All Visit Points on the Galapagos Islands

Explore all Points

Caleta Tortuga Negra

Known for its calm and clear waters, Black Turtle Cove is a mangrove inlet that can be visited in a dinghy ride only (engines off), a pristine location where it is easy to spot a variety in sea life, school of different type of sea rays, sea turtles, White & black tipped Sharks along with other birds that live among...[read more]

Cerro Mesa

Reachable by land from Bellavista (small Parrish in Santa Cruz), Cerro Mesa is found following a 6 kilometer road that connects to this amazing view point with some stunning panoramic views of the Archipelago and Santa Cruz's coastal lines. Its main attraction been its elevated location and thick vegetation. The area is well known...[read more]

Estacion Charles Darwin

The Charles Darwin Station = CDS is a joint breeding program regulated by the Galapagos National park & the CDS, eggs are brought from different islands: Pinzon, Santiago & Santa Cruz to be artificially incubated, 5 years later they are reintroduced into the wild. The CDS main objective is to promote scientific research...[read more]

Playa Las Bachas

Bachas Beach is approximately a kilometer long beach containing 2 beaches combined, located in the upper north part of Santa Cruz - it is one of the main nesting sites for sea turtles and great place to see flamingos. A variety of migratory and sea birds can easily be spotted in the area, blue footed boobies, swallow tailed gulls &...[read more]

Cerro Dragon

Dragon hill originates its name to early 1975 when it was the only location Santa Cruz where you could find land iguanas, a blending from an interdilar to a dry zone. Lagoons, shorebirds & flamingos can be found in this area. A very rocky beach is to be expected, some good snorkeling with a high tide.[read more]

Isla Edén

Eden Island has no landing, the main attraction is its incredible marine life with some open water snorkeling, you can expect to spot marine iguanas, reef sharks, & sea lions. Ashore a variety of birds can be seen across mangrove & rocks, blue footed boobies, pelicans, lava gulls, striated herons & frigates.[read more]

Bahía Tortuga

Turtle bay is a white sand beach named after the black turtle that uses this location as a nesting site. Reachable via a dinghy ride or an extended walk (50 minutes) from Ayora Port, a great location for some easy going snorkeling, marine iguanas, green turtles & Pelicans.[read more]

Los Gemelos

The twin craters are the result of the surface collapsing to subterranean crevices forming the now known craters, and not related to volcanic activity. An incredible amount of fauna covers the crevices, a scalesia forest houses a variety of birdlime and is commonly predominated by the vermilion flycatcher, beautiful lush views...[read more]

Reserva El Chato

El Chato in summary is a great location to find giant tortoises out in the wild in the midst of green forest in the highlands of Santa Cruz. The reserve consists of 2 areas (La Caseta & Cerro Chato), starting off from Santa Rosa, following the road 1 kilometer ahead of La Caseta lies a pool of water where giant...[read more]

The Highlands

The highlands are commonly refereed to activities well within the Center of Santa Cruz, activities will vary from one tour provider to another and can be a combination of the visit points found in the surroundings or one in depth activity for: Twin Craters, El Chato Reserve, Mesa Hill, other activities can also include hiking in lava...[read more]

Bahía Ballena

Located in the west coast of Santa Cruz lies a small cove of green sand, originating from volcanic materials, Whale Bay beach contains a large amount of olivine crystals that were formed when the magma was still underground. A Historical location where ceramic relics can still be found. Climbing the hill is permitted[read more]

Punta Carrión

Located in the north eastern part of Santa Cruz, on the ending ridge of the Itabaca channel lies Carrion Point, its main attraction been a good place for snorkeling, no specific landing area is found in the area, so snorkeling is done off the dinghy, or just a ride to circumference the area.[read more]

Bahía Urbina

Located at the east bay of Alcedo Volcano lies Urbina Bay, a trail that starts in the beach & extends to 3200 meters of road through pumice rock, sand substrates, coral & vegetable formation. In 1954 this location went through a considerable uprising, elevating 6km of reef & extending the coast by 3/4 of a mile out. A great...[read more]

