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Individual Island Information for all of the Galapagos Islands

Named after the giant tortoises that live there, the "Enchanted Isles" of the Galapagos lie six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador. Consisting of eighteen volcanic islands and forty islets, Galapagos is Ecuador's largest and most impressive national park. Its unique ecosystem sustains extraordinary plant, animal, and geological diversity. Sea lions, dolphins and penguins make up some of the more predictable Galapagos wildlife, while the rare blue-footed boobies and, of course, the legendary Galapagos turtles command the interest of the most experienced wildlife observer. This fascinating environment creates an opportunity for unprecedented wildlife contact and fabulous photos. Exploring the very islands that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution is an unforgettable experience. Here´s what to expect on a visit with us to the Galapagos: Return to Previous Page

Baltra Island

Baltra is a military base where one of the Galapagos airports is located. Here, all arriving passengers pay the Galapagos Entrance Fee ($100US per person). On our tours, guides and transportation await passengers at the airport to begin tours and cruises.

Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz Island (Charles Darwin Station) is the second largest island in the Galapagos, acting as a hub for the entire archipelago. Puerto Ayora, a charming town of 10,000 located on the southeast shore of Santa Cruz, is the economic center of the islands. Fishing, boat-building, supplying and refurbishing yachts, and tourism are the major sources of commerce for Santa Cruz Island. Here, one experiences the famous Galapagos giant tortoises that the archipelago is named after, with excellent opportunities to photograph this legendary species.

Charles Darwin Research Station (Puerto Ayora) - One highlight of the island is the Charles Darwin Station in the town of Puero Ayora where one learns how conservation on the islands is conducted. Scientists, park rangers, and park managers have made great strides in preserving and protecting the Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In 1970, the Charles Darwin Research Station rescued sixteen tortoises, the last of their kind, and worked diligently to restore the population to over one thousand today. The Station acts as a tortoise breeding and rearing center, where tortoises of different subspecies are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats. Here visitors witness these unique creatures in all stages of life, from hatchlings to ancient, distinguished types like Lonesome George, the last of his particular race! The harbor at Puerto Ayora is a rewarding stop for its colorful shops, restaurants, and internet cafe.
Highlands - The majestic forests and lush green fields of the Santa Cruz Highlands offer a stunning contrast to the sparse coastal vegetation and arid climate of the lower islands. These highlands contain famed lava tunnels, reached via an underground wooden staircase. Nearby are the Twin Craters, a magnificent site, full of stunning Scalesia trees.
Las Bachas - On the north shore, the beautiful white sand beach of Las Bachas is a major egg-laying site for sea turtles. The word bachas refers to the indentations left in the sand by laying turtles and departing hatchlings. Marine iguanas are spotted frequently on shore and flamingos are commonly seen in the lagoon.
Black Turtle Cove - Located in the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, the three different species of mangroves of this peaceful swamp clearly shape the surrounding habitat as they push their way from the shore out into the lagoon, which reaches almost a mile inland. Our tours explore these colorful waters in pangas, flat-bottomed motorized boats accommodating eight passengers, cruising over large schools of golden rays, endangered green sea turtles, white-tipped sharks, Galapagos sharks, lava herons, yellow warblers and a variety of other fascinating species. The peace and wonder of the Black Turtle Cove is sure to inspire awe.

Floreana Island

Floreana is arguably the most interesting island in the Galapagos, boasting a colorful history of pirates, whalers, convicts and strange colonists, including a baroness who chose a Robinson Crusoe style existence that led to her mysterious death. People began inhabiting the island in the 1930's and, today, nearly fifty Ecuadorians call Floreana home.

Post Office Bay - In 1793, British whalers designated a barrel to act as the island's post office. From that time, seamen, tourists and locals alike have used it to transport and receive messages. The deal is simple: if you want to post a letter, you may do so for free. You simply drop it in the barrel, but not without doing your equal part and taking another missive to its destination. Visitors sift through the pile of postcards and letters inside the barrel and if they find one that they can deliver personally, they take it along with them. Some boast it works better than the post office!
Punta Cormorant - Punta Cormorant has a beach glittering with green olivine crystals. Trails crossing the neck of the isthmus lead to a salt lagoon where long, skinny-legged flamingos wade through the water, gathering shrimp with their curved bills. White-cheeked pintail ducks, stilts and other shorebirds feed alongside the flamingos. The trail ascends to a stunning white sand beach, formed by the erosion of coral skeletons, where green sea turtles may be seen nesting in the sand.
Devil's Crown - A volcanic crater that has been carved by the powerful sea waves, Devil's Crown offers a popular roosting site for seabirds such as boobies and pelicans. The inside of the crown is rampant with marine life, showcasing coral, pencil sea urchin, wrasses, angelfish, amberjacks, and many other fascinating sea creatures. Devil's Crown is unquestionably one of the best snorkeling sites in the Galapagos Islands.

