A Complete Overview of the Islands and Their Unique Qualities

The Galápagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador. They are one of the most extraordinary destinations in the world. These volcanic islands are home to unique flora and fauna that cannot be found anywhere else. The Galápagos are renowned for their scientific significance, mainly due to the groundbreaking work of Charles Darwin, who further developed his theory of natural selection here.

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How to Get to the Galápagos Islands

Travel to the Galápagos Islands begins in Ecuador. Most flights depart from Guayaquil or Quito and arrive on Baltra Island or San Cristóbal. There are daily direct flights from Ecuador to the islands, and the flight takes about two hours. From there, you can easily travel to the other islands by local boats or domestic flights. The Galápagos Islands are strictly regulated to protect the environment, so all visitors must travel through an authorized airline.

There is also an entrance fee for the Galápagos National Park, which must be paid upon arrival. This fee is usually around USD 100 per person. It is used for nature conservation and park management. You will need to show your passport and a return ticket at the entry gate. Be sure to include this cost in your travel budget.

Puerto Ayora

Puerto Ayora is the largest town in the Galápagos and is located on Santa Cruz Island. It is a popular entry point for visitors to the islands and offers various amenities such as hotels, restaurants, and shops. The town has a relaxed atmosphere and is the ideal starting point for exploring the natural wonders of the Galápagos.

To get from Baltra to Puerto Ayora, you first take a short bus ride from the airport to the Itabaca Channel. From there, you take a ferry across the channel to Santa Cruz Island. The ferry ride takes about 10–15 minutes. Once you reach the other side, you will need to travel about an hour by bus or taxi to Puerto Ayora. The landscape along the way is beautiful, and you may spot wildlife such as marine iguanas and various bird species.

How to Get to Puerto Ayora

In Puerto Ayora itself, you can enjoy a variety of activities. You can visit the famous Charles Darwin Research Station, where you will learn more about the conservation of Galápagos wildlife. The town also has a lively pier, where sea lions can be seen lounging on the docks. It’s the perfect place to acclimatize before traveling on to other islands or exploring nearby nature reserves.

Although Puerto Ayora is relatively small, there are plenty of ways to make your stay enjoyable. Various organized tours are available to surrounding natural areas where you can snorkel, hike, and observe wildlife. Make sure to book in advance, especially if you have a specific tour in mind, as spots can fill up quickly during the high season.

The Different Islands of the Galápagos and Their Unique Qualities

The Galápagos Islands consist of 13 large islands, 6 smaller islands, and countless rocks and islets. Each island has its own unique features, from the landscape to the flora and fauna. Below is an overview of the 9 main islands and their highlights.

1. Santa Cruz: The Heart of the Galápagos

Activities on Santa Cruz:

• Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station
• Swimming and snorkeling at Tortuga Bay
• Explore the lava tunnels

Wildlife on Santa Cruz:

• Giant tortoises
• Marine iguanas
• Blue-footed boobies

2. Isabela: The Largest Island

Activities on Isabela:

• Snorkeling at Concha de Perla
• Hiking Sierra Negra volcano
• Visit the Wall of Tears (Muro de las Lágrimas)

Wildlife on Isabela:

• Galápagos penguins
• Flamingos
• Galápagos hawks

3. San Cristóbal: The Island of Sea Lions

Activities on San Cristóbal:

• Swimming with sea lions at La Lobería
• Visit the Interpretation Center
• Surfing at Tongo Reef

Wildlife on San Cristóbal:

• Sea lions
• Red crabs
• Frigatebirds

4. Floreana: Rich in History

Floreana is one of the smallest and least visited islands, but it is rich in history. This island has a fascinating story of the first human settlers. Post Office Bay is a popular spot where visitors can leave postcards without stamps.

