Knowing what to do in the Galapagos Islands is a must when planning your trip and we know it. Here we have the answer to all your questions about activities in the "Enchanted Islands". The Galapagos Islands are an exotic spot on the globe that will fulfill absolutely all your expectations, one of the most incredible things to see is that the emblematic animals of the Galapagos Islands live in harmony with humans, it is an unforgettable and unique trip.
Galapagos is made up of many small islands and several main islands, each with its own unique characteristics and different species to observe. Santa Cruz, Isabela, San Cristobal, Floreana, and Española are among the most visited islands. We recommend exploring all of them and choosing the one that interests you the most.
Galapagos offers a variety of exciting activities for adventure and nature lovers. You can enjoy everything from excursions and relaxing on the beaches to snorkeling and diving. Start planning your trip, as there are many islands to explore, activities to experience, and wildlife to observe—one day won’t be enough to fully appreciate this natural wonder.
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How many days is it advisable to stay in Galapagos?
The duration of your visit to the Galapagos Islands will depend on your availability, budget, and travel goals. Our expert travel agents will guide you to ensure your Galapagos experience is flawless. You can choose from various cruise options, which typically range from 4 days / 3 nights to 15 weeks or more. To make the most of your visit and have an enriching experience, we recommend planning at least 5 to 7 days in Galapagos. If your goal is to visit most of the islands, you should allow ample time in your schedule and organize your itinerary according to the weeks you plan to stay.
You should take some considerations into account to determine the length of your stay, such as the different activities and excursions you plan to do, like hiking, birdwatching, diving, and snorkeling. To fully enjoy these activities and explore the diverse ecosystems of the archipelago, it is advisable to allow enough time to participate in them and take excursions to various points of interest. You should also consider the type of cruise and its duration.
What can you do in the Galapagos Islands?
The Galapagos Islands are known for their biological diversity and the presence of endemic species. Here, we explain everything you can find in Galapagos. Their “star attraction,” from which the name “Galapagos” originates, is the giant tortoises. The Galapagos giant tortoises are one of the most recognized icons of the archipelago. These impressive creatures are endemic to the islands and can be observed in their natural habitat. The famous Lonesome George was an iconic giant tortoise of the Galapagos Islands and became a symbol of conservation for this species.
Among other species you may encounter are marine iguanas, sea lions (charming marine mammals abundant in the Islands), penguins, endemic birds, volcanic landscapes, unique flora and diverse marine life, the Galapagos waters are home to a rich marine diversity, during snorkeling or diving you may encounter sea turtles, sharks, rays, colorful tropical fish, dolphins and possibly whale sharks and orcas.
Hikes in the different islands
WILDLIFE SPOTTING; There is no place where you won’t encounter the wonderful Galapagos wildlife, such as birds, iguanas, or sea lions taking a nap. Authorities recommend keeping a distance of at least 2 meters, but this is enough to safely appreciate the island’s wildlife and take photographs. You can enjoy this activity with your whole family as part of the cruise itinerary. The diversity of animals on the islands allows you to make the most of hikes at any time of the year.
We recommend that you review the requirements to enter the Galapagos Islands.
Snorkeling on the Galapagos Islands
Underwater there is a parallel world where you can appreciate a diversity of marine species, from sea lions to sharks! but don't worry, they are totally harmless; Snorkeling is a type of shallow diving, you don't need to be an expert swimmer to do it, just by submerging your head a little underwater you can observe many colorful fish. This activity is within the itinerary of the cruises in any season, when the time comes to do it, just enjoy!
Panga Riding
Pangas in Galapagos are motorized inflatable boats that are used for shore excursions and coastal exploration on many Galapagos Islands cruise itineraries. They are the main means of transportation for getting passengers on and off cruise ships. They allow Get up close to wildlife and access places that large boats can't, panga rides include exploring mangrove estuaries to spot green sea turtles, golden rays and sleeping reef sharks, as well as bird watching along the coast. along high cliffs, rocky outcrops and islets, you also access bays where you can see sea lions and marine iguanas sunbathing.
Kayaking: in the Galapagos
Kayaking is an outdoor activity that allows you to see up close the wonders under the crystal clear waters and rocks, it is a form of very close contact with nature while you get some exercise, and most importantly! it is an eco-friendly activity, it does not generate any impact on the ecosystem; Some of the cruises include this activity in their itinerary, make sure if the cruise you chose includes it in case you are interested in doing it.
