Top 7 Things To Do in the Galápagos Islands
(Important Travel Tips & Trivia)

By: Int2Cruises travel expert

Witness unique biodiversity like Giant Tortoises, Marine Iguanas, and Galapagos Penguins, relax at the pristine white sandy beaches overlooking spectacular ocean vistas in the backdrop of scenic volcanic landscapes, are some of the top things to do in the Galapagos Islands, a popular travel destination comprising a volcanic archipelago made up of multiple islands and islets.

It is no surprise that the famous Biologist Charles Darwin (author of the Origin of Species) was immensely captivated and inspired by the enchanting beauty and charm of the Galapagos Islands and their species, leading to the formulation of the Theory of Evolution. Feel stunned when you witness its unique biodiversity up close: Giant Galapagos tortoises, Marine Iguanas, Darwin's Finches, Flightless Cormorants, and Galapagos Penguins.

Besides, on your visit to the Galapagos Islands, make sure you tick off the following list of what to do in the Galapagos Islands:

1. Explore Unique & Diverse Wildlife

The place is home to unique species of flora and fauna, including flightless cormorants, frigate birds, waved albatross, Sally Lightfoot crabs, land and marine iguanas, and frigate birds. Imagine looking for these exotic animals in and around the vast and calm blue waters, you'd realise why this is one of the best tourist attractions in the world.

If you look at the Galapagos Islands maps, you find a bunch of things that you could do, right from hanging out with a seventy-year-old tortoise for a day to going scuba diving to get a closer view of these sea creatures.

3 Most Famous Wildlife Zones in the Galapagos Islands

1. Parque Nacional Galápagos (Galápagos National Park)

Home to the Galapagos Islands, Galapagos National Park comprises an area of 3,040 square miles (7,880 sq. km.), which is home to 97% of the island's unique wildlife, including tortoises and marine iguanas.

2. Santa Cruz Island

It is the main tourism hub of the Galapagos Islands, also because of its proximity to the airport. The region is famous for its Charles Darwin Research Station (more on this below), giant tortoises, Tortuga Bay, unique and diverse wildlife, and snorkelling experiences.

3. Genovesa Island

This is a very unique island in the Galapagos, also known as the 'Bird Island,' which is renowned for its spectacular seabird colonies, making it the best Galapagos Islands location for bird-watching. Find the iconic Red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, Frigatebirds, and the nocturnal swallow-tailed gulls.

2. Explore the Pristine Island beaches

Out of all the beaches that the Galapagos has, three clearly steal the show – The Bahia Gardner (Gardner Bay), Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz, and Puerto Villamil, Isabella Islands. These islands are now known for sunbathing or surfing, but they have their fair share of hidden spots. The Bahia is a span of white sand shrouded by the huge palm trees, where you can see the red lava lizards, crabs, scamp, and the sea lions rest. The Tortuga Bay is famous for snorkeling and kayaking. Puerto Villamil, which has a breeding center for tortoises, is one of the most peaceful beaches you can find all around the world.

The top beaches in the Galapagos Islands are:

• Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz: pristine white sand, marine iguanas, & kayaking

• Gardner Bay, Española: powder-soft sand, sea lions, & snorkeling

• Rabida Beach, Rabida Island: striking red sand and rich marine life

• Cormorant Point, Floreana: rare green sand beaches and nearby flamingo lagoons

• Las Bachas, Santa Cruz: sea turtle nesting sites and shallow snorkeling waters

• Bartolomé Island Beach: Pinnacle Rock views and snorkeling with penguins

• Playa Mann, San Cristóbal: relaxed swimming, sea lions, and sunset views

• Puerto Villamil Beach, Isabela: long golden shores and peaceful wildlife encounters

3. Bike and Hike Across the Islands

The favourite thing to do on your Galapagos tour is to hike to the renowned Volcano Sierra Negra on Isabella Island, which is the world's second-largest volcanic crater, and experience majestic views. Biking and hiking are the best ways to explore the beautiful island. Go ahead in the search for the Galapagos Penguins (tip - they are usually found on the lava rocks right by the water). Explore the region's beautiful coastlines on the scenic coastal trails and wildlife spots where you can easily spot tortoises and sea lions.

Important Note - you should be aware that about 90% of the Galapagos is part of the Galapagos National Park and is restricted. And, visiting the tourist areas would require a guide or permit. The island houses 4 main inhabited regions where you can explore freely without a guide.

Can you walk on the Galapagos Islands?

Yes, you are allowed to walk only in designated areas and marked trails. As with many sites, visitors are required to bring a licensed naturalist guide to ensure environmental protection and wildlife safety.