Caleta Tagus

West to Darwin Volcano - Tagus Cove has long been part of Galapagos history dating back to the 1800s, a favorite spot for pirates & whalers, a small cave in the designated path displays old inscriptions, you will also spot various land birds & the characteristic vegetation of arid zones. The trail is about 1800 meters &...[read more]

Tortoise Breeding Station

The Tortoise breeding station of Isabela is located 1.5 km from Villamil Port , very similar in efforts to then ones achieved by the Center in Santa Cruz. Giant Tortoises, endemic to Isabela are collected from the surrounding volcanoes & other locations where they're found, to be artificially hatched in their Center, only to...[read more]

Pozas Verdes

Wetlands are in very close proximity to Villamil Port, the Wetlands is a complex of trails that encompasses numerous sites , El Estero - a path of lava rocks & variety of Mangrove species, La Poza - a stone & wood path with a mangrove forest, Poza Redonda - a pool formed inside a lava tube, Tunel Del Estero -...[read more]

Las Tintoreras

Located south of Villamil Port Las Tintoreras is a small bay of calm turquoise waters where you an observe a great amount of white tipped reef sharks - hence the locations name, along with a variety of other marine wildlife, sea turtles, marine iguanas, sea lions. rays, The bay is connected to a crevice of crystal clear water, 1 out...[read more]

Punta Albemarle

Punta Albemarle is the highest point on the northern part of Isabela, the location consists of 2 areas, a mangrove area best covered in a Dinghy ride due to its formed creeks & channels, & a former radar base from American troops that date back to World War II located near the beach. The Panga Ride boosts rich marine life,...[read more]

Punta Moreno

Punta Moreno hold an average of about 2100 meters to hike, the trail runs along a solidified lava flow corrugated in forms, & leads to a complex of coastal lagoons. Abundant brackish water is found in the area, & thick vegetation is mainly concentrated around the lakes & mangroves area. Home to a large amount of shore...[read more]

Volcán Sierra Negro

Sierra Negra volcano features an impressive grim volcanic scenery of its surrounding, considered the oldest volcano in Isabela, its most recent activity dates not far back to 2005, when the eruption lasted about a week, the lave flow covered much of its interior caldera. Different type of finch birds & dense vegetation is also...[read more]

Bahía Elizabeth

Elizabeth bay perimeter is observed off a Dinghy ride only, its main attraction been different islets called the Marielas, the inner cove is better viewed with no engine noise. Highlights of the area is the rich marine & bird life where penguins, Pelicans & blue herons are spotted across the rocky shores & the thick...[read more]

Punta Vicente Roca

Punta Vicente Roca consists of 2 coves found in opposite directions of a volcanic tuff cone. The area holds an abundant amount of sea life, common birds to be found in the area are blue & masked footed boobies & flightless cormorants. A great location for snorkeling where sun fishes are commonly spotted.[read more]

Muro de las Lágrimas

Where the strong cried and the week died, the wall of tears is a historical location dating back to 1946 when Isabela was used as a penal colony, its prisoners were forced to build a wall made of huge blocks of lava, in order to keep them busy & barricade them in their confinements, many died in the process given...[read more]

Puerto Villamil

Villamil Port is the 3rd most populated port village found in the archipelago, the starting point to many surrounding visit points popular to Isabela, The Breeding Center, The Wetlands, Wall of Tears, Highlands & Sierra Negra Volcano among others. The perfect island to be added as an extension to cruises, or for those looking...[read more]

Bahía Gardner

A healthy abundant amount of Sea lions can be found in Gardner Bay, they will greet you upon your arrival in a wet landing, when disembarking in its white sand beach and rocky shores. A great location for easy going snorkeling & relaxed beach combing. Also well known for its flat terrain used as a breeding site for the great...[read more]

Suarez Point

The primary activity in Suarez Point will be an extended walk, travel time of approximately 2 hours. Most animals/birds in Espanola are endemic to the island given its isolation. Highlights are the marine iguanas with a turquoise & red color in the breeding season, & the waved albatross. at the end of the trail a rewarding...[read more]

