Probably one of the main concerns for many travelers is the itinerary – how many places to visit, which sights to see, how long to stay there, where to eat, what to wear, etc. The same applies to a trip to the Galapagos. It is a one-of-a-lifetime experience that fosters top attractions, endemic species, numerous activities, and breathtaking islands.
One of the most important things to remember when deciding which islands to visit is to check beforehand with the agency or the cruise line of the proposed itinerary package. Another thing that has a particular influence on the decision is your budget and preferences.
Book a Cruise
We’ll discuss some of the famous islands to visit on your Galapagos islands excursions. However, it’s worth mentioning that the mode of transport plays a significant role in whether the trip will go smoothly.
Per most travelers’ experiences, Galapagos is best explored via a cruise. It’s one of the biggest cruising destinations, along with the Arctic and Antarctica, so if you’ve always dreamed of visiting the islands, this is your chance to book one!
Since we said we’ll talk about the islands you must visit, let’s dive into it! Without further ado, let’s see which Galapagos islands are must-visit destinations!
Galapagos Islands to Visit
Learn more about the Galapagos islands and the logistics when planning your trip.
Bartolome
Bartolome Island is an uninhabited island with notable wildlife, including the marine iguana, penguins, and sea lions. The top attractions you mustn’t miss are Pinnacle Rock, the colorful volcanic sceneries, and the snorkeling activities.
The island is also known as the most photographed one since it’s filled with breathtaking rock formations that are the residue of volcanic activities. If you reach the highest peak, Pinnacle Rock, you can see more than 10 surrounding islands on a clear day.
Copyright: Jackman Chiu on Unsplash I License: CC0 Public Domain
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is known for its developed tourist infrastructure and the city of Puerto Ayora. Many connecting flights pass through this island, so you can book a quick tour and visit some of the top tourist attractions.
The top attractions include the Charles Darwin Research Center, Puerto Ayora, Los Gemelos, the lava tunnels, and Tortuga Bay beach. The Charles Darwin Research Center is UNESCO-founded, built in 1959, and the backbone of the giant Galapagos restoration. Make sure to visit the giant tortoise reserve and the twin pit craters. Additionally, you can walk through the lava tunnels and see the geological island formations.
Genovesa
The English name for the Genovesa island is Tower Island. It’s another uninhabited island. However, it has its animal inhabitants. The main wildlife species you’ll notice on the island are the red-footed boobies, the swallow-tailed gulls, the short-eared owls, and the frigatebirds.
The top attractions in Genovesa are Prince Philip’s Steps and Darwin Bay. Besides its attractions, Genovesa is particularly popular for its wildlife, which leads to its name, “a bird island.”
The Prince Philip’s Steps are 81 stairs of steep, rocky cliffs that follow a narrow path through a forest and lead to an open lava field. It’s a must-visit attraction!
The logistics part of the trip includes:
- Determine the season when you’ll be traveling; May is the mating season, so you can observe some mating rituals performed by the endemic species (of course, if you’re a wildlife fanatic);
- You can’t get to Genovesa on an island-hopping tour, so make sure to check with the cruise whether they have it included in the itinerary, as not all of them make a stop here;
Copyright: Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash I License: CC0 Public Domain
San Cristobal
San Cristobal, also known as Chatham island, is home to the red and blue-footed boobies and the giant tortoises. The island is located 600 miles from Ecuador and on the easternmost part of the archipelago.
The early formation of the island lies in the fusion of the ancient, extinct volcanoes, which gives the island a rocky formation.
A fun fact – San Cristobal was the first Galapagos island to become inhabited by humans permanently. The original settlers built their homes in the El Junco region, drawn by the crystal clear lake waters and its surroundings.
The largest settlement on the island is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and it’s considered the capital of the Galapagos province.
Kicker Rock is a rocky area surrounded by diving and snorkeling spots, so if you decide to go hiking and climb to the top, a breathtaking view awaits you.
The top attractions you must visit are Kicker Rock, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, La Galapaguera, El Junco Lake, and Cerro Brujo.
Regarding the logistics, you can take a flight or book a cruise that includes the island in its itineraries.
Book Your Cruise
Now that you’re familiar with the islands and logistics of each, it’s time to book your cruise. Make sure to book well in advance since some itineraries can be booked a year in advance.
(5 votes, average: 4.40 out of 5)
Loading…