Española Island (Hood)

Española Española is one of the most popular and attractive islands to visit because of its relative isolation. The quantity and variety of wildlife preserved here is remarkable, as is its diversity of natural fauna. On this island, you will discover waved albatrosses, blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, Galapagos hawks, Darwin finches, swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds and shorebirds, as well as, sea lions, marine iguanas and lava lizards. The island also features an impressive blowhole.

Punta Suarez - When boats land, one usually sees young sea lions surf the breaking waves, while groups of the Española iguanas bask in the sun a few steps inland. Further inland, masked and blue-foot boobies nest on the trail, Galapagos doves roost, unaware of visitors, and finches go about their business in the bushes. The trail continues toward the cliffs and the blowhole, a fissure in the lava where water spurts high in the air like a geyser.
Gardner Bay - Located on the northeastern shore of Española, this shining white sand beach is a favorite spot for sea lions, sea turtles, mockingbirds and most of our visitors since one can lounge all day with the sea lions. Just a little further off-shore, snorkeling provides excellent opportunities to encounter playful young sea lions and large schools of colorful tropical fish, including king angelfish, yellow-tailed surgeonfish and bump-headed parrot fish. Just don't disturb the white-tipped reef sharks napping at the bottom!

San Cristobal Island

San Cristóbal Island In 1835, Charles Darwin first landed on San Cristóbal, the easternmost island in Galapagos, where he encountered a pair of giant tortoises feeding on cactus. On the southwestern shore, the capital of Baquerizo Moreno continues to welcome explorers of all kinds landing in its airport. Just like at the Baltra airport, all arriving passengers must pay the Galapagos Entrance Fee ($100 US per person). Guides wait to transport our passengers from the airport, to begin their Galapagos cruise.

Interpretation Center - Opened to the public in 1998 by the Galapagos National Park, the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about the history of these legendary islands.
Leon Dormido or Kicker Rock - Rising five hundred feet straight out of the ocean, this giant rock shaped like a sleeping lion is split in two with towering vertical walls on either side, which forms a narrow channel through which small vessels can navigate.

Lobos Island

Located north of San Cristobal, Lobos Island offers excellent opportunities for experiencing Galapagos wildlife. Sea lions, boobies and frigates lounge along its lava shores, and the crystal blue waters are perfect for snorkeling.

Santa Fe Island

The cove at Santa Fe Island is perhaps the most beautiful and sheltered cove in the Galapagos Islands. Its turquoise waters are protected by a peninsula of tiny islets creating an ideal spot for anchoring. Lying southeast of Santa Cruz, Santa Fe offers a wonderful view of Puerto Ayora. Underwater lava formations, resulting from seismic shifting, provide fascinating visuals. Landing on the sandy white beach, we will witness a sea lion harem, where bulls fight for the right of beach master, and smaller males pretend to be females to make successful mating moves when the beach master isn't looking. Along with the fascinating sea lions, one often comes upon land iguanas, sea turtles, Galapagos hawk, and giant prickly pear cactus on this exciting island.

Santiago Island (James)

