Top Things to do in Galapagos Islands
Top 10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Galapagos Islands, Galapagos Islands
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. Punta Espinoza
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By 75steven - New Hartford, United States
What an incredible island. Lava fields, marine iguana, hawks, sally light footed crabs, and sea lions were everywhere. We just missed (3-4 days) an active lava flow event but so enjoyed our short visit to the youngest of all the islands. It's raw beauty and natural differences from the other islands added to our experience.
2. Punta Suarez
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By 740mareer - Christchurch, New Zealand
This island is packed with wildlife. Marine iguanas were all over the rocks near the beach, we saw so many birds including the waved albatross, galapagos hawk and all three boobies. The walk was over uneven ground at times so good footwear is essential and bring insect repellent, We didnt and were eaten alive, a week before there were no biters so noone was prepared, it made stopping very unpleasant.
3. Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 252 reviews
Reviewed By ChrysalisTravel
Galapagos tortoise breeding center that rescues and raises hatchlings and keeps them in a safe, protected environment for several years until they are old enough to release and have a much better chance at survival in the wild. Monday mornings is feeding day -- enjoy seeing many tortoises together as they come in for nutritious taro leaves.
4. Concha de Perla
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 943 reviews
Reviewed By StorkRN1 - Roseville, United States
Our tour group of 3 went snorkeling here late morning and it was fantastic! You have to walk over marine iguanas and sea lions on the boardwalk to the cove! Not super clear water like in Hawaii, but once I got used to it, I saw more and more! We saw sea turtles, bat rays, tons of fish, chocolate chip sea stars, a sleeping marble ray, about 60 black-tipped reef sharks, hundreds of sardines/mackerels(?), marine iguanas swimming (which is really cool to watch), and sea lions swimming with us! Amazing! I had a free afternoon the next day and went back. It was a little choppier, but still saw quite a bit! Didn't see nearly as much in the other 3 spots I snorkeled in the Galapagos as I did here!
5. Reserva El Chato
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,900 reviews
Reviewed By Tempusfugit2015 - Roslyn, United States
Great place to see the tortugas in the highlands There us also a lava tube option You get a pair if boots to walk around It was drizzling so bring a poncho and water There are clean facilities and a restaurant avail
6. Urbina Bay
7. Prince Phillip's Steps
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By 75steven - New Hartford, United States
I loved the hike up Prince Phillip's Steps on Genovesa Island. Once you get to te top there are beautiful lava fields everywhere and Nazca Boobies nesting all over the surface. You truly feel that you are in a totally foreign envirinment as you walk across these fields. The views of the ocean are spectacular as you approach the northern shore and home to sea lions, iguanas and lava lizards. We even spotted a Galapagos hawk catching its prey! What a place.
8. Cerro Tijeretas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 349 reviews
Reviewed By J5694RXleer
A nice hike that's easily accessible from town. We only had one full day on San Cristobal to explore (wish we had more, there's plenty to do here!) and spent part of the afternoon walking up to Cerro Tijeretas. There's a path that connects this to the interpretation center, Playa Carola, and a few other viewpoints. The pathway is paved and easy to navigate. We wished we had more time to snorkel at one of the bays, but didn't have the gear/time to do so.
9. Santa Fe Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By cristinamazutis
This experience will humble you. The beauty and magnificence of the ocean and animals in their natural habitat undisturbed by humans is just mind blowing. We booked a day tour through Galapagos Dreams (Nina bonita boat). They gave us complimentary wet suits and a ride to the dock the morning of the trip.The boat crew was very friendly and excited to start the day. They gave us clear instructions and expectations for the tour. Once we arrived to Santa Fe we jumped in the water and our guide took us closer to the rocks. There were a couple of sea lions and a some puppies. After about 5 minutes some jumped in the water and started interacting with our group. These animals are AMAZING, curious and calm. They will flip and swim around you. We were cautioned not to reach for them and to stay away from the rocks. We snorkeled for aprox 25 mins, the view underneath is breath taking. Swimming with sea lions was a dream come true for our family and we were able to check it off our bucket list. We visited with two 8 year olds. They enjoyed the experience and thanks to the guidance of our Tour guide they were never scared or anxious. They happily joined the group and headed to see the sea lions. However the water this time of the year is very cold (south pole currents) and they were not able to swim very long. I don't recommend this activity for young kids that could get scared or don't have strong swimming skills.
10. Cormorant Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By 1234texas - Dripping Springs, United States
We have seen on TV the pictures of the turtles laying eggs on the beach from which she was born, but never in "real life" despite being at some locations where we should have seen them in the Caribbean. It has been something we always wanted to experience. Well, after the wet landing*, we climbed the little hill and went to the other side of the island to the beach that was filled with turtle nests and a number of turtles swimming in the bay--we saw one throwing sand. We then watched her struggle mightily to get back into the water. Our guide would not let us assist her--against the law! It took her a good 30 minutes to make the exhausting trek back to the water and we cheered her on! It was a great sight to see her swim away. A little memory that we will have forever! As for the Pink Flamingos, they are far less interesting. They are a long way aways, but there were about 50 of them. The did a little straing of the pond muck and we were quickly bored. The walk on the approach beach was a real good one. We saw a lot of bird activity and the area is beautiful. The beach is very nice and there were NO FLIES! This is really a pretty little island with a nice easy walk up the hill and down to the second beach. The landscape is great--a walk through a garden! Lots of vegetation and a lot of green as opposed to the dry environment on the other islands. This is not a good trip to skip--as did a few of our group. There is a lit to see and do that we did not get to see on other adventures. *Although they (the guide, crew, and brochures) make a "big deal" about the wet landings, there is really nothing complex or difficult about them--if you keep your wits about you. The crew has done them a million times and they know how to get you on and off safely. They do require the wearing of life vest on all small boat activities--they are awkward, but essential.
