More Galapagos Information

In order to conserve and protect the wildlife and environment of the Galápagos Islands, the number of visitors is controlled by the Galápagos National Park Authority. Here's a selection of some of the islands and what you might expect to see

Santa Cruz
The most populated island, starting point for most cruises, and a selection of hotels for those who prefer to stay on land or combine with a cruise or walking tour. Charles Darwin Research Station is located in Puerto Ayora; here vital work is undertaken to boost and preserve the wildlife of Galápagos. Visitors can enjoy the extensive range of exhibits and, known to be the sole survivor of his species, “Lonesome George” may also be seen here.

Española
The Southernmost island and home to large colonies of blue footed and masked boobies and in season (usually April- December); the waved albatross at Punta Suarez. Sea lion colonies can be seen at Gardner Bay. Marine iguana, hood mocking birds, finches, tropic birds, swallow tail gulls and the Galápagos hawk may also be seen.

San Cristobal
The main town, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, is the capital of Galápagos and has excellent natural history displays at the local Interpretation Centre. Here is the second main airport and starting point for some cruises. Isla Lobos is a nearby islet and home to many sea lions, blue footed boobies and frigate birds. Cruise around the cliffs of nearby Kicker Rock for a good view of large colonies of sea birds including the red-billed tropic birds.

Santa Fé
A tiny island, 25km from Santa Cruz, there is a bay protected by a peninsula, ideal for snorkelling. A good location for tropical fish, it may be possible to view spotted eagle rays, stingrays and the white tipped reef sharks. The island has a forest of giant cacti, some reaching 10m in height and unique to this island.

Isabela
The largest island and comprised of 6 volcanoes which have fused together over time. White sand beaches, rocky inlets and mangroves line the coast while most of the interior is impassable. Tagus Cove, location of Darwin’s crater lake and good habitat for Darwins finches. Around cliffs, pelicans, penguins and sea lions may be seen. Elizabeth Bay is ideal for marine wildlife such as turtles, reef sharks, sea lions, rays and Galápagos penguins.

Santiago
Once the site of a salt mining enterprise, this island is now uninhabited. At Puerto Egas, marine iguanas, sea lions and wading birds can be seen and within rock pools created by lava, Sally Lightfoot crabs, urchins and octopuses. Grottos of fur seals are also nearby. Historically, Bucaneer Bay was a hide out for pirates.

Bartholomé
A small island, East of Santiago, is home to one of Galápagos’ landmarks, the ‘Pinnacle Rock’. This jagged remnant of an old tuff cone and nearby lava fields make for a wonderful view from a look out point at the island summit (114m). From the beach beneath the rock, Galápagos penguins are often seen when snorkelling.

Floreana
On the Northernmost tip of Floreana lies Punto Cormorant, not known for the cormorant, however, it is the best place to see flamingos. A nearby beach, an important nesting site for turtles and the shallow waters, a favourite with stingrays. Devil’s Crown, known for snorkelling and scuba diving; you may see reef fish, whitetipped sharks, even hammerheads. West lies Post Office Bay famous for a makeshift mail drop operating since 18th Century.