Galapagos Visitor Sites
Sorted by Overall Score
Click on each site for more information
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Overall Score equalizer
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Española Island, Punta Suarez
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
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.
Site Score: 90%
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Fernandina Island, Punta Espinoza
Wildlife Sightings
- check Flightless cormorant
- check Galapagos hawk
- check Galapagos penguin
- check Sea lions
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.
Site Score: 90%
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Isabela, Punta Vicente Roca
Wildlife Sightings
- check Rays
- check Red-billed tropicbirds
- check Sea lions
- check Sea turtles
Isabela, Punta Vicente Roca
Here, the remnants of an ancient volcano form two turquoise coves with a bay that is well protected from ocean swells. This is a popular anchorage from which to take panga rides along the cliffs or to explore a partially sunken cave at the water’s edge. Blue-footed and Nazca boobies perch along the sheer walls, while flightless cormorants inhabit the shoreline. One of the top rated snorkeling spots in Galapagos. Landing: None: Difficulty: Easy.
Site Score: 86%
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Genovesa Island, Prince Phillip's Steps
Wildlife Sightings
- check Fur seals
- check Nazca booby
- check Red-footed booby
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.
Site Score: 84%
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North Seymour Island
Wildlife Sightings
- check Land Iguana
- check Nazca booby
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
Site Score: 83%
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Floreana Island, Champion islet
Wildlife Sightings
Floreana Island, Champion islet
Located just offshore of Floreana island, Champion is considered as one of the most beautiful places on Galapagos for all snorkeling and scuba fans, and an excellent opportunity for dolphin watching. It impresses already with its great diversity of iconic species such as penguins and blue footed boobies, flamingos, pintail ducks and frigates. It is also one of the two last habitats of the Floreana mockingbird.
Site Score: 80%
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Floreana Island, Devil's Crown
Wildlife Sightings
- check Rays
- check Sea lions
- check Sea turtles
- check Sharks
Floreana Island, Devil's Crown
This volcanic crater is a perfect environment for coral, which attracts other marine life; making this one of the best snorkeling sites in the Galápagos. You may see sea lions, sharks, rays, tropical fish, eels and sea turtles. The outside of the crown is a haven for birds including boobies, pelicans, frigatebirds, and red-billed tropicbirds. Type of Landing: None. Difficulty: Moderate/difficult
Site Score: 80%
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Española Island, Gardner Bay
Wildlife Sightings
- check Mockingbirds
- check Sea lions
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.
Site Score: 79%
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Marchena Island, Punta Mejia
Wildlife Sightings
- check Rays
- check Sea turtles
- check Sharks
Marchena Island, Punta Mejia
This rarely visited site is one of the best in the archipelago to snorkel. The calm and clear deep blue water of the north west coast, and the rugged topography of the location give the sensation of witnessing the beginning of our planet and its underwater world. Apart from great fish diversity, when we snorkel we often see rays, reef sharks and sea turtles.
Site Score: 78%
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Santa Fe Island
Wildlife Sightings
- check Giant opuntia cactus forest
- check Sea lions
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.
Site Score: 78%
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South Plaza Island
Wildlife Sightings
- check Hybrid land/marine iguana
- check Land Iguana
- check Red-billed tropicbirds
- check Sea lions
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.
Site Score: 78%
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Darwin Island
Wildlife Sightings
- check Sea turtles
- check Sharks
Darwin Island
Scuba diving only at Darwin Island. Common marine wildlife includes whales sharks (mostly June to November), Blacktip, Hammerhead and silky sharks, green sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins and more.
Site Score: 77%
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Wolf Island
Wildlife Sightings
- check Sea turtles
- check Sharks
Wolf Island
Scuba diving only at Wolf Island. Common marine wildlife includes whales sharks (mostly June to November), Blacktip, Hammerhead and silky sharks, green sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins and more.
Site Score: 77%
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Genovesa Island, Darwin Bay
Wildlife Sightings
- check Nazca booby
- check Red-footed booby
- check Sea lions
- check Sea turtles
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.
