The Galapagos Islands are incredible and if you are thinking of taking a trip of discovery, here are seven reasons why you should book your ticket now.
These volcanic islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1000 km west of mainland Ecuador. They have been called a unique ‘living museum and showcase of evolution’ and in 1978 declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
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1. Isabela Island
It is the largest island of the Galapagos archipelago and located in the western.
Isabela Island has a wide variety of landscapes, from active volcanoes to white sand beaches and green forests. One of its main attractions is the Sierra Negra volcano, which is one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos. There is also the Wolf volcano, which is the highest point on the islands.
On Isabela Island you can see various species of animals, such as marine iguanas, penguins, giant tortoises, sea lions, sharks and many birds. It is also an ideal place for snorkeling and diving, as you can see a wide variety of marine species, including manta rays and whale sharks.
In addition, you can other outdoor activities, such as hiking, kayaking, sport fishing and surfing. The island has a variety of restaurants and accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets.
2. Las Grietas (The Cracks)
Located on Santa Cruz Island, Las Grietas is a set of natural pools formed by volcanic activity. Entry is by sea, you must take a water taxi from the municipal dock of Santa Cruz Island to the dock of a hotel. It is a great place for swimming and snorkeling.
3. Bartholomew Island
It is a small, volcanic island that has an area of approximately 1.2 km². Bartholomew Island is known for its spectacular landscapes and diverse wildlife.
It is home to the Pinnacle Rock volcano: an iconic rock formation that rises from the sea and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is the cover photo of this article.
There are two beaches on the island, one of which is an important sea turtle nesting site.
This island is one of the few places where you can see Galapagos penguins. It is also home to several species of finches, including Darwin’s pliers-billed finch.
4. Gardner Bay
It is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos Islands and is located on the west coast of the island of Española.
Gardner Bay Beach is a beach with white sand and crystal clear waters. The beach is quite wide, with enough space for swimming, snorkeling and water sports. There is an abundance of marine life in the bay, making it an ideal place for snorkeling and diving.
In addition to the natural beauty of the beach, Gardner Bay is known for its large amount of wildlife, especially its population of sea lions. They are very friendly and curious, so it is possible to swim and dive with them.
It is also possible to spot sea turtles, marine iguanas, sharks and a wide variety of birds, such as the famous blue-footed boobies.
5. Tintoreras Islet
Also called Tintorera or Villamil, it is located off the coast of Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island, it is a popular place for snorkeling. They are called that, because there is a lava crack that contains water and when it is still, the whitetip sharks, called “tintoreras”, usually go to rest and can be easily admired in the mornings and afternoons.
6. Punta Espinoza
It is one of the most fascinating and diverse areas of the Galapagos Islands. It is located on Fernandina Island, which is the youngest and westernmost of the islands in the archipelago.
This area has a wealth of wildlife, including marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, sea lions, whitetip sharks, rays and many varieties of birds. It is also possible to find some animals endemic to Fernandina Island, such as the Fernandina Island snake.
In addition, the Punta Espinoza area has an impressive landscape, with a mixture of volcanic rocks, lava and ash, and a large number of natural pools where it is possible to observe marine fauna.
7. El Chato Natural Reserve
It is a forest and wetland conservation area located on the Santa Cruz Island of the Galapagos, in Ecuador. This reserve is managed by the Charles Darwin Foundation and aims to protect the island’s endemic flora and fauna, particularly the Galapagos giant tortoises.
The reserve has an area of 138 hectares whith several walking trails, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the island while observing the giant tortoises in their natural habitat. You can also see other species of animals such as birds, iguanas and lizards.
There are two main areas: the scalesia forest and the wetland area. The scalesia forest is a cloud forest located at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level, and is home to many endemic plant and animal species. The wetland area is an area of swamps and lagoons that provides important habitat for many species of waterfowl.
Visiting the Galapagos Islands is a unique and unforgettable experience that offers the opportunity to explore one of the richest and most unique ecosystems in the world, but always with the responsibility of conserving this natural treasure.
