The Galapagos Islands

A volcanic archipelago ~600 miles off mainland Ecuador, where giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and even penguins live in total harmony with travelers.

Explore the Islands

Why Galapagos is unlike anywhere else on Earth

About 600 miles off Ecuador’s coast, the Galapagos Islands feel like a living science lab. Here, giant tortoises roam, marine iguanas bask on rocks, penguins swim near the Equator, and blue-footed boobies strut without fear.

Charles Darwin’s 1835 visit to the islands played a key role in shaping his Theory of Evolution.

Today, 97% of the land is protected as Galápagos National Park. Strict visitor rules help preserve its fragile ecosystems. Trails and zodiac excursions cater to all mobility levels, making the experience both senior-friendly and family-friendly.

Walk across lava fields. Snorkel with curious sea lions. Spot penguins as they dart through clear waters.

One day you might hike the rim of Sierra Negra’s volcanic caldera. The next, you could drift through mangroves, surrounded by seabirds and calm turquoise seas.

Key Takeaways

  • 19+ main islands and many smaller islets, located ~600 miles offshore
  • Unique wildlife: tortoises, cormorants, boobies, albatross
  • Entry via Baltra and San Cristobal (flights from mainland Ecuador)
  • Tours in small groups with licensed guides and controlled landings
  • Comfortable, safe, and slow-paced travel experience

Highlights of the islands

Each island feels like a different world filled with living contrasts, from lava fields that still breathe heat to scarlet shores, cool forests in the clouds, and sleepy villages beside the sea.

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Iconic wildlife you will meet up close

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Galapagos Penguins - Canva - Oksana Latysheva
Sea Turtle - Galapagos - Canva - Irene Corti
Whale Shark - Galapagos - Canva - Oksana Latysheva

Galapagos animals don’t run away. Giant tortoises can live 100+ years. Marine iguanas look like tiny lava dragons. Sea lions play around your fins. Waved albatross glide on 8-foot wingspans. Penguins hunt in warm water north of the Equator. Only here. Nowhere else.

Underwater you’ll find reef fish, eagle rays, sea turtles, whitetip reef sharks, maybe even whale sharks in cooler season (Jun–Nov). Snorkeling is basically a wildlife documentary in 4K, but you’re in it.

Galapagos Activities - Infographic

When to go, what to bring, and park rules

Planning your trip to the Galapagos is part of the adventure. Here’s when to go, what to pack, and the key park rules to help you make the most of your experience.

Best time to visit

From December to May, the Galapagos enjoy warm, sunny days and calm seas. This is the ideal time for swimming, snorkeling, and beach walks.

It’s also the peak of mating season for sea turtles and nesting for marine iguanas, offering close-up wildlife encounters.

From June to November, the weather turns cooler and drier. Nutrient-rich currents attract a burst of marine life.

During these months, you might spot penguins, sea lion pups, manta rays, and if you’re lucky, even whale sharks.

There’s no bad time to visit. Each season reveals a different side of the islands’ rich wildlife and landscapes.

Entry requirements & fees

Bring a valid passport and proof of onward travel.

Entry fee:

  • Foreign adults – $200

  • Foreign children – $100

  • Ecuadorian adults – $30

  • Ecuadorian children – $15

  • CAN (Andean Community) adults – $100

  • CAN children – $50

 • Transit Control Card (TCT): $20 per person (mandatory for all visitors).

Funds support conservation efforts and the protection of Galápagos wildlife such as giant tortoises and marine iguanas.

Packing tips

Pack smart for the Galápagos, the islands’ mix of sun, sea, and adventure means you’ll need lightweight gear for day trips and comfort for cooler evenings. Here’s what to bring:

• Lightweight sun layers and breathable clothing

• Reef-safe sunscreen and a brimmed hat

• Sturdy sandals or walking shoes

• Swimsuit and rash guard for snorkeling

• Light fleece or jacket for cooler nights

• Motion sickness tablets and personal medications

• Binoculars and a waterproof camera, gold for wildlife watching

Main Islands

Discover the beating heart of the Galapagos as each island reveals its own rhythm of life, from ancient volcanic peaks to beaches alive with creatures found nowhere else on Earth.

