Places to Visit
Isabela Island
The largest island of Galapagos, Isabela island was named after the queen of Spain. It is a kayaking haven where you can wade through the calm waters and watch penguins, marine iguanas and also marvel at the large mangrove trees. Since it is located at the foot of Isabela’s volcano, it houses many interesting artifacts like corals and marine skeltons.
Fernandina Island
The third largest and also the youngest of the islands in the region, it is an active volcano and has been erupting since 2009. You can witness lava flow out of the the crevices of the island and also see unique wildlife colonies including flightless cormorants, alapagos hawks, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos penguins, sally lightfoot crabs and Galapagos racer snakes.
Santiago Island
Located in the central islands of Galapagos, Santiago island has impressive volcanoes and mesmerizing landscape of Palo Santo forests, beautifying its slopes. Take a ride to Buccaneer’s cover in the island to see sea lions, fur seals, boobies and some exotic marine birds. Also, visit the James bay, a black lava seashore that was explored by Charles Darwin in 1835. Go to Puerto Egas to see the Sugar loaf volcano.
Genovesa Island
Bird lovers can feast their eyes on some iconic birds at Darwin bay in Genovesa Island including Great Frigate Birds, colored boobies, sharped-beak ground finches and many others.
Santa Cruz Island
Located in Galápagos National Park, Santa Cruz island has spectacular sandy beaches such as El Garrapatero. Visit Rancho Primiciasat Santa Cruz Island, a humongous tortoise ranch to see the largest living tortoise in the world- the Galápagos tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra). A must-visit is the town of Puerto Ayora for its white-sand beauty and spectacular marine life.