Discover the Galápagos Islands: The Ultimate Guide for Wildlife Enthusiasts and Nature Lovers
Curated By
Dani Jarrin
Curator’s statement
The Galapagos Islands are a paradise for nature lovers! These unique islands offer incredible biodiversity. They offer opportunities to hike volcanic trails, snorkel alongside countless marine species and relax on a bench next to a curious sea lion. A visit to the Galapagos should be on every adventurer's bucket list!
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Things to do in Galápagos Islands
Santa Cruz Island:
Charles Darwin Research Station: Charles Darwin Research Station is essential for understanding Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. This site features the preserved body of Lonesome George, the last Pinta Island giant tortoise, and serves as a vital center for conserving the biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands.
El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve: A lush ecological heaven in the island’s highlands. Here, you can encounter giant tortoises in their natural habitat, and discover stunning volcanic formations such as lava tunnels.
Garrapatero Beach: Less crowded than other beaches on the island. Enjoy the soft white sands and turquoise waters surrounded by vibrant mangroves and diverse wildlife. Perfect for relaxing, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling or enjoying a picnic with friends and family.
Isabela Island:
Sierra Negra: For adventure seekers, Sierra Negra is one of the world's largest volcanic craters. Top destination for hikers with well-marked trails that lead you through unique wildlife habitats and stunning landscapes.
Las Tintoreras Islet: You can spot reef sharks, penguins, sea turtles and sea lions. Take part in activities such as boat tours, hiking and snorkeling. This area is also a breeding site for marine iguanas, with picturesque beaches framed by lush mangroves.
The Wetlands: Area with lagoons, swamps and mangroves. Home to unique bird species, this destination offers beautiful hiking trails that wind through the diverse ecosystems.
San Cristóbal Island:
Tijeretas: A unique destination named after the frigate bird. Enjoy activities like hiking, swimming and snorkeling while taking in stunning views of Kicker Rock, Cerro Mundo and Cerro Tijeretas, along with fascinating historical landmarks.
Galapagos National Park Interpretation Center: Learn the history of the Galapagos at the Galapagos National Park Interpretation Center. This center provides insightful information about the islands' biology, geology and human history.
Kicker Rock: Also known as León Dormido, Kicker Rock is a must-visit for scuba divers and snorkeling enthusiasts. This stunning rock formation in the ocean offers incredible opportunities to encounter marine life, including sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays and hammerhead sharks.
Day trip
North Seymour: Visit North Seymour from Santa Cruz on a day trip by boat. It features flat plateaus formed by submarine lava uplifts. The island has the biggest colony of frigatebirds. Also witnessing blue-footed boobies and land iguanas, this island is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Places to eat & drink in Galápagos Islands
Santa Cruz restaurants:
Bahía Mar Restaurante: Amazing seafood and cocktails with a stunning ocean view. Sea lions often lounge close by. It’s an ideal choice for both lunch and dinner, with vegetarian options available.
1835 Restaurant & Coffee: Offering delicious meals all day, this spot has themed nights with live music and promotions on food and drinks. A great choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Isla Grill: This bar and grill serves up a range of options, including vegan, vegetarian and children’s choices. It's in a natural setting where tables rest on soft white sand. It’s a perfect spot for a barefoot meal at lunch or dinner.
Isabela restaurants:
El Cafetal: A cozy restaurant offering fusion cuisine and delicious desserts, with vegan options available. It offers occasional live music, making it an excellent choice for lunch or dinner.
The Beach Restaurant: This unique spot allows you to dine either indoors near the beach or outside on the sand, ideal for sipping cocktails while watching the sunset. Open for both lunch and dinner.
San Cristobal restaurants:
Giuseppe’s Restaurant: Enjoy Italian-American dishes with a Galapagos twist, including great pizza options and cocktail promotions. Perfect for dinner.
Miconia Restaurant: A beautiful ocean-view restaurant with vegetarian options and a children’s menu, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner for a family-friendly dining experience.
MUYU: Known for its farm-to-table approach, MUYU serves fresh, locally sourced dishes, primarily seafood. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner with a view of the beach where sea lions rest nearby.
Need to know
Important information:
You cannot bring fruits, seeds, plants or animals to the islands to prevent the introduction of invasive species. All bags are checked at the airport before boarding flights to the Galápagos.
Many areas of the Galápagos are accessible only with a certified naturalist guide.
There is a National Park fee of $200 for adults and $100 for children under 12 years old. You can also get a Transit Control Card that can be acquired at the airport for $20, which is free for children under two years old.
Wi-Fi access is limited and can be unreliable on most islands.
There are few ATMs, so it’s best to bring sufficient cash, especially when traveling to smaller islands.
Tap water is not safe to drink in the Galápagos. Always drink bottled or filtered water and avoid ice in drinks unless you're sure it’s made from purified water. Additionally, try to bring your own reusable bottle to reduce plastic waste.
Travel Advisor
Dani Jarrin
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Galápagos Islands. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Sandy Kirk's guide, Adventure Travel to the Galápagos Islands.