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, 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 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 South Plaza Island

  78%
  

  South Plaza Island

  Various sea birds can be spotted from the top of the sea cliffs.  Land iguanas sit patiently, waiting for cactus flowers to drop.  Marine iguanas and sea lions are also abundant.   South Plaza is also home to the beautiful succulent Sesuvium plant, which changes from bright green in the rainy season to red, orange, and purple during the dry season.  Landing:  Dry.  Difficulty: Moderate.

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Hybrid land/marine iguana
  • check Red-billed tropicbirds
  • check Sea lions
  • check Land Iguana

  Site Rating 78%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  South Plaza Island

  

  Overall Rating: 78%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Various sea birds can be spotted from the top of the sea cliffs.  Land iguanas sit patiently, waiting for cactus flowers to drop.  Marine iguanas and sea lions are also abundant.   South Plaza is also home to the beautiful succulent Sesuvium plant, which changes from bright green in the rainy season to red, orange, and purple during the dry season.  Landing:  Dry.  Difficulty: Moderate.

  South Plaza Island

  

  Overall Rating: 78%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Various sea birds can be spotted from the top of the sea cliffs.  Land iguanas sit patiently, waiting for cactus flowers to drop.  Marine iguanas and sea lions are also abundant.   South Plaza is also home to the beautiful succulent Sesuvium plant, which changes from bright green in the rainy season to red, orange, and purple during the dry season.  Landing:  Dry.  Difficulty: Moderate.

• Day 3 PM Santa Fe Island

  78%
  

  Santa Fe Island

  A visit begins with a wet landing on a small beach. The beaches here are popular with sea lions, which can often be seen surfing the waves. There are two visitor trails here; one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other wending through a forest of massive Santa Fe opuntia cactus. Snorkeling in the radiant blue-green waters is excellent, and you may see a Galápagos green turtle gracefully swim by. Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Sea lions
  • check Giant opuntia cactus forest

  Site Rating 78%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Santa Fe Island

  

  Overall Rating: 78%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  A visit begins with a wet landing on a small beach. The beaches here are popular with sea lions, which can often be seen surfing the waves. There are two visitor trails here; one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other wending through a forest of massive Santa Fe opuntia cactus. Snorkeling in the radiant blue-green waters is excellent, and you may see a Galápagos green turtle gracefully swim by. Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

  Santa Fe Island

  

  Overall Rating: 78%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  A visit begins with a wet landing on a small beach. The beaches here are popular with sea lions, which can often be seen surfing the waves. There are two visitor trails here; one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other wending through a forest of massive Santa Fe opuntia cactus. Snorkeling in the radiant blue-green waters is excellent, and you may see a Galápagos green turtle gracefully swim by. Landing: Dry. Difficulty: Moderate.

• Day 4 AM San Cristóbal Island, Interpretation Centre account_balance

  35%
  

  San Cristóbal Island, Interpretation Centre

  The center, which is just outside of the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, was opened in 1998 and features exhibits showcasing the natural and human history of the Galápagos and the ongoing efforts to preserve and protect the islands. Landing: None. Difficulty: Easy

  Site Rating 35%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  San Cristóbal Island, Interpretation Centre

  

  Overall Rating: 35%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  The center, which is just outside of the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, was opened in 1998 and features exhibits showcasing the natural and human history of the Galápagos and the ongoing efforts to preserve and protect the islands. Landing: None. Difficulty: Easy

  San Cristóbal Island, Interpretation Centre

  

  Overall Rating: 35%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  The center, which is just outside of the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, was opened in 1998 and features exhibits showcasing the natural and human history of the Galápagos and the ongoing efforts to preserve and protect the islands. Landing: None. Difficulty: Easy

• Day 4 PM San Cristóbal Island, Cerro Brujo

  63%
  

  San Cristóbal Island, Cerro Brujo

  The beautiful white sand beach, clear waters, abundant wildlife and Kicker Rock on the horizon make this a pleasant landing spot. Frolicking sea lions may greet you as you come ashore and you may see turtles, rays, anemones, and sponge coral if you opt to snorkel or swim. Keep an eye out for shore birds, gulls, pelicans, boobies, finches and mockingbirds.  Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Sea turtles
  • check Rays
  • check Sea lions

  Site Rating 63%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  San Cristóbal Island, Cerro Brujo

  

  Overall Rating: 63%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  The beautiful white sand beach, clear waters, abundant wildlife and Kicker Rock on the horizon make this a pleasant landing spot. Frolicking sea lions may greet you as you come ashore and you may see turtles, rays, anemones, and sponge coral if you opt to snorkel or swim. Keep an eye out for shore birds, gulls, pelicans, boobies, finches and mockingbirds.  Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

  San Cristóbal Island, Cerro Brujo

  

  Overall Rating: 63%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  The beautiful white sand beach, clear waters, abundant wildlife and Kicker Rock on the horizon make this a pleasant landing spot. Frolicking sea lions may greet you as you come ashore and you may see turtles, rays, anemones, and sponge coral if you opt to snorkel or swim. Keep an eye out for shore birds, gulls, pelicans, boobies, finches and mockingbirds.  Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

• Day 4 PM San Cristóbal Island, Leon Dormido

  69%
  

  San Cristóbal Island, Leon Dormido

  Rising several hundred feet above the water, this majestic volcanic monolith is one of the most photographed sites in the islands. Keep an eye on the cliffs for blue-footed and Nazca boobies and frigatebirds. While there are no landing sites, Kicker Rock provides excellent snorkeling opportunities. You may see Galápagos and hammerhead sharks, spotted eagle rays, turtles and tropical fish. Landing: None. Difficulty: Easy.

