GALAPAGOS
A COMPREHENSIVE AND CONCISE VISITOR´S
GUIDE TO THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
 GALAPAGOS

0 1 | About the Galapagos Islands

0 9 | Musts in the Galapagos Islands

1 1 | Visitor sites

1 2 | Isabela & Fernandina

1 5 | Santiago Island

1 8 | San Cristobal Island

2 1 | Santa Cruz Island
2 5 | Floreana Island

2 7 | More visitor sites

2 9 | Moving Around

3 2 | Recommended Hotels in the Galapagos

3 5 | Recommended Cruises in Galapagos

3 9 | Diving in Galapagos

4 1 | Galapagos for Everyone

4 2 | For birdwatchers
4 2 | For scubadivers

4 3 | For adventurers
4 3 | For honeymooners
4 3 | For photographers

www.visitgalapagos.travel
 ABOUT THE
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

01
THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS Three local airlines operate daily
flights to the Galapagos Islands:
The Galapagos are a one in a lifetime LATAM, Avianca, and TAME.
experience, that's for sure!
When packing for the Galapagos,
But, what is to be expected from such remember that on your domestic
an amazing destination? What should flight from mainland Ecuador, you are
I know? When should I start planning allowed one checked bag weighing
it? up to 50 lbs. 23 kg. and one small
carry-on.
So many questions come to mind,
but once again we are here to help! It is almost always necessary to
We understand that getting the trip spend at least one night in Quito or
right makes the difference. Guayaquil before flying to the islands
since the Galapagos flights depart in
The right time to start planning is the morning. Boats need to issue
when you decide to visit the islands. tickets since the flights are part of the
Of course, you need to know that the cruise itinerary.
best hotels and yachts are full even
one year or more before departure
day. (Especially during the The Galapagos Islands
Christmas and New Year holiday are probably the most
season). famous wildlife-
watching destination in
WAYS TO TRAVEL the world.

This volcanic archipelago is located And no wonder - it's

in the Pacific Ocean, just 1,000 km
off the coast of Ecuador.
almost impossible to
Its 13 islands form the Archipelago exaggerate the sheer
de Colón, one of Ecuador’s spectacle of the place
provinces.
that provided inspiration
There are no direct flights to the for Charles Darwin's
Galapagos Islands from other groundbreaking theory
countries so you will need to take an
international flight to Ecuador and
of natural selection.
then take a local flight from Ecuador’s
main cities: Quito or Guayaquil to - Mark Carwardine
Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY).

02
VISITOR SITES NATURALIST GUIDES

The balance between populated The Galapagos Islands are unique,

areas and protected areas is delicate and it is all about the wildlife and the
in the Galapagos Islands, which is flora of this unique environment.
why the archipelago is governed by a
special law protect and preserve this Exploring the islands with a qualified
fragile environment. guide is mandatory and your only
option to visit the sites.
Only 5% of the islands are inhabited.
The other 95% is protected by the A good guide will make your trip
Galapagos National Park. great, while a bad guide can be the
cause of much disappointment.
The Galapagos National Park
Directorate (GNPD) is in charge of Keep in mind that if you are on a
the coordination of group visits to the budget boat, you will have a lower
designated visitor sites. Tourists are level guide.
only allowed to visit specific sites
when accompanied by a certified It is essential to pick a good boat and
naturalist guide. The amount of a good itinerary. Normally a good
time that tourists can spend on tour operator will only employ good
certain sites is specified by the and reputable guides.
GNPD to maintain control of the
number of daily visitors.

The amount of time of each visit will

depend on the difficulty level and the
activity offered.

The visits can take from one hour to

half a day.

03
 CRUISES VS ISLAND HOPPING

Navigations on bigger are Island hopping speedboats are

recommended for people more light and small, ensuring a bumpy
prone to seasickness. navigation easily leading to
seasickness as a consequence of
Catamarans and yachts are the instability.
prepared for long navigations,
carrying onboard the adequate Island hopping speedboats are
equipment in case of an prepared for daily excursions
emergency. only.

Cruise itineraries vary from 4 to Island hopping includes daily

15 days. excursions and departures every
day subject to availability.
Cruises range from budget to
luxury yachts and offer different Some Island Hopping tours are
experiences. Visitor sites are the less expensive than some cruises.
same and do not depend on the
category of service. Navigation by speedboats can
take up to three hours each way
Cruises offer at least two site taking up most of the day and
visits each day in addition to limiting the time for site visits.
other activities that include
snorkeling, swimming kayaking, You will have more time to enjoy
and panga rides. Time is the populated areas and
maximized since some navigations experience what life is like on the
take place at night. islands.

Cruise itineraries are established Some people prefer to sleep in

by the national park and are not hotels and not on a yacht.
flexible.

More remote visitor sites on

islands like Fernandina,
Genovesa, and Española are only
reachable on a cruise.

CHECK OUT DIFFERENT CRUISE CHECK OUT DIFFERENT ISLAND

OPTIONS HOPPING PACKAGES

04
WHAT TO PACK

Traveling to the Galapagos Islands is a unique adventure, and for that, you will
need to be prepared.

