Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Charles Darwin Research Station. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• La Pinta Darwin's Legacy (Fri–Thurs)

• 6-Day Galapagos Island-Hopping Tour: Santa Fe, Santa Cruz, and Los Tuneles

• 7-Day Galapagos Island-Hopping Adventure Expedition

• Galaxy Orion Galapagos Islands Cruise

• 4-Day Galapagos Complete Experience + Extra Night

It’s free to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, as entry is included as part of your Galapagos National Park ticket. Many tours of the Galapagos Islands stop at the center to explore Charles Darwin’s legacy. Multi-day tours start around US$1,216 and typically include accommodation and boat transfers.

Yes, the Charles Darwin Research Station is worth visiting. Its most famous exhibits are undoubtedly the taxidermied tortoise, Lonesome George (the last Pinta tortoise of his species), and the skeleton of a blue whale. The station is also a fantastic introduction to the islands' ecological and natural heritage.

Per one customer who booked the 6-Day Galapagos Island-Hopping Tour: Santa Fe, Santa Cruz, and Los Tuneles, "This trip was just amazing. I am a single traveler, and this program was great for me. They took such good care of me, and I had to think of nothing. I really enjoyed it!"

Yes, you can see giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station, including baby tortoises being raised for release into the wild. The station also features the taxidermied Lonesome George, the last of the now extinct Pinta Island giant tortoises. Don't forget to bring your passport to receive an official giant tortoise stamp.

At the Charles Darwin Research Station, more than 200 scientists and volunteers are actively researching and conserving the unique fauna and flora that define the Galapagos. Team members work on various projects, including climate and ocean change, marine life conservation, combating invasive species, and restoring ecosystems.

Yes, guided tours are available at the Charles Darwin Research Station. While the research station does not offer tours itself, many half-day, full-day, and multi-day Galapagos Island tours stop at the CDRS. These excursions typically include transportation, narration, and visits to surrounding attractions, like Tortuga Bay.

The Charles Darwin Research Station is less than a mile east of central Puerto Ayora and can be easily reached on foot in 15–20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take an affordable taxi ride anywhere in Puerto Ayora. Organized tours often include transportation to and from the center.

The Charles Darwin Research Station is open seven days a week from early morning to evening, including holidays—it’s a family-friendly destination that fits easily into any vacation itinerary. Since it's one of Santa Cruz Island's top attractions, visiting the station when it first opens is recommended to avoid crowds.

No, there is no entrance fee to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, making it an ideal destination for travelers on a tight budget. Donations are welcomed to support the center's environmental research programs, while you can buy souvenirs at the on-site gift shop.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in the Galapagos Islands:

• Santa Cruz Island

• Las Tintoreras

• Isabela Island

• El Chato Tortoise Reserve

• Sierra Negra Volcano

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in the Galapagos Islands.