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Rays
  • check Sea lions
  • check Sea turtles
  • check Sharks

  Site Rating 69%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  San Cristóbal Island, Leon Dormido

  

  Overall Rating: 69%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Rising several hundred feet above the water, this majestic volcanic monolith is one of the most photographed sites in the islands. Keep an eye on the cliffs for blue-footed and Nazca boobies and frigatebirds. While there are no landing sites, Kicker Rock provides excellent snorkeling opportunities. You may see Galápagos and hammerhead sharks, spotted eagle rays, turtles and tropical fish. Landing: None. Difficulty: Easy.

  San Cristóbal Island, Leon Dormido

  

  Overall Rating: 69%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Rising several hundred feet above the water, this majestic volcanic monolith is one of the most photographed sites in the islands. Keep an eye on the cliffs for blue-footed and Nazca boobies and frigatebirds. While there are no landing sites, Kicker Rock provides excellent snorkeling opportunities. You may see Galápagos and hammerhead sharks, spotted eagle rays, turtles and tropical fish. Landing: None. Difficulty: Easy.

• Day 5 AM Floreana Island, Baroness' lookout account_balance

  51%
  

  Floreana Island, Baroness' lookout

  This is a basaltic tuff formation located between Cormorant Point and Post Office Bay, with impressive panoramic views. Named after Eloise Wagner-Bosquet, an Austrian Baroness who arrived to Floreana in the mid 30s and mysteriously disappeared with one of her three lovers, it’s a great place to observe the Palo Santo and Mangrove forests, as well as the coastline from the Enderby Island to Post Office Bay.  Landing: Wet  Difficulty: Easy
  

  Site Rating 51%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Floreana Island, Baroness' lookout

  

  Overall Rating: 51%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  This is a basaltic tuff formation located between Cormorant Point and Post Office Bay, with impressive panoramic views. Named after Eloise Wagner-Bosquet, an Austrian Baroness who arrived to Floreana in the mid 30s and mysteriously disappeared with one of her three lovers, it’s a great place to observe the Palo Santo and Mangrove forests, as well as the coastline from the Enderby Island to Post Office Bay.  Landing: Wet  Difficulty: Easy
  

  Floreana Island, Baroness' lookout

  

  Overall Rating: 51%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  This is a basaltic tuff formation located between Cormorant Point and Post Office Bay, with impressive panoramic views. Named after Eloise Wagner-Bosquet, an Austrian Baroness who arrived to Floreana in the mid 30s and mysteriously disappeared with one of her three lovers, it’s a great place to observe the Palo Santo and Mangrove forests, as well as the coastline from the Enderby Island to Post Office Bay.  Landing: Wet  Difficulty: Easy
  

• Day 5 AM Floreana Island, Post Office Bay account_balance

  37%
  

  Floreana Island, Post Office Bay

  In the eighteenth century, a group of whalers set up a wooden barrel to collect mail at this site, now known as Post Office Bay. A trail behind the barrel leads through palo santo and palo verde trees to a cave, which is actually a lava tube running down to the sea. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

  Site Rating 37%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Floreana Island, Post Office Bay

  

  Overall Rating: 37%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  In the eighteenth century, a group of whalers set up a wooden barrel to collect mail at this site, now known as Post Office Bay. A trail behind the barrel leads through palo santo and palo verde trees to a cave, which is actually a lava tube running down to the sea. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

  Floreana Island, Post Office Bay

  

  Overall Rating: 37%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  In the eighteenth century, a group of whalers set up a wooden barrel to collect mail at this site, now known as Post Office Bay. A trail behind the barrel leads through palo santo and palo verde trees to a cave, which is actually a lava tube running down to the sea. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

• Day 5 PM Floreana Island, Asilo de Paz account_balance

  37%
  

  Floreana Island, Asilo de Paz

  Historically significant, this site is 5 mi from town.  Along the trail to the top of a 1476 ft tall hill, you will pass through a Scalesia tree forest and see a corral where Galapagos tortoises from San Cristóbal Island are kept (the native Floreana tortoises are extinct).  Visitors will discover the caves where some of the first human settlers on Floreana Island stayed and also encounter a fresh water spring.  Landing: Dry.  Difficulty: Easy
  

  Site Rating 37%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Floreana Island, Asilo de Paz

  