Make sure to bring the following list of items recommended by our Galapagos
experts:

Lightweight, breathable waterproof (not water-resistant) rain jacket with hood if

possible

Lightweight, sturdy shoes with ankle support

Water-resistant sports sandals (Tevas, for example)

Small, water-resistant daypack (to carry camera gear and other equipment that
can be damaged due to contact with water)

Sunglasses (with high UV filter and secure strap)

Sun hat with a wide brim for protection

Sunscreen with a high SPF factor

Lightweight long sleeve shirts for protection from the sun

Camera equipment

Earplugs (useful for blocking out engine and other noises)

DEET-free insect repellent

Lip balm (at least SPF30)

If you are prone to motion sickness, we strongly recommend you come

prepared

Snorkel, mask & wetsuit are recommended to ensure a better fit (only If you
already have them, as this gear is provided on cruises and can be rented for
daily tours).

Walking sticks can be useful for long walks

05
 DO´S AND DON´TS

The Galapagos Islands were on the radar since the first pirates arrived in the
1700’s to the islands and brought with them different animals such as goats,
rats, pigs, dogs, and donkeys. Pirates were known to attack colonies of iguanas,
destroying the delicate endemic vegetation, and for taking tortoises and their
eggs to use them as food supplies on board their ships.

Remember this list of Do’s and Don’ts to make the best of your visit to the
Galapagos Islands:

1) Do follow the designated tails so 3) Don’t touch the animals!

you can avoid damaging the delicate Galapagos National Park regulations
vegetation. Some plants are found suggest that you keep a distance of 6
only in the islands. feet from animals. If the animals
approach you try to back away to
2) Do stay with your guide at all maintain the recommended distance
times. If you decide to go on your or wait for them to pass.
own, other guides will take a picture
of you and the Galapagos National 4) Don’t even consider feeding the
Park authorities will fine your guide. animals. They can find food on their
Remember the guides are rangers own.
that protect the Galapagos territory,
so please follow their instructions at 5) Do save your trash until you can
all times. find a trash bin to deposit it.

06
 DO´S AND DON´TS

6) Don’t bring plants, animals or 9) Don’t write or carve anything on

fruit to the islands. They will be rocks or tree trunks.
confiscated at the airport.
10) Don’t use the camera flash
7) Don’t smoke in the open areas when taking pictures. This lights hurt
as the arid environment of the animals’ eyes and unsettles them.
Galapagos makes it easy to start a
fire. 11) Do have fun and enjoy being
surrounded by endemic creatures
8) Don’t buy souvenirs made from that inhabit this fantastic archipelago!
banned items such as lava rocks,
sea lion teeth, tortoise shells or coral More information about the National
shells. Don’t take rocks or shells Park Rules.
away from the places they are found.

07
 YEAR-ROUND ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

Most of the animals are visible all year-round. Birdwatchers will be treated to
sightings of both great and magnificent frigatebirds throughout the year,
together with flightless cormorants, Galapagos dove, greater flamingos,
Nazca, red-footed, masked and blue-footed boobies.

Year-round land species include lava lizards, giant tortoises, land and marine
iguanas, while sea lions and fur seals can be seen basking along the
shoreline and tropical fish, sharks, rays and sea turtles can be spotted just
below the water’s surface.

Galapagos wildlife calendar

BARCELONA | 07
08
 MUSTS IN THE
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

09
 SWIMMING AND
ENJOYING WITH SNORKELING
GALAPAGOS WITH SEA LIONS
PENGUINS

WALKING WITH
CETACEANS
GIANT
OBSERVATION
TORTOISES

HIKE TO THE
SECOND
HANG OUT WITH
LARGEST
MARINE IGUANAS
VOLCANIC
CRATER

REMEMBER THE
ADMIRE THE
PIONEERS IN
FLIGHTLESS
FLOREANA
CORMORANT
ISLAND

SURPRISE
YOURSELF WITH
TAKE A PICTURE
A PIECE OF
OF THE
MARS ON EARTH
PINNACKE ROCK
AT RABIDA
ISLAND

SWIM WITH
BIRD WATCHING
GREEN SEA
EVERYWHERE
TURTLES

PLAN YOUR VACATIONS WITH THE GALAPAGOS TRAVEL EXPERTS

10
VISITOR SITES

11
 VISITOR PLACES - ISABELA AND FERNANDINA 

1 Punta Vicente Roca 6 Punta Moreno

2 Tagus Cove 7 Sierra Negra Volcano

3 Punta Espinoza 8 Wall of Tears

4 Urbina Bay 9 Tintoreras Islet

5 Mangle Point 10 Elizabeth Bay

12
1- PUNTA VICENTE ROCA 3- PUNTA ESPINOZA

This is a special site, formed by two One of the most popular sites to see in
separate coves. The area is rich in the Galapagos, this visitor site
different types of sea life, and, if you includes one of the most pristine
are lucky you may spot a rare “mola- ecosystems in the world. In addition to
mola”, or sunfish. This is a perfect natural wildlife and a view of the Pacific
site for snorkeling and diving. Ocean, you’ll have the opportunity to
walk on lava fields with the one the
Type: No landing most active volcanoes in the world, La
Activities: Panga ride, snorkeling Cumbre, as a backdrop to the
Wildlife: Puffer fish, penguins, sea landscape.
turtles, and rays. Nazca boobies,
blue-footed boobies and sea lions.
Type: Dry landing
Activities: Hike
Wildlife: Blue-footed boobies,
Galapagos hawk, Flightless cormorant,
sea lions and marine iguanas

