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Galápagos Islands - Galapagos
Visitor Sites |
Baltra
During World War II, Baltra was occupied by the US
Army to protect the Panama Canal. The first landing strip for jet aircraft in
the Galapagos was built and is today one of two commercial airports in the
islands. Connected to the north shore of Santa Cruz via a short ferry
ride.
Bartolome (or Bartolomew)
Offers one of the most
photographed scenes of the Galapagos is of Summit rock, as it is seen from the
summit of the island. A 30 minute climb to the top of the once active volcano
offers views of lava fields and lava tubes, as well as panoramic views to
Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island. Afterwards, visit the nice sandy beach on the
northern shore for snorkeling. Frequently penguins can be seen in this area.
Take a short walk through the mangroves to the south beach where you may see
mating sea turtles and whit tipped sharks close to shore.
Española (or Hood)
Gardner Bay-Large white sandy
beach is good for swimming and snorkeling. Sea lions & mockingbirds are
found here, and this is also a favorite site for nesting sea turtles.
Punta Suarez-A rocky point of land with an impressive variety of sea birds.
Waved albatross colony can be observed April-November. Blue footed & masked
boobies, mockingbirds, red-billed tropic birds, the Galapagos hawk,
swallow-tailed gulls and oystercatchers are all found in this location. The
unique red and green trimmed marine iguanas, lava lizards, sally light foot
crabs and sea lion colonies can also be observed. A spectacular blow-hole
provides a scenic backdrop to the steep cliffs and crashing waves.
Fernandina (or Narborough)
Considered to be the most
pristine island of the archipelago, with no introduced species to date. There
is an active volcano and several recent lava flows that can be observed. You'll
see the largest colony of marine iguanas in the islands, as well as flightless
cormorants and Galapagos Hawks. A large colony of sea lions and Galapagos
penguins are also present in the area.
Floreana
(or Charles)
Punta Cormorant-Walk across the island follows a brackish
lagoon where flamingos are found. Lush variety of plant life leads to sandy
beach where sea turtles lay their eggs and spotted rays swim near shore.
Post Office Bay-Visit the Post Barrel that has been in use since the late
18th century by English whaling vessels. You can leave a postcard, and pick up
any mail for your home area.
Devil's Crown-A shallow sunken crater is
one of the best snorkeling sites in the islands, but can have strong currents.
Sea lions and a large variety of colorful fish can be viewed here.
Genovesa
(or Tower)
Darwin Bay--Home to a wide variety of seabirds, you'll see
large colonies of nesting Great frigate birds and Red-footed boobies. A coral
beach and nearby cliffs offer great snorkeling opportunities.
Prince
Phillip's Steps--The landing site is approached by a dinghy ride along imposing
cliffs that are nesting sites for the red-billed tropic bird. Climb a steep
stone staircase up to an open nesting area of Masked boobies, Great frigate
birds, and Red-footed boobies. Storm petrels, doves and finches as well as the
Short eared owl are also found at this site.
Isabela
(or Abermale)
The largest island of the archipelago, formed by the lava
of six volcanoes that flowed together. Tagus Cove--This historic site has
graffiti dating back to the 1800's, when it was a favorite stop for pirates,
and whaling ships. Hike through arid zone vegetation above the cove. You'll
pass a salt water lagoon for great views of the lava fields, volcanic
formations and the ocean. A panga ride nearby provides the opportunity to see
flightless cormorants and penguins along the rocky cliffs.
Urbina
Bay--Small bay with great chances to see land iguanas, marine iguanas, and
possibly giant tortoises. Interesting uplifted coral can also be observed.
Elizabeth Bay--Visited by a dinghy ride into mangrove lagoons to look for
sea turtles & penguins. Good views of Sierra Negra volcano.
Punta
Moreno--Walk across lava fields searching for small lagoons with birdlife.
Occasionally flamingos can be found here, as well as flightless cormorants and
marine iguanas.
Puerto Villamil--Small town on the south shore of
Isabela, and the stopping off point for a trip to the highlands and a visit to
Sierra Negra volcano.
Leon
Dormido (or Kicker Rock)
Viewed from your Galapagos vessel. This is a
vertical tuff cone, rising 500 feet straight up from the ocean. Blue footed
boobies, Masked boobies, frigate birds and sea lions can be observed on
shore.
North
Seymour
A small island with great variety. Colonies of Blue-footed
boobies, lava gulls, and magnificent frigate birds can be found here, as well
as sea lions & marine iguanas. A loop trail takes you through a Palo Santo
forest.
Play
Ochoa
A small island near San Cristobal offers a nice sandy beach, with
pelicans and other seabirds.
Plaza
(or South Plaza)
Small island with steep cliffed shoreline. Sea lion
and bachelor sea lion colonies, land iguanas and tropical birds such as Audubon
shearwaters, swallow tailed gulls and red-billed tropic birds. Opuntia cactus
provides the iguanas with food from their pads and flowers.
Rabida
A small island with a chance to see a flamingo
& pelican colonies near the red sand beach. Sea lions are frequently seen,
and snorkeling is also very good here.
San
Cristobal (or Chatham)
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno--The capital of the
Galapagos Islands and the oldest settlement. In 1985, the second airstrip in
the archipelago was built here (the other is on Baltra). A small naval museum,
souvenir shops and houses make up this small bayside village. The new San
Cristobal Interpretation center, an educational center donated by the Spanish
government, is also located here.
El Junco Lake--The only sizeable
fresh water lake in the Galapagos is found in the Highlands of San Cristobal.
You'll pass through several vegetation zones en-route, and have the opportunity
to see stilts, white-cheeked pintail ducks and common gallinules.
Santa
Cruz (or Indefatigable)
Puerto Ayora--Main town on the island &
location of the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park
Headquarters. Observe conservation and research efforts of the islands,
including tortoise hatchlings and breeding programs working to preserve several
rare species of tortoises found in the islands. Opportunity to see several
adult giant tortoises and tour the exhibit center. Opportunity to purchase
souvenirs at the station & park service, as well as in town.
Highlands--You'll drive from Pto. Ayora through several vegetation zones to the
humid zone. Pit craters (Los Gemelos) , lava tubes, a Tortoise reserve and
several working ranches are all located in this region. Vermillion flycatchers
& Darwin's finches are easy to spot. Rain-gear recommended.
Turtle
Cove--Located on the far north shore of the island, Turtle Cove or Caleta
Tortuga, is visited by a dinghy ride through the mangrove lagoons to view sea
turtles, rays, sharks, pelicans and herons.
Santa Fe
(or Barrington)
Giant Opuntia cactus and land iguanas are special
features. Lava lizards and sea lions are also found here, as well as a good
spot on a sandy beach for a swim to look for sea turtles & manta
rays.
Santiago
(or James)
Puerto Egas, James Bay--Walk through tide pool area
observing marine iguanas, sally lightfoot crabs, herons & other shorebirds.
Fur seals are also present on this island, and you'll walk out to the "Fur Seal
Grotto" where they can often be seen frolicking in the surf.
Espumilla
Beach, James Bay--Flamingos are almost always present in the nearby lagoons.
This is also a turtle nesting beach.
Bucaneer Cove--Dinghy ride along
the cliffs to observe interesting rock formations. Feral goats present on the
island are unable to penetrate this isolated area, and so the vegetation on
these cliffs is undisturbed.
Sullivan Bay--Huge pahoehoe (or ropey)
lava flow area from the early 1900's.
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