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 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 2 AM 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 2 PM 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 3 AM Santiago Island, Espumilla Beach

  49%
  

  Santiago Island, Espumilla Beach

  This beach is fringed by beautiful palo santo forest and is a sea turtle nesting site. It is a good place to see marine iguanas and colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs and it is an excellent place to snorkel and see octopi, moray eels, and sharks. Take a loop trail inland to a seasonal lagoon where flamingos are sometimes spotted. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

  Site Rating 49%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Santiago Island, Espumilla Beach

  

  Overall Rating: 49%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  This beach is fringed by beautiful palo santo forest and is a sea turtle nesting site. It is a good place to see marine iguanas and colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs and it is an excellent place to snorkel and see octopi, moray eels, and sharks. Take a loop trail inland to a seasonal lagoon where flamingos are sometimes spotted. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

  Santiago Island, Espumilla Beach

  

  Overall Rating: 49%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  This beach is fringed by beautiful palo santo forest and is a sea turtle nesting site. It is a good place to see marine iguanas and colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs and it is an excellent place to snorkel and see octopi, moray eels, and sharks. Take a loop trail inland to a seasonal lagoon where flamingos are sometimes spotted. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

• Day 3 AM Santiago Island, Buccaneer Cove

  62%
  

  Santiago Island, Buccaneer Cove

  In the 1600s and 1700s, Buccaneer Cove was a haven for pirates, who would anchor in the protected bay to stock up on tortoises and firewood and to repair their ships. This is often a cruise-by point, due to the sometimes wet and unsafe landing conditions. But keep an eye on the cliffs above for sea birds. The cove is home to sea lions and can be a good place to snorkel. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Sea lions

  Site Rating 62%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Santiago Island, Buccaneer Cove

  

  Overall Rating: 62%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  In the 1600s and 1700s, Buccaneer Cove was a haven for pirates, who would anchor in the protected bay to stock up on tortoises and firewood and to repair their ships. This is often a cruise-by point, due to the sometimes wet and unsafe landing conditions. But keep an eye on the cliffs above for sea birds. The cove is home to sea lions and can be a good place to snorkel. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

  Santiago Island, Buccaneer Cove

  

  Overall Rating: 62%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  In the 1600s and 1700s, Buccaneer Cove was a haven for pirates, who would anchor in the protected bay to stock up on tortoises and firewood and to repair their ships. This is often a cruise-by point, due to the sometimes wet and unsafe landing conditions. But keep an eye on the cliffs above for sea birds. The cove is home to sea lions and can be a good place to snorkel. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

• Day 3 PM Santiago Island, Puerto Egas

  71%
  

  Santiago Island, Puerto Egas

  This is the jumping off point for two trails. The first leads to fur seal grottos – a stretch of rocky coastline that offers them shade and protection. The second trail leads to the Salt Mine Volcano, a small crater that features a seasonally flooded lagoon, where flamingos and Galapagos hawks can sometimes be spotted. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Fur seals
  • check Galapagos hawk
  • check Flamingo

  Site Rating 71%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Santiago Island, Puerto Egas

  

  Overall Rating: 71%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  This is the jumping off point for two trails. The first leads to fur seal grottos – a stretch of rocky coastline that offers them shade and protection. The second trail leads to the Salt Mine Volcano, a small crater that features a seasonally flooded lagoon, where flamingos and Galapagos hawks can sometimes be spotted. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

  Santiago Island, Puerto Egas

  

  Overall Rating: 71%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  This is the jumping off point for two trails. The first leads to fur seal grottos – a stretch of rocky coastline that offers them shade and protection. The second trail leads to the Salt Mine Volcano, a small crater that features a seasonally flooded lagoon, where flamingos and Galapagos hawks can sometimes be spotted. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

• Day 4 AM Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach

  57%
  

  Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach

  The name originates from the end of WWII when the American army abandoned their barges, of which two floated up onshore. The beach is a good place to spot some of the characteristic Galapagos species such as flamingos, sally lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas as well as migratory and aquatic birds. It is also one of the main nesting sites for sea turtles on Santa Cruz Island.   Landing:  Wet.  Difficulty:  Easy