Site Score: 76%
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Fernandina Island, Punta Mangle
Wildlife Sightings
- check Flightless cormorant
- check Galapagos penguin
- check Rays
- check Sharks
Fernandina Island, Punta Mangle
Punta Mangle is a superior snorkeling site and a beautiful location for riding in a panga through a grove of mangrove trees. A 500m hike can also be done. While you are on your ride, you are likely to see plenty of marine iguanas, sea lions, tortoises, pelicans, rays and many birds.
Site Score: 75%
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Isabela Island, Elizabeth Bay
Wildlife Sightings
- check Flightless cormorant
- check Galapagos penguin
- check Rays
- check Sea turtles
- check Sharks
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.
Site Score: 71%
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Santiago Island, Puerto Egas
Wildlife Sightings
- check Flamingo
- check Fur seals
- check Galapagos hawk
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.
Site Score: 71%
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Isabela Island, Albemarle Point account_balance
Wildlife Sightings
- check Flightless cormorant
- check Galapagos penguin
Isabela Island, Albemarle Point
Albemarle Point is a seldom visited site at the northern end of Isabela and if so, often by panga ride. A World War II radar station was built here by the USA. Visitors can walk to the ruins of the radar base. Marine iguanas on the north end of Isabela are some of the largest in the archipelago, and if you spot any penguins, you'll be seeing one of the very few that live in the northern hemisphere. Landing: N/A Difficulty: Easy
Site Score: 70%
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Isabela Island, Tagus Cove account_balance
Wildlife Sightings
- check Flightless cormorant
- check Galapagos penguin
- check Sea lions
- check Sea turtles
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.
Site Score: 70%
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Isabela Island, Cabo Marshall (scuba)
Wildlife Sightings
- check Rays
- check Sea lions
- check Sharks
Isabela Island, Cabo Marshall (scuba)
SCUBA ONLY
Cabo (Cape) Marshall is on the eastern side of Isabela island. An underwater lava flow from Wolf Volcano comes to an end just off the Cape here, forming a very steep slope with boulders and lava ridges. The bottom is quite bare, with some black coral.
Besides a good variety of fish, this is a great place for rays (manta, mobula, eagle) but also for the occasional shark (hammerhead, white tipped reef), yellowfin tuna and sealion. Schools of up to 50 mobula are spotted from time to time. Big schools of fish (salema, barracuda) can also be spotted.
Drift diving / walls. Currents are moderate to strong.
Site Score: 70%
pool Snorkel Quality -
San Cristóbal Island, Leon Dormido
Wildlife Sightings
- check Rays
- check Sea lions
- check Sea turtles
- check Sharks
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.
Site Score: 69%
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Bartolomé Island
Wildlife Sightings
- check Galapagos penguin
- check Rays
- check Sea turtles
- check Sharks
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
Site Score: 68%
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Rábida Island
Wildlife Sightings
- check Nazca booby
- check Sea lions
Rábida Island
On its red sands, spot marine iguanas and a noisy colony of sea lions. Brown pelicans make homes by the beach in saltbushes. Behind the beach is a lagoon where wading birds and white-cheeked pintail ducks feed, while blue-footed and nazca boobies linger in the cliffs. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.
Site Score: 67%
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Santa Cruz Island, Tortuga Bay
Wildlife Sightings
- check Rays
Santa Cruz Island, Tortuga Bay
This beautiful and very long beach is reached via a 1.6km (1 mile) walk from town. The waves can be big - swimmers use caution. At the very end lies a secluded bay with very calm (though coffee coloured) water where shade under mangrove trees can be found. marine iguanas, flamingos (in the salt lagoon behind the mangroves) and white-tipped reef sharks. Landing: None. Difficulty: Easy.
Site Score: 67%
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Sombero Chino Island
Wildlife Sightings
- check Galapagos hawk
- check Galapagos penguin
- check Sea lions
Sombero Chino Island
The landing site is at a small crescent-shaped white-sand beach. A trail runs from the landing site — where you may see penguins, sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs — to the rocky shore of the western part of the island. Here, you’ll enter a primeval world of volcanic rubble, sharp outcroppings, and lava formations. A visit usually includes a snorkel/swim. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Moderate.
