About Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands straddling the equator in the Pacific Ocean, about 1,000 km west of Ecuador. Their extraordinary isolation has produced a unique ecosystem where giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions show almost no fear of humans. It was here that Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution by natural selection, and the islands remain one of the world's premier wildlife destinations.
Planning your Galápagos Islands trip?
Galápagos cruises depart on fixed dates and sell out months ahead.
Everything You Need to Plan Your Trip
Top Attractions in Galápagos Islands
The Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz houses captive breeding programmes for the islands' giant tortoises. You can obs…
The wildlife of the Galápagos shows almost no fear of humans — sea lions sleep on benches, marine iguanas bask centimetres from…
Snorkelling in the Galápagos is extraordinary — playful sea lions will swim directly at you, sea turtles graze on the reef, and…
The most photographed scene in the Galápagos — the iconic Pinnacle Rock rising from a barren volcanic landscape that looks more…
Best Neighbourhoods in Galápagos Islands
The largest town in the Galápagos — most services, the Darwin Research Station, and day tours to other islands all operate from here. The best base for land-based visitors.
Sleeping on an expedition vessel allows visiting multiple islands including the more remote ones inaccessible from land. The definitive Galápagos experience.
The provincial capital and alternative entry point — quieter than Puerto Ayora with its own sea lion beach (Playa de los Marinos) right in town.
The largest island and the least visited — penguin colonies, flamingo lagoons, and a fraction of the tourist numbers of Santa Cruz. Highly recommended for a second Galápagos visit.
Best Time to Visit Galápagos Islands
Warmer water (22–26°C), calmer seas, and excellent snorkelling with sea turtles and marine iguanas. More ov…
The cold Humboldt Current brings cool, clear water (18–22°C), remarkable marine diversity, and spectacular …
Nesting season for most species — waved albatross (Española) active April–December, frigatebirds displayi…
Humpback whales migrate through the archipelago June–October; whale sharks are present around Darwin and Wol…
Top Tours in Galápagos Islands
WildlifeWildlifeAdventureBest Hotels in Galápagos Islands
BoutiqueFinch Bay Eco Hotel
The Finch Bay Eco Hotel is the only hotel on Santa Cruz Island with direct beach access, and its com...
LuxuryPikaia Lodge
The finest land-based hotel in the Galápagos — a design-led lodge on 400 acres of private ranch o...
BoutiqueScalesia Lodge
An intimate boutique lodge in the highlands of Santa Cruz — set within scalesia forest, the endemi...