The Galapagos Islands, a small archipelago in the remote reaches of the Pacific Ocean, is one of the world’s most remarkable destinations. One that all intrepid travelers interested in the wonders of nature should visit in their lifetime. It’s so special that the archipelago became a partial national park in 1959 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. But why was it granted these statuses? What makes it so remarkable?
Firstly, its geography. The archipelago was formed by underwater volcanic eruptions, creating a picture book of otherworldly volcanic landscapes. Mix this with a unique oceanic climate and the fact is it was extremely isolated and largely uninhabited until a couple of centuries ago. As a result, species of flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world (endemic) were able to thrive here. Between the Galapagos’ islands, there’s completely unique landscapes and line-up of unlikely endemic wildlife, the archipelago is like a flourishing utopia. So with that in mind…
Which Galapagos islands should I visit?
Isabela Island
Measuring 82 miles long, Isabela is by far the largest and most beautiful of the Galapagos islands. It’s formed by six merging volcanoes, five of which are still active today, making it one of the most volcanically active places on Earth. This continued volcanic activity has created a diverse collection of sensational landscapes from the basaltic caldera or Sierra Negra to the lush mangrove forests of Elizabeth Bay and the tidal pools of moreno Point where flamingos bathe alongside pintail ducks and white reeftip sharks. It’s also home to the archipelago’s highest peak, the mighty Mount Azul reaching 1,689 meters.
Isabela’s frequent volcanic activity has made it a sanctuary to bird, animal, and marine life. Expect to see many of the region’s top endemic species including Galapagos land iguanas, Galapagos penguins, boobies, cormorants, and Darwin’s finches among others. However, the giant Galapagos tortoise is the island’s most populous resident. Tourists can see how the tortoises are protected at the Tortoise Breeding Center, one of Isabela’s most fascinating attractions.
Top things to do on Isabela Island, Galapagos
Elizabeth Bay – kayak through the mangroves
Tortoise breeding center – observe endemic tortoises being raised
Sierra Negra volcano – hike to the top for epic views
Moreno Point – go birdwatching and snorkeling around the rocks
Wildlife on Isla Isabela:
The Galapagos giant tortoise, mangrove finch, Galapagos penguin, flightless cormorant, marine iguanas, land iguanas, boobies, pelicans, Sally Lightfoot crabs, Darwin’s finches, Galapagos hawks and Galapagos doves.
Best for: Adventure, giant tortoise, hiking
Santa Cruz Island
As a lush flourishing island in the center of the Galapagos, Santa Cruz is the most populated and touristic island in the archipelago. It’s home to the soulful port town of Puerto Ayora where quaint shops and restaurants line the streets and sailboats line the shore. With a top choice of hotels and tours, those staying on land during their trip to the Galapagos will likely remain on Santa Cruz. From highland hikes to snorkeling excursions, the island promises a well-rounded taste of the Galapagos.
Some of the adventures you can expect during your visit to Santa Cruz include birdwatching on the Tortuga Bay Trail, exploring the highland forests, and boat tours to nearby beaches for wildlife-spotting and snorkeling. What’s more, visitors can delve into the theory of evolution at the Charles Darwin Research Station where you get an unparalleled insight into the evolution, conservation, and endemism of Galapagos lifeforms.
Top things to do on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos
Charles Darwin Research Station – discover and learn about evolution
Santa Cruz Highlands – spot giant turtles and lava tunnels in the island’s interior
Island boat tour – visit surrounding islands and spot their unique wildlife
Dragon Hill – observe land iguanas in their natural habitat
Snorkeling island tour – swim amongst marine iguanas, sea turtles, and sharks
Wildlife on Santa Cruz:
Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, flamingos, finches, sea lions, frigates, white tip reef sharks
Best for: Island life, science and discovery
Blue Footed Boobies and Iguana sat on lava rock
Santiago Island
Formed by overlapping shield volcanoes, Santiago offers some of the Galapagos’ most surreal landscapes and fascinating geology. Arriving to the island via a peachy coral beach, you’ll wander onto the striking grey lava fields that stretch for miles beyond. Meanwhile, rocky pinnacles interrupt the landscape in an unlikely display of nature. Along the coastline, find black and red sand beaches surrounded by an exciting mix of marine life.
Although now uninhabited, Santiago has a rich human history as a staging post for pirates and whalers and a salt mining spot for Spanish settlers. Not only can you see the remnants of Santiago’s human history, but you can also get insight into the way human interference affected the island’s unique eco-system and how it’s being restored.
