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, 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 2 AM Isabela Island, Tintorera

  64%
  

  Isabela Island, Tintorera

  This is a group of small islets just a few hundred metres off the coast of Villamil that are only accessible by boat. You may spot sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays, and other species in the tranquil waters of the bay.  A famous shark viewing lagoon is usually on the agenda at low tide.  You may be offered to go snorkeling.  Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Galapagos penguin
  • check Rays
  • check Sea lions
  • check Sharks

  Site Rating 64%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Isabela Island, Tintorera

  

  Overall Rating: 64%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  This is a group of small islets just a few hundred metres off the coast of Villamil that are only accessible by boat. You may spot sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays, and other species in the tranquil waters of the bay.  A famous shark viewing lagoon is usually on the agenda at low tide.  You may be offered to go snorkeling.  Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

  Isabela Island, Tintorera

  

  Overall Rating: 64%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  This is a group of small islets just a few hundred metres off the coast of Villamil that are only accessible by boat. You may spot sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays, and other species in the tranquil waters of the bay.  A famous shark viewing lagoon is usually on the agenda at low tide.  You may be offered to go snorkeling.  Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

• Day 2 PM Isabela Island, Punta Moreno

  60%
  

  Isabela Island, Punta Moreno

  Step onto the edge of a vast lava field, stretching out to Cero Azul volcano in the distance.  The lava is dotted by numerous green lagoons, where flamingoes, paint-bill crakes, white-cheeked pintails and common gallinules can be seen. This young lava flow is in the process of being colonized by several species of interesting pioneer plants. Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Flamingo

  Site Rating 60%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Isabela Island, Punta Moreno

  

  Overall Rating: 60%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Step onto the edge of a vast lava field, stretching out to Cero Azul volcano in the distance.  The lava is dotted by numerous green lagoons, where flamingoes, paint-bill crakes, white-cheeked pintails and common gallinules can be seen. This young lava flow is in the process of being colonized by several species of interesting pioneer plants. Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

  Isabela Island, Punta Moreno

  

  Overall Rating: 60%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Step onto the edge of a vast lava field, stretching out to Cero Azul volcano in the distance.  The lava is dotted by numerous green lagoons, where flamingoes, paint-bill crakes, white-cheeked pintails and common gallinules can be seen. This young lava flow is in the process of being colonized by several species of interesting pioneer plants. Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

• Day 3 AM Isabela Island, Elizabeth Bay

  71%
  

  Isabela Island, Elizabeth Bay

  A panga ride site.   A tour around the vary quiet mangrove inlets and adjacent lagoons may reveal Galápagos green turtles, golden cownose rays, spotted eagle rays, and white-tip reef sharks. Galápagos penguins prefer the rocky islets, and marine iguanas enjoy the plentiful algae. Other species seen here include flightless cormorants, pelicans and lava herons. Landing: None (panga ride). Difficulty: Easy.

  Wildlife Sightings

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

  Site Rating 71%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Isabela Island, Elizabeth Bay

  

  Overall Rating: 71%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  A panga ride site.   A tour around the vary quiet mangrove inlets and adjacent lagoons may reveal Galápagos green turtles, golden cownose rays, spotted eagle rays, and white-tip reef sharks. Galápagos penguins prefer the rocky islets, and marine iguanas enjoy the plentiful algae. Other species seen here include flightless cormorants, pelicans and lava herons. Landing: None (panga ride). Difficulty: Easy.

  Isabela Island, Elizabeth Bay

  

  Overall Rating: 71%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  A panga ride site.   A tour around the vary quiet mangrove inlets and adjacent lagoons may reveal Galápagos green turtles, golden cownose rays, spotted eagle rays, and white-tip reef sharks. Galápagos penguins prefer the rocky islets, and marine iguanas enjoy the plentiful algae. Other species seen here include flightless cormorants, pelicans and lava herons. Landing: None (panga ride). Difficulty: Easy.

• Day 3 PM Isabela Island, Urbina Bay

  58%
  

  Isabela Island, Urbina Bay

  A trail leads away from a pleasant beach and into the arid zone of the island.  Surprisingly, this flat, scrubby area contains old corals on land - the result of a major uplift in 1954.  You might encounter land and marine iguanas and giant tortoises. Closer to the water you may see flightless cormorants.  Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Flightless cormorant
  • check Giant tortoise in the wild
  • check Land Iguana

  Site Rating 58%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Isabela Island, Urbina Bay

  

  Overall Rating: 58%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  A trail leads away from a pleasant beach and into the arid zone of the island.  Surprisingly, this flat, scrubby area contains old corals on land - the result of a major uplift in 1954.  You might encounter land and marine iguanas and giant tortoises. Closer to the water you may see flightless cormorants.  Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

  Isabela Island, Urbina Bay

  

