Galápagos Islands Guide – Where To GoWhat To See (2026)
The Galápagos Islandsa UNESCO World Heritage Siteare a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Oceanabout 600 miles off Ecuador’s coast. Known for their unique wildlife and ecosystemsthey were central to Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.
The archipelago consists of 18 main islandseach with distinct landscapes and wildlife. Visitors can see a wide variety of Galápagos animals from giant tortoisesblue-footed boobiesmarine iguanasand penguins.
Strict conservation laws protect the fragile environmentlimiting tourism to designated areas. This guide helps you decide where to go and what to see in the Galápagos Islandshighlighting top destinationswildlifeand must-visit attractions.
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Santa Cruz Island
Around 70% of tourists arrive each year to Santa Cruz Island making it the most popular island in the Galápagos archipelago.
Puerto Ayora is where you would go first after flying to the airport in Baltra Island. It is the main town of Santa Cruz offering restaurantsshopsand a bustling harbor with opportunities for local cultural experiences. Such as visiting the fish marketwhere sea lions and pelicans gather for scraps.
Charles Darwin Research Station
It is a research and conservation facility in Puerto Ayora established in 1964focusing on preserving the unique biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands. It includes laboratoriesconservation programsand an exhibition hall you can visit for free. It is an educational exhibition about the Galápagos animals and not a place for wildlife viewing.
Howeverthe Fausto Llerena Breeding Center is the place to visit if you want to see multiple species of tortoises and baby tortoises in incubators. The center is named in honor of Fausto Llerena’s contributions to the giant tortoise breeding programincluding his care for the most famous tortoise of the Galápagos, Lonesome George. You can visit the center via guided tour after paying USD 10 as entrance fee (2026 data).
Tortuga Bay (Bahia Tortuga)
Most of the visitors go the Tortuga Bay for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters. It is a paradise for swimmingkayakingand sunbathing.
But it is much more than that. The beach is also home to some of the iconic Galápagos animals. Based on reviewsthe most frequently spotted animals here are marine iguanassea turtlestintoreras sharks and golden rays.
You can walk to the Bay from Puerto Ayorawhich may take around 45 minutes. Oryou can also take a boat taxi in 20 minutes. The Bay has no tourist facilities since it is part of the Galápagos National Park.
El Chato Tortoise Reserve
El Chanto is a private reserve established more than 20 years ago. It is famous for its population of giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat. Visitors can also explore hiking trails and lava tunnels. The reserve is also a birdwatcher’s paradisewith species such as Darwin’s finches.
You can take a round-trip bus ride from Puerto Ayora for approx. USD 20 (2026 data). Alternativelychoose the bus and cycle tour where you get to explore the towns of Santa Rosa and Bellavistaas well as a Tunnel of Lova on your way to the reserve for approx. USD 35 (2026 data).
Other Things to Do in Santa Cruz Island
You can explore the Twin Craters (Los Gemelos) and nearby lava tunnels to experience the island’s volcanic history. You can also relax at the tranquil Garrapatero Beach. For adventurehead to Las Grietasa crystal-clear crevice ideal for snorkeling and swimming.
San Cristóbal Island
30% of visitors arrive to San Cristóbal Airport to explore the easternmost island in the Galápagos. Its provincial capital is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. You can reach it with a five-minute taxi ride (USD 2-4). If you are traveling lightyou can also walk. The journey may take 20–30 minutesdepending on your exact destination.
In Puerto Baquerizo Morenoexplore the local marketsenjoy fresh seafoodor take a stroll along the waterfrontwhere sea lions and marine iguanas bask in the sun.
Gianni Arismendy Environmental Interpretation Center
Based on total number of visitorsthis Interpretation Center and the neighbouring area are the most popular places to go on San Cristóbal Island.
The Center is a museum offering an in-depth history of the Galápagosits geologywildlifeand conservation efforts. It is free to enter and visitors usually spend 30 minutes to explore the exhibition.
It is located just outside Puerto Baquerizo Moreno approx. 1.5 miles from the marina. You can walk or take a taxi.
Tijeratas Hill and Punta Carola
A hiking path starts at the Interpretation Center and leads to Punta Carolaa sandy beach (15-20 minutes walk) and to Tijeratas Hill’s lookout point (15-20 minutes walk). The hill offers panoramic views of Kicker Rock to the west and Shipwreck Bay to the south.
It is also one of the few places where both species of frigatebirds (the Great Frigatebird and the Magnificent Frigatebird) nest in the same colony.