Site Score: 67%
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Isabela Island, Concha de Perla
Wildlife Sightings
- check Rays
- check Sea lions
- check Sea turtles
- check Sharks
Isabela Island, Concha de Perla
A quiet lagoon formed by lava flows, Concha de Perla is a great place to snorkel from the town of Villamil. The chances of seeing marine iguanas, rays, sea turtles and sharks are pretty good.
Site Score: 66%
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Isabela Island, Villamil Beach
Wildlife Sightings
- check Sea lions
Isabela Island, Villamil Beach
The remote town of Villamil is located on a beautiful series of white sand beaches. Modest waves come rolling in, shade can be found below mangroves on the eastern edge. Jump in for a swim, make sand castles, and if your thirsty of hungry, you can grab a bite or have a drink just steps away.
Site Score: 65%
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San Cristóbal Island, Punta Pitt
Wildlife Sightings
- check Nazca booby
- check Red-footed booby
- check Sea lions
San Cristóbal Island, Punta Pitt
Disembarking on Punta Pitt, the easternmost point in the Galápagos, you’ll arrive on a mangrove-lined beach. After being greeted by a sea lion colony, you’ll discover the only place in Galápagos where all three types of boobies nest, alongside both types of frigatebirds. A steep, 2.5-mile trail takes visitors up a cliff and through a ravine where abundant birdlife can be found. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult.
Site Score: 65%
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Santa Cruz Island, El Chato
Wildlife Sightings
- check Giant tortoise in the wild
- check Scalesia forest
- check Vermillion flycatcher
Santa Cruz Island, El Chato
Site Score: 65%
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Isabela Island, Tintorera
Wildlife Sightings
- check Galapagos penguin
- check Rays
- check Sea lions
- check Sharks
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.
Site Score: 64%
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San Cristóbal Island, Lobos Island
Wildlife Sightings
- check Sea lions
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
Site Score: 64%
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San Cristóbal Island, Cerro Brujo
Wildlife Sightings
- check Rays
- check Sea lions
- check Sea turtles
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.
Site Score: 63%
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Santa Cruz Island, Black Turtle Cove
Wildlife Sightings
- check Rays
- check Sharks
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.
Site Score: 63%
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Santa Cruz Island, Los Gemelos - Highlands
Wildlife Sightings
- check Scalesia forest
- check Vermillion flycatcher
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.
Site Score: 62%
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Santiago Island, Buccaneer Cove
Wildlife Sightings
- check Sea lions
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.
Site Score: 62%
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Daphne Major circumnavigation account_balance
Wildlife Sightings
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 Score: 61%
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Floreana Island, La Loberia
Wildlife Sightings
- check Sea lions
- check Sea turtles
Floreana Island, La Loberia
This nice beach hosts a colony of sea lions and in the water. Marine iguanas are also seen along the shores and sea turtles are commonly found in the rocky reefs of the Bay. The visitors site of Lobería has a path 900 m long that takes you through areas of the National Park. This area is used by locals for recreation. Part of the trail is made up of rocks and other parts, sand.
Site Score: 61%
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Isabela Island, Wetlands
Wildlife Sightings
Isabela Island, Wetlands
Located just outside of Villamil, the Wetlands consist of lagoons, swamps, and mangroves and are home to a variety of unique bird species such as common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintails, and gallinules. The Wetlands can be visited on foot via a path that winds through the swamps, sometimes using elevated boardwalks. Landing: N/A. Difficulty: Easy
Site Score: 61%
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San Cristóbal Island, Cerro Colorado
Wildlife Sightings
- check Giant tortoise in the wild
San Cristóbal Island, Cerro Colorado
Also known as the Galapaguera, the hike from the beach is long, about 5 Km (3 miles) one-way and may be hot. It is important to note that the walk takes a minimum 3 1/2 hours roundtrip. A great site for those wanting to stretch their legs. Do bring water. The hike takes you to an area renown for the numerous giant tortoises easily spotted in the wild. There are goats in the interior and it is common to find their droppings along the way. Landing: Wet Difficulty: Difficult
Site Score: 61%
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San Cristóbal Island, Galapaguera
Wildlife Sightings
- check Giant tortoise in the wild
San Cristóbal Island, Galapaguera
Also known as the Cerro Colorado, the hike from the beach is long, about 5 Km (3 miles) one-way and may be hot. It is important to note that the walk takes a minimum 3 1/2 hours roundtrip. A great site for those wanting to stretch their legs. Do bring water. The hike takes you to an area renown for the numerous giant tortoises easily spotted in the wild. There are goats in the interior and it is common to find their droppings along the way. Landing: Wet Difficulty: Difficult
Site Score: 61%
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Floreana Island, Punta Cormorant - Champion Islet
Wildlife Sightings
- check Flamingo
- check Rays
Floreana Island, Punta Cormorant - Champion Islet
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.
