The Galapagos Islands archipelago is blessed with a multitude of visitor sites. There are 70 landing sites for visitors on islands, and a further 75 marine visitor sites. Each visitor site is special and unique for its own reasons, so it is very difficult to say that some visitor sites are better than others. Also, the question of “Which Galapagos visitor sites are best?” depends very much on personal preferences and what visitors most want to see and do in the enchanted isles. That said, we have picked out some of our Galapagos Insider favorite visitor sites and here they are.
One of our absolute favorite views in the Galapagos Islands is Bartolome Island. This is perhaps the most famous spot for photography on the islands. When visitors take a short trail and climb the viewpoint, the landscape from here is quite incredible. Visitors gain wonderful views of Pinnacle Rock, sights of black lava flows and views over Santiago Island, Daphne Major and Daphne Minor. Those who watched the 2003 movie ‘Master and Commander’ will immediately recognize this stunning scenery. Aside from the tremendous view there is a diversity of wildlife to see here too including Galapagos penguins, sea lions, spotted eagle rays, white-tipped sharks and black-tipped sharks, as well as sea turtles. Swimming and snorkeling is permitted at Pinnacle Rock, another visitor site. We think that most visitors will agree that this visitor site really packs a punch!
There are lots of very diverse visitor sites, but one of the ones we love the best is Punta Suarez on Espanola Island. We are talking not just diversity of bird and wildlife but also diversity of experience. As well as the wonderful creatures you will see here, following the trail up onto the cliffs you will get the thrill of seeing a blowhole spraying water high into the air – if it is high tide the water will reach almost 100 feet (30 meters) high! This is not the only reason we are fond of Punta Suarez. The other incredible highlight here is seeing the waved albatross which are present between April and December – and the fascinating part is that the entire global population of this species is here during these months. Watching them take a run up to the cliff and then throwing themselves off to fly is an amazing sight. Yet there is a lot of other wildlife here too including sea lions, marine iguanas (red and green in color), lava lizards, blue footed boobies, Naza boobies, swallow tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds.
Once again, there are many amazing contenders for this particular best. Our favorite is Devil’s Crown which is located close to Floreana Island. The site is a volcanic crater with rocks sticking out of the water, somewhat like a crown formation. Snorkeling here is direct from the boat as there is no place to land. Once in the water, Devil’s Crown offers one of the most fascinating coral habitats to observe. Here there is the chance to see white tipped reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, spotted eagle rays, sea turtles and manta rays. There are a lot of pretty fish around the coral here too such as parrotfish, king angelfish, Moorish idol fish and surgeonfish. This is also one of those spots where you might find sea lions joining you in the water to play. Be mindful that sometimes currents can be strong here, so care is needed. For best Galapagos visitor sites for snorkeling, a special mention also needs to go to Kicker Rock off San Cristobal Island which also offers some pretty tremendous snorkeling opportunities.
We just love the Galapagos beaches and there are lots of contenders for best Galapagos visitor site for a good beach. But our favorite is Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz Island. Tortuga Bay is named after sea turtles. The turtles nest here in the soft white sand. Tortuga Bay is a classic pristine white sand beach with stunning blue sea. As well as lazing around on the beach you can also get to see Sally Lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas, pelicans and sea lions. If fancy a break from lounging around in the sunshine you can wander over to the lagoon, situated just behind the beach where flamingos can regularly be observed too. Snorkeling here is also very pleasing. This beach is really easy to reach as it is only a half hour walk from Puerto Ayora, the central hub within the Galapagos Islands.
For the more serious hiker who enjoys a bit more than a relatively short nature trail, the Sierra Negra visitor site on Isabela Island is the place to head. The hike here might be considered moderate in difficulty level with a duration of 4-5 hours, covering approximately 10 miles (16 kilometers). For those that take this hike the rewards are plentiful with delightful volcanic landscapes as well as lush greenery. There is the chance to navigate lava flows that are fairly recent too. It is sometimes possible to see flycatchers and Galapagos finches. This area is also great for horseback riding.
Espinosa Point is quite an incredible visitor site and arguably one of the most pristine within the Galapagos Islands. With its rocky black lava terrain and very barren looking appearance it is a sight to behold. This is one of just a few places where you can get to see the flightless cormorant, endemic to the Galapagos archipelago and only possible to see on Isabela and Fernandina Islands. As well as the flightless cormorant you have a very good chance of seeing marine iguanas (there is a very large colony here), Galapagos penguins, Galapagos hawks and, of course, the Galapagos sea lion. The view here includes the sight of La Cumbre, a large volcano from which the lava fields came.
Last but not least, the very best Galapagos visitor site from an educational perspective is the Charles Darwin Research Station. The Charles Darwin Research Station is specifically focused on conservation in the Galapagos Islands, and they run many projects for this purpose. Named after Charles Darwin, who famously developed the theory of evolution based on his time in the archipelago, the center has some very informative exhibits to look at. As well as this, the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center is located here too with its giant tortoise breeding program. Here it is possible to see giant tortoises of a variety of ages, which is a very special experience.
These are just some of the best Galapagos visitor sites that a trip to the islands may allow you to see. Some of these sites are only accessible on a Galapagos Islands cruise, while others are possible to visit from a Galapagos land-based option. While these are some of the absolute best there are also a lot of other amazing sights to see in the Galapagos Islands, and you certainly should not be limited by the visitor sites that are on this list alone!