Isabela

Isabela is the largest and youngest island in the Galapagos, shaped like a seahorse and formed by six active volcanoes. Sitting above the Galapagos hotspot, it’s one of the most volcanically active places on Earth. Its highest point is Wolf Volcano. The island supports a rich marine ecosystem that draws whales, dolphins, and countless seabirds. It also hosts more wild giant tortoises than all the other islands combined, with each volcano sheltering a unique subspecies. Conservation efforts focus on controlling invasive species. A major success came in 2024 with the discovery of new Galapagos petrel nests. Puerto Villamil is the island’s main hub. It offers access to a tortoise breeding center and popular visitor sites like Los Túneles.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz belongs to the second largest and most densely populated islands with Puerto Ayora serving as the main tourist center. The park contains various ecosystems which span from volcanic highlands that support giant tortoises to coastal regions with beaches and mangrove forests. The Charles Darwin Research Station together with the wild tortoise reserves which exist in the highlands represent the main attractions. The main focus of conservation work in 2025 will deal with tourism impacts and invasive species management. The island becomes reachable through Baltra Airport which provides ferry service to Santa Cruz. The government declared major funding for conservation projects and infrastructure development during 2025 which would support tourism recovery efforts.

San Cristobal

San Cristóbal serves as the main administrative center of the archipelago while being the fifth-largest island and located at the easternmost point of the archipelago. The area functions as a wildlife sanctuary which hosts sea lions that frequently rest on shores and inside Puerto Baquerizo Moreno town. The freshwater lake El Junco serves as a key environmental feature because it provided water resources which attracted early human settlement. The island contains the Galapaguera which serves as a natural habitat for tortoises. The conservation programs aim to control blackberry invasive species through public education initiatives which target local people. The island organizes different events which help both local businesses and tourism industry. Scientists conduct present-day studies and observation programs to safeguard native and endemic species.

Fernandina

Fernandina Island is the youngest and westernmost island in the Galápagos, situated atop an active volcanic hotspot. The La Cumbre volcano dominates this island as the third largest in size while its continuous eruptions produce new lava flows that reshape the terrain. The remote location and active volcanoes make it a pristine ecosystem which lacks permanent human settlements and invasive species. Fernandina protects wildlife through its support of two unique species: the largest marine iguana population on Earth and the flightless cormorant which only exists in this area. Scientists keep searching for additional members of the critically endangered Fernandina Giant Tortoise species ever since they found a single female in 2019. The island shows a natural volcanic rock and mangrove environment which supports thriving wildlife populations.

Santiago

Santiago Island which receives its other names San Salvador and James stands as the fourth-largest island in the central position of the archipelago. The removal of goats and pigs through conservation work has helped native plants and animals including the Galapagos Rail and Santiago Rice Rat species return to their natural habitats. The island received a major ecological restoration project which introduced 4,000 land iguanas back to their habitat after they disappeared for almost 200 years. The site offers visitors the chance to visit Puerto Egas which features seal caves and Sullivan Bay which showcases volcanic areas from recent eruptions. The island contains multiple landscapes which consist of dry areas and volcanic terrain and wet mountainous regions that create habitats for various animal species. The ecosystem received a complete recovery because of land iguanas which improved soil conditions while spreading seeds and drawing back native species to the island.

Marchena

The northern Galápagos shield volcano known as Marchena stands as an untouched natural formation which remains unoccupied by humans. The location provides excellent diving conditions because its waters host numerous marine creatures such as hammerhead sharks and rays and turtles and sea lions. The land remains uninhabited but it shelters the Marchena lava lizard and Galapagos hawks which exist only in this location. The ecosystem of the area continues to exist because previous eradication programs have effectively eliminated all introduced goats from the area. The main focus of conservation work involves tracking ecosystems while dealing with invasive species such as the Little Fire Ant. The island's volcanic caldera has become a lava-filled area which produces an untamed and untouched environment.

Genovesa

Genovesa, nicknamed "Bird Island," is a northern, uninhabited shield volcano with a collapsed caldera forming Darwin Bay. Its waters are nutrient-rich, supporting a huge concentration of seabirds, including the largest colony of Red-footed Boobies. The island also hosts Nazca Boobies, Frigatebirds, and the unique nocturnal Swallow-tailed Gull. Its only native reptile is the smallest species of marine iguana. The National Park recently reopened Genovesa to visitors following an avian influenza scare. Landing is possible at Darwin Bay and Prince Philip's Steps for spectacular birdwatching.

Pinta

Pinta is the ninth largest and northernmost of the larger Galápagos islands, famously known as the home of Lonesome George, the last of his subspecies. Following the successful eradication of invasive goats, the island's native vegetation and ecosystems have significantly recovered. To further restore the ecosystem, hybrid tortoises were introduced to Pinta as "ecosystem engineers" to disperse seeds and create clearings. The island, a shield volcano with a stark, arid landscape, is a haven for wildlife such as Galápagos hawks, marine iguanas, and fur seals. It has very limited access for visitors, with special permits required for landing. A marine visitor site, Punta Neros, offers good opportunities for diving and snorkeling.