Activities on Floreana:

• Snorkeling at Devil’s Crown
• Post Office Bay
• Visit Cormorant Point

Wildlife on Floreana:

• Flamingos
• Green sea turtles
• Stingrays

5. Española: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Española, located in the south of the archipelago, is famous for its incredible bird population. The island is home to the endemic Galápagos albatross. At Punta Suárez you can see a variety of seabirds year-round, as well as colorful land iguanas.

Activities on Española:

• Birdwatching at Punta Suárez
• Relaxing on the white sands of Gardner Bay
• Swimming and snorkeling with sea lions

Wildlife on Española:

• Galápagos albatrosses
• Nazca boobies
• Swallow-tailed gulls

6. Santiago: Volcanic Landscapes

Santiago offers impressive lava fields and beautiful beaches, ideal for hikers and snorkeling enthusiasts.

Activities on Santiago:

• Snorkeling at Sullivan Bay
• Visit Puerto Egas
• Explore the lava fields

Wildlife on Santiago:

• Galápagos fur seals
• Marine iguanas
• Galápagos hawks

7. Fernandina: The Wildest and Most Uninhabited Island

Fernandina is the youngest and most volcanically active island in the Galápagos. Here you will see massive populations of marine iguanas.

Activities on Fernandina:

• Visit Punta Espinoza
• Photograph the striking lava fields

Wildlife on Fernandina:

• Marine iguanas
• Flightless cormorants
• Snakes

8. Genovesa: The Bird Paradise

Genovesa, also known as “Bird Island,” is a dream destination for bird lovers.

Activities on Genovesa:

• Snorkeling at Darwin Bay
• Birdwatching at Prince Philip’s Steps

Wildlife on Genovesa:

• Red-billed tropicbirds
• Large swallow-tailed gulls
• Frigatebirds

9. Baltra: The Gateway to the Galápagos

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The Best Snorkeling and Diving Spots in the Galápagos

The waters around the Galápagos are among the best in the world for snorkeling and diving. Here are some of the top spots:

1. Devil’s Crown (Floreana) – One of the best snorkeling spots with sharks, rays, and schools of tropical fish.
2. Kicker Rock (San Cristóbal) – A top diving site where you may encounter hammerhead sharks and sea lions.
3. Sullivan Bay (Santiago) – Ideal for snorkelers wanting to see sea turtles and rays.
4. Punta Espinoza (Fernandina) – Known for the largest concentration of marine iguanas.
5. Wolf and Darwin Islands – The ultimate dive destination for experienced divers, with manta rays, hammerhead sharks, and whale sharks.

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Lonesome George

The Legend of the Galápagos

Lonesome George was a famous giant tortoise from Pinta Island. He was regarded as the last living specimen of his species, Chelonoidis abingdon. George became world-famous due to his solitude, as he was the only survivor of his kind. His species was practically extinct due to human activity. Efforts were made to find him a mate, but he remained alone all his life. This made him a symbol of the fragility of the Galápagos ecosystems.

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The Best Time to Visit the Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands can be visited year-round. The best time to go depends on what you want to see and do. There are two main seasons:

1. The Warm Season (December to May): The best season for snorkeling and diving, as the water is warmer. This is also the breeding season for many animals.
2. The Cool Season (June to November): During this season the climate is slightly cooler. It is the best time to see large seabirds such as albatrosses. There are also better chances of spotting whale sharks near the islands.

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The Murals of the Galápagos

At first glance, Santa Cruz Island is best known for its unique wildlife, white beaches, and the Charles Darwin Research Station. But for those who look beyond the turtles and sea lions, there is something unexpected. Colorful murals are hidden in alleys and painted on the walls of school buildings. They can also be found in markets and even on abandoned shipwrecks. They tell a story rarely mentioned in travel guides – the story of the people of the Galápagos themselves.

An Island with a Voice

Santa Cruz is not only a sanctuary for animals but also a vibrant community with its own culture. The murals are a direct expression of this. In bright colors, they depict scenes of daily island life, as well as protests against overfishing, climate change, and the impact of mass tourism. They form a visual history lesson and a call for attention.

