Galapagos Islands
Islands descriptions and list of best sites

Bartolome Is located in Sullivan Bay off James Island, has two visitors sites: a climb to the summit of the island reveals both the varied volcanic formations of Bartholomew and the inmense black lava flows on nearby James.

Daphne Is a rather large tuft cone somewhat eroded by the action of the sea around its base. It is lightly vegetated by sparse ground cover and some shrubs. Within its two small craters nest thousands of bluefooted boobies

Española Has two important sites: Punta Suárez, is a rocky point that a land that sustanis one of the most impressive and varied colonies of sea birds in Galapagos. High cliffs rise up from the sea, for spectacular views of soaring birds, and the famous blowhole where water spouts from 50 to 75 feet into the air. And Gardner Bay, located at the eastern coast of Hood Island, provides an excellent beach for swimming and the opportunity to observe the Galapagos sea.

Fernandina The inmense shield of Fernandina volcano provides an impressive backdrop for Punta Espinosa, a narrow spit of sand and lava rock extending from the base of the volcano into the sea. Renowned for its large colonies of marine iguanas, it is also home for a number of unique Galapagos species: the flightless cormorant, penguin, sea lion and marine turtle, the harshness of the recently formed landscape of Fernandina's slopes can be appreciated by taking the trail inland to the edge of a large AA lava flow.

Floreana Has three important sites : Punta Cormorant, This is probably one of the best flamingo’s lagoon. Around it, nested between two volcanic hills, it is also possible to view a variety of shores birds, as well as numerous and unique species of plant life. Devil's Crown Consists of the picket fence-like remains of small volcanic cone which has been eroded away by the sea, creating in its interior an ideal habitat for several types of corals and marine life, it is perfect for snorkeling. And Post Office Barrel (wooden barrel placed there in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship) and the Lava Cave are the principal attractions.

Genovesa Located at the inner part of Darwin Bay, this site contains an abundace of frigates and other seabirds. Behind the small beach are a number of tidepools, taking the visitor past nesting areas of frigates, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls. At high tide it is likely that the trail will be covered with water. Excellent views of the cliff formations along the coast, as well as an idea of the dry interior of the island, may be obtained by following the trail to its finish.

Isabela Urvina Bay, located on the western coast of Albemarle Island at the foot of Alcedo Volcano, was uplifted from the sea in 1954. The site is relatively flat, distinguished by corals and other marine formations which were lifted out of the sea by the uplift. Flightless cormorants and pelicans nest along the coast during their nesting seasons. Caleta Tagus / Tagus Cove, a tour along the cliffs in a launch will give the visitors a good chance of seeing the exclusive Galapagos penguin, the flightless cormorant, and other sea birds. Elizabeth Bay is an extremely interesting area for observing marine life of many different forms. The Experimental Station is located very near the port of Villamil in the south of Albemarle. Here the Galapagos National Park experiments with the reproduction process of the subspecies of Geochelone elephantopus gunteri (tortoise). Las Tintoreras, located 5 minutes on a dinghy ride from Port of Villamil, permits the visitor to observe the White tipped shark. Volcano Alcedo is one of the five shield volcanoes that form Albemarle Island the famous "Geyser" or hot steam fumarole will be reached, while all around are Galapagos giant tortoises of the Alcedo race. At least one night should be spent on the rim to fully appreciate the area. Volcano Sierra Negra, located at the southern end of Isabela Island, is one of the best and most impressive examples of a volcano in the archipelago. Following the edge of the caldera to the north, a place called "Volcan Chico" is reached, comprising a group of small craters, their activity consisting of several different fumaroles. In another area, called the "Sulphur Volcano" the visitor can admire large quantities of sulphur as it has been deposited by the continuous action of fumaroles. Volcano Sierra Negra caldera is the second largest in the world after Ngorongoro in Africa.

Plaza Sur One of a pair of small uplifted islands a short distance from the east coast of Sta. Cruz, South Plaza has a unique Sesuvium and Opuntia landscape which provides some of the most interesting wildlife observation available in Galapagos. Land iguanas are always easily seen from the trail, frequently in the shade of a cactus. Swallow-tailed gulls, along with various other sea birds. The protected rocky seashore is prime habitat for a large colony of noisy sea lions.

Rabida Behind the picturesque dark red beach lies a salt water lagoon where the beautiful flamingo is usually seen.

San Cristobal El Junco Lagoon, located in the high part of San Cristobal at an altitude of 700 meters, El Junco, almost round in shape and 6 meters deep, has been the object of a study in which the lake`s bottom sediments were analyzed for the purpose of discovering information about the vegetation and climate of the Archipelago many thousands of years ago. Kicker Rock, this giant uplifted rock has the shape of a sleeping lion. Small vessels pass through the rock which is divided in two parts forming a channel between them. Isla Lobos, this small island is separated from the main island by a narrow stretch of calm waters. Upon its rocky shores, blue-footed boobies nest (in season) and sea lions rest and play.

Santa Cruz The trail to the highlands leaves Bellavista and passes through the agricultural zone and then, near the National Park boundary, the Miconia zone and the "pampa" or zone of low vegetation typical of the high areas of Galapagos. With clear weather (unpredictable) this area affords beautiful scenes of rolling hills and extinct volcanic cones covered with grass and lush greenery all rear round. Charles Darwin Research Station, by visiting the facilities of the Darwin Station and National Park, it is hoped that the visitor will begin to realize that not only scientists, but also professional administrators and Park wardens must exert an enormous, costly effort to maintain the Islands ecosystems, and some of the endangered species which comprise them, in their natural state so that people may enjoy them for many years to come. Turtle Cove, one of the impressive Galapagos marine sites,  consists of a deep maze of tranquil sea water inlet. Its waters are still and usually rather murky and are the resting (and sometimes mating) place for marine turtles, rays and small sharks. Cerro Dragon, newly opened visitor site, it is located in the north of Santa Cruz island.

Santa Fe The small bay on Barrington's north-east coast and extremely picturesque anchorage, provides the visitor with two trails. One of these leads to a scenic viewpoint on top of a cliff, and eventually leads to an area where a species of land iguana can sometimes be seen. The second trail is a short walk from the beach to an unusually tall forest of prickly pear cactus.

Santiago This narrow, steep-sided point of land provides an extraordinarily beautiful landscape completed with cliffs and pinnacles upon which rest hundreds of marine birds. During, the 17th and 18th centuries, pirates used this site for maintaining their ships, and supplying themselves with fresh water, meat, and firewood.

Seymour Norte Located slightly to the north of Baltra, North Seymour is a low, flat island, formed as a result of the uplift of a submarine lava formation. It is covered with low, bushy vegetation which contains the largest colony of magnificent frigate birds (Fregata magnificens) in the Galapagos. There is also a large population of blue-footed boobies when nesting conditions are right.

Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat) Small Islet located on the southeast of James Island.

Sea Kayaks To make your Galapagos experience an unforgettable close up encounter with animal life, we offer you the possibility of sea kayaks on board of some of our yachts. These easy-to-paddle sit on top sea kayaks will take you where no other craft allows. You will paddle among penguins, sea turtles, sea lions, rays, just to name a few. Nothing compares to the feeling of closeness to nature offered by this experience.

Snorkeling The snorkeling possibilities in the Galapagos waters are endless. Penguins, marine iguanas, colorful fish, marine turtles, rays, and even sharks are just part of the underwater life you will see while snorkeling.