Top 10 Galapagos Activities
What to do in The Galapagos Islands?
Welcome to Eden! UNESCO built its first research station in the Galapagos in 1957, and the national park covering 97% of the archipelago is one of the most biologically significant sites on earth. The Galapagos Islands offer a unique safari across land and sea. Let us take you on a breathtaking voyage of discovery aboard a luxury yacht in search of iguanas, whales and boobies.
We’ve created an exciting list of the most memorable things to do in the Galapagos Islands.
We’ve created an exciting list of the most memorable things to do in the Galapagos Islands.
- Cruise the islands by boat
- Paddle board at Tortuga Bay
- Hike the Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela Island
- Visit The Galápagos Interpretation Centre and Charles Darwin Research Centre
- Snorkel at Kicker Rock with Galapagos sharks
- Discover the Bellavista lava tunnels on Santa Cruz Island
- Kayak at Las Tintoreras
- Get up close and personal with the sea lions on pristine white beaches
- Learn to surf on Isabela Island
- Walk the boardwalk at Laguna Salinas
1. Cruise the Islands by Boat
A journey aboard one of the opulent yachts cruising the Galapagos Islands is an indulgent experience as the expert crew guide you through this spectacular archipelago. It’s all about balance, you can sit back and relax watching whales and dolphins from the comfort of your deck. Or, make like an albatross and dive right into the action.
Swimming amongst tropical fish and fur seals. Whatever your choice, an exquisite meal and a tall glass will be waiting for you at the end of each day.
Swimming amongst tropical fish and fur seals. Whatever your choice, an exquisite meal and a tall glass will be waiting for you at the end of each day.
2. Paddle Board at Tortuga Bay
The ‘Welcome to Tortuga Bay’ sign marks the beginning of this adventure on Santa Cruz. It points out the do’s and don’ts of the area, though your guide will have thoroughly briefed you. Take a right at the infamous Playa Brava to a secluded gem and SUP through the shady mangroves of Playa Mansa.
A feeding ground for marine turtles, eagle rays and white tipped sharks, make your way through an entanglement of roots and branches. This is the perfect spot to watch brown pelicans, blue-footed boobies and cranes.
A feeding ground for marine turtles, eagle rays and white tipped sharks, make your way through an entanglement of roots and branches. This is the perfect spot to watch brown pelicans, blue-footed boobies and cranes.
3. Hike the Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela Island
A 9-mile hike up Sierra Negra Volcano is your challenge, outstanding views across Isabela Island are your reward. Passing diverse flora and fauna, including the brujo flycatcher and the galapagos martin, a fairly steep yet moderate climb will lead you to the summit.
At the top, take a deep, centring breath whilst gazing out at the lava flows of one of the biggest craters in the world. The panoramic views across the Island from this height are simply awe-inspiring.
At the top, take a deep, centring breath whilst gazing out at the lava flows of one of the biggest craters in the world. The panoramic views across the Island from this height are simply awe-inspiring.
4. Visit The Galápagos Interpretation Centre and Charles Darwin Research Centre
A conservationist's dream, these centres will broaden your mind and touch your heart. The Galapagos Interpretation Centre on San Cristóbal teaches about the area's global importance, focussing on the human and natural history of the islands.
On Santa Cruz, be sure to visit the grand Exhibition Hall of the Charles Darwin Centre to learn about their almost 60 years of scientific research. Then, swoon over the baby turtles being safely raised in the centre before they are repatriated back to their islands.
On Santa Cruz, be sure to visit the grand Exhibition Hall of the Charles Darwin Centre to learn about their almost 60 years of scientific research. Then, swoon over the baby turtles being safely raised in the centre before they are repatriated back to their islands.
5. Snorkel at Kicker Rock with Galapagos Sharks
A formation of jagged rocks tower above the northern coast of San Cristóbal Island. Kicker rock is waiting for you! In calm waters you can snorkel right into its narrow channel and beyond, above colourful corals and sponges where starfish cling to the rock walls.
Urchins and sea anemones peek through the cracks as stalking past the sea turtles and angelfish, an array of sharks. Galapagos, hammerhead and reef sharks patrol the area, uninterested in respectful humans they are an impressive sight to behold.
