The Islands in Detail
Santa Cruz — The Heart of the Archipelago
Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz is the largest town on the Galápagos Islands (approx. 15,000 inhabitants) and the tourist hub. Most cruises and day tours start here. The main highlights:
- Charles Darwin Research Station — The centerpiece of conservation work on Galápagos. Here, giant tortoises from various islands live in breeding programs. The most famous resident was "Lonesome George," the last Pinta tortoise, who died in 2012. Free entry.
- Tortuga Bay — One of the most beautiful beaches in the world: fine white sand, turquoise water, and marine iguanas on the beach. 2.5 km walk from the center (30 min.), no entry fee. Snorkeling at the calm Playa Mansa.
- Los Gemelos — Two spectacular sinkholes in the highlands, surrounded by Scalesia forest. Here live the red-green colored Galápagos flycatchers.
- Rancho El Chato — Reserve in the highlands where giant tortoises roam freely through the meadows. Experience the giants up close in their natural habitat. Entry: 5 USD.
Isabela — The Largest and Wildest
Isabela is the largest Galápagos island (4,588 km²) and the least populated. Six active volcanoes shape the landscape, including the Sierra Negra with one of the largest craters in the world (10 km diameter). The small Puerto Villamil on the southern coast is the starting point:
- Los Túneles — A labyrinth of lava tunnels and arches over crystal-clear water. Snorkeling among seahorses, sea turtles, white-tip sharks, and blue-footed boobies. One of the best snorkeling experiences worldwide. Tour: approx. 100 USD.
- Sierra Negra Volcano — 6–8 hour hike to the crater rim. The lunar landscape of cooled lava is surreal. Tour: 40–50 USD.
- Concha de Perla — A protected bay right by Puerto Villamil, where you can snorkel for free with sea lions, sea turtles, and colorful fish.
- Flamingo Lagoon — Right on the outskirts of Puerto Villamil: flamingos in a mangrove setting. Free.
San Cristóbal — Where Darwin Landed
On San Cristóbal, Charles Darwin first set foot on Galápagos soil in 1835. The island capital Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is also the political capital of the archipelago. Highlights:
- León Dormido (Kicker Rock) — Two massive rock towers (148 m high) rise from the sea. Diving and snorkeling here are among the best in the world: hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, rays, sea turtles, and huge schools of fish. Tour: 80–120 USD.
- Playa Mann — City beach where sea lions lie next to bathers. Surreal and free.
- Centro de Interpretación — Excellent museum about the natural and human history of the islands. Free.
Other Islands (reachable by tour)
- Bartolomé — The postcard of Galápagos: Pinnacle Rock with views over lava fields and turquoise bays. Galápagos penguins snorkel here in shallow water.
- Española — The southernmost and oldest island, known for the largest colony of blue-footed boobies and the breathtaking Punta Suárez with albatross colonies (April–December).
- Fernandina — The youngest and most untouched island. Hundreds of marine iguanas lie closely packed on the black lava rocks — a scene from prehistoric times.