Pinzon

Pinzón Island is a small, uninhabited shield volcano in the central Galápagos, lacking designated land visitor sites. Conservation efforts successfully eradicated invasive black rats, which had severely impacted the giant tortoise population for over a century. This has led to a significant recovery, with giant tortoise hatchlings now surviving and reproducing in the wild for the first time in generations. The island is a key destination for divers and snorkelers due to its rich marine life, including marine iguanas, dolphins, sea lions, and sharks. Its arid landscape is dotted with Opuntia cactus and other sparse vegetation. The ongoing ecological restoration is hailed as a major conservation success story in the archipelago.

Baltra

Baltra, also known as South Seymour, is a small, flat island that serves as the main entry point to the Galápagos, home to Seymour Airport. Formed by geological uplift rather than volcanic activity, the island is arid, with vegetation dominated by cacti and Palo Santo trees. Although it has no accommodations, it is a crucial transit hub for visitors traveling to nearby Santa Cruz and other islands. Intensive conservation efforts, including the successful reintroduction of land iguanas, have revitalized the island's ecosystem. The ecological restoration has led to the natural regeneration of native plant species and provides crucial habitat for wildlife. The airport itself is the world's first certified green airport, and the island remains an active Ecuadorian military base.

Floreana

Floreana, one of the oldest islands, is sparsely inhabited and known for its lush highlands and volcanic lowlands. The island is famous for its intriguing human history, including mysterious disappearances among early German settlers. Key visitor sites include Post Office Bay, where visitors can drop mail in a historic barrel, and Cormorant Point, featuring beaches of different colored sand and a flamingo lagoon. Significant conservation efforts are currently underway to eradicate invasive species like rats and cats, paving the way for reintroducing locally extinct species. Recent releases of captive-bred finches have marked a major step in restoring the native ecosystem. A project is also working to eventually reintroduce the Floreana giant tortoise, a species that became extinct in the wild in the 19th century.

Española

Española, the archipelago's southernmost and geologically oldest island, is a haven for endemic wildlife. It's the sole breeding ground for the waved albatross and home to unique species like the Española mockingbird and brightly colored marine iguanas. Conservation has seen immense success with the Española giant tortoise, brought back from near extinction through a captive breeding program. Eradicated invasive species have allowed for significant ecosystem recovery. Key visitor sites like Punta Suárez and Gardner Bay offer spectacular birdwatching and interactions with sea lions. The island's remote location and conservation efforts have preserved its remarkable biodiversity.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is one of the oldest and most geographically central islands, famed for its unique endemic species. The island boasts a pristine ecosystem, with recent conservation efforts successfully reintroducing Española giant tortoises, which are thriving and fulfilling their ecological role. The island is characterized by an extensive forest of giant prickly pear cacti, providing a vital food source for the unique, pale Santa Fe land iguana. Visitors can explore the arid landscape via hiking trails or snorkel in the protected Barrington Bay, encountering marine life and playful sea lions. The eradication of invasive species in the past has allowed the ecosystem to recover significantly. Ongoing monitoring by the Galápagos Conservancy and National Park ensures the island's unique wildlife and vegetation continue to flourish.

Isabela

Isabela, the largest Galapagos island, formed by six volcanoes, teems with marine life and unique tortoises. Puerto Villamil leads conservation and offers top sites like Los Túneles.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, the second largest island, hosts Puerto Ayora and diverse habitats from highlands to coasts. Key sites include Darwin Station and tortoise reserves, with 2025 focused on conservation.

San Cristobal

San Cristóbal, the archipelago’s capital, hosts sea lions, El Junco lake, and the Galapaguera tortoise site. Conservation targets invasive plants and supports research, tourism, and local engagement.

Fernandina

Fernandina, the youngest island, shaped by La Cumbre’s eruptions, remains untouched by humans. It shelters marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and the rare Fernandina Giant Tortoise.

Santiago

Santiago, the fourth-largest island, was restored after invasive species removal. Land iguanas reintroduced after 200 years helped revive native wildlife and habitats at sites like Puerto Egas and Sullivan Bay.

Marchena

Marchena, an uninhabited volcanic island, offers top diving with sharks, rays, turtles, and sea lions. Home to endemic lava lizards and hawks, it stays pristine through ongoing invasive species control.

Genovesa

Genovesa, or “Bird Island,” hosts vast seabird colonies like Red-footed Boobies and Frigatebirds. Its caldera forms Darwin Bay, now reopened for birdwatching after an avian flu closure.