Site Score: 60%
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Floreana Island, Punta Cormorant - Devil`s Crown
Wildlife Sightings
- check Flamingo
- check Rays
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.
Site Score: 60%
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Isabela Island, Punta Moreno
Wildlife Sightings
- check Flamingo
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.
Site Score: 60%
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San Cristóbal Island, Cerro Tijeretas
Wildlife Sightings
- check Flightless cormorant
San Cristóbal Island, Cerro Tijeretas
Cerro Tijeretas (named after the 2 species of frigatebirds found here) is a lookout point accessible via a moderate walk from the San Cristobal Interpretation Centre. From the top, you'll have a commanding view of Wreck Bay to the South, and Leon Dormido rock to the West.
Site Score: 60%
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Isabela Island, Urbina Bay
Wildlife Sightings
- check Flightless cormorant
- check Giant tortoise in the wild
- check Land Iguana
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.
Site Score: 58%
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Santiago Island, Sullivan Bay
Wildlife Sightings
- check Galapagos penguin
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.
Site Score: 58%
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San Cristóbal Island, Tortoise breeding centre account_balance
Wildlife Sightings
San Cristóbal Island, Tortoise breeding centre
Established by the National Park in 2003, and located next to the main town, the breeding centre was created in large part to inform residents and visitors about the history of tortoise conservation in Galapagos. Visitors can both observe giant tortoises living in a semi-natural habitat, but also learn about their origin, evolution, and threats by introduced animals. Landing: N/A. Difficulty: Easy
Site Score: 57%
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Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach
Wildlife Sightings
- check Flamingo
- check Sea turtles
Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach
Site Score: 57%
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Mosquera Island
Wildlife Sightings
- check Sea lions
Mosquera Island
Located between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour, this sand covered reef of rocks and coral (the result of an uprising) has one of the largest populations of sea lions. You can also observe several species of shorebirds and the curious sally lightfoot crabs. There have been occasional reports at this site of Orcas (Orcinus orca) feeding on sea lions. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy
Site Score: 56%
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Santa Cruz Island, Punta Carrión
Wildlife Sightings
- check Rays
- check Sharks
Santa Cruz Island, Punta Carrión
This is a great spot to snorkel and swim among rays, sharks and hundreds of colorful tropical fish. No land excursion. Landing: N/A Difficulty: Easy
Site Score: 56%
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Isabela Island, Sierra Negra
Wildlife Sightings
Isabela Island, Sierra Negra
Sierra Negra’s caldera is the second largest in the world. A 45-minute drive from Villamil, followed by a 30 minute walk or horseback ride will take you to the rim. On the rim of the volcano, you can follow the the trail for another hour. It divides into two: to the west, it heads to an old sulfur mine; toward the east, the trail leads to Chico Volcano. Great vistas (on a clear day). Landing: None. Difficulty: Difficult.
Site Score: 55%
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Marchena Island, Playa Negra
Wildlife Sightings
- check Rays
- check Sea lions
- check Sea turtles
- check Sharks
Marchena Island, Playa Negra
Very few ships visit this site - the beach is made of eroded basaltic sand, derived from the Galapagos basaltic shield of volcanoes. You might spot bottle-nosed dolphins playfully splashing about and marine iguanas diving for algae growing on the lava beds below the serene, calm, blue waters. A good snorkeling site. Landing: N/A Difficulty: Easy.