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Flamingo
  • check Sea turtles

  Site Rating 57%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach

  

  Overall Rating: 57%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  The name originates from the end of WWII when the American army abandoned their barges, of which two floated up onshore. The beach is a good place to spot some of the characteristic Galapagos species such as flamingos, sally lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas as well as migratory and aquatic birds. It is also one of the main nesting sites for sea turtles on Santa Cruz Island.   Landing:  Wet.  Difficulty:  Easy

  Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach

  

  Overall Rating: 57%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  The name originates from the end of WWII when the American army abandoned their barges, of which two floated up onshore. The beach is a good place to spot some of the characteristic Galapagos species such as flamingos, sally lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas as well as migratory and aquatic birds. It is also one of the main nesting sites for sea turtles on Santa Cruz Island.   Landing:  Wet.  Difficulty:  Easy

• Day 4 PM Santa Cruz Island, Los Gemelos - Highlands

  62%
  

  Santa Cruz Island, Los Gemelos - Highlands

  Los Gemelos (The Twins) are a pair of large pit craters on the road from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. They were created when the surface material covering empty magma chambers collapsed. You can walk along the rim of the craters and enjoy breathtaking views. The trail around the larger crater passes through a Scalesia forest and is good place to see a variety of bird species. Landing: None. Difficulty: Moderate.

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Scalesia forest
  • check Vermillion flycatcher

  Site Rating 62%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Santa Cruz Island, Los Gemelos - Highlands

  

  Overall Rating: 62%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Los Gemelos (The Twins) are a pair of large pit craters on the road from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. They were created when the surface material covering empty magma chambers collapsed. You can walk along the rim of the craters and enjoy breathtaking views. The trail around the larger crater passes through a Scalesia forest and is good place to see a variety of bird species. Landing: None. Difficulty: Moderate.

  Santa Cruz Island, Los Gemelos - Highlands

  

  Overall Rating: 62%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Los Gemelos (The Twins) are a pair of large pit craters on the road from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. They were created when the surface material covering empty magma chambers collapsed. You can walk along the rim of the craters and enjoy breathtaking views. The trail around the larger crater passes through a Scalesia forest and is good place to see a variety of bird species. Landing: None. Difficulty: Moderate.

• Day 5 AM San Cristóbal Island, Lobos Island

  64%
  

  San Cristóbal Island, Lobos Island

  A narrow arm of seawater separates the basaltic rock outcropping of Isla Lobos from San Cristóbal. Rollicking sea lions and blue-footed boobies share the white sand beach. There are short hikes on the island and it is a great place to snorkel. Landing: Dry or wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Sea lions

  Site Rating 64%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  San Cristóbal Island, Lobos Island

  

  Overall Rating: 64%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  A narrow arm of seawater separates the basaltic rock outcropping of Isla Lobos from San Cristóbal. Rollicking sea lions and blue-footed boobies share the white sand beach. There are short hikes on the island and it is a great place to snorkel. Landing: Dry or wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

  San Cristóbal Island, Lobos Island

  

  Overall Rating: 64%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  A narrow arm of seawater separates the basaltic rock outcropping of Isla Lobos from San Cristóbal. Rollicking sea lions and blue-footed boobies share the white sand beach. There are short hikes on the island and it is a great place to snorkel. Landing: Dry or wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

• Day 5 PM San Cristóbal Island Airport

  10%
  

  San Cristóbal Island Airport

  The only commercial jet airliner airport we know that is located walking distance from town. 

  Site Rating 10%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  San Cristóbal Island Airport

  

  Overall Rating: 10%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  The only commercial jet airliner airport we know that is located walking distance from town. 

  San Cristóbal Island Airport

  

  Overall Rating: 10%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  The only commercial jet airliner airport we know that is located walking distance from town. 

account_balance Is of cultural or historical significance