Urchins and sea anemones peek through the cracks as stalking past the sea turtles and angelfish, an array of sharks. Galapagos, hammerhead and reef sharks patrol the area, uninterested in respectful humans they are an impressive sight to behold.
6. Discover the Bellavista Lava Tunnels on Santa Cruz Island
On Santa Cruz Island are an underground labyrinth where molten rock once flowed. Bellavista’s “los túneles” are rich in history. Torch in hand, follow your experienced guide into the lava tubes past jagged walls, metres high and up to ½ a mile long.
It's hard not to imagine the velocity and heat of the magma that carved out these cave-like channels, a natural maze underneath the Earth's surface.
It's hard not to imagine the velocity and heat of the magma that carved out these cave-like channels, a natural maze underneath the Earth's surface.
7. Kayak at Las Tintoreras
Glide past black lava rocks laden with marine iguana, paddles silently pushing you forward as you spot manta rays and sea lions dancing in the clear waters below. Blue footed boobies and penguins share the coast and the air fills with the chatter of happy wildlife, without fear of humans.
For a moment you forget you're in a kayak, you feel so at one with nature as you discover secret coves, otherwise inaccessible with the help of your learned guide.
For a moment you forget you're in a kayak, you feel so at one with nature as you discover secret coves, otherwise inaccessible with the help of your learned guide.
8. Get Up Close and Personal with the Sea Lions on Pristine White Beaches
Setting foot on one of the Galapagos’ rich, volcanic islands, you may be surprised to find yourself walking barefoot along gorgeous sandy beaches. And, you’ll be even more surprised when a friendly sea lion comes to say hello! In the absence of predators, local wildlife did not evolve a fight or flight mechanism to survive, giving you one of the most intimate animal experiences on Earth.
You will share these paradise beaches with playful pups cuddled up along the shore, gazing out at the glistening turquoise waters. You can even take a snorkel and join them for a dip.
You will share these paradise beaches with playful pups cuddled up along the shore, gazing out at the glistening turquoise waters. You can even take a snorkel and join them for a dip.
9. Learn to Surf on Isabela Island
Has learning to surf ever piqued your interest? The sea lions and marine iguanas invite you to start here. One foot in front of the other, lessons begin on the sandy white beach as you learn the basics with an expert instructor. Once you feel ready, advance to the ocean.
The waves off Isabela Island are perfect for beginners. Salt water in your hair, the warm sun on your skin you can expect a rush from your first successful stand.
The waves off Isabela Island are perfect for beginners. Salt water in your hair, the warm sun on your skin you can expect a rush from your first successful stand.
10. Walk the Boardwalk at Laguna Salinas
It’s time to slow it right down on Isabela Island. Take a leisurely stroll along the Laguna Salinas boardwalk to the turtle breeding centre and indulge in a spot of birding. Iguanas litter your path and play in the mud and a family of pink flamingos are close by.
Take this moment to pause in quiet reflection as yellow warblers sing above. On a quiet day, it could be just you and nature.
Take this moment to pause in quiet reflection as yellow warblers sing above. On a quiet day, it could be just you and nature.
Looking for Inspiration?
Article
Ecuador and Galapagos Family Holidays
Treat your family to an extraordinary wildlife adventure holiday in the Galapagos and Ecuador. It’s a place you’ll likely visit just once so be sure to do it well. We have access to the finest yachts, lodges and expert guides. This way your family can visit remote islands in comfort and privacy encountering amazing wildlife.
Article
Top 9 things to do in Galapagos & Ecuador with your family
If you’re looking for a place where you can embrace adventure, learn more about our planet’s incredible wildlife and truly connect to nature, Ecuador has it all.
Article
Top 10 Ecuadorian Activities
We’ve created an enticing list of the most memorable things to do in Ecuador.
Article
Top 10 Galapagos Activities
We’ve created an exciting list of the most memorable things to do in the Galapagos Islands.
Occasional round-up of the best wild places, unique experiences and expert travel tips straight to your inbox.
Keep the Inspiration Flowing