Islotes Gardner y Osborn

Gardner & Osborn Islet are nearby its main visit point (Gardner Bay) often used to include more variety in snorkeling. The Activity is arranged off a dinghy ride, clear waters and snorkeling among sea lions in open water with some great marine life and coral fishes are its main attractive.[read more]

Bahía Darwin

Darwin bay, a volcanic caldera with approximately 600 meters in width, the total trail is an average of 1500 meters. The trail will take you through a white sand beach, further in nesting colonies of the common frigate, the Nazca booby, swallow-tailed gulls & red footed boobies are easily spotted along the way. An amazing cliff is...[read more]

El Barranco

El Barranco, also known as Prince Philips Steps is a trail carved on volcanic rock that leads up to a cliff, with a trail of about 1.5 km in length it can be covered usual in about 2 hours. The cliff other then offering a scenic views also serves as a nesting site in the lava cavities for Petrels, with...[read more]

Punta Mejía

Mejia Point is a location like no other, and arguably one of the best snorkeling-diving sites in the Archipelago. Schools of rays, a myriad of tropical & coral fish, Morden & Garden Eels, sea turtles, Galapagos & Hammerhead Sharks among much more![read more]

Playa Negra

It's name originates from the black sand found in the area due to volcanic debree & lava flows in the surroundings. Black beach boosts amazing sea life as most of Marchena's surroundings waters, Bottle-Nosed Dolphins, Marine iguanas, Galapagos Sharks among others.[read more]

Punta Espinoza

Punta Espinoza is a narrow ledge of lava and sand that extends from the base of the volcano to the sea. This location is better known for the large colony of marine iguanas, here we can also spot the flightless cormorant & the best place to find Tropical Penguin Endemic to the Galapagos. The dock for disembarking is only accessible...[read more]

Punta Mangle

Mangle Point is located in the South-Eastern part of Fernandina, a rather new visit point authorized by the Galapagos Park, the bay surrounding the coastal part of Fernandina features snorkeling as it's main attraction. Visitors will be able to swim and snorkel alongside of tropical penguins, sea lions, sea turtles, sharks ...[read more]

Centro de Interpretación

The Interpretation Center in its core consists of an Educational site, (Plan of Interpretation & Environmental Education for the Galapagos Islands) its wall sized banners narrate in chronological order the important events that took place over time in the Archipelago, & the struggles, efforts & success achieved...[read more]

Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado

Galapaguera Colorado Hill is located 22.4 km further in from Baquerizo Moreno Port, not far from Colorado Hill from where its name derives. Similar to other reproduction centers found in Santa Cruz & Isabela, Galapaguera's main efforts are put into increasing the Giant Tortoises population up to healthy numbers, with...[read more]

León Dormido

Kicker Rock is a popular destination off the western shore of San Cristobal for its waters rich in marine life, and the iconic rock formation. What was once a single mass of vertival lava cone is nowadays split in 2 rock formations separate by a small channel. Snorkeling, Diving & Kayaking are all allowed in Kicker Rock, its literal...[read more]

Isla Lobos

Lobos Island has a trail of about 850 meters in length, the estimated travel time is about 1 hour. During the trail you will go through a rocky terrain,a dry vegetation zone & sandy areas, make sure you wear appropriate footwear. As one would expect given its name, the island prevailing highlight is sea lions, easily spotted on...[read more]

Punta Pitt

Pitt Point & Pitt Islet are located in the East end of San Cristobal, The trail includes an olivine beach approximately 90 meters and a trail that ascends to the top of a volcanic tuff hill passing through several natural viewpoint, the hike is approximately 2 hours with 1,400 meters of trail. A fantastic location for snorkeling...[read more]

Cerro Tijeretas

Cerro Tijeretas is named after the commonly named frigates found in the area. In walking distance from Baquerizo Moreno Point, the trail in the area takes about 2 hours of hiking in its 3.5 miles of road. It is one of the only places where you can watch the two species of frigate birds nesting in the same colony. There...[read more]

