Our TOP 10 Galapagos Experiencies you can’t miss
There are places that mark a before and after in the life of a traveler. And then there are the Galapagos Islands, capable of changing even the way we see the world. This is no exaggeration: just set foot on a volcanic beach for the first time, watch a blue-footed booby courting its mate, or come across a marine iguana that doesn’t even flinch at your presence, and you’ll understand why this archipelago took Charles Darwin’s breath away.
For me – Martina, the Austrian intern here at Gulliver Expeditions – the Galapagos Islands are at the top of my bucket list. On yours as well? Read on and discover the 10 best experiences to fall in love with the Galapagos ♥
Why the Galapagos Islands are a world icon
Surprisingly, the Galapagos islands are not the typical tropical paradise you might have expected. There are no coconut trees leaning over endless beaches or lush green jungles covering everything. In fact, much of its surface is arid, black, volcanic, almost lunar. It is a young territory – geologically speaking – and wild, where life has learned to thrive in extreme conditions.
Perhaps that is why the fauna of the Galapagos acts as if humans were merely an anecdotal presence. Sea lions sleep on the benches of the boardwalk, giant tortoises walk with unshakeable patience, and birds pose with such naturalness that even the most novice photographer looks like a professional.
This isolated group of volcanic islands has managed to maintain a fragile ecosystem where the human footprint is minimal. And that, today more than ever, makes it a mythological treasure: a living laboratory of biodiversity unique on the planet.
Our Top 10 experiences you can’t miss
Choosing just ten experiences in the Galapagos is almost unfair. But if you’re looking for a selection that combines wildlife, adventure, landscapes, and authentic “wow” moments, here it is.
1. Spotting the only tropical penguins in the world
(Fernandina, Isabela, Bartolomé and Pinzón Islands)
Yes, you read that right: the penguins closest to Ecuador—literally—live here. They are small, fast, curious, and utterly charming. Watching them swim like torpedoes in crystal-clear waters or rest on volcanic rocks is one of the most memorable experiences of the trip. And if you’re lucky, you might even see them fishing alongside sea turtles and multicolored fish.
2. Snorkel with sea lions at Cabo Rosa – Los Túneles (Isabela Island)
Get ready for the best snorkeling session of your life. In Los Túneles, lava formations create natural arches, underwater tunnels, and turquoise pools where marine life moves in slow motion. But best of all are the sea lions, which swim alongside you as if you were a new member of their gang. They play, spin, dive, and seem to smile underwater. They are pure charisma.
3. Hiking and snorkeling on Bartolomé Island: the dream viewpoint
Bartolomé offers the perfect Galapagos postcard view. From its viewpoint, you can see landscapes that look like they’re from another planet, with the iconic Pinnacle Rock emerging from the ocean like a basalt fang. After the climb, there’s nothing better than diving into the waters of the famous Sullivan Bay: white tip sharks, sea turtles, and penguins often appear to complete the show.
4. Observing baby sharks in Las Tintoreras (Isabela Island)
Las Tintoreras is a small paradise for wildlife viewing. Here you can walk on solidified lava, watch marine iguanas sunbathing, and peer into calm water channels where baby white-tip reef sharks gather. Seeing these juveniles in such a protected environment generates a mixture of tenderness and respect for nature.
5. Kayak alongside lava formations in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal Island)
Kayaking in front of the cliffs and volcanic formations of San Cristóbal is an intimate and exciting experience. With a little luck, you will see sea turtles feeding, coastal birds flying close by, and sea lions watching your every move. Feeling the ocean’s silence and the sound of the paddle breaking the water is a unique way to connect with the Galápagos.
6. Hammerhead sharks at Gordon Rocks and land iguanas on South Plaza Island
For experienced divers, Gordon Rocks is the ultimate dream: a site famous for its hammerhead sharks, eagle rays, sea turtles, and schools of fish that look like moving clouds. Adrenaline is guaranteed.
And on Plaza Sur, a small island near Santa Cruz, the stars of the show are the land iguanas, which boast intense yellow tones and live among giant cactuses and cliffs where frigatebirds and swallow-tailed gulls fly.
7. Hiking to the Sierra Negra volcano (Isabela Island)
Did you know that Isabela is an island formed by five active volcanoes? One of them, Sierra Negra, has the second largest crater in the world, with a diameter of almost 10 kilometers. The hike takes you through landscapes that seem to blend science fiction and pure geology. An essential excursion for adventure and nature lovers.
8. Bird watching in North Seymour (Santa Cruz), Punta Pitt (San Cristobal), and Punta Suárez (Isla Española)
These three sites are bird sanctuaries.
In North Seymour, you will see frigatebirds inflating their red chests like giant balloons, blue-footed boobies performing their famous “bailecito” (their iconic courtship dance), and swallow-tailed gulls executing perfect aerial maneuvers.
Punta Pitt on San Cristobal Island is a unique place to see three species of boobies together. The Blue-footed Booby (the smallest, famous for its sky-blue feet), the Red-footed Booby (with crimson feet, nesting in trees), and the Nazca Booby (the largest, with grayish feet and an orange beak).
