Top Things to do in Galapagos Islands
What to do and see in Galapagos Islands, Galapagos Islands: The Best Sights & 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. El Trapiche Ecologico Galapagos
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
El Trapiche Ecologico Galapagos is a wild tourist place where the process of organic products such as Adriano Cabrera's wild coffee, fine aroma chocolate, sugarcane and others are found. Unique in the Galapagos Islands and recognized worldwide.
Reviewed By 207Rama
We visited El Trapiche in Feb 2019, as part of an 8 day Cruise. El Trapiche is very rustic and demonstrates the old methods of extracting cane juice, roasting coffee beans, etc which are still in use today at this location. It was fun and very educational. The local people who operate this site also support the rest of the farm. They were polite, knowledgeable about their work and products, and many of them spoke english so those of who were language limited could participate and enjoy the experience. I highly recommend this farm tour for its experience and just the pure fun which was had.
2. Rancho El Manzanillo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Preusso_Photos - Wellington, New Zealand
Absolutely incredible day at El Manzanillo. The staff were very friendly. I wasn't sure what to expect when it came to the Tortoises. I'd heard that we would be lucky to see a handful... In reality, we had to be careful not to step on them! The other wildlife was fantastic, with Pintail Ducks, Flycatchers and Finches. The Tortoises have little fear, making this a wonderful place for Wildlife Photography. In conclusion, if you're in the area, this is a must do!
3. 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.
4. Lava Java
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
5. 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.
6. Rancho Primicias
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 216 reviews
Reviewed By zuzatravels
As I have written already in previous review for El Chato 2, Rancho Primicias is a natural reserve where you can meet and walk amount giant tortoises. Mostly, it doesn’t have designed paths as El Chato 2, so you walk in the grass same as the tortoises. They offer you boots for free. The admission is 5$/person and it includes the entry to really huge lava tunnel which is not in the park, but taxi drivers usually knows exactly where to take you. As I said before, we visited both ranches and both are really nice and next to each other. I totally recommend to visit both. Do not forget to keep the correct distance from tortoises (min. 2min). Taxi cost is about 50$.
7. Catedral Inmaculada Concepcion
8. 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.
9. 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...
10. Isabela Island Wetlands Complex
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By DwjTay - Niagara Falls, Canada
This is a great walk over to the tortoise sanctuary and on the way you will see iguanas, flamingos, and lots of other birds.
