Top Things to do in Galapagos Islands
Things to do in Galapagos Islands, Galapagos Islands: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
Abundant wildlife above and below the waves draws eco-tourists to Ecuador's Galapagos. Get up close on a stroll or in a Zodiac boat. Snorkel and dive with denizens of the deep, from sea lions to sea turtles at Santiago's Cousin's Rock. Hike by finches, flamingos and iguanas along the Darwin Trail. Admire Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela. As visitor numbers are limited within the islands' National Park, book your boat tour through a tour operator. Visit January through April for the best snorkeling.
Restaurants in Galapagos Islands
1. Dragon Hill (Cerro Dragon)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
This portion of Santa Cruz is so named because it is inhabited by many iguanas.
Reviewed By JimR847 - Calgary, Canada
We took the" Letty ", a yacht operated by Ecoventura, the company that took us to Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands, and were accompanied by several frigate birds that hovered about ten feet above our heads as we sat on deck taking in the scenery. Some perched on the yacht and others also engaged in some mid air fighting for space above our heads. We walked the Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) trail accompanied by our very knowledgeable Ecoventura guides and soaked up the scenery provided by the proliferation of Opuntia Cacti and Land iguanas as well as many Marine Iguanas. The various shapes and sizes of the cacti made for some great photographs as did the Land Iguanas which due to their size and proximity to the trail allowed for some super close up photos. Some of the cacti were showing off yellow blossoms and some of those had bees nuzzling into the flowers sucking up nectar. Spread out to the horizon from the trail was an endless view of leafless bushes/trees and several cones of volcanoes making for a very desolate scene. A very interesting excursion.
2. Kicker Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,119 reviews
Reviewed By NilsEling - Zurich, Switzerland
We got lucky on the day and saw 20 hammerheads, 6 Eagle rays, a bunch of reef and Galapagos sharks, and countless turtles. The divers on the other hand didn't see anything. So it depends on the conditions what you're going to see.
3. Santa Cruz Fish Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 854 reviews
Reviewed By BradT546 - Auckland, New Zealand
Had a lot of fun watching the sea lions and pelicans interacting with the people at the fish market. Was fascinating watching the fishermen feed the off cuts to the sea lions and pelicans in the water and watching one pelican try to swallow a whole Tuna head. The sea lions are very entertaining.
4. Post Office Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By 301lisa33 - Coventry, United Kingdom
The barrel is where you can leave a postcard for delivery anywhere in the world - unstamped. You take any cards with you which you can hand deliver back home. We left a couple of cards which have yet to arrive but maybe some day...
5. Malecon de Puerto Ayora
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By Cavydad - Camarillo, United States
Walk the waterfront and experience everything! Imagine a day on Mulberry Street. From bars, fish markets shops and my favorite the infamous water taxis that transport people and luggage to the outlying boats. Select your favorite bar or cafe, linger, get into the Galápagos groove, and experience the islands.
6. Malecon San Cristobal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By Ali921 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
This can be a start point or end point for cruises. If it's the end then this will be no different from Santa Cruz and if it's the start then the animals and sea front will look interesting. Full of souvenirs shops and cafes. Just nice to promenade up and down taking in life. It's a busy place full of locals (all involved in the tourist trade) and tourists looking to spend their last bit of currency.
7. Lagoon El Junco
8. The Wall of Tears
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 687 reviews
Reviewed By adrianalP387XP
I highly recommend renting a bike with a lock to ride to the wall of tears. The entire path takes about 3 hours depending on whether or not you stop along the way, and hike up to the lookouts at the end of the trail. This is a great activity, and one of the few on the island that you can do on your own. We saw many iguanas and land tortoises. I recommend hiking up to the lookouts, there are 3, to the left of the wall of tears. The views are amazing and its a nice exercise made up of mostly stairs. I also recommend stopping at Playa del amor, la Playita and El Estuario. Be careful with the horseflies at the beaches and El Estuario. They like to bite when your skin is wet and salty, therefore recommend drying off ASAP to prevent them from biting.
9. Ecua-Andino Galapagos
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 12 reviews
10. La Casa del Ceibo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 45 reviews