At Punta Suárez, home to the famous waved albatross, you will witness one of the most fascinating spectacles in the Galápagos: huge birds launching themselves into the wind to begin flights of hundreds of kilometers.
9. Encounter giant tortoises at Rancho Primicias (Santa Cruz highlands)
Giant tortoises are the symbol of the archipelago. At Rancho Primicias, you can see them in their natural habitat, walking with ancestral calm among puddles, tall grasses, and endemic trees. It is impossible not to be moved when observing these century-old gentle giants.
10. Sunbathing and swimmming on hidden beaches
Galapagos also offers idyllic beaches, although they are very different from those in the Caribbean. The best beaches for disconnecting and relaxing after days of adventure:
- Tortuga Bay (Santa Cruz): white sand, marine iguanas, and crystal-clear waters.
- Las Grietas (Santa Cruz): a natural canyon perfect for swimming in calm brackish water.
- El Garrapatero (Santa Cruz): ideal for families, kayaking, and picnics.
- Playa Mann and La Lobería (San Cristóbal): guaranteed encounters with sea lions.
Each has its own magic and personality. And all will remind you that, on the Galapagos Islands, nature rules the roost.
The best time to visit the Galápagos
A wonderful advantage of the Galápagos is that you can visit all year round. However, the climate marks two seasons that will influence your experience:
1. January to May: warm and rainy season
- Sunny days and pleasant temperatures.
- The sea is calmer, with water temperatures around 25°C, ideal for snorkeling and sailing
- Marine life is very active, and the landscapes look greener.
This is the best season for those who want to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the more tropical side of the archipelago.
2. June to December: cool and dry season
- Lower temperatures and moderate winds.
- The sea can be a little rougher, with water temperatures around 18-20°C.
- Marine mammals and land birds are in full breeding season.
- Increased presence of sharks and other large pelagic species.
Photographers and wildlife lovers tend to prefer this time of year.
How to plan your Galapagos adventure
Traveling to the Galapagos is an exciting decision that requires some planning with several aspects to consider, though. Here is a practical guide to make your visit both smooth and unforgettable.
How many days are recommended?
For the full experience, we recommend a minimum stay of 5 nights. Staying for fewer days means missing out on key activities; staying for longer allows you to discover incredible places at your own pace.
How to get there
Flights depart from Quito (with a stopover in Guayaquil) to two airports:
- Baltra Island (Santa Cruz)
- San Cristobal
From there, you can travel by inter-island ferry (about 2 hours, around $30 per person, the ride can be bumpy), daily boat tours (at a cost of $95 to $200), or domestic flights (prices are around $150 per person).
Independent island hopping, daily tours, or a cruise?
Each style of travel has its charm:
- Hopping from island to island, staying in hotels + daytime boat tours:
Perfect for independent travelers who want a balance of comfort, freedom, and guided excursions. More economical and flexible, but you will see less wildlife than on a cruise. Boat tours depart from Puerto Ayora and the Itabaca Channel (Santa Cruz), Puerto Villamil (Isabela), and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal). - Cruise with onboard accommodation:
The most comprehensive option. You can access remote islands and observe greater biodiversity, but depending on the type of boat, cruises can be more expensive. There are a couple of large cruise-type boats that carry up to 98 passengers, but most are small yachts/medium-sized motorboats that carry between 8 and 20 passengers.
Budget and tips for saving money
- Prices vary according to the season, hotel category, type of tour, boats and transportation.
- Traveling in the cooler season is usually cheaper.
- Book tours in advance to secure your spot.
- Eating at local markets can reduce expenses without sacrificing flavor.
Money, taxes, and mandatory payments
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee: $100 per adult, payable in cash upon arrival at the airports of Baltra and San Cristobal
- Transit Control Card (TCT): $20 per person, payable online (recommended) on the official Galapagos Government website, where you will receive a QR code.
- Isabela Island entrance fees: $10, payable upon arrival at the Puerto Villamil pier
- Bring cash for water taxis, small shops, or restaurants, preferably coins and small bills of $5, $10, and $20, as many places do not accept larger bills or cards.
- ATMs are available only on Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) and San Cristóbal (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno). If you are traveling to Isabela Island, bring enough cash for the entire trip.
One last essential tip- travel light, but don’t forget the following:
- biodegradable, ocean-friendly sunscreen
- wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- hiking shoes
- sandals, flip-flops, water shoes
- lightweight cotton clothing
- swimsuit
- camera (with extra batteries!)
- Reusable water bottle
- motion sickness pills
- cash
- absolute respect for wildlife and the environment
Ready to discover the Enchanted Islands?
That’s the name the first Spanish explorers gave to the islands. Galapagos isn’t just another destination on your list: it’s a place that will stay with you forever. Whether diving with hammerhead sharks, walking across lava fields, or sharing the beach with a sleepy sea lion, every moment will remind you that nature can create extraordinary wonders. Are you ready to enjoy these 10 experiences and many more? At Gulliver Expeditions, we are delighted to help you plan an unforgettable, tailor-made adventure. See you soon!
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