Visitor Sites
Click on each site for more information

• Day 1 AM Baltra Island Airport account_balance

  28%
  

  Baltra Island Airport

  The first airport here was built by Americans during the 2nd World War - remnants of that military base can be easily observed.  The latest airport here touts itself as the world’s first “green” airport. It opened in December 2012.  The terminal consists of recycled steel tubes taken from oil drilling operations in the Amazon.  It spreads over 6,000 square meters and required an investment of just over $24 million. The new complex uses clean, renewable technologies such as solar energy, wind farms, and seawater desalination, among other environmental innovations.  It is kept cool(ish) simply by design - no air conditioning is required.

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Land Iguana

  Site Rating 28%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Baltra Island Airport

  

  Overall Rating: 28%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  The first airport here was built by Americans during the 2nd World War - remnants of that military base can be easily observed.  The latest airport here touts itself as the world’s first “green” airport. It opened in December 2012.  The terminal consists of recycled steel tubes taken from oil drilling operations in the Amazon.  It spreads over 6,000 square meters and required an investment of just over $24 million. The new complex uses clean, renewable technologies such as solar energy, wind farms, and seawater desalination, among other environmental innovations.  It is kept cool(ish) simply by design - no air conditioning is required.

  Baltra Island Airport

  

  Overall Rating: 28%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  The first airport here was built by Americans during the 2nd World War - remnants of that military base can be easily observed.  The latest airport here touts itself as the world’s first “green” airport. It opened in December 2012.  The terminal consists of recycled steel tubes taken from oil drilling operations in the Amazon.  It spreads over 6,000 square meters and required an investment of just over $24 million. The new complex uses clean, renewable technologies such as solar energy, wind farms, and seawater desalination, among other environmental innovations.  It is kept cool(ish) simply by design - no air conditioning is required.

• Day 1 PM North Seymour Island

  83%
  

  North Seymour Island

  From the small dock, the trail leads along the coast — past an area where marine iguanas nest — and then loops into the palo santo forest by the nests of frigatebirds and boobies. The frigatebirds rely on the fishing success of the blue-footed boobies for their survival, stealing their catches.  Landing:  Dry.   Difficulty:  Easy

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Nazca booby
  • check Land Iguana

  Site Rating 83%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  North Seymour Island

  

  Overall Rating: 83%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  From the small dock, the trail leads along the coast — past an area where marine iguanas nest — and then loops into the palo santo forest by the nests of frigatebirds and boobies. The frigatebirds rely on the fishing success of the blue-footed boobies for their survival, stealing their catches.  Landing:  Dry.   Difficulty:  Easy

  North Seymour Island

  

  Overall Rating: 83%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  From the small dock, the trail leads along the coast — past an area where marine iguanas nest — and then loops into the palo santo forest by the nests of frigatebirds and boobies. The frigatebirds rely on the fishing success of the blue-footed boobies for their survival, stealing their catches.  Landing:  Dry.   Difficulty:  Easy

• Day 2 AM Genovesa Island, Darwin Bay

  76%
  

  Genovesa Island, Darwin Bay

  After landing on a white-sand, coral beach, you follow a short trail (800m) that meanders through mangroves to the tidal pools where sea lions are often found frolicking, and up a rocky hill that leads to a point overlooking the cliffs and Darwin Bay. This is one of the few places in the islands where you are pretty much guaranteed to see red-footed boobies, along with other tidal lagoon birds. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

   

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Nazca booby
  • check Red-footed booby
  • check Sea lions
  • check Sea turtles

  Site Rating 76%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Genovesa Island, Darwin Bay

  

  Overall Rating: 76%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  After landing on a white-sand, coral beach, you follow a short trail (800m) that meanders through mangroves to the tidal pools where sea lions are often found frolicking, and up a rocky hill that leads to a point overlooking the cliffs and Darwin Bay. This is one of the few places in the islands where you are pretty much guaranteed to see red-footed boobies, along with other tidal lagoon birds. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

   

  Genovesa Island, Darwin Bay

  

  Overall Rating: 76%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  After landing on a white-sand, coral beach, you follow a short trail (800m) that meanders through mangroves to the tidal pools where sea lions are often found frolicking, and up a rocky hill that leads to a point overlooking the cliffs and Darwin Bay. This is one of the few places in the islands where you are pretty much guaranteed to see red-footed boobies, along with other tidal lagoon birds. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

   

• Day 2 PM Genovesa Island, Prince Phillip's Steps

  84%
  

  Genovesa Island, Prince Phillip's Steps

  This site is notable for its variety and abundance of birdlife including red-footed and Nazca boobies, short-eared owls, red-billed tropicbirds, Galápagos swallows and Galápagos doves. Upon landing on a steep rocky stairway, visitors are treated to the site of small fur seal colony and a variety of marine life clinging to the rocks.  There are great views of lava plains near the end of the trail.  Landing: Dry (with slippery rocks). Difficulty: Moderate.