Cerro Brujo

An eroded tuff cone known as Cerro Brujo is a hill located West-South of San Cristobal. Cristal clear waters & its sandy white beach make of Which Hill a dreamy location. Activities in Witch Hill consist of a panga ride, a wet landing & free roaming in the beach with opportunities of some fantastic snorkeling in the rich marine...[read more]

El Junco

Named after a common type of plant found in the area El Junco is a lagoon with 270 meters in diameter, formed inside a small crater which in turn lies within the caldera of a large volcano now extinct. The lagoon source is only rainwater, with 700m above sea level, the lagoon is surrounded by vegetation which has been used...[read more]

Galapaguera Natural

Galapaguera Natural is a great location to observe giant tortoises in their natural environment. The beach is large and serves as a nesting area for sea turtles. In the months from January to May it is common to find traces of the females who have risen to the sand dunes to lay their eggs. An extended hike is available to...[read more]

La Loberia

La Loberia with only 10 minutes away from the airport, offers quick access to a coral sand beach with sea lions. Named after the great amount of sea lions found in the area, yellow warblers, frigates and various species of finches can also be spotted in the area....[read more]

Playa Ochoa

Ochoa beach is only 30 minutes away from Baquerizo Moreno by boat, Ochoa Beach is restricted to 160 meters of the surrounding beach. In the area there is a considerable colony of Galapagos Sea Lions, ghosts and hermit crabs are also common species found in this visit point.Near the beach is a temporal pool, which is constantly visited...[read more]

Puerto Chino

Not far from Galapaguera Colorado Hill Chinese Port can be an extensive visit taking up to 5 hours, or can be accessed with a wet landing straight on the beach. A scenic beach for some good snorkeling or just walk in the surrounding areas.[read more]

Asilo de la Paz

The Asylum of Peace is a 450m high hill that is behind Straw Hill in the agricultural area of the island. The main attractions are of a historical type: one is the cave of pirates and the other is the freshwater spring. The two sites are located at the base of the hill. Land transport from Velasco Ibarra Port takes...[read more]

La Loberia Isla Floreana

La loberia which stands for sea lions is a path of about 900 m, gorgeous views of small hills, lava rock formations and animals in the surroundings are inspiring to observe. La loberia is a small bay with rocky shores in its white sand beach, named after the great amount of Sea Lions found in the area, you can also...[read more]

Mirador de la Baronesa

The baroness lookout is an impressive panoramic view atop of a small hill with a fairly easy marked trail, known by letters of Baronesa Eloisa Von Wagner herself, she particularly enjoyed this location where she would spend hours viewing & studying vessels approaching the island. The view point is located north of Floreana...[read more]

Bahía del Correo

Post Office Bay is a historical visit point used by whalers , presumably a boat captain placed a Barrel in the 18th century for those who pass through the bay to leave mail and deliver those with the same destination. Post Office Bay continues with its posting tradition through tourists visiting the islands. A Lava tunnel can also be...[read more]

Punta Cormorant

Cormorant point is a fascinating location that starts with a wet landing in a gorgeous olivine colored sand beach, surrounded with scenic vegetation. This beach provides some great snorkeling in rather calm waters. There is a trail of about 720 meters in distance that lead to a coral sand beach, an ideal place to spot stingrays &...[read more]

Corona del Diablo

Devils crown is a Volcanic Cater that has been swallowed almost in its entirety by Galapagos waters, only leaving a small portion of rock formations protruding it waters in a semi circle arrangement. Snorkelers will be fascinated by the under water world found in Devils Crown, coral reefs & Marine species are abundant &...[read more]

Islotes Floreana

Floreana Islets: Champion, Enderby, Watson & Gardner islets are located in the eastern side of Floreana, all providing great snorkeling opportunities to spot sea lions, sea turtles, and a high diversity of fishes. Enderby is usually easier to spot large quantities of sharks, and Gardner Islet when visited in a dinghy ride ...[read more]