2- TAGUS COVE 4- URBINA BAY

This visitor site served as an Located between Elizabeth Bay and

anchorage spot for the buccaneers Tagus cove, at the base of Alcedo
since the 1800s. Tagus Cove is located volcano, this visitor site is another great
in Isabela Island, across from place to snorkel. Due to volcanic
Fernandina Island next to the Bolivar activity in the 1950s, Urbina Bay was
channel. The trails offer an amazing naturally lifted above sea level,
view of Darwin Lake, another point of expanding the coast almost a mile out
interest in Punta Tortuga located in the and leaving different marine formations
North of Tagus cove. on shores. There are two trails here;
from the longer trail, you can see the
Type: Dry landing uplifted coral heads. Flightless
Activities: Panga ride, hike, snorkeling cormorants, penguins, blue-footed
Wildlife: Mockingbirds, blue-footed boobies, and pelicans are also
boobies, flightless cormorants, Sally sometimes seen along the shore.
lightfoot crabs, green sea turtles, lava
lizards, penguins, marine iguanas.
Type: Easy landing
Activities: Panga ride, short or long
hike, snorkeling
Wildlife: Galapagos hawks, giant
tortoises and land iguanas. Tropical
fish, sea turtles and rays can be
spotted while snorkeling.

13
5- MANGLE POINT 8- WALL OF TEARS

This visitor site offers a beautiful view This historical visitor site is located
of the Coast of Fernandina Island. about 5km of Puerto Villamil. This was
Located off the south east cost of formerly a penal colony where
Fernandina, Mangle Point offers crystal prisoners were forced to build a 65 ft.
clear waters where you can snorkel wall, stone by stone. Many of them died
and swim with sea lions, spot penguins building this wall. In fact, many local
and see the Galapagos flightless residents can affirm to hearing cries
cormorants. from the site.
Type: No landing
Activities: Panga ride, snorkeling Type: Dry landing
Wildlife: Sea lions, penguins, flightless Activities: Hike
cormorants

6- PUNTA MORENO 9- TINTORERAS ISLET

This is a slightly more challenging hike, This chain of small islets at the south of
but is definitely worth it. You will hike Puerto Villamil is a fascinating spot to
on pahoehoe lava, through a vast observe the iconic white-tipped reef
landscape containing natural pools with shark (also known as Tintoreras)
ducks, gallinules, waders and stilts. swimming during the low tide.

Type: Dry landing Type: Dry landing

Activities: Panga ride, hike, snorkeling Activities: Trekking, snorkeling
Wildlife: Turtles, reef sharks, turtles, Wildlife: Marine iguanas, turtles,
marine iguanas, pintail ducks, penguins, White-tipped reef sharks and
flamingoes, gallinules, flightless sea lions.
cormorants.

7- SIERRA NEGRA VOLCANO 10- ELIZABETH BAY

Get ready for some adventure as you Elizabeth Bay is located on the east
hike through the Sierra Negra Volcano! coast of Isabela Island. During your
With a 6 mile diameter and at 300 visit, you can start by taking a dinghy to
meters deep, it’s the world’s second the Marielas, a rocky islet that’s known
largest volcanic crater. The Sierra for its population of penguins. After
Negra Volcano is located 13 miles away that, you can go to a cove where you
from Puerto Villamil and offers an will see white, red, and black
amazing view. mangroves.

Type: Dry landing Type: No landing

Activities: Hike Activities: Panga ride
Wildlife: Galapagos finches Wildlife: Mangroves, penguins, rays,
turtles, herons.
14
 VISITOR PLACES - SANTIAGO ISLAND 

1 Espumilla Beach 5 Chinese Hat

2 Puerto Egas 6 Sullivan Bay

3 Bucaneers Cove 7 Bartolome Island

4 Rabida Island

15
1- ESPUMILLA BEACH 4- RABIDA ISLAND

This visitor site is abundant in marine Rabida Island is a great snorkeling site.
life, which attracts great quantities of It is one of the most colorful islands in
sea birds looking for food. It is a great the Galapagos. You will love its famous
place to snorkel and observe the sandy beach and spectacular
amazing Galapagos marine life, as well landscapes, where you can observe a
as take a refreshing swim. wide variety of birds. It is the paradise
for bird watchers.

Type: Dry landing Type: No landing

Activities: Hike Activities: Panga ride
Wildlife: Galapagos finches Wildlife: Mangroves, penguins, rays,
turtles, herons.