David Rodriguez Land Tortoise Breeding Center
The David Rodríguez Breeding Centeralso known as La Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado, is in the southeastern part of island near Puerto Chinoapprox. 14 miles from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The journey takes approx. 40 minutes.
Visitors to the center can observe giant tortoises at various life stagesfrom hatchlings to adults. The facility includes an informative visitor center and a short hiking trail.
The breeding program involves raising tortoises until they are around 120 days oldat which point they are released into their natural habitat to enhance survival rates and support species recovery.
Other Things to Do on San Cristóbal Island
San Cristóbal Island offers a mix of adventurewildlifeand scenic landscapes beyond its well-known sites. Hike up to El Junco Lagoonthe Galápagos’ only freshwater lagoonwhere frigatebirds can be seen dipping in the water to clean their feathers.
For a unique coastal experiencevisit La Loberíaa beach famous for its playful sea lion colony and great snorkeling. Playa Mann is another great spot to relax and watch the sunset alongside lounging sea lions.
For marine life encounterstake a boat tour to Kicker Rock (León Dormido)a dramatic rock formation that offers some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Galápagoswith chances to see hammerhead sharkssea turtlesand rays.
Isabela Island
Isabela Island is the largest of the Galápagos Islandscovering approx. 1,771 square milesmore than half of the archipelago’s total land area. It is one of the youngest and most volcanically active island since five out of its six volcanoes are active.
Visitors can reach Isabela Island by air or by ferry (USD 35) from Santa Cruz Island arriving in Puerto Villamila small town located on the southeastern tip of the island. There is no direct air transportation between Isabela and mainland Ecuador.
Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center
Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Centernear Puerto Villamilis dedicated to the conservation of giant tortoises native to Isabela Island. Visitors can observe tortoises at various life stagesfrom hatchlings to adultsand learn about ongoing conservation efforts.
It is a small center which is free to visit and receives approx. 30,000 visitors per yearmaking it the most popular things to do on the island.
If you walk from the centre of Puerto Villamilyou will pass a small flamingo estuary (Flamingos Lake or Poza de los Flamingos) right along the boardwalk.
Circuito Muro
The second most popular things to do is hiking the Muro de las Lágrimas (Wall of Tears) trail. The Wall of Tears is a huge stone wall built by prisoners in the 1940-50slocated at the end of this 3-mile trail.
Visitors can reach the site by hiking or biking along a scenic trail that passes through diverse landscapesincluding mangrovesbeachesand lagoons. They often recall spotting multiple giant tortoises along the way roaming free.
Sierra Negra Volcano and Chico Volcano
Sierra Negra is one of the most active volcanoes in the Galápagosboasting one of the world’s largest volcanic craterswith a diameter of approximately 6 miles. Hiking to the rim provides panoramic views of the expansive caldera and the surrounding landscape.
The trail is a popular excursion for visitors interested in geology and natural history. Guided tours often provide additional insights into the volcanic processes that have shaped the archipelago.
A hike to Chico Volcano typically extends from the Sierra Negra trailallowing visitors to experience a variety of volcanic landscapes in a single excursion. Howeverit is an almost ten mile long trail if you combine the two.
Fernandina Island
Fernandina Islandthe westernmost and youngest of the Galápagos archipelagoremains uninhabited and is accessible only by boat.
The island is dominated by La Cumbre volcanowhich features expansive lava flows and sparse vegetationincluding resilient lava cacti.
The primary visitor site, Punta Espinosa (or Espinosa Point) where visitors can observe large colonies of marine iguanasGalápagos penguinsand the unique flightless cormorants. The area also hosts sea lionslava lizardsand various seabirds.
Santiago Island
Santiago Islandalso known as James Islandis the fourth largest in the Galápagos archipelago. Uninhabited by humans and only accessible by boatit features diverse landscapes shaped by volcanic activityincluding black pahoehoe lava flowstuff conesand craters.
Sullivan Bay and James Bay are the two most well-known location on the island. Wildlife enthusiasts can observe multiple species of Galápagos animals like fur sealsmarine iguanasand a variety of bird speciesincluding Darwin’s finches and Galápagos hawks.
Key visitor sites include Puerto Egas with its black sand beaches and tidal poolsBuccaneer Covehistorically a refuge for pirates and now a site of impressive cliffs and seabird colonies; and Espumilla Beacha nesting site for sea turtles.