  Overall Rating: 37%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Historically significant, this site is 5 mi from town.  Along the trail to the top of a 1476 ft tall hill, you will pass through a Scalesia tree forest and see a corral where Galapagos tortoises from San Cristóbal Island are kept (the native Floreana tortoises are extinct).  Visitors will discover the caves where some of the first human settlers on Floreana Island stayed and also encounter a fresh water spring.  Landing: Dry.  Difficulty: Easy
  

  Floreana Island, Asilo de Paz

  

  Overall Rating: 37%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Historically significant, this site is 5 mi from town.  Along the trail to the top of a 1476 ft tall hill, you will pass through a Scalesia tree forest and see a corral where Galapagos tortoises from San Cristóbal Island are kept (the native Floreana tortoises are extinct).  Visitors will discover the caves where some of the first human settlers on Floreana Island stayed and also encounter a fresh water spring.  Landing: Dry.  Difficulty: Easy
  

• Day 5 PM Floreana Island, Punta Cormorant - Devil`s Crown

  60%
  

  Floreana Island, Punta Cormorant - Devil`s Crown

  Between two tuff cones, the Punta Cormorant landing is on a beach with green, olivine sand. Trails allow you to explore a brackish lagoon where greater flamingoes wade through the water, sifting shrimp with their curved bills. Stingrays can be seen in the shallows. You may also see pintail ducks, stilts, large-billed flycatchers, and several species of finches. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Flamingo
  • check Rays

  Site Rating 60%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Floreana Island, Punta Cormorant - Devil`s Crown

  

  Overall Rating: 60%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Between two tuff cones, the Punta Cormorant landing is on a beach with green, olivine sand. Trails allow you to explore a brackish lagoon where greater flamingoes wade through the water, sifting shrimp with their curved bills. Stingrays can be seen in the shallows. You may also see pintail ducks, stilts, large-billed flycatchers, and several species of finches. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

  Floreana Island, Punta Cormorant - Devil`s Crown

  

  Overall Rating: 60%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Between two tuff cones, the Punta Cormorant landing is on a beach with green, olivine sand. Trails allow you to explore a brackish lagoon where greater flamingoes wade through the water, sifting shrimp with their curved bills. Stingrays can be seen in the shallows. You may also see pintail ducks, stilts, large-billed flycatchers, and several species of finches. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy.

• Day 6 AM Española Island, Punta Suarez

  90%
  

  Española Island, Punta Suarez

  A wet landing onto a beach with Sea Lions and colourful Marine Iguanas leads on to a 2km trail through Masked and Blue-Footed Booby colonies (be careful not to step on them!) to some magnificent cliffs with a blow-hole. Beyond here is the Galapagos' only Waved Albatross colony (Apr-Dec) - watch their somewhat clumsy attempts to take-off and land. Other animals including the Large cactus finch and Galapagos Hawk may also be seen.

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Galapagos hawk
  • check Giant opuntia cactus forest
  • check Mockingbirds
  • check Nazca booby
  • check Red-billed tropicbirds
  • check Sea lions
  • check Waved albatross

  Site Rating 90%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Española Island, Punta Suarez

  

  Overall Rating: 90%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  A wet landing onto a beach with Sea Lions and colourful Marine Iguanas leads on to a 2km trail through Masked and Blue-Footed Booby colonies (be careful not to step on them!) to some magnificent cliffs with a blow-hole. Beyond here is the Galapagos' only Waved Albatross colony (Apr-Dec) - watch their somewhat clumsy attempts to take-off and land. Other animals including the Large cactus finch and Galapagos Hawk may also be seen.

  Española Island, Punta Suarez

  

  Overall Rating: 90%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  A wet landing onto a beach with Sea Lions and colourful Marine Iguanas leads on to a 2km trail through Masked and Blue-Footed Booby colonies (be careful not to step on them!) to some magnificent cliffs with a blow-hole. Beyond here is the Galapagos' only Waved Albatross colony (Apr-Dec) - watch their somewhat clumsy attempts to take-off and land. Other animals including the Large cactus finch and Galapagos Hawk may also be seen.

• Day 6 PM Española Island, Gardner Bay

  79%
  

  Española Island, Gardner Bay

  A wonderful white sand beach with a myriad of sea lions, perfect for relaxing. Famous for the Española mockingbirds, which like to pick at your laces.  Great beach relaxation and swimming.

  Wildlife Sightings

  • check Mockingbirds
  • check Sea lions

  Site Rating 79%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  Española Island, Gardner Bay

  

  Overall Rating: 79%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  A wonderful white sand beach with a myriad of sea lions, perfect for relaxing. Famous for the Española mockingbirds, which like to pick at your laces.  Great beach relaxation and swimming.

  Española Island, Gardner Bay

  

  Overall Rating: 79%

  public Iconic Species

  pets Biodiversity

  photo Striking vistas

  beach_access Beach quailty

  pool Snorkeling quality

  A wonderful white sand beach with a myriad of sea lions, perfect for relaxing. Famous for the Española mockingbirds, which like to pick at your laces.  Great beach relaxation and swimming.

• Day 7 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 7 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 8 AM 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 8 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