Site Score: 54%
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Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Dragon
Wildlife Sightings
- check Flamingo
- check Land Iguana
- check Mockingbirds
- check Rays
- check Sharks
Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Dragon
Site Score: 54%
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Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Station - Tortoise Centre account_balance
Wildlife Sightings
- check Mockingbirds
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.
Site Score: 53%
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Floreana Island, Baroness' lookout account_balance
Wildlife Sightings
Floreana Island, Baroness' lookout
Site Score: 51%
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Isabela Island, Villamil Tortoise Centre account_balance
Wildlife Sightings
Isabela Island, Villamil Tortoise Centre
There is a 1.6km (1 mile) interpretive trail that leads from town, goes past the lagoons, and ends at the Tortoise Center. This well laid-out breeding centre, with plenty of shade, houses tortoises from the populations of southern Isabela. Landing: N/A. Difficulty: Easy
Site Score: 50%
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Santiago Island, Espumilla Beach
Wildlife Sightings
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 Score: 49%
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Bainbridge Rocks
Wildlife Sightings
- check Flamingo
Bainbridge Rocks
Difficulty: Easy Landing: N/A
Site Score: 47%
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San Cristóbal Island, El Junco
Wildlife Sightings
San Cristóbal Island, El Junco
From town, you may take a taxi or a bus to the highlands to see the largest freshwater lake in the Galápagos, El Junco. Located about 125 metres (400 feet) above sea level, the lake is surrounded by ferns and sedges and hosts a variety of birdlife including white-cheeked pintails and common gallinules. The name El Junco comes from the junco plant, which is common in the area. Landing: None. Difficulty: Easy.
Site Score: 47%
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Santa Cruz Island, El Eden Islet
Wildlife Sightings
- check Rays
- check Sea turtles
- check Sharks
Santa Cruz Island, El Eden Islet
A highly eroded volcanic tuff cone just off the coast of Santa Cruz island - typically visited via panga ride. It is common to spot blue footed boobies diving for prey, and sea turtles, rays and sharks in the waters below, near red-mangrove shores. Landing: Panga ride. Difficulty: Easy
Site Score: 44%
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Floreana Island, Asilo de Paz account_balance
Wildlife Sightings
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 Score: 37%
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Floreana Island, Post Office Bay account_balance
Wildlife Sightings
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 Score: 37%
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Floreana Island, Black beach account_balance
Wildlife Sightings
Floreana Island, Black beach
Black Beach is a point of substantial and infamous historical significance. An unofficial visitor site only visited under special arrangement. Visit the Wittmer pension and small settlement of Puerto Velasco lbarra. It's famous resident, Margaret Wittmer, arrived in Floreana in 1932 (dying there in 2000). Today, the pension is managed by her daughter. Here you can have your post cards stamped with one of four seals, sample the homemade wine. Floreana was the first island in the Archipelago to be inhabited, since it has one of the very few fresh water sources.
Site Score: 36%
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San Cristóbal Island, Interpretation Centre account_balance
Wildlife Sightings
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 Score: 35%
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Santa Cruz Island, Whale Bay
Wildlife Sightings
Santa Cruz Island, Whale Bay
This is a beautiful greenish sand cove. The beach contains a large amount of volcanic olivine crystals, formed when the magma was still underground. A small tortoise population from Pinzon Island lives in the area, probably left by whalers or previous inhabitants. There is the opportunity to see marine iguanas and sea birds, followed by snorkeling. Landing: Wet. Difficulty: Easy
Site Score: 31%
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Baltra Island Airport account_balance
Wildlife Sightings
- check Land Iguana
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.
Site Score: 28%
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Navigation / Whale watching
Wildlife Sightings
Navigation / Whale watching
During a long crossing, take advantage of the seascapes and take some time to look for all kinds of marine life - dolphins, whales, leaping rays, and a variety of seabirds.
Site Score: 10%
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San Cristóbal Island Airport
Wildlife Sightings
San Cristóbal Island Airport
The only commercial jet airliner airport we know that is located walking distance from town.
Site Score: 10%
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account_balance Is of cultural or historical significance