The Galapagos Islands offer up so many amazing bucket list things to do that it can be hard to know what the absolute best things are. To help, we have compiled a list of our favorite things to do in the Galapagos Islands. These are also the activities and experiences that visitors repeatedly report that they love in their feedback to us. There is something for everyone on this list, so why not have a look and see what you can include on your Galapagos Islands visit?
Snorkeling among sea lions is perhaps one highlight that most visitors rave about. Sea lions are playful creatures, and they love to swim and tease swimmers and snorkelers. Snorkelers will find that a sea lion seems to be swimming directly at them and then just as they are about to collide, the sea lion will dart away at the very last second. The sea lions seem to enjoy this game just as much as the people do, so everyone is happy! This one is a bit tricky to plan for and it cannot be prearranged because the sea lions may choose to swim among you, or they may not. But many people do find they experience this during their time in the islands and there are a number of places where this might happen. These include Gardner Bay on Espanola Island, Rabida Island, Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island, at Kicker Rock near San Cristobal Island and at Champion Islet near Floreana Island, among other spots.
A firm visitor favorite and one of the best things to do on a visit to the archipelago has to be a trip to the Santa Cruz highlands to see and experience giant tortoises roaming around the vegetation. Observing these gentle beasts lumbering around is really a truly magical experience. Most trips to see the giant tortoises also include a stop at the lava tunnels on the way out or the way back. This is a very unusual activity where you can get to wander through the tunnels to gain an understanding of how they were formed from your guide and to spot the stalactites and stalagmites that have developed there. This is surely a fantastic and very unique way to spend half a day.
There is nothing quite like watching a waved albatross getting prepared to take off at Punta Suarez, Espanola Island. While quite clumsy at maneuvering on the ground these stunning birds are tremendously graceful once in the air, and the contrast is quite a sight to behold. Many will lumber their way along, running to the cliff edge before seemingly launching themselves off the cliff into the skies, where they are much more elegant! There are several other fabulous highlights that the waved albatross can also provide. If you do not see one taking off you might get to see fluffy chicks that have hatched or the unusual mating dance where pairs will clap beaks together, circle and bow. Since the waved albatross is endemic to Espanola Island, this is a bucket list activity that you can only do in the Galapagos. Be aware that to be sure of seeing the waved albatross you must visit between April and December because they are not present in the other months.
Humpback whales head to the Galapagos Islands between the months of June and September. One of the most amazing things to see is that they can lift most of their massive bodies out of the water, breaching it in a spectacular sight of acrobatics like no other. It is not completely clear why humpback whales breach the water in this way. Some experts believe it is an activity that these creatures do for enjoyment, while others think it is part of a mating ritual. The most likely place you will get to see humpback whales will be in the vicinity of the western isles, close to Isabela Island or Fernandina Island. Spotting humpback whales can be very tricky, and like any experience involving wildlife, not a reliable option, but head to the Galapagos between June and September for your best chance.
The enchanted islands offer some of the most phenomenal snorkeling rivaling that of anywhere in the world. Two of the best sites for diversity of marine life in the Galapagos are Kicker Rock (off San Cristobal Island) and Devil’s Crown (near Floreana Island). Kicker Rock is sometimes known as Leon Dormido (sleeping lion). The multitude of sea creatures you can snorkel among here is quite incredible. The types of pretty fish you may see include pufferfish, parrotfish, yellowtail surgeonfish, hawk fish, rainbow wrasse and Mexican hogfish. There is potential to also see octopus or eels and maybe barracuda. Meanwhile various types of sharks can often be spotted here including Galapagos sharks, whitetip reef sharks and even hammerheads. This is all not forgetting the chance to see marine iguana, sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, golden rays and sea lions. At Devil’s Crown the diversity of marine life is similarly mind-blowing. Sharks here might include hammerhead and white tipped reef sharks, while manta rays and spotted eagle rays can sometimes be observed. Sea turtles and sea lions are often around and there are lots of different colorful fish including king angelfish, parrotfish, Moorish idol fish and surgeon fish. If you love snorkeling, you are sure to enjoy getting in the water at one of these amazing spots.
For those that love to hike, climbing up the Sierra Negra volcano is one of the best things to do in the Galapagos Islands. The Sierra Negra volcano is situated on Isabela Island, and it is essential to do this activity with a guide – it is not permitted to go it alone. The trail ascends up to the rim of the crater, providing happy hikers with views that are simply stunning. Taking this hike involves traversing unusual landscapes including lava fields and enjoying the chance to spot Galapagos wildlife on the way. Sometimes hikers see Galapagos hawks, Darwin’s finches or mockingbirds. The hike is considered moderate, but a decent level of fitness is required to undertake this activity. In general, the route normally takes around five hours and having the right gear is really important to be both comfortable and safe.
Last but certainly not least, the absolute best thing to do in the Galapagos Islands is to see and learn about all of the fascinating wildlife that you will find around you on the islands themselves and in the waters. The species here are not afraid of people, so it is possible to be walking pretty close to birds nesting on paths or marine iguanas scurrying over the rocks, and even lazy sea lions snoozing at visitor landing sites. You will surely manage to capture some of the best wildlife photography that you have ever taken and learn fascinating facts about the unique species here in the islands.
Whether on a Galapagos Islands cruise or on a Galapagos land-based option you are sure to experience some of the very best things to do that the archipelago has to offer. You will probably not get to do everything on this list, but you will have a fantastic time regardless, so why not get on and book your adventure of a lifetime today?