Pinta

Pinta, once home to Lonesome George, has recovered after goat eradication. Hybrid tortoises aid ecosystem restoration. Wildlife thrives, and Punta Neros offers limited diving and snorkeling access.

Pinzon

Pinzón, a small central island, saw tortoise recovery after rat eradication. Its rich marine life draws divers, and its arid volcanic landscape marks a major Galápagos conservation success.

Baltra

Baltra, or South Seymour, is the Galápagos’ main gateway with the world’s first green airport. Once restored, it now supports land iguanas and native plants, serving as a key transit and military hub.

Floreana

Floreana, rich in history and wildlife, features Post Office Bay and Cormorant Point. Conservation removes invasives and reintroduces finches and plans to restore the extinct Floreana giant tortoise.

Española

Española, the oldest southern island, hosts the waved albatross and colorful marine iguanas. Restored ecosystems and tortoise recovery make it a top site for birdwatching and sea lion encounters.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe, a central ancient island, thrives with endemic species and reintroduced Española tortoises. Its cactus forests host unique land iguanas, and Barrington Bay offers rich snorkeling and sea lions.

Small Islands

The smaller islands of Galápagos may be tiny on the map, but they’re full of life and color. The archipelago reveals its untouched wilderness through these hidden treasures which include red-sand beaches and volcanic tunnels and cactus-filled habitats teeming with iguanas and seabirds. Each one feels like a secret world waiting to be explored.

Daphne Major

Daphne Major is a small, uninhabited volcanic tuff cone north of Santa Cruz Island, highly regarded for its ongoing scientific importance. The island is the site of long-term studies on Darwin's finches, demonstrating evolution in action within short timeframes. Access is strictly controlled by the Galapagos National Park, with visits primarily for research, though tour boats often cruise by for viewing. The island is a vital nesting ground for various seabirds, including blue-footed and Nazca boobies. Underwater, the surrounding waters offer dive sites to observe marine life like sea lions and sharks. Its status as a fragile, ongoing natural laboratory makes it an important focus for conservation efforts.

Plaza Sur

South Plaza is a small island with stunning scenery and a dense concentration of wildlife, located near Santa Cruz Island. It is renowned for its large colony of sea lions, land iguanas, and the only known population of hybrid iguanas in the Galapagos. The landscape is vibrant, featuring a colorful carpet of sesuvium plants that change from green to brilliant red depending on the season. Birdwatching is excellent, with swallow-tailed gulls nesting on the cliffs and various other seabirds visible. Recent conservation efforts focus on restoring the prickly pear cactus population, a crucial food source for the iguanas, with assistance from projects like Galapagos Verde 2050. A visit to this island offers a unique look at evolutionary adaptation and a thriving ecosystem.

Rábida

Rábida Island is known for its distinctive red-colored beaches, caused by the high iron content in its volcanic rocks. Visitors can observe a bustling sea lion colony and brown pelicans nesting along the shore. A brackish lagoon behind the beach is a known site for spotting wading birds, including flamingos. The island's ecosystem has been recovering significantly following the successful eradication of invasive species like goats and rats in past years. Recent ecological successes include the documented re-establishment of flamingo breeding populations and the rediscovery of a rare gecko species. The restoration efforts highlight the island's ongoing conservation story and the impressive resilience of its unique biodiversity.

Bartolomé

Bartolomé Island is an iconic volcanic islet famous for its stunning Pinnacle Rock and otherworldly lava landscapes. It is one of the most visited and photographed sites in the Galapagos, offering breathtaking panoramic views from its summit after a climb. Conservation efforts focus on protecting the fragile ecosystem and monitoring the small colony of Galapagos penguins that inhabit the area. Visitors can also enjoy excellent snorkeling with penguins, sea turtles, and other marine life around the rock formation. The island's distinctive volcanic formations provide a unique insight into the geological evolution of the archipelago. Strict regulations ensure visitor impact is minimized, preserving the unique natural beauty for future generations.

Sombrero Chino

Chinese Hat Island is a small, volcanic islet located southeast of Santiago Island, known for its distinctive conical shape that resembles a traditional Asian hat. It is a recently formed volcanic cone, with fragile lava formations that contribute to its unique landscape. A short visitor trail allows for observations of lava tubes and pillow lava, a sign of underwater formation and uplift. The island is a popular spot for observing wildlife, including sea lion colonies, marine iguanas, and various sea birds. Excellent snorkeling opportunities are available in the sheltered turquoise channel, where visitors can potentially see Galapagos penguins, sharks, rays, and tropical fish. Due to its sensitive nature, tourist access is restricted, and visits are primarily offered through cruises with specific itineraries.