Some murals are purely educational, showing endangered species or the evolution of island fauna. Others are activist, created by local artists fighting to preserve both their natural environment and their cultural identity. You will see paintings of concerned fishermen, turtles drowning in plastic, but also hopeful images of harmony between humans and nature.

Why Don’t You Hear About This?

The Galápagos are often portrayed internationally as an untouched paradise, a place where nature still reigns. But behind that image lies a reality where the local residents sometimes feel forgotten. Many tourists arrive, take a tour, and leave again without truly connecting with the people who live on the islands. The murals form a subtle protest against this superficial view.

There is also little room in official tourism communication for social or political narratives. Murals, often dismissed as “street art,” are rarely included in tours or brochures. They are silent witnesses of an island that is more than just a natural wonder.

Who Creates Them?

Most murals are created by local artist collectives, such as Colectivo Arte Galápagos, who work with youth projects and schools. These projects are often supported by NGOs or environmental organizations. The style ranges from bright and naive to raw and expressive – depending on the theme and message.

An Unexpected Route

If you ever visit Santa Cruz, don’t just walk from your hotel to the pier. Wander through Puerto Ayora’s side streets. Visit the outside wall of the primary school “Escuela Tomás de Berlanga” or go to the local market. There you will find the stories that are told nowhere else. They are painted on concrete, yet rooted in the soul of the island.

Because the true beauty of the Galápagos is not only in its animals – it is also in the people who live there and in the walls that tell their stories.

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Do’s: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to the Galápagos

1. Book a Certified Guide. All visitors to the Galápagos must be accompanied by a certified guide. These guides are well-trained and knowledgeable about the nature and ecology of the islands. They ensure that you experience the unique flora and fauna in a respectful manner, preventing harm to the fragile ecosystem.
2. Respect the National Park Rules. The Galápagos Islands are mostly part of a national park, with strict rules to protect the environment. This includes staying on marked trails, not touching animals, and not leaving litter behind.
3. Use Eco-Friendly Sunscreen. Regular sunscreen contains chemicals harmful to marine life. Choose eco-friendly sunscreen without oxybenzone and octinoxate, especially when snorkeling or swimming.
4. Bring Reusable Water Bottles. Plastic waste is a global problem, and the Galápagos are no exception. Avoid buying disposable bottles; instead, bring your own reusable water bottle.
5. Be Prepared for Different Weather Conditions. The climate in the Galápagos can vary depending on the season and the island you visit. It may be warm and sunny one moment, and cool and windy on another island. Pack clothing for both warm and cooler conditions.
6. Observe Animals from a Distance. Although it can be tempting, always keep a safe distance from animals. Do not approach them; they are wild and should not be disturbed.

Don’ts: What to Absolutely Avoid

1. Do Not Feed the Animals. Feeding animals is strictly prohibited in the Galápagos. It can alter their behavior and make them dependent on humans, and it can also harm their health.
2. Do Not Remove Plants or Animals. Taking a shell may seem harmless, but it is a violation of the national park rules. Everything you see on the islands must remain as it is to preserve the ecosystem.
3. Do Not Touch the Animals. While many animals in the Galápagos are not afraid of humans, you should never touch them. It can cause them stress and, in some cases, transmit diseases.
4. Avoid Plastic and Litter. Do not leave trash behind, especially plastic. Take your waste with you and dispose of it properly. Many islands have no waste facilities, so you must handle your waste responsibly.

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Conclusion: Admire the Galápagos with Respect

A visit to the Galápagos is an experience you will never forget. You will see unique flora and fauna up close, experience pristine nature, and return with memories for a lifetime. However, it is essential to treat these islands with respect, both for the environment and the animals that live there.

By following the do’s and don’ts in this guide, you will not only enjoy an unforgettable adventure but also contribute to the preservation of this extraordinary ecosystem.