Bartolomé Island
Bartolomé Island is small island (only 0.5 sq miles) located east of Santiago Island. It was named after Sir Bartholomew James Sulivana friend of Charles Darwin. The island’s most famous feature is Pinnacle Rocka distinctive volcanic formation that has become a symbol of the Galápagos.
Visitors can hike the 0.4-mile trail to the 374-foot summit for stunning views or swim and snorkel at the beacheswhere green sea turtles nest. The clear waters offer great chances to see Galápagos penguinssea lionsand tropical fish.
Access to Bartolomé is typically via authorized Galápagos cruises or day tours from nearby islands. Due to its popularity and ecological significancevisitor numbers are regulatedand activities are guided to minimize human impact.
Española Island and Gardner Island
Española Island is one of the most isolated and oldest Galápagos island. Due to its isolationit has developed a high number of endemic speciesincluding the Española mockingbirdthe Española lava lizardand the waved albatross.
This 37-square-mile island features two main visitor siteswhich are accessible only by authorized cruises and day tours.
Punta Suárez is known for its wave albatross bird colonies (estimated 25,000-30,000) nesting between April to December over its dramatic cliffs.
Gardner Bayfamous for its white sand beach and opportunities to observe sea lions and green turtles in abundance. Gardner Islandalso known as Gardner Isletis a smalluninhabited islet located just off the bay.
Floreana Island
Floreana Islandalso called Santa Maríais in the southern Galápagos. Spanning 67 square milesits highest point, Cerro Pajasrises 2,100 feet. It was the first Galápagos island colonized by Ecuadorians in 1832 and has a history of pirateswhalersand a penal colony. Todayabout 100 residents live in Puerto Velasco Ibarra that is only accessible by boat and via authorized day tours.
Punta Cormorant is where visitors can see the island’s green beach and its nearby lagoon frequented by flamingos and other seabirds. Green turtles also nest here from December to March. There is a short 30-mineasy trail to explore the area.
Devil’s Crown is an underwater volcanic cone off the northeast coastwhich became a renowned snorkeling spot due to its abundant marine lifeincluding sea turtlessharksand vibrant tropical fish.
Post Office Bay provides a glimpse into maritime history with its centuries-old mail barrelwhere travelers can leave and collect postcards without postage.
North Seymour IslandMosquera Islandand Baltra Island
North Seymour Island is a wildlife haven and one of the best places to see blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds up close. During breeding season, male frigatebirds inflate their bright red throat pouches to attract matescreating one of the most iconic sights in the Galápagos.
Mosquera Island is tiny sandbar between Baltra and North Seymour and known for its large sea lion colony. Its pristine white sand beaches make it a great stop for snorkelingoften with rays and reef sharks in the surrounding waters.
Baltra Island is a small barren island but important since it is the location of the main Galapagos airport.
Other small islands
Genovesa Island – Known as “Bird Island,” it’s a seabird paradisehome to red-footed boobies, Nazca boobiesand great frigatebirds. The island’s horseshoe-shaped volcanic crater forms a stunning natural bayoffering one of the most unique landscapes in the Galápagos.
Rábida Island – Known for its deep red sand beachesRábida is one of the most photogenic islands in the Galápagos. The island has a saltwater lagoon often visited by flamingosand the dramatic red volcanic landscape contrasts beautifully with its turquoise waters.
Pinta Island – Famous as the former home of Lonesome Georgethe last known Pinta Island tortoisethis island was heavily affected by invasive goatswhich were removed in a massive conservation effort. Todayit is slowly recovering and remains an important site for scientific research and conservation.
Pinzón Island – One of the best places to see giant tortoises in the wildPinzón is a success story of conservationas rats were eradicated to protect hatchling tortoises. The island’s rocky shores also offer great snorkelingwith sea lionsmarine iguanasand reef sharks.
Santa Fé Island – Home to the Santa Fé land iguanaan endemic species not found anywhere else. The island’s giant Opuntia cacti provide a striking landscapewhile its calm bay is a great place for snorkeling with sea lions and sea turtles.
Marchena Island – One of the least visited islandsMarchena is a restricted area with no official landing sites. The waters around ithoweverare rich in marine life with sightings of hammerhead sharksmanta raysand dolphins.
Where to Stay in Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands offer a range of accommodationsfrom eco-friendly lodges to luxury hotelswith many committed to sustainability and conservation. Finch Bay Hotel is just one of the best sustainable stays in the Galápagos.
More articles about the Galápagos and Ecuador
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europethe USIndonesiaand Australiaand resided in Germanythe United Kingdomand LuxembourgEmese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.