Bahía Sullivan

Found in the South East of Santiago island, Sullivan Bay's main attraction is the solidified black lava formations - Pahoehoe lava flows (solidified lava in corrugated or accordion form) in a rather flat trail, with a length of approximately 1.5 km, & a total travel time of about 1 hour and a half. 200 m around the landing, you can...[read more]

Playa Espumilla

Espumilla Beach is well known for its Palo Santo Forest, its beautiful beach that marine turtles use as a nesting site, & the delightful snorkeling opportunity the surrounding waters offer with a great variety in marine life. The trail continues into the dry zone and in the end, one can observe land birds of all types and the...[read more]

Caleta Bucanero

Buccaneer Cove is one out of 7 separate marine sites available in the surroundings of Santiago, (Egas Port, Albany Islet, Piedra Blanca at Buccaneer Cove, Cousins Rocks, Bainbridge Rocks, Don Ferdi Rock, and Beagle Rocks) all providing amazing marine wildlife, where one can spot sea turtles, sharks, rays, coral fishes & sea...[read more]

Puerto Egas

Egas Port was named after the Entrepreneur Hector Egas that used the location to extract salt from its salt mines, it ultimately failed because the price of salt in the continent was very cheap, and did not justify its exploitation in Galapagos. The visit point starts with a wet landing in a black sand beach, following 1 out of the...[read more]

Minas de Sal

Salt Mines is the alternate route from Egas Port visit point, an inland leading to the salt mine volcano, with a trail of about 3km in length that ends at the top of the salt mine crater. Shaped in the form of a small cone, the crater is a seasonal lagoon where shorebirds and flamingos are usually found.[read more]

Bahía James

James Bay is the main disembarking site for 3 popular visit points in Santiago (Egas Port - Salt Mine Crater & Espumilla Beach) when James bay is detailed as a visit point for a cruise or part of a Galapagos tour package, it can include one or more of the above visit points.[read more]

Aeropuerto de San Cristóbal

Located in the southeastern end of San Cristobal, the commercial airport of San Cristobal is in walking distance from the main town in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. San Cristobal Airport is the epicenter of many cruises starting and/or ending point. For guests entering earlier, or extending their stay after their cruise, San...[read more]

Cerro Allieri

Located on the east side of Puerto Velsaco Ibarra, Alieri Hill reaches a maximum height of 340m over sea level. A 15 minute land ride is required to reach the hills valley. Rich in endemic flora, the hill has 48 identified species, including the Scalesia pedunculata tree, which flourishes in february and is currenlty down to the last 15...[read more]

Centro de Crianza David Rodriguez

Located in the South East of San Cristobal, this breeding center was built to increase the population of giant tortoises. With an infrastructure of 1415 m2, including a visit center, and other common ground areas. The breeding center's effort has been focused on increasing the number on the local giant tortoise species (Geochelone...[read more]

Puerto Ayora

Galapagos ayora port is located in the southern edge of Santa Cruz. Ayora port downtown features many hotels, restaurants, tour & gift shops, clothing & marine stores; among other stores. Many cruises will use this as a meeting point for guests entering the islands earlier, this is cruise and itinerary dependent. A...[read more]

Isla Albany

Albany islet is found off the northwest point of Santiago. A visit point to be explored underwater. A sloping rock home to tiger nudibranchs, sea turtles, Galapagos black coral, barnacles, Galapagos sharks, golden eagle rays, and possibly the red lipped batfish.[read more]

Isla Cowley

Cowley islet is found off the coast of Isabela. A visit point to be explored underwater. A popular diving site home to different shark species, Galapagos sea lions, stingrays, green sea turtles, cormorants, penguins, manta rays, and more! If you’re lucky, you can encounter sea horses![read more]

Playa Negra Floreana

Floreana Black beach has historical significance. Floreana island was the first inhabited island in the archipelago, and also among the few sources of fresh water. Nearby visit points are Asilo de la paz, and caves that served as hideouts for pirates.[read more]