4. Cliff-Jumping at Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is an iconic island located in the centre of the Galapagos Archipelago, which is famous for cliff-jumping and embracing the spectacular bird-eye views of the Las Grietas, reckoned to be the most beautiful part of the island. For adventure activities, besides Santa Cruz, other best locations are Floreana, San Cristobal, and Isabela. Find which adventure activities you can enjoy during your visit to Galapagos as follows.

Top adventure activities & best locations:

Snorkeling – Devil's Crown (Floreana), Kicker Rock (San Cristóbal), Tortuga Bay (Santa Cruz)

Scuba diving – Wolf & Darwin Islands (advanced), Gordon Rocks (Santa Cruz)

Wildlife kayaking – Tortuga Bay (Santa Cruz), Elizabeth Bay (Isabela)

Hiking & volcano trekking – Sierra Negra Volcano (Isabela), Bartolomé Island

Surfing – San Cristóbal Island, Santa Cruz Island

Wildlife watching – North Seymour, Española, Santa Cruz Highlands

5. Visit a Giant Tortoise Reserve

You cannot come to Galapagos and not visit this popular attraction, i.e., the Giant Tortoise Reserve. There resides the namesake Galápagos giant tortoise, which is reported to be the largest living species of tortoise in the world, weighing up to 417 kg. The reserve is home to about 200 tortoises that thrive and roam freely. You will find about 25,000 of them around the entire archipelago.

Did you know?

It is commonly assumed that the Galapagos tortoise is named after the islands. In fact, it is the other way around. When Spanish travellers first discovered the island, these massive tortoises - Galapago' was the old Spanish word for 'saddle', which described the shape of the tortoises' shells - made such an impression that they decided to name the island after them, hence the name the Galapagos Islands.

6. Snorkel with sea lions, sharks, and turtles

Enjoy a wonderful otherworldly feeling snorkelling with sea lions, which are around 50,000 and among the most abundant marine mammals in the region. Find them relaxing on the beach and soaking up the sun, which would be quite a spectacle in itself. Beyond that, you can snorkel with placid hammerheads, green sea turtles, and reef sharks, and take quirky underwater pictures and videos that you are going to remember forever.

Which is better - catamaran or monohull for Galapagos cruises?

To explore Galapagos cruises by water, catamarans offer stability against side-to-side motion, while the monohulls (small expedition ships) offer more space to explore and a smoother experience for longer expeditions.

7. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station

You definitely have to visit this world-famous research station named after the renowned biologist Charles Darwin, who put the Galapagos Islands on the map. Enjoy an enriching time digging deeper into the region's natural history and various local conservation efforts, a major one being preserving the giant tortoise. Experience an important piece of the scientific history by visiting the botanical garden, which highlights the crucial species that inspired Darwin's theory of natural selection.

Travel Tip: It is best to combine your exploration of the nearby fantastic beaches and town with the Charles Darwin Research Station visit.

Which is the best cruise for Galápagos exploration?

Celebrity Cruises, Silversea, HX Expedition, and Ecoventura are among the best cruises promising an extraordinary Galápagos tour experience. Among these, Celebrity stands out, particularly the Celebrity Flora which is a 100-guest ship designed exclusively for sailing these islands. Enjoy unparalleled comforts on the ship, such as full room automation, private veranda, personal suite attendant, and so much more. To make your experience truly insightful and unforgettable, certified naturalists from the Galápagos National Park will be on board as well.

Good Galapagos Islands Hotel Recommendations

Find several decent, premium, and even affordable Galapagos Islands hotels in Santa Cruz Island, San Cristobal Island, and Isabela Island on your tour. You will find there hotels of all categories: beachfront, luxury eco-lodge, boutique, and budget hotels. Some of the recommended ones are shared below -

Santa Cruz Island

Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel, Pikaia Lodge, Galapagos Safari Camp, Acacia Galapagos Boutique Hotel, Blu Galapagos, Angermeyer Waterfront Inn, Hotel Solymar, Semilla Verde Boutique Hotel, and Galapagos Morning Glory

San Cristóbal Island

Hotel Indigo Galapagos and Casa Playa Mann

Isabela Island

The Isabela Beach House, Boutique Hotel Albemarle, and Hotel Cormorant Beach House

A Journey to the Edge of the Natural World Awaits You

Experience rare encounters with unique species that you could only see in National Geographic or in the books of life sciences. Witness the giant Galapagos tortoise up close, the largest of the species, along with other unique flora and fauna, snorkel with the sea lions and reef sharks, and appreciate the stunning volcanic and beach views during your stay. Book an exciting Galapagos Islands tour full of adventure and exploration where you step into Earth's last wild paradise!