Fly early to the Galapagos Islands. To see Sally Lightfoot crabs and flamingos at Bachas Beach, you can also spot sea lions.
Bachas Beach is a popular spot for nesting sea turtles. The sand here is made from decomposed coral. Sally Lightfoot crabs are abundant on the lava rocks at the water's edge. These crabs will eat whatever they can reach! You can see many wildlife species, such as flamingos and hermit crabs.
Admire the diversity of birds that can be found along the trails in Darwin Bay. Visit El Barranco in afternoon to view the various types of boobies including the red-footed.
This sunken caldera is a great spot for snorkeling. You will see large schools of tropical fish near the vertical walls. If you are lucky, you may even spot a manta Ray or hammerhead.
Walking along the coral sands and bustling seabirds of Darwin Bay, you will find yourself surrounded by them. Follow the trail to see nesting frigatebirds and gulls. You will want to capture some photos of your feathered friends so bring your camera.
For amazing wildlife viewing opportunities, visit "El Barranco", aka Prince Phillip's Steps, located at the southern tip. To see a colony of seabirds, including red-footed and masked boobies, hike up the steps.
Bartolome is a place where you can take a guided tour and see the dramatic volcanic features of the island. Continue on to Santiago Island's Sullivan Bay to see the massive lava formations that contrast with the white-coral sand beach.
To get a better view of the islands' volcanic origins, hike to Bartolome's summit. Enjoy a spectacular panoramic view. It's one the most beautiful islands. You can also see other Galapagos Islands off to the left and Pinnacle Rock, Pinnacle Rock's iconic towering landmark.
Pinnacle Rock is one of the most famous volcanic rock formations in the islands. You can snorkel and swim around it. Bartolome, which is home to Galapagos penguins and friendly sea lions and sea turtles as well as a wide variety of fish, is a great place to discover the natural wonders in the Galapagos.
To see the striking and captivating giant lava formations, visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island. Due to the island's harsh environment and new lava flow, very few plants have survived. Take a stroll along the lava formations to reach a white-coral sandy beach where you will find abundant Sally Lightfoot crabs as well as sea lions.
You can search for marine life at Black Turtle Cove using a panga. After that, you can spot a variety birdlife at Cerro dragon.
Panga is a great way to explore mangroves and find marine wildlife in both salty and fresh waters. This tranquil ecosystem is home to manta Rays and sea turtles. You can also see whitetip reef sharks gliding past.
For prime birdwatching, visit Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill). A short walk will take you to the hypersalinic lagoon, which is saltier than the ocean. It is home to pink flamingos and common stilts as well as pintail ducks and other bird species. Scalesia tree forest: This is an endemic area with only 400 Scalesia trees.
To see the giant Galapagos tortoises, disembark at Puerto Ayora. Visit the highlands in the afternoon to see giant tortoises living in their natural habitat.
Fausto Llerena's Breeding Center is a great place for watching many tortoises in captivity. The Galapagos tortoise has been saved from certain death. A corral houses the adult tortoises and a nursery takes care of the young ones until they reach three years old.
The Charles Darwin Research Station is also located in this area. This scientific organization was established in 1964 and works to conserve the Galapagos ecosystem through the conservation efforts by scientists, researchers, volunteers, and other individuals. The offices are not open for visitors but the station serves as a study area for international scientists and provides environmental education for the community.
Santa Cruz's highlands are the perfect place to see the Galapagos giant tortoise. The area is home to many underground lava tunnels. Follow the volcanic tubes, and look out for (mainly) nocturnal barn Owls that often roost in these areas.
Enjoy guided walks in Floreana Island's Post Office Bay. After, snorkel at Corona del Diablo.
Learn about the unique history of Post Office Bay by visiting Post Office Bay. A barrel was placed here by English whaling vessels in the late 18th century to serve as a postal office. Tourists use the box mainly to drop off unstamped letters and carry them to distant destinations. You can continue the tradition by leaving a note and taking one to deliver. Make sure it reaches the right place!
Punta Cormorant is the only landing spot on Floreana Island. Here you will find two amazing beaches. One with green sand coloured by olivine, and one with white sand particles called 'Flour Beach. You can spend the afternoon watching flamingos, and other shorebirds, feeding in the lagoon. Seek out marine iguanas and penguins near the water's edge.
You can snorkel at the "Devil's Crown", an ancient underwater volcano cone located north of Punta Cormorant. You will find large schools of reef sharks, tropical fish, and sea turtles among the coral reef. You should be able to swim well, as the currents can get intense.
Spend the day on Espanola island, one of the oldest archipelago islands. Visit Punta
Suarez is known for its incredible bird colonies and home of the waved albatross.
Between April and December After lunch, you can visit Gardner Bay's white sandy beach and go snorkelling.
Punta Suarez is one of the most wildlife-rich landing spots in the Galapagos. Surround yourself with young surfers sea lions upon your arrival. You will find many species nesting seabirds along the trail. If you are lucky, the waving albatross may also be found. For great views of the ocean and to see seabirds gliding in wind, follow the path up to the cliff.
You can visit Gardner Bay's beautiful white sandy beach. It is home to sea lions as well as sea birds. You must visit the stunning turquoise waters and amazing sea life. You can spot young sea lions as well as large schools of huge tropical fish such as yellow-tailed surgeonfish and king angelfish.
For a breathtaking snorkeling experience, head to Tortuga rock and Gardner Bay. Look out for playful sea lions as well as large schools of tropical fish such as yellowtailed surgeonfish and king angelfish. You will see white-tipped reef sharks resting on the bottom.
Before you fly back to Quito, learn more about the history and culture of the Islands at San Cristobal Interpretation Center.
Discover the history of Galapagos Islands, from their volcanic beginnings to the present day conservation efforts. The Human History exhibit explains the discovery and colonization of the Galapagos Islands. It also reveals the fascinating natural history and diversity of flora, fauna and flora that makes the Galapagos so special.