Places to visit in Galapagos Islands
The archipelago has more than a dozen main islands, each with its own wildlife and character. Cruises reach the remoter outposts, while the inhabited islands make fine bases for land-based trips. Here’s where we recommend spending your time.
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The gateway to the Galápagos Islands. Baltra is a small, arid island, but plays a crucial role in every Galápagos adventure as home to the archipelago’s principal airport. Located close to Santa Cruz Island, Baltra provides convenient access to Puerto Ayora via ferry, bus and private transfers, making it the starting point for many itineraries.
A walk to the summit of this small island reveals a pitted moonscape; one of the most photographed panoramas in the archipelago. There are views of the island’s twisted lava formations and the sea-sculpted Pinnacle Rock, smothered with Galápagos penguins and marine turtles.
There’s a huge variety of birds and reptiles, nesting or on the cliffs. Some species (eg. The waved albatross) aren’t seen elsewhere. There’s a spectacular blowhole: spray shoots 30m high.
An active volcanic island with frequent eruptions. Its steep flanks, streaked with successive lava flows, are arid; marine iguanas gather in their thousands. There’s an interesting shore-line trail.
Pirates and whalers dropped anchor here. Visit Post Office Bay, where a barrel served as mailbox to send letters home and snorkel around Devil’s Crown, a part-submerged crater.
Inside the sunken caldera birds are visible in their thousands: you can hike along the rim. Snorkel with hammerhead sharks or cruise along the cliff ledges to rocky steps named after HRH Prince Philip.
Active volcanoes and dramatic lava flows give Isabela Island the most striking landscapes in the Galápagos. Around Puerto Villamil, spot flamingos in coastal lagoons and giant tortoises at the breeding centre. Further afield, Punta Vicente Roca is one of the Galápagos’ outstanding marine sites, making Isabela Island an unforgettable addition to any Galápagos holiday.
Covered with boulders and low bushy vegetation. You can watch the courting mating and nesting rituals here of frigate birds and boobies, stroll on the beach or snorkel.
There’s a cactus forest populated by land iguanas and vegetation which changes colour from green in the rainy season to orange in the dry. Go hiking, birdwatching, swimming and snorkelling.