Aeropuerto Baltra

Baltra Airport Highlights Baltra is one of the gateways to the Galapagos Islands where Seymour Airport is located, also known as Baltra Airport. This small island is also known by the local name of South Seymour. During World War II, it was a US Airforce base positioned to patrol the Eastern Pacific and to protect the Panama Channel....[read more]

El Derrumbe

Wolf Island is located in the extreme northern part of the archipelago. There are no land visits to this island, and it is only visited by live-aboard dive ships. This is a dive site only for experienced divers. The surge is heavy, currents can be quite strong, and visibility is often limited. Some very impressive and large animals such...[read more]

Islote La Ventana

La Banana

Punta Shark Bay

El Arco

Darwin´s Arch is an impressive 15 M (50 ft) lava arch. A fast descent in current, where you will then grab onto the rocks below and basically be a spectator to the stuff blowing past! This is the most famous dive site in the Galapagos Islands and recognized as one of the best dive sites in the world! Whale sharks...[read more]

El Arenal

El Arenal is an underwater sloping sand “driveway” of Darwin's Arch teeming with amazing marine life. Stick with your expert guide who can show you the safest and best routes in the currents.[read more]

Cabo Douglas

Cabo (Cape) Douglas dive site is located on the North West side of Fernandina Island. One of the central Galapagos islands, Fernandina has an active shield volcano 'La Cumbre', which has been subject to eruptions within the last ten years.[read more]

Cabo Marshall

Cabo Marshall is on the North East coast of Isabella island, the largest of the Galapagos islands. This headland is in the shadow of Wolf volcano. The volcano remains active and has erupted as recently as 2015. The lava flows from the last eruption threatened the rare pink iguana which is unique to Galapagos. Fortunately, this...[read more]

Roca Cousins

Just one of the many islets that help form the archipelago, this dive has a great deal to offer the advanced diver. With sloping rock plate formations and a wall that drops farther than the eye can see, divers will come across hidden sea horses and octopi, Galapagos black coral, frogfish, and hammerheads and Galapagos sharks![read more]

El Pináculo y Las Cuevas

This area has some of the best caves in the Galapagos and an exciting experience at The Pinnacle, and it’s located on the northern tip of the main island. It has four good underwater caves that penetrate into the wall of the islet and are easily accessible, although the current can get a bit strong from time to time, from...[read more]

El Fondeadero (buceo nocturno)

The Anchorage of Wolf is the only dive site located at its sheltered west coast. Right beneath the anchored yacht, walks and hops the weird red-lipped batfish with its leg-fins on the 20 m/70 ft deep sandy bottom. Though active at night and attracted by your light’s beam, this chilly activity probably won’t be the only opportunity...[read more]

Ciudad de las Mantas

The main attraction of Cape Marshall is a spot where it is so frequent to see giant mantas that it was named “City of the Mantas”. They come to feed on the plankton-rich waters, which is why visibility can be low.[read more]

Santa Fe Islet

Santa Fe Island is among the oldest Galapagos Volcano with rock formations dating back 3.9 million years. Santa Fe island is located in the north eastern part of the Archipelago, the visit point starts with a wet landing in Barrington Bay , a very rocky trail that leads to a scenic viewpoint on a cliff, or the alternate trail leading...[read more]

Bahia Borrero

Bahía Borrero is an exquisite natural wonder situated on the northern side of Santa Cruz Island. With its stunning white-sand beach and shimmering turquoise waters, it is an ideal location for visitors seeking a peaceful and scenic spot to relax and unwind. One of the most notable features of Bahía Borrero is the high number of sea...[read more]

Humedales (Wetlands)

Welcome to the enchanting Isabela Island, where you'll find a fascinating area known as the Wetlands. Just a stone's throw away from Villamil, these lagoons and mangrove swamps are a must-visit during your stay. Luckily, reaching this remarkable site is a breeze, as it's only a short and pleasant walk from town along...[read more]

All Visit Points on the Galapagos Islands

Explore all Points

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