  Overall Rating: 58%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  A trail leads away from a pleasant beach and into the arid zone of the island.  Surprisingly, this flat, scrubby area contains old corals on land - the result of a major uplift in 1954.  You might encounter land and marine iguanas and giant tortoises. Closer to the water you may see flightless cormorants.  Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

• Day 4 AM Isabela Island, Tagus Cove account_balance

  70%
  

  Isabela Island, Tagus Cove

  A deep water cove frequented by whales and pirates as attested by old graffiti on shoreline cliffs.  A short steep hike leads to the salt water Darwin Lake, lying within a tuff cone. With nice vistas, you can spot a variety of finch species, hawks, yellow warblers, Galapagos flycatchers. A panga ride along the cliffs may reveal flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and Galápagos sea lions. Landing: Dry, with slippery rocks. Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult.

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Flightless cormorant
  • check Galapagos penguin
  • check Sea lions
  • check Sea turtles

  Site Rating 70%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Isabela Island, Tagus Cove

  

  Overall Rating: 70%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  A deep water cove frequented by whales and pirates as attested by old graffiti on shoreline cliffs.  A short steep hike leads to the salt water Darwin Lake, lying within a tuff cone. With nice vistas, you can spot a variety of finch species, hawks, yellow warblers, Galapagos flycatchers. A panga ride along the cliffs may reveal flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and Galápagos sea lions. Landing: Dry, with slippery rocks. Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult.

  Isabela Island, Tagus Cove

  

  Overall Rating: 70%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  A deep water cove frequented by whales and pirates as attested by old graffiti on shoreline cliffs.  A short steep hike leads to the salt water Darwin Lake, lying within a tuff cone. With nice vistas, you can spot a variety of finch species, hawks, yellow warblers, Galapagos flycatchers. A panga ride along the cliffs may reveal flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and Galápagos sea lions. Landing: Dry, with slippery rocks. Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult.

• Day 4 PM Fernandina Island, Punta Espinoza

  90%
  

  Fernandina Island, Punta Espinoza

  Only a few hundred thousand years old, and free of invasive species, this is likely the most pristine island you'll see in your lifetime.  Its central volcano dominates the landscape, spreading lava fields all the way to the shore. The island's highlight features the flightless cormorant nesting site, "marine iguana city", penguins and if you're lucky, the Galapagos hawk.  Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Flightless cormorant
  • check Galapagos hawk
  • check Galapagos penguin
  • check Sea lions

  Site Rating 90%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Fernandina Island, Punta Espinoza

  

  Overall Rating: 90%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Only a few hundred thousand years old, and free of invasive species, this is likely the most pristine island you'll see in your lifetime.  Its central volcano dominates the landscape, spreading lava fields all the way to the shore. The island's highlight features the flightless cormorant nesting site, "marine iguana city", penguins and if you're lucky, the Galapagos hawk.  Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

  Fernandina Island, Punta Espinoza

  

  Overall Rating: 90%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Only a few hundred thousand years old, and free of invasive species, this is likely the most pristine island you'll see in your lifetime.  Its central volcano dominates the landscape, spreading lava fields all the way to the shore. The island's highlight features the flightless cormorant nesting site, "marine iguana city", penguins and if you're lucky, the Galapagos hawk.  Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

• Day 5 AM 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 5 PM 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 5 PM 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 6 AM Daphne Major circumnavigation account_balance

  61%
  

  Daphne Major circumnavigation

  Daphne Major is a volcanic island just north of Santa Cruz island and just west of the Baltra Airport.  Very difficuilt to access, this is where Peter and Rosemary Grant, over several decades of reasearch, observed natural selection in action.  See the book "Beak of the Finch" for the fascinating story.  The island consists of a tuff, devoid of trees, whose rim rises 120 m (394 ft) above the sea.

  Site Rating 61%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Daphne Major circumnavigation

  

  Overall Rating: 61%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Daphne Major is a volcanic island just north of Santa Cruz island and just west of the Baltra Airport.  Very difficuilt to access, this is where Peter and Rosemary Grant, over several decades of reasearch, observed natural selection in action.  See the book "Beak of the Finch" for the fascinating story.  The island consists of a tuff, devoid of trees, whose rim rises 120 m (394 ft) above the sea.

  Daphne Major circumnavigation

  

  Overall Rating: 61%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Daphne Major is a volcanic island just north of Santa Cruz island and just west of the Baltra Airport.  Very difficuilt to access, this is where Peter and Rosemary Grant, over several decades of reasearch, observed natural selection in action.  See the book "Beak of the Finch" for the fascinating story.  The island consists of a tuff, devoid of trees, whose rim rises 120 m (394 ft) above the sea.

• Day 6 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.

account_balance Is of cultural or historical significance