Things to See and Do in the Galápagos

Allowed or Forbidden

The Galápagos are a rather unique tourist destination in the sense that what you can or cannot do is highly regulated. It’s also a place where exploration largely relies on organized cruise packages, with little way around it.

Across the archipelago, the inhabited islands naturally offer the most "freedom." First among them is Santa Cruz, where you can visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, see wildlife at Tortuga Bay, or hike into the island’s interior. Otherwise, there are roughly 120 sites in the archipelago open to guided visits—half on land and half marine (especially for diving)—while many others remain off-limits to the public.

Main Islands

Bartolome ★★★
It's a small but well-visited island where you can see penguins and tortoises among other wildlife, set in a striking, barren landscape. You can also swim and go diving here.

Española ★★
A fairly remote spot in the archipelago, but it offers incredibly rich wildlife, especially for birdwatching. Diving is also popular here.

Fernandina ★★
The westernmost island in the archipelago. Iguanas among lava fields and colonies of penguins, sea lions, and seals.

Isabela ★★
It is the largest island, with Puerto Villamil as its main town. It is home to half a dozen volcanoes. You can take several excursions on Isabela without needing to join a boat tour.

Santa Cruz ★★
This is the most populated island, with Puerto Ayora as its tourist hub and the main base for organizing excursions. Diving and hiking are popular here, offering opportunities to discover the local wildlife and volcanic landscapes.

Santa Fé ★★
Cactus forests, cliffs, birds, iguanas, and sea lions on this small island between Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal.

Best Times to Visit

Climatically, the beginning of the year is generally the best time to visit, though the rest of the year still offers plenty to enjoy. For crowds and prices, peak periods are around Christmas, early in the year (including Easter), and to a lesser extent, July and August. In short, the best windows are from mid-January to May (excluding Easter) and from September to November.

★★★: very favorable | ★★: favorable | ★: moderately favorable | ⊘: unfavorable.

Activities

Diving

Diving is the main activity in the Galápagos. Whether scuba diving or snorkeling, you’ll have the chance to explore the archipelago’s unique underwater world—an unforgettable experience for enthusiasts. Of the 120 public sites, half offer diving opportunities. All diving must be arranged through licensed providers with the proper permits and authorizations.

Hiking

Hiking is another key activity for visitors, with short walks along designated trails to discover the local wildlife and flora. Many cruises include guided hikes. On inhabited islands like Isabela or Santa Cruz, you can also explore on foot, by mountain bike, or even on horseback.

Other Activities

Though not the first thing that comes to mind, surfing is possible in the Galápagos on the islands of San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela. Elsewhere, you can explore some of the islands’ beaches by sea kayak.