Things to do in  Galapagos Islands

Santa Cruz is easily the most central island for Galapagos visitors. One of only four islands where visitors are allowed to stay the night, the island can serve as the perfect home base from which to explore the archipelago. In addition to being the most cosmopolitan, Santa Cruz also offers beautiful beaches and wildlife, plus the Charles Darwin Research Station is located here.

Las Tintoreras is a small group of islets off the coast ofxa0 Isabela island where lava formations have created several different natural habitats, enabling a wide range of wildlife to thrive, including Galápagos penguins and white-tipped sharks wading in shallow crevices. Mangroves provide breeding grounds for marine iguanas while a small beach is taken over by sea lions.

Rising sharply off the coast of San Cristóbal island, this rock formation’s distinctive shape was formed when a lava cone split in two, forming a narrow channel in between. Also known as Kicker Rock, the site is a popular day trip for snorkelers and divers to see Galápagos and hammerhead sharks, turtles, rays, sea lions, and colorful reef fish.

On Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos, the Charles Darwin Research Station is a great way to take in some interesting facts about the wildlife of the archipelago in between relaxing on the beach and sipping a piña colada. The station offers information on local conservation, habitats, and other relevant statistics, and is home to a tortoise breeding center.

As the largest island of the Galapagos, Isabela Island is one of the most intriguing tropical destinations in the world. More than a million years old, the island is composed of six volcanoes, all of which but one are active. The unique geology draws visitors looking to see the surface uplifts, as well as the incredible tuff cones created by the volcanoes.

One of South America’s most active volcanoes, Sierra Negra on Isabela Island has a vast molten crater, which is the second largest caldera in the world. The huge shield volcano erupts about every 15 years, with the last eruption occurring in 2005. Since then several geological and thermal events have been visible to hikers.

Tortuga Bay Beach is home to a range of Galapagos creatures (including its namesake turtle). Visitors will find plentiful wildlife species along its pristine sandy beaches, including marine iguanas and brown pelicans; snorkel, swim, or kayak into its clear waters, and you may spot a white tip or tiger shark. What sets this world-famous site apart is its accessibility.

Bartolomé Island, located off the east shore of Sullivan Bay, is a small but beautiful spot most famous for its iconic Pinnacle Rock, which is arguably one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Galapagos. The staggering rock face is an eroded lava formation that was originally created by an underwater volcano.

See the famed Galapagos giant tortoises in the wild at El Chato Tortoise Reserve (Reserva El Chato), one of the few places visitors can watch these creatures roaming in their natural habitat. Then, explore the lava tunnels and nature trails, while looking out for other endemic wildlife, such as short-eared owls, Darwin finches, and more.

Not to be confused with the island of South Seymour, more commonly referred to as Baltra (the location of the main Galapagos airport, as well as a military base), North Seymour is a small island that is flat and uplifted, unlike many of its volcanic neighbors. The most intriguing aspect of North Seymour is the renowned blue-footed boobies that inhabit the island.

Isla Lobos is a small island located off the coast of San Cristóbal, popular for snorkeling and diving. Taking its name from its thriving sea lion population, dozens of these beautiful creatures play in the water and laze along the beach and rugged rocks. Blue-footed boobies, Darwin finches, marine iguanas, brown pelicans, and frigate birds may also be spotted here.

If you’re visiting Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos Islands, be sure to add the Canal del Amor, known as the Love Channel, to your must-see list. This natural attraction is a spectacular turquoise channel sandwiched between mountainous rocks. From there, you can explore beautiful La Lobería and Punta Estrada, an ideal location for spotting the area's resident sea iguanas.

The unique island of Fernandina is found on the west side of Isabela Island and is one of the least visited islands in the Galapagos. Because of its active volcanic state, the island lacks vegetation, and the scenery is almost surreal. However, Fernandina is home to an impressive colony of marine iguanas, as well as Galapagos penguins and cormorants, all of which attract plenty of visitors.

A remnant of a dark moment in Isla Isabela’s history, the 65-foot (20-meter) Wall of Tears was constructed by hundreds of prisoners held captive in a penal colony created by then President José María Velasco Ibarra. From 1945 to 1959, prisoners were forced to cut and haul chunks of volcanic rock to build the wall, which had no practical use.

One of Santa Cruz’s most peaceful and tranquil settings, El Garrapatero Beach is a tropical paradise, stretching for almost 2 miles (3 kilometers). Surrounded by beautiful mangrove trees, the beach is home to an array of birds, most notably, flamingos and mockingbirds. You may also find marine iguanas, shrimp, Galapagos penguins, and oystercatchers among the white sands and crystalline blue water.