2- PUERTO EGAS 5- CHINESE HAT

Puerto Egas was once the site of a salt This is a small island with the shape of
mine. It offers an easy walk alonga a Chinese hat. Thanks to its distinctive
scenic shoreline where you can see shape, it has fascinated visitors for
some birds, sea lions and fur seals. years. It is also a great place to snorkel
You can also swim or just rest in the and offers even more amazing views.
beach if you like.

Type: Dry landing Type: Dry landing

Activities: Hike Activities: Hike
Wildlife: Galapagos finches

3- BUCCANEERS COVE 6- SULLIVAN BAY

This visitor site was a refuge for actual Lava cactus and the low-lying molugo
Buccaneers. The pirates and are the only vegetation that managed
buccaneers would anchor in the cove to survive in this harsh environment.
and look for tortoises as food stock Here you can spot oystercatchers
while they repaired their ships. In fishing crabs and other sea food.
addition, the view of the steep cliffs and
birds is breathtaking.
Type: Dry landing
Type: Dry landing Activities: Hike
Activities: Trekking, snorkeling
Wildlife: Marine iguanas, turtles,
penguins, White-tipped reef sharks and
sea lions.

16
7- BARTOLOME ISLAND

This former volcano has dry vegetation

and so wild life is mostly limited to lava
lizards that can be spotted on land. But
there is abundant marine life by the
shore. This island offers spectacular
sceneries, especially the pinnacle rock,
an excellent point for a family photo-op,
and one of the best places to snorkel.

Type: Dry landing

Activities: Trekking, snorkeling
Wildlife: Marine iguanas, turtles,
penguins, White-tipped reef sharks and
sea lions.

17
 VISITOR PLACES - SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND 

1 Kicker Rock 5 Lobos Islet

2 Cerro Brujo 6 Interpretation Center

3 Pitt Point 7 Tijeretas Hill

4 Jacinto Gordillo Breeding Center

18
1- KICKER ROCK 4- JACINTO GORDILLO
BREEDING CENTER
Located a couple of hours west of San
Cristobal, these striking rock formations Located at the northeast of San
stand vertically and are divided by a Cristobal Island, this breeding center
small channel. In this visitor site, there allows you to see the different stages of
is no landing but you can snorkel, dive the life of tortoises. The breeding
or kayak. center contains hatchling tortoises up
to 4 months old, after which they are
Type: No landing taken to their natural habitat.
Activities: Diving, snorkeling, kayak
Wildlife: Sharks, reef fish, Boobies
Type: Dry landing
Activities: Trekking
Wildlife: Tortoises

2- CERRO BRUJO 5-LOBOS ISLET

This beautiful white-sand beach was Its name in English means The Sea
one of the first places that Charles Lion Island. This is because this visitor
Darwin visited. This area is abundant in site is filled with playful sea lions. This is
wildlife: you will spot boobies, sea a great place to see sea lions on the
turtles and rays. The turquoise clear beach, spot some Nazca boobies and
water makes it an excellent place for blue-footed boobies, and snorkel.
swimming or snorkeling.
Type: Wet landing Type: Wet landing
Activities: Panga ride, hike, snorkeling, Activities: Swimming, snorkeling
kayak Wildlife: Sea lions, pelicans, frigate-
Wildlife: Marine iguanas, pelicans, sea birds, boobies, marine iguanas.
lions, marine iguanas.

3- PITT POINT 6- INTERPRETATION

CENTER
The arrival to this visitor site is usually
This Interpretation Center is located in
a wet landing. A trail will lead up a cliff
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This site is a
to an area inhabited by birds. Here you
point of information about the
can find endemic species, such as red-
Galapagos Islands and was opened in
footed boobies and the Chatham
1998. Here, you can find information
mockingbird. This is another good
about the origin of the islands, its
place to snorkel or kayak.
culture and its geography.
Type: Wet landing
Type: Dry landing
Activities: Panga ride, hike, snorkeling,
Activities: Short walk
kayak
Wildlife: Sea lions, boobies

19
7- TIJERETAS HILL

This visitor site receives its name after

the colonies of Frigate birds nesting in
the trees. Cerro tijeretas has hiking
trails that are connected and lead to a
viewpoint above a cove— this cove is
also an excellent place to snorkel or
swim.

Type: Dry landing

Activities: Walk, swimming, snorkeling
Wildlife: Frigate birds

20
 VVIISSIITTO
ORR PPLLA
ACCEESS  -- SSA
ANNTTA
A CCR
RUUZZ 

1 Tortuga Bay 8 Dragon Hill

2 Puerto Ayora 9 Bachas Beach

3 Research Station 10 Black Turtle Cove

4 El Chato 11 Daphne Islet

5 Twin Craters 12 Seymour North

6 Santa Cruz Highlands 13 Mosqera Islet

7 South Plaza Island

21
1- TORTUGA BAY 4- EL CHATO

Tortuga Bay get its name from the black El Chato is located in the humid zone
sea turtles that lay their eggs on the of Santa Cruz. It has transition
beach. It is a beautiful beach where you vegetation and as a result, is home to
can swim or snorkel. It’s also a great magnificent giant tortoises.
vantage point for bird watching.
Type: Dry landing
Type: Dry landing
Activities: Hike
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling,
Wildlife: Darwin’s finches, short-eared
surfing
owls, yellow warblers, pain-billed
Wildlife: Green turtles, white-tip sharks,
crakes, Galapagos rails.
Ground finches, pelicans.