Excursions
Excursions in Galapagos are regulated to protect the environment and wildlife, it is very important to respect these local regulations, there are a wide variety of excursions you can go on to explore and enjoy the islands to the fullest, these are usually guided and provided the opportunity to experience the incredible biodiversity and unique landscapes of the archipelago. In addition to the main islands, there are several smaller and less visited islands in Galapagos, these excursions will allow you to describe unique ecosystems and observe additional endemic species. Enjoy this activity with your family, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience!
Free activities in Galapagos
In Galapagos, there are several free activities that you can enjoy during your visit and make the most of this experience, here are some options:
- Relax on the different beaches of the Galapagos such as Tortuga Bay or the Garrapatero in Santa Cruz.
- Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and learn all about giant tortoises.
- Learn about the history of human presence on the islands at the San Cristobal Interpretation Center.
- Dive and snorkel in the Santa Cruz Cracks.
- Have a moment of tranquility in the Laguna de las Ninfas.
What is the weather like in Galapagos?
The climate in the Galapagos Islands can be divided into two main seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The weather is quite unique and is influenced by ocean currents and winds. You can check the Galapagos climate here.
What to do in Galapagos with children?
In Galapagos, there are a variety of activities designed for families to enjoy, especially with children. A popular option is to explore the beaches and participate in snorkeling activities to discover the incredible marine life unique to the islands.
Many agencies offer glass-bottom boat tours, ideal for children to observe the colorful fish and other underwater species. In addition, visits to giant turtle breeding centers are educational and exciting for children, as they give them the opportunity to learn about the conservation of these emblematic species.
Among the breeding centers recommended for family visits, there are several in the Galapagos Islands. One of the most notable is the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center “Arnaldo Tupiza” in Isabela. This center allows visitors to closely observe the different stages of giant tortoise development and learn about conservation efforts to protect this iconic species.
Another recommended center is the Fausto Llerena Giant Tortoise Breeding Center on Santa Cruz Island. Here, children can marvel at giant tortoises of different ages and learn about the natural history of these iconic creatures. These centers not only offer educational experiences but also provide an opportunity to contribute to the conservation of endangered species in the Galapagos Islands.
What to do in Galapagos in one day?
Let's plan an unforgettable day on Santa Cruz Island, one of the most populated and accessible islands in the Galapagos. Let's start early to make the most of the experience. We should remember that Santa Cruz is the island with the most beaches in the Galapagos. If you want to discover all the beaches, you can click here.
Morning:
- Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station: Start your day exploring the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you can learn about conservation and research efforts on the islands. Admission is a nominal fee, about $5 to $10 per person.
- Tortuga Bay: After the resort, head to nearby Tortuga Bay. This white sand beach is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sun. If you are traveling with your family, the kids will have fun playing on the beach. There is no entrance fee, and it is an ideal place for a morning picnic.
Noon:
- Lunch in Puerto Ayora: Return to Puerto Ayora, the main city on the island, for lunch. There are a variety of options, from local restaurants to places offering delicious seafood. The cost of lunch may vary depending on the location, but plan for around $15 to $30 per person.
- Tortuga Bay: After lunch, head to Tortuga Bay for a relaxing afternoon and water activities. The beach is famous for its white sand and crystal-clear waters. Here, you can go snorkeling, and if you're lucky, you might spot sea turtles. There is no entrance fee.
Night:
- Dinner on Charles Darwin Avenue: End your day with a delicious dinner on Charles Darwin Avenue, where you will find a variety of restaurants. You can try local and international dishes. The cost of dinner may vary, but plan for around $20 to $40 per person.
Recomendations
- Bring sunscreen, water and a hat, as the sun can be strong.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the beaches and trails.
- Respect local regulations to preserve the ecosystem.
This itinerary offers a combination of cultural exploration, contact with nature and relaxing activities, providing a complete Galapagos experience. Please note that prices are approximate and may vary according to season and personal choice.
Frequently asked questions about What to do in Galapagos?
It is essential to bring to Galapagos a variety of clothing that can adapt to the different activities and weather conditions such as: light and comfortable clothing, swimwear, waterproof jacket, sports shoes, sandals and a hat, sun protection is essential.
In Galapagos there is an exquisite gastronomy due to the freshness of the seafood. Lobster ceviche is considered a typical dish, a refreshing and tasty dish prepared with onion, tomato, cilantro, marinated in lemon juice and other condiments.
Galapagos has a diversity of natural wonders, such as marine life, giant tortoises and unique biodiversity, each person can have a different opinion about what is most beautiful in Galapagos, as it offers a variety of experiences and natural beauties.
The main tourist attractions in Galapagos are the main islands: Santa Cruz (the largest and most populated of the archipelago), Isabela, Fernandina, Bartolome and Floreana, each with its own attractions and history.
