Where should I go in the Galapagos?

Santa Cruz and San Cristobal Islands

Santa Cruz is one of the most accessible islands in the Galápagos, offering a variety of wildlife and activities. The Charles Darwin Research Station is home to some of the famous Galápagos giant tortoises, which you can see in various stages of their life cycle. At Tortuga Bay, you can snorkel with marine turtles and sea lions, while the beaches are also frequented by pink flamingos. For a truly spectacular wildlife experience, visit Los Gemelos, where you might spot Darwin’s finches and yellow warblers flitting through the trees. Santa Cruz is also a great place for birdwatching, with species like Galápagos doves and red-footed boobies calling this island home.

San Cristóbal is an island of both historical significance and rich wildlife. The island is home to the famous Kicker Rock, an iconic dive site where you can snorkel with sharks, sea turtles, and vibrant tropical fish. San Cristóbal also has a strong birdwatching presence—look out for the frigatebird, with its striking red throat pouch, and the blue-footed boobies that perform their comical courtship dances. Cabo de Hornos offers the chance to see the rare Galápagos sea lion and Nazca boobies in their natural habitat. The island’s capital, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, is also home to many Galápagos sea lions that bask on the beaches or swim playfully in the surrounding waters.

Fernandina Island

Remote, rugged, and untouched, Fernandina is the youngest and most volcanically active island in the Galápagos. It’s also one of the most pristine — no invasive species, no human settlements, just raw, elemental nature at its most powerful. Landing at Punta Espinosa, you’ll be greeted by vast colonies of marine iguanas, the largest in the islands, piled together in black heaps across the lava rocks, soaking up the sun.

This island is also one of the best places to witness Galápagos flightless cormorants, an endemic species that has lost the ability to fly but become expert swimmers. Alongside them, you might spot Galápagos hawks soaring overhead, sea lions lounging on the shores, and Sally Lightfoot crabs clambering over jagged volcanic rock. Keep your eyes peeled near the tide pools and mangroves — sea turtles, lava lizards, and even the occasional snorkelling penguin are common sights.

For wildlife photographers and serious nature buffs, Fernandina is as wild as it gets — and it’s often a firm favourite among travellers who want that once-in-a-lifetime “I can’t believe this is real” moment.

Bartolomé and North Seymour Islands

Bartolomé Island is a small but spectacular volcanic island located just off the coast of Santa Cruz. Known for its Pinnacle Rock, a towering volcanic formation, Bartolomé is one of the most photographed spots in the Galápagos. It’s a paradise for snorkelers, as the waters surrounding the island are teeming with sea lions, tropical fish, and penguins. You can hike to the summit of Pinnacle Rock for panoramic views of the island and the neighbouring Sullivan Bay, where you can admire the unique black volcanic sand beaches. The island is also a great spot for birdwatching, with lava gulls and great frigatebirds commonly seen in the area.

North Seymour Island is a small, flat island known for its vibrant wildlife. It’s a fantastic destination for birdwatching, as it’s home to large colonies of blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and magnificent frigatebirds, which can be seen displaying their striking red throat pouches during mating season. The island is also home to land iguanas, sea lions, and lava lizards. The rocky shoreline provides plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing, while the island’s dry vegetation offers a stark contrast to the lush landscapes found elsewhere in the Galápagos. A visit to North Seymour is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the incredible birdlife and unique fauna of the archipelago.

Wolf and Darwin Islands

These two remote islands, located to the north of the archipelago, are less frequented by tourists, making them an exciting choice for more adventurous travellers. Wolf Island is known for its incredible marine life, especially for divers looking to see hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and Galápagos sea lions.

It’s a challenging destination to reach, but well worth it for its exceptional underwater biodiversity. Darwin Island is a true gem for divers, offering crystal-clear waters filled with tropical fish, marine iguanas, and the chance to spot manta rays and sea turtles. The remote nature of these islands makes them ideal for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.