2- PUERTO AYORA 5- TWIN CRATERS

This city is the economic capital of the The Twin craters, or Los Gemelos, as
Galapagos Islands, where you will find they are known in Spanish, are two
plenty of restaurants, stores, and bars. volcanic depressions located in the high
If you go to the bay, you can also part of the Santa Cruz Island. These
observe sea birds and other wildlife. formations were created by the collapse
of surface material in underground
Activities: Walk, shopping observation
fissures and chambers.
of wildlife
Wildlife: Sea turtles, sea birds, sea Type: Dry landing
lions Activities: Short walk
Wildlife: Short eared owl, vermillion
flycatchers, woodpecker finches.

3- RESEARCH STATION 6- SANTA CRUZ

HIGHLANDS
The Charles Darwin Research Station Lava cactus and the low-lying molugo
is a non-profit organization that helps to are the only vegetation that managed
preserve the Galapagos Islands. Here, to survive in this harsh environment.
you will see the Galapagos Tortoises Here you can spot oystercatchers
breeding and learn about the natural fishing crabs and other sea food.
history of the islands.
Type: Dry landing
Type: Dry landing Activities: Hike
Activities: Hiking Wildlife: Tortoises, Galápagos
Wildlife: Giant tortoises, land iguanas, flycatchers, small tree-finches,
mockingbirds, great blue herons. woodpecker finches

22
7- SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND 10- BLACK TURTLE COVE

This small island was formed by rising This inlet is only accessible by dinghy.
lava, and is currently covered with This shallow inlet is surrounded by
opuntia cacti and sesuvium. This mangroves, making it a safe haven for
particular plant gets a red color during young marine life.
the dry season and turns green to
yellow during the rainy season. Type: No landing
Activities: Panga ride
Type: Dry landing Wildlife: Hammerhead shark babies,
Activities: Hike rays, sea turtles, sea birds
Wildlife: Marine iguanas, land iguanas,
lava lizards and madeiran storm
petrels.
11- DAPHNE ISLET

8- DRAGON HILL Daphne is a tuff crater, located north of

Santa Cruz Island. Access to the island
This is one of the newest visitor sites is restricted, so you will start with bird
established by the Galapagos National watching from a boat and then continue
Park. It offers a great opportunity to onto Playa Borrero on Santa Cruz to
spot Galapagos flamingos at the snorkel. There are diving groups that
hypersalinic lagoon located behind the also go to Daphne Minor, without
beach. disembarking on land.

Type: Dry landing Activities: Panga ride, bird watching

Activities: Hike Wildlife: Nazca boobies, blue-footed
Wildlife: Lava lizard, lava herons, boobies, Galapagos martins, short
Flamingos, common stilts, pintail eared owls, frigate birds and red-billed
ducks, land and marine iguanas, tropic bird.
mockingbirds.

9- BACHAS BEACH 12- SEYMOUR NORTH

Take a refreshing swim in Las Bachas This is the perfect island to observe
beach, where you can see a historic different birds, such as the magnificent
floating pier, leftover from World War II. frigate birds. This island is formed of
submarine lava that was brought to the
Type: Wet landing surface by tectonic activity.
Activities: Swimming
Wildlife: Sea turtles, Sally Lightfoot Type: Dry landing
crabs, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, Activities: Panga ride, bird watching
whimbrels. Wildlife: Galapagos sea lions,
magnificent frigate birds, land iguanas,
blue-footed boobies, hammerhead
sharks, stingrays, white-tipped sharks.

23
13- MOSQUERA ISLET

This small island is the result of another

volcanic lifting of land, and is located
between Baltra and North Seymour.
Here, you can see sea lions and shore
birds.

Type: Wet landing

Activities: Walks, snorkeling
Wildlife: Colonies of sea lions, marine
iguanas, lava herons, lava gulls, great
blue herons.

24
 VISITOR PLACES - FLOREANA ISLAND 

1 Punta Cormorant 4 Black Beach

2 Post Office Bay 5 Islet Champion

3 Baroness Lookout 6 Devil´s Crown

25
1- PUNTA CORMORANT 4- BLACK BEACH

This visitor site offers a different type of Black Beach is a visitor site with
beach: The Green Beach, which gets its historical significance. This is the
name from its rich green color that departure point for some of the most
comes from the olivine crystals in the interesting spots in the islands, such as
sand. This site has a flamingo lagoon Asilo de la paz, and the caves where
where you can also spot other birds. pirates used as hideouts.atchers.
Type: Wet landing Type: Dry landing
Activities: Hike, panga ride Activities: Walk
Wildlife: Flamingos, white-cheeked Wildlife: Birds, iguanas
pintails