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Red-footed booby
  • check Fur seals
  • check Nazca booby

  Site Rating 84%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Genovesa Island, Prince Phillip's Steps

  

  Overall Rating: 84%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  This site is notable for its variety and abundance of birdlife including red-footed and Nazca boobies, short-eared owls, red-billed tropicbirds, Galápagos swallows and Galápagos doves. Upon landing on a steep rocky stairway, visitors are treated to the site of small fur seal colony and a variety of marine life clinging to the rocks.  There are great views of lava plains near the end of the trail.  Landing: Dry (with slippery rocks). Difficulty: Moderate.

  Genovesa Island, Prince Phillip's Steps

  

  Overall Rating: 84%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  This site is notable for its variety and abundance of birdlife including red-footed and Nazca boobies, short-eared owls, red-billed tropicbirds, Galápagos swallows and Galápagos doves. Upon landing on a steep rocky stairway, visitors are treated to the site of small fur seal colony and a variety of marine life clinging to the rocks.  There are great views of lava plains near the end of the trail.  Landing: Dry (with slippery rocks). Difficulty: Moderate.

• Day 3 AM Santiago Island, Sullivan Bay

  58%
  

  Santiago Island, Sullivan Bay

  While it doesn’t boast much wildlife, Sullivan Bay provides visitors with an opportunity to walk across a recent lava flow and examine its otherworldly beauty. Don’t worry; the lava isn’t hot, as it was formed in the late 19th century. The trail here crosses pahoehoe lava, dotted with pyroclastic cones. Inland, striking red and yellow tuft cones rise above the flow.  Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Easy.

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Galapagos penguin

  Site Rating 58%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Santiago Island, Sullivan Bay

  

  Overall Rating: 58%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  While it doesn’t boast much wildlife, Sullivan Bay provides visitors with an opportunity to walk across a recent lava flow and examine its otherworldly beauty. Don’t worry; the lava isn’t hot, as it was formed in the late 19th century. The trail here crosses pahoehoe lava, dotted with pyroclastic cones. Inland, striking red and yellow tuft cones rise above the flow.  Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Easy.

  Santiago Island, Sullivan Bay

  

  Overall Rating: 58%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  While it doesn’t boast much wildlife, Sullivan Bay provides visitors with an opportunity to walk across a recent lava flow and examine its otherworldly beauty. Don’t worry; the lava isn’t hot, as it was formed in the late 19th century. The trail here crosses pahoehoe lava, dotted with pyroclastic cones. Inland, striking red and yellow tuft cones rise above the flow.  Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Easy.

• Day 3 PM Bartolomé Island

  68%
  

  Bartolomé Island

  Bartolomé Island has two visitor sites that are usually combined into one visit.  The first is a swim and snorkel off a nice beach, around the iconic Pinnacle Rock; the underwater world there is really impressive. Snorkelers are in the water with the penguins, marine turtles white-tipped reef sharks, rays and other tropical fish.  The second site is accessible via a long staircase leading up to a spectacular view point from which you can see the manifestations of recent volcanic activity.  Landing: Dry.  Difficulty: Moderate

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Galapagos penguin
  • check Sharks
  • check Rays
  • check Sea turtles

  Site Rating 68%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Bartolomé Island

  

  Overall Rating: 68%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Bartolomé Island has two visitor sites that are usually combined into one visit.  The first is a swim and snorkel off a nice beach, around the iconic Pinnacle Rock; the underwater world there is really impressive. Snorkelers are in the water with the penguins, marine turtles white-tipped reef sharks, rays and other tropical fish.  The second site is accessible via a long staircase leading up to a spectacular view point from which you can see the manifestations of recent volcanic activity.  Landing: Dry.  Difficulty: Moderate

  Bartolomé Island

  

  Overall Rating: 68%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Bartolomé Island has two visitor sites that are usually combined into one visit.  The first is a swim and snorkel off a nice beach, around the iconic Pinnacle Rock; the underwater world there is really impressive. Snorkelers are in the water with the penguins, marine turtles white-tipped reef sharks, rays and other tropical fish.  The second site is accessible via a long staircase leading up to a spectacular view point from which you can see the manifestations of recent volcanic activity.  Landing: Dry.  Difficulty: Moderate

• Day 4 AM Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Dragon

  54%
  

  Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Dragon

  The 3km/2mile trail leads through dry-zone vegetation to a small hill where the land iguanas thrive. The area is home to Galapagos mockingbirds, Darwin´s finches, varieties of the endemic Opuntia and candelabra cactus, and Galapagos cotton. Green turtles, sharks, and rays may be spotted on the panga ride, while black-necked stilts, white cheeked pintails, and migratory shorebirds are often seen.   Difficulty:  Easy/moderate.  Landing:  Dry
  

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Mockingbirds
  • check Rays
  • check Sharks
  • check Land Iguana
  • check Flamingo

  Site Rating 54%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Dragon

  

  Overall Rating: 54%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  The 3km/2mile trail leads through dry-zone vegetation to a small hill where the land iguanas thrive. The area is home to Galapagos mockingbirds, Darwin´s finches, varieties of the endemic Opuntia and candelabra cactus, and Galapagos cotton. Green turtles, sharks, and rays may be spotted on the panga ride, while black-necked stilts, white cheeked pintails, and migratory shorebirds are often seen.   Difficulty:  Easy/moderate.  Landing:  Dry
  

  Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Dragon

  

  Overall Rating: 54%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  The 3km/2mile trail leads through dry-zone vegetation to a small hill where the land iguanas thrive. The area is home to Galapagos mockingbirds, Darwin´s finches, varieties of the endemic Opuntia and candelabra cactus, and Galapagos cotton. Green turtles, sharks, and rays may be spotted on the panga ride, while black-necked stilts, white cheeked pintails, and migratory shorebirds are often seen.   Difficulty:  Easy/moderate.  Landing:  Dry
  

• Day 4 PM Santa Cruz Island, Black Turtle Cove

  63%
  

  Santa Cruz Island, Black Turtle Cove

  The cove is located on the north coast of the island and is only accessible by boat. A quiet boat ride through the mangroves may reveal lava herons, sea turtles, spotted rays, and a variety of shark species, including black and white tipped reef sharks and Galapagos sharks. Landing: None. Difficulty: Easy.

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Sharks
  • check Rays

  Site Rating 63%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Santa Cruz Island, Black Turtle Cove

  

  Overall Rating: 63%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  The cove is located on the north coast of the island and is only accessible by boat. A quiet boat ride through the mangroves may reveal lava herons, sea turtles, spotted rays, and a variety of shark species, including black and white tipped reef sharks and Galapagos sharks. Landing: None. Difficulty: Easy.

  Santa Cruz Island, Black Turtle Cove

  

  Overall Rating: 63%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  The cove is located on the north coast of the island and is only accessible by boat. A quiet boat ride through the mangroves may reveal lava herons, sea turtles, spotted rays, and a variety of shark species, including black and white tipped reef sharks and Galapagos sharks. Landing: None. Difficulty: Easy.

• Day 5 AM Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre account_balance

  53%
  

  Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre

  The Station is about a ten-minute walk from the center of Puerto Ayora.  It has its own staff scientists but also hosts visiting scientists from around the world.  The archipelago's first tortoise breeding centre is next door, along with land iguana pens.   An open air rest area serves cold drinks and snacks.  Visit the station's new "mini-museum"  and buy a t-shirt to support the station's work.   Landing: No Landing. Difficulty: Easy.

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Mockingbirds

  Site Rating 53%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre

  

  Overall Rating: 53%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  The Station is about a ten-minute walk from the center of Puerto Ayora.  It has its own staff scientists but also hosts visiting scientists from around the world.  The archipelago's first tortoise breeding centre is next door, along with land iguana pens.   An open air rest area serves cold drinks and snacks.  Visit the station's new "mini-museum"  and buy a t-shirt to support the station's work.   Landing: No Landing. Difficulty: Easy.

  Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre

  

  Overall Rating: 53%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  The Station is about a ten-minute walk from the center of Puerto Ayora.  It has its own staff scientists but also hosts visiting scientists from around the world.  The archipelago's first tortoise breeding centre is next door, along with land iguana pens.   An open air rest area serves cold drinks and snacks.  Visit the station's new "mini-museum"  and buy a t-shirt to support the station's work.   Landing: No Landing. Difficulty: Easy.

• Day 5 PM Baltra Island Airport account_balance

  28%
  

  Baltra Island Airport

  The first airport here was built by Americans during the 2nd World War - remnants of that military base can be easily observed.  The latest airport here touts itself as the world’s first “green” airport. It opened in December 2012.  The terminal consists of recycled steel tubes taken from oil drilling operations in the Amazon.  It spreads over 6,000 square meters and required an investment of just over $24 million. The new complex uses clean, renewable technologies such as solar energy, wind farms, and seawater desalination, among other environmental innovations.  It is kept cool(ish) simply by design - no air conditioning is required.

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Land Iguana

  Site Rating 28%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Baltra Island Airport

  

  Overall Rating: 28%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  The first airport here was built by Americans during the 2nd World War - remnants of that military base can be easily observed.  The latest airport here touts itself as the world’s first “green” airport. It opened in December 2012.  The terminal consists of recycled steel tubes taken from oil drilling operations in the Amazon.  It spreads over 6,000 square meters and required an investment of just over $24 million. The new complex uses clean, renewable technologies such as solar energy, wind farms, and seawater desalination, among other environmental innovations.  It is kept cool(ish) simply by design - no air conditioning is required.

  Baltra Island Airport

  

  Overall Rating: 28%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  The first airport here was built by Americans during the 2nd World War - remnants of that military base can be easily observed.  The latest airport here touts itself as the world’s first “green” airport. It opened in December 2012.  The terminal consists of recycled steel tubes taken from oil drilling operations in the Amazon.  It spreads over 6,000 square meters and required an investment of just over $24 million. The new complex uses clean, renewable technologies such as solar energy, wind farms, and seawater desalination, among other environmental innovations.  It is kept cool(ish) simply by design - no air conditioning is required.

account_balance Is of cultural or historical significance