Seymour Norte

North Seymour Island is a flat, uplifted volcanic island renowned for its dense populations of nesting seabirds. It features the largest magnificent frigatebird breeding colony in the Galapagos, alongside abundant blue-footed boobies that perform their famous courtship dances for visitors. Following a successful eradication of invasive rats, North Seymour has become a source island for land iguana populations, recently supporting the reintroduction of these reptiles to Santiago Island. Visitors can observe numerous sea lions, marine iguanas, and swallow-tailed gulls along the rocky coastline. Its proximity to Baltra makes it a frequent day-trip destination for land-based tourists, with trails offering excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. The ongoing conservation success and thriving wildlife populations make it a top destination for experiencing the archipelago's unique ecosystem.

Mosquera

Mosquera Islet is a narrow strip of sand and coral reef located between North Seymour and Baltra islands, known for its extensive sea lion colony. The islet was formed by geological uplift, giving it a flat appearance, and is a popular spot for snorkeling and observing wildlife. Aside from the large sea lion population, visitors can also see marine iguanas, various coastal birds like lava gulls and boobies, and sometimes even hunting orcas. Snorkeling in the surrounding waters offers opportunities to encounter sharks, rays, and tropical fish. In recent conservation news, biosecurity measures have been effective in controlling the entry of invasive species into the area. Ongoing conservation efforts in the broader Galapagos archipelago aim to manage invasive species and protect marine ecosystems, with projects potentially impacting the Mosquera area indirectly. This makes it a great destination for observing a diverse and recovering ecosystem.

Daphne Major

Daphne Major, a small volcanic cone, is vital for finch evolution research. Protected by the park, it hosts seabird colonies and dive sites, serving as a natural lab for conservation.

Plaza Sur

South Plaza, near Santa Cruz, bursts with sea lions, iguanas, and vivid sesuvium plants. Home to rare hybrid iguanas, it’s a top birdwatching spot with active cactus restoration efforts.

Rábida

Rábida, known for its red beaches and sea lion colony, has rebounded after invasive species removal. Flamingos and a rare gecko have returned, showcasing strong ecosystem recovery.

Bartolomé

Bartolomé, famed for Pinnacle Rock and volcanic vistas, offers penguin snorkeling and panoramic hikes. Conservation protects its fragile ecosystem and preserves its iconic Galápagos scenery.

Sombrero Chino

Chinese Hat, a small volcanic cone, features lava tubes, sea lions, and marine iguanas. Its turquoise waters offer snorkeling with penguins and rays, with limited access to protect its fragile terrain.

Seymour Norte

North Seymour, a flat uplifted island, hosts frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions. After rat removal, it became key for iguana reintroduction, offering top wildlife viewing near Baltra.

Mosquera

Mosquera Islet, a flat sandbar between Baltra and North Seymour, hosts many sea lions and birds. Snorkelers spot sharks and rays. Strong biosecurity keeps its recovering ecosystem thriving.

Why sail on Seaman Journey?

Explore the Galápagos Islands aboard the Seaman Journey, an exclusive cruise for just 16 guests. Enjoy five-star cabins, gourmet meals, expert naturalist guides, and complimentary snorkeling gear.

Each itinerary includes hikes on volcanic islands, snorkeling with sea lions, and spotting giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies. Every excursion blends adventure with comfort at a relaxed pace.

Booking is easy through Galapatours, with live support and child discounts available. Their team helps every step of the way, from choosing cabins to answering questions about accessibility or special needs.

Seaman Journey | Galapagos Cruise

Our adventure in the Galapagos Islands offers lasting memories and rare encounters. We spot giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and playful sea lions up close. Every day on the Galapagos Seaman Journey brings new discoveries both above and below the waves.
Let’s take this chance to explore one of Earth’s most remarkable places together, your next story is waiting just off the equator.

Frequently Asked Questions

People know these islands for their rare wildlife and wild landscapes. Charles Darwin studied animals here, which helped him shape his theory of evolution. The place is a living science lab.

You might spot giant tortoises lumbering along or blue-footed seabirds dancing by the shore. Sea lions nap on beaches while marine iguanas sunbathe on rocks. Each animal seems to have its own story.

Travelers often pick December through May for warm weather and calm seas; this season brings clear water for snorkeling too. June through November offers cooler air with more active sea life.

Most folks travel between islands by boat, hopping from one adventure to another like kids skipping stones across a pond. On land, guided tours help guests explore trails without missing hidden wonders tucked away in nature’s pocketbook.