2- POST OFFICE BAY 5- ISLET CHAMPION

This used to be a stop for whalers to This small island is located close to
stock food and water. Unfortunately, Floreana, and is perfect for activities
they used to pick tortoises for food until like diving and snorkeling. There is a
they drove them to extinction. As great wall of black coral bushes and
whalers got homesick from spending yellow cup coral that attracts a large
several years at sea, they started to number of marine life.
leave letters here. When other whalers
passed by, they would pick them up Type: No landing
and send them to the specified Activities: Snorkeling, diving
addresses. Currently, visitors can leave Wildlife: Pacific seahorse, green turtles,
a postcard and wait for other surgeonfish, hawkfish.
passengers to send them to the
specified addresses.

Type: Wet landing

Activities: Hike, panga ride
Wildlife: Sea lions, rays, shark, turtles

3- BARONESS LOOKOUT 6- DEVIL'S CROWN

This visitor site has an interesting and This visitor site is famous for its variety
mysterious background. It was named of marine life. The currents rushing
after the Baroness Eloise Wagner de through the “crown” make it one of the
Bosquet, one of the first inhabitants of best snorkeling sites in the Galapagos.
the Galapagos. She lived here with her Devil’s crown is a volcanic crater that
three lovers, and was also one of the has been eroded by the waves.
participants in the "Galapagos Affair".
Type: No landing
Type: Wet landing Activities: Snorkeling
Activities: Hike Wildlife: Sharks, rays, tropical fish
Wildlife: Birds, sea turtles

26
 MORE VISITOR PLACES 

1 Punta Suarez 4 Gardner Bay

2 Osborn Islet 5 El Barranco

3 Gardner Islet 6 Darwin Bay

27
1- PUNTA SUAREZ 4- GARDNER BAY

Visiting Punta Suarez is definitely a This visitor site is a fun place: you can
treat, as it’s one of the only two visitor see sea lions at the bay, as well as
sites in the pristine island of Epañola. take pictures and enjoy a refreshing
This visitor site offers a great swim with these adorable creatures!
opportunity to spot a wide variety of
birds, the endemic waved Albatross, Type: Wet landing
and the green iguanas. Activities: Panga ride, snorkeling, hike
Wildlife: Sea lions, mockingbirds.
Type: Dry landing
Activities: Hike
Wildlife: Nazca boobies, blue-footed
boobies red-billed tropicbirds, waved 5- EL BARRANCO
albatross, hood mockingbird, lava
lizards, Galapagos hawk. Also known as Prince Phillip's Steps,
this visitor site offers a difficult hike with
a steep, rocky path that leads up to a
high cliff. The hike is well worth it, with a
2- OSBORN ISLET wonderful view once you reach the
peak.
This small islet is located at the
Southeast part of Española Island. Type: Dry landing
Here is another great place to enjoy Activities: Hike
swimming and snorkeling. Wildlife: Red-footed boobies,
Galapagos doves, storm-petrels, short-
Type: No landing eared owls
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling
Wildlife: Colorful fish

3- GARDNER ISLET 6- DARWIN BAY

This islet is near Gardner Bay, and it is This visitor site consists of a half mile
a great place to snorkel and swim. This trail, a white sand beach, tidal pools
visitor site provides a complementary with playful sea lions, and mangroves
visit for even more snorkeling activities with lots of land birds.
after you visit any of the other sites.
Type: Wet landing
Type: No landing Activities: Panga ride, snorkel, hike,
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling kayak
Wildlife: Colorful fish Wildlife: Red- footed boobies, Nazca
boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, rays,
hammerhead sharks, and colorful reef
fish

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MOVING AROUNG

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Of course, you want to see as much as possible during your stay, so you need
to know how to get around the islands and the transportation options.

Don’t worry! We are here to help.

HOW TO TRAVEL BETWEEN ISLANDS?

By sea:

Speedboat companies offer inter-island transportation. The public speedboats

schedule is as follows:

By air:

EMETEBE is a flight company that offers inter-island transportation by air. They

offer different services, such as cargo transportation, charter flights and medical
flights in addition to island transfers.

They currently fly to four destinations in the Galapagos Islands: San Cristobal,
Baltra, Santa Cruz and Isabela.

For more information about their rates and special services you can visit their
website: www.emetebe.com.ec

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 ARRIVING AT BALTRA

The original Baltra airport was a U.S. Military base during World War II.
Currently, the Seymour airport is the 5th busiest airport in Ecuador and is also
known as the Galapagos Ecological Airport, as this terminal operates on wind
and solar power.

Unfortunately in Baltra, besides the airport, there is nothing else to do. That is
why you will need to transfer to another island or boat once you collect your
luggage.

Outside the airport, you will find several buses waiting for passengers to board.
These buses are provided free of charge and will take you to the Itabaca Canal
located between Baltra and Santa Cruz.

The ride takes about 5-10 minutes.