James Bay - On the western side of Santiago Island is the striking black beach of James Bay (Puerto Egas) with eroded rock formations providing an intriguing backdrop. Taking a trail across the dry interior, one reaches the rim of an extinct volcanic crater that allows sea water to seep in through its cracks. In times past, salt was mined at this spot. Here one can walk among tide pools that are home to several invertebrate organisms, including sea urchins, octopi, and starfish. Located south are the fur seal grottos, one of the only places in the islands where fur seals can be seen. Another path goes inland to lagoons full of flamingos. Bird-watchers will be delighted to spot vermillion flycatchers, Galapagos hawk, and woodpecker finches. At dawn and sunset, the black sand seems to catch fire once again, creating a striking picture of life in the Galapagos.
Sullivan Bay - One of the most astounding volcanic sites in the Galapagos Islands, Sullivan Bay stands as witness to the destructive force of the pahoehoe ("rope-like") lava that flowed out into the sea just over a century ago. Imagine the impact of the molten lava lighting the sky, engulfing vegetation along its way into the sea. Some plants were forever etched into the earth, reminding observers of the lush life that once existed on the island. Today, the flow has formed a gallery of eerie shapes, resembling curtains, braids, and swinging fans. Painted locusts and lava lizards contrast their bright colors against the black volcanic landscape, with stunning variety added by spreading carpetweed and the occasional lava cactus. Across the bay, Pinnacle Rock ascends high into the sky. Two coralline beaches full of playful sea lions offer excellent swimming and snorkeling.

South Plaza

One of two small crescent-shaped islands just a few hundred meters east of Santa Cruz, South Plaza is a feast for the eyes. Measuring only four hundred twenty-six feet (130m) wide, it was formed when seismic activity pushed the seabed upwards, causing the island to have a tilted tabletop appearance. This unique angle makes the approach to the island remarkable. Bright orange crabs scuttle through the shining turquoise waters across sparkling white sands and black lava to sun themselves on seaweed covered rocks. Prickly-pear cactus groves shade lazy land iguanas, which lie on carpets of scarlet Sesuvium to wait for pears to drop.

The jutting cliffs of the southern shore create an unparalleled bird observatory, showcasing swallow-tailed gulls, yellow-tailed mullets, Audubon shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, and brown pelicans. These birds use the rising air to soar effortlessly from side to side over the escarpment. From these heights, one can see large marine life gliding through the crystal waters, including majestic manta rays. On the shore, a colony of sea lions lounges upon rocks polished smooth by the oils of their furs. Snorkeling among thousands of sea lions makes for an unforgettable experience.

North Seymour Island

North Seymour is a low, flat island located north of Baltra that was once uplifted from the sea by underground seismic activity. Its stunning shoreline consists of cliffs only a few feet high, where seagulls wait to welcome you. A forest of shining Palo Santo trees gently shades the ledges.

North Seymour is full of Galapagos wildlife; one encounters lumbering sea lions, stealthy marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies in a crazed courtship dance, pelicans swooping in on their prey and the acrobatic frigate bird, with a wing span of 6.5 feet (2m).

Fernandina Island

The youngest and westernmost island in the Galapagos, Fernandina is also the most unpredictable. One of the world's most active volcanoes, La Cumbre towers over the island at 4,858 feet (1495 m). It has erupted seven times since 1968, the last time being in 1995. From its base, lava fields extend towards the ocean, creating a quiet inland lagoon where Galapagos hawks like to soar.

Punta Espinosa - This narrow stretch of land is where some of the most unique Galapagos species reside, including the world's only species of flightless cormorants. These fish-like birds evolved without land predators, losing the need for their wings and choosing instead to fish for squid, eel and octopus, adopting the habits of marine animals. They eventually developed thicker legs and feet, serpent-like necks, and furry, wet plumage to better suit aquatic life. Their unused wings remain as witnesses to an ancient past.

Along with the cormorants, one also encounters a large colony of marine iguanas lying on top of one another along the rocky shoreline. If you're lucky, you might see them grazing on underwater seaweed. In the mangrove trees, egrets and herons look for prey, while red and turquoise zayapas crabs scuttle across the lava-ridden shore.

Bartolome Island

Pinnacle Rock - This towering, spearheaded obelisk rises from the ocean's edge as the best known landmark in the Galapagos Islands. Penguins try their luck navigating the narrow volcanic ledges at the islands base, while sea lions lounge on rocks, waiting to entertain passing swimmers. Below the crystal water's surface, schools of colorful fish swim among starfish, sea urchins and anemones. Just east of Pinnacle Rock lies a sparkling pink and white sand beach, where sea turtles nest and wade in the cool waters.

On the eastern shore, penguins play around a fountain pool created from the submerged walls of a tiny volcanic crater. Here one can ascend a two thousand foot (600m) pathway to Bartolome's summit. Along the way one encounters remarkable volcanic formations, including spatter cones, tuff cones, lava flows and lava tubes, and, from the summit, finds breathtaking views of Santiago Island, James Bay and the Pinnacle Rock.