Top things to do on Santiago Island, Galapagos
Egas Port – Visit the Galapagos fur seals
Sullivan Bay – Walk along a coral beach and on ancient lava fields
Chinese Hat – Snorkel with sharks, sea lions, penguins, and rays.
Pinnacle Rock – A scenic hike to a beautiful viewpoint of Pinnacle Rock
Wildlife on Santiago Island:
Fur seal grottos, sea lion colonies, herons, hawks, oystercatchers, finches, doves, white-tipped sharks, and sea turtles.
Best for: unique landscapes and scenery
Galapagos sea lions laying on the beach
Fernandina Island
Fernandina, located at the westernmost point of the Galapagos archipelago, is the youngest and most volcanically active of the islands. Because of this, no foreign species have ever invaded Fernandina, allowing it to remain the most untouched, pristine ecosystem in the Galapagos. While conservationists work hard to keep it that way, visitors are allowed to visit certain parts of the island and witness its unique landscapes filled with endemic flora and fauna for themselves.
The main stop on Fernandina is Espinosa Point, a rocky peninsula nestled with marine iguanas and flightless cormorants. It leads inland towards a solidified lava flow decorated with the endemic lava cactus. Meanwhile, the cold waters from the Cromwell Current surrounding Fernandina make it an ideal area for diving with Galapagos marine life including penguins, marine iguanas, sharks, sea turtles and more.
Top things to do on Fernandina Island, Galapagos
Espinosa Point – walk along the peninsula observing its unique volcanic landscape and endemic species
Diving in Punta Mangle – dive in the Cromwell current to swim amongst rare Galapagos marine life
Wildlife on Fernandina Island:
Land iguanas, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, sea lions, sharks, and rays.
Best for: volcanic landscapes, land and marine iguanas
Frigatebird, Galapagos
San Cristobal
As one of the four biggest Galapagos islands, San Cristobal blends astonishing natural sights with relaxed downtime in the small town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. As the archipelago’s second largest community after Santa Cruz, the town is home to charming restaurants, shops, and hotels where visitors can get a taste of local island life in the Galapagos, as well as the Interpretation Center which tells you all you need to know about the Galapagos. The town is also an increasingly popular South American surfing hotspot.
To the north of the town, you can find Witch Hill which is considered the most beautiful beach in the Galapagos thanks to its Caribbean-like white sand and clear, calm sea set against dramatic cliffs. Beyond the break, keen snorkelers and divers can discover top Galapagos reefs including Kicker Rock, Pitt Point, and Lobos Island. The latter is otherwise known as ‘Sea Lion Island’ thanks to its impressive colony of sea lions which lie lazily between colonies of frigates, blue-footed boobies, and Nazca boobies.
Top things to do on San Cristobal Island, Galapagos
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno – visit the Interpretation Center and try local cuisine
Lobos Island – observe colonies of sea lions and endemic bird species
Kicker Rock – circle the impressive sea stack and dive to discover nearby sealife
Witch Hill – enjoy views of this beautiful beach and spot local wildlife
As the first island to be inhabited by humans, Floreana has a unique history that makes it a fascinating stop on a Galapagos cruise itinerary – especially because there have been several mysterious disapprearances here. Those who visit also get the chance to post a postcard home from the island’s famous centuries-old makeshift postbox. However, Cormorant Point steals the show with its Green beach and flamingo lagoon.
North Seymour Island
North Seymour is a small island just above Santa Cruz characterized by its flat arid lava fields that are popular with land iguanas as well as a variety of endemic Galapagos birds. It’s a fascinating place to stop for a day-trip from Santa Cruz or on your Galapagos cruise.
Genovesa Island
Genovesa is home to Darwin Bay, where hammerhead sharks swim around the shores and a variety of bird species nest on the overhanging cliffs which are reached by climbing the famous Prince Philip Steps. Home to all types of birds from storm petrels to Galapagos doves and short-eared lava owls, Genovesa is often referred to as ‘bird island’ because it’s the most varied bird nesting site.
Book an Itinerary with Your Top Galapagos Islands
With a better idea of what each Galapagos island offers, you can now make a more informed decision about which ones you want to visit during your trip. While a land-based trip will take you to Santa Cruz and nearby islands, a Galapagos cruise will take you to explore further and wider on their eastern and western island cruises. To find out more about our luxury Galapagos stays and cruises, get in touch by messaging us here or calling on +1 855 217 9045.
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