Once you get off the bus with your luggage, you will wait for the ferry that will
take you across to Santa Cruz. The cost to cross the Itabaca channel on the
ferry is $1 USD; the crossing will only take a couple of minutes.

Once you’ve crossed the canal, you can take a taxi These white pick-up trucks
will be waiting at the dock offering to take you to Puerto Ayora. The approximate
cost for the ride is $25 USD.

If you are on a tight budget, you can wait for the bus to Puerto Ayora. The
estimated time of this ride is about 45 minutes, and the cost is no more than $2
USD. The bus does not have air conditioning, and it is usually crowded, but this
is the least expensive way to get to Puerto Ayora.

If you are traveling to Isabela, you can take an inter-island flight directly from
Baltra.

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RECOMMENDED HOTELS
IN GALAPAGOS 

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LUXURY HOTELS MORE LUXURY PACKAGES

FINCH BAY

This eco-friendly hotel is located in the

heart of the Galapagos Islands in Puerto
Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz.

Lying just steps from the beach in a

secluded area across from the heart of
Puerto Ayora, this hotel invites you to the
natural surroundings, a pool and the sea
- perfect combination for your stay in the
Galapagos.

IGUANA CROSSIN

It is a front beach hotel located in Puerto

Villamil on Isabela Island.

This unique hotel offers you a relaxed

experience surrounded by the endemic
vegetation of the island and unique view.
Designed to meet our passengers’
expectations and offer a relaxed
ambiance, this hotel was built with
original materials found on the islands.

PIKAIA LODGE

This intimate lodge offers a luxury

experience connected to the marvels of
Galapagos flora and fauna.

Regarding the accommodations, this

lodge was built to surpass your
expectations. From ample rooms with
huge balconies and private pool to its
private tortoise reserve, this eco-lodge
will definitely complete your experience.

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TOURIST SUPERIOR HOTELS DAILY TOURS

CASA PLAYA MANN

This cozy hotel is located on San
Cristobal, just a few steps away from
Playa Mann. All of the suites have a view
of the beach, and some of them have a
view of the interior gardens. The entire
structure is focused on the preservation
of natural resources.

VILLA LAGUNA HOTEL

This hotel is perfect for those looking for

tranquility and good service in Puerto
Ayora. This hotel offers single, double
and triple rooms. You can relax by the
pool, and enjoy the local food in the
Manglar restaurant.

TOURIST CLASS HOTELS

PIMAMPIRO

A comfortable stay in the Galapagos for a

reasonable price. Cabañas Pimampiro is
close to the center of Puerto Baquerizo
Moreno, and it has a pool and a
restaurant. Rooms and suites have air
conditioning, hot water and coffee
makers.

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RECOMMENDED CRUISES 
IN GALAPAGOS 

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LUXURY GALAPAGOS CRUISES

M/Y PASSION

This luxurious yacht is designed to

surprise you every day with breakfast on
the sun deck, dinners in a spacious
dining room and delicious treats for when
you return from your daily excursions.
With enough space to enjoy a private
moment for yourself in its ample social
areas or just to enjoy a family moment.

More Information

OCEAN SPRAY

A new 113 ft. (34 m) mega-catamaran

that can accommodate 16 passengers
while offering an elegant design, comfort,
and speed.

This catamaran features spacious cabins

with private balconies, ample sun deck
and a Jacuzzi designed for moments of
relaxation on board.

More Information

CORMORANT

A motor catamaran that incorporates the

best of design with spacious suites,
balconies in every cabin, ample sundeck
and a Jacuzzi. The Cormorant has a
capacity for 16 passengers and is 108 ft.
(33 m) in length.

More Information

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FIRST-CLASS GALAPAGOS CRUISES

TIP TOP II

This re-designed catamaran offers cabins

with balconies and a special sundeck. It
can accommodate up to 16 passengers
in its 10 cabins.

This vessel offers 1st class service, with

a friendly crew always willing to assist
you at any time during your Galapagos
cruise.
More Information

S/S MARY ANNE

S/S Mary Anne is the sailing cruise in

Galapagos that redefines comfort.
Aboard the 216 ft. (65.84 m) barquentine,
the journey becomes an uncomplicated
form of indulgence.

More Information

TREASURE OF GALAPAGOS

This first-class catamaran accommodates

16 passengers in 9 cabins, each of them
with a private balcony.

More Information

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MID-RANGE CRUISES

GALAVEN
It is an 88-ft. vessel that accommodates
20 passengers in 11 comfortable cabins,
designed to offer spacious social areas
and where passengers can enjoy the
ocean view.

More Information

SAN JOSE

Discover the unique wildlife of the

Galapagos Islands on board Motor Yacht
San Jose. This affordable cruise can take
you to the most amazing places of the
archipelago. Enjoy the panoramic view
and spot the wildlife from its deck. This
motor yacht is designed for 16
passengers traveling in its eight cabins.

More Information

BUDGET CRUISES

ANGELITO

This affordable motor yacht was built in

the Galapagos and accommodates 16
passengers in its eight cabins. Cruise the
Galapagos Islands without stretching
your budget. Angelito offers cozy social
areas and large windows for you to enjoy
the view!

