes in a wonderful sample of the scenery. This sandy trail leads through black hexagonal rock, mangrove-fringed shore, and hills of green cacti and giant daisy trees (and offers plenty of wildlife opportunities, too). The trail itself takes around 2 hours each way. It is fairly flat, though often scorching hot, so make sure you dress appropriately and bring lots of water and sunscreen. You can also rent a bike in Villamil and cycle the trail.

On Santa Cruz, take a trip to view Los Gemelos, or “The Twins”, two huge volcanic craters in the inner highlands, from where you can view the stunning landscape of the island. Or explore underground through the Lava Tunnels. These were formed when lava on the surface hardened as lava underneath continued to flow, creating tunnels big enough to walk through (though at a certain point you have to crawl through a narrow gap!).

Towns

The urban areas of the Galápagos Islands are small, sleepy places. The pace of life is slow and relaxed- it’s hard to get worked up when you are surrounded by paradise on earth. These towns serve as the jumping off point for day trips, but there are plenty of sights and activities around the towns themselves.

Puerto Villamil, the main town on Isla Isabela, is located on a scenic harbour, where you are likely to spot penguins bobbing in the waves. Concha de Perla is a small beach just outside of town, which offers fantastic snorkelling. Here, you can swim among sea lions, giant turtles, starfish, marine iguanas, and more (though be warned you must walk over jagged rock on the way here).

Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz is the biggest town in the Galápagos, though is still little more than a village. Visit the fish market to see pelicans and sea lions gathering for scraps, or take a walk along the jetty at night, to watch sea life such as turtles, rays, and black-tipped reef sharks gather in the waters below as the pelicans and sea lions relax on the jetty’s benches.

Snorkelling and Diving

There are plenty of scuba diving tours on offer throughout the islands. A popular choice is a trip to Kicker Rock, a giant formation jutting out of the sea, with a huge array of sea life below. The rock is also known as Leon Dormido, due to its (alleged) resemblance to a sleeping lion. Shoals of colourful fish, turtles and rays gather here under the water, and the views are spectacular. Reef sharks are sure to be spotted here, and, if you’re lucky, you’ll also encounter hammerhead sharks. Dolphins are also likely to be found frolicking in the wake of the boats that ferry tourists back and forth to the rock.

If you’d rather not dive down to the depths, there is a myriad of snorkelling opportunities on the islands. Simply grab a snorkel and head out into the waves from just about any beach, and you’re sure to find an array of spectacular sea life without having to look too far.

No matter where you choose to visit in the Galápagos Islands, you’re sure to have an incredible time. With incomparable wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and memorable experiences, a trip here is a trip of a lifetime.