Genovesa Island

Somewhat removed from the Galapagos Islands and sitting to the northwest, Genovesa Island is made up of the remaining edges of a large volcanic crater that is now mostly submerged. This strange formation lends a surreal nature to the entire landscape, giving one the sense of being in another world.

Genovesa is a bird lover's paradise, with ample opportunity to encounter fascinating species first hand, including frigate birds, herons, mockingbirds, shorebirds, swallow-tailed gulls, red-footed and masked boobies, storm petrels, red-billed tropicbirds, short-eared owls and Darwin finches.

Darwin Bay - The white coral sands of Darwin Bay are bustling with great frigate birds. A trail leading to the cliffs runs along a large tidal lagoon, where pairs of swallow-tailed gulls, the only nocturnal gulls in the world, can be seen sleeping in their nests. Red-footed boobies, with their contrasting red feet and blue bills parade along the shore. Lava gulls, yellow crowned herons, whimbrels and other birds feed near the shores, just beyond the rocky edge facing the bay.
Prince Philip's Steps - Named after a visit by the British Monarch in 1964, Prince Philip's Steps lead to a narrow stretch of land that surrounds Darwin Bay on its eastern side. Here red-footed boobies perch in bushes while their masked booby cousins hide out in the scrublands beyond. Reach the north shore by crossing through sparse vegetation to a vast lava field extending toward the sea. Short-eared owls can be seen hunting storm petrels that rush out over the ocean in swarms and then hurry back to their cracks in the lava field.

Isabela Island

Isabela The largest island in the archipelago, Isabela makes up half of the total landmass of the Galapagos Islands with an area of 1,771 square miles (4,588 sq. km). The island is 82 miles (132km) from north to south. Composed of six shield volcanoes that have broad, gentle slopes merged into a single landmass, Isabela is home to Wolf Volcano, the highest point in the Galapagos Islands.

Tagus Cove - Tagus Cove is reached by the Bolívar Channel, containing the coldest waters of the Galapagos. The upwelling of the Cromwell Current creates an environment where dolphins and whales like to swim. Named after a British naval vessel moored here in 1814, Tagus Cove has historically been used as an anchoring spot for whalers and pirates. The names of hundreds of ships once moored at Tagus are carved and painted on the high ridge, and (though now prohibited) this practice of the past leaves a remarkable imprint on the cove. The quiet waters invite visitors to explore the sheltered cliffs to find blue-footed boobies, brown noddies, noddy terns, and pelicans nesting in the rock. From our pangas, one may spot penguins and flightless cormorants hiding in the lava ledges. Once on the island, hike through dry vegetation zones leading to the volcanic landscapes of Darwin Volcano and Darwin Lake to enjoy an incredible view of Isabela at the trail summit.
Elizabeth Bay - A leisurely panga ride leads us through an enchanting mangrove lagoon where sea lions can be spotted sleeping in trees overhead. Manta rays and sea turtles may surface in the still waters, while Galapagos hawks soar overhead. A large colony of penguins inhabits a rocky islet just outside of Elizabeth Bay.
Urbina Bay - Due to rare geological activity in 1954, over 3 miles (5 km) of the marine reef at the edge of the shore were uplifted by 13 feet (4 m) in only moments. This left sea creatures stranded in small pools on the island, permanently altering the face of the landscape. It is amazing site to walk among mollusks, dried coral heads, and other organisms that once formed the ocean floor. One sees giant land iguanas with their vibrant, colorful skin, lumbering along the beach. During the wet season, giant tortoises live along this coastal plain, where they dig their nests deep into the sand. The gentle slope of the beach also provides excellent snorkeling and swimming opportunities, not to mention a fabulous chance to take in the Equatorial rays.

Rabida

The isle of Rabida is remarkable for its striking red color, due to a high percentage of oxidized iron present in its lava. Salt-water lagoons on the island are frequented by graceful flamingos and white-cheeked ducks. Brown pelicans roost in the salt brushes, along with finches, doves, yellow warblers and mockingbirds. The southeastern part of the island houses an observatory, to witness the incredible red sand and steep volcanic cinder-cones along the turquoise shores.

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Individual Island Information for all of the Galapagos Islands

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