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DIVING IN GALAPAGOS 

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The Galapagos Islands are recognized as one of the world Seven
Underwater Wonders of the World by CEDAM international. Nearly 20% of
Galapagos marine life can’t be found anywhere else in the world.

AGRESSOR

Offers the ultimate live-aboard scuba

diving experience and can accommodate
16 passengers in eight comfortable
cabinss.

It offers a great itinerary, with a maximum

of four dives daily, and two-night dives
per week.

GALAPAGOS SKY

This luxury live-aboard yacht has cruised

the Galapagos Islands for a decade. If
you are looking for a diving experience
with luxurious accommodations and
enjoy excellent food during your
Galapagos adventure, Galapagos Sky is
the perfect choice.

LAND-BASED DIVE TOURS

As all of the diving cruises offer no less

than 7-day itineraries, this means you
can reach the more distant diving sites
comfortably. However, if you are going to
the islands for only a short period, we
recommend land-based dive tours.

If you need more information about these

tours, please contact one of our
Galapagos experts.

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GALAPAGOS FOR
EVERYONE

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FOR BIRDWATCHERS FOR SCUBA DIVERS

In the Galapagos, you will have a Not every day you get to dive in a
unique opportunity to observe both marine reserve and encounter unique
endemic species and migrant species. Activities such as snorkeling
species. There are whimbrels, or diving are a must when visiting the
Franklin’s Gull, tattlers and more than Galapagos Islands. You will swim
50 resident species, of which 25 are with sea lions, sea turtles and spot
endemic to the islands. hammerhead sharks, and spot
schools of tropical fish and reef
Spectacular seabirds will surround sharks. There are plenty of dive sites
you including the famous Galapagos in the archipelago, for beginners to
penguin, blue-footed boobies, advanced divers. It is crucial that you
albatross and frigate birds among understand how currents affect your
others. On land, you will be able to dive and you must be certified.
observe Darwin’s finches, petrels,
Galapagos flightless cormorants, lava Recommended sites: Gordon
herons, lava gulls, Galapagos Rocks, Seymour Channel, Daphne
mockingbirds, vermillion flycatchers, Major and Daphne Minor, Lobos
Galapagos hawks and short-eared Island, Cousin's Rock, Kicker Rock
owls. and Bartholomew Point. Dive sites
near the islands of Wolf and Darwin
As if this were not enough, you will are only accessible during a live-
have close encounters with land aboard cruise.
iguanas, marine iguanas, Galapagos
tortoises, sea lions and fur seals.

Galapagos has terrific weather and is

a year-round destination. It is
important to know that most species
of birds that inhabit the archipelago
nest year-round, so you will be able
to see courtship, mating, eggs
incubating and hatching and chick
rearing at almost any time of the
year.

In the Galapagos, the yachts have

different itineraries, and all of them
are designed for passengers to enjoy
their time in the islands and spot as
much wildlife as possible.

Galapagos expert’s tip: The best

islands to spot birds are North
Seymour and Genovesa.
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FOR ADVENTURERS Galapagos expert’s tip: If you are
looking for a particular detail or a
The Galapagos Islands surely have a special drink during your honeymoon,
lot to offer to its visitors and you can let your agency know beforehand, so
choose to kayak, snorkel and swim they can arrange everything on time,
with tortoises and sea lions, dive and as drinks and other products come
explore the depths of the marine from Ecuador’s mainland.
sanctuary, go to Las Tintoreras on a
bike, or take a hike to the highlands
or the Sierra Negra Volcano on FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Isabela Island.
The enchanted archipelago is
That is why there are specialized photogenic. It doesn’t matter where
hotel based tours designed for you look, everything around you
people who are looking for more seems surreal and beautiful. The
activity during their Galapagos landscapes, the wildlife, the people,
vacation. Of course, during a cruise, and the charm of the small towns are
you will have most of these activities something else. Photographers go
included in your itinerary. crazy in the islands, there is so much
to see and so much to photograph,
and there is even an annual
FOR HONEYMOONERS
photography contest where the best
photos are picked for a Galapagos
Galapagos is the ultimate destination calendar.
for honeymooners! Cruising this
enchanted archipelago, you will feel You can take pictures during your
the romance in this quiet destination. excursions but must keep in mind
Enjoy a romantic dinner on deck that you cannot separate from your
under the stars in the middle of the group, this means you may not have
ocean, taste the delicacies of the enough time to take pictures during
islands and wake up in your suite to the excursions. But don’t worry, that
then go off on your next adventure is why there are special departures
with your soulmate. for photography groups.

If you prefer not to cruise on a yacht, Galapagos expert’s tip: Remember

you can choose a hotel based tour as to take enough batteries and memory
Galapagos has many lodges and cards for your camera, as you will not
hotels that offer privacy and a be able to buy more during your
romantic ambiance. cruise. A telephoto zoom lens is
Live the perfect honeymoon in highly recommended.
paradise.

DESIGN YOUR GALAPAGOS

VACATION

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