Things to do in the Galapagos Islands
Things to do in the Galapagos Islands doesn't end with just scuba diving and bird watching. After these top two things to do in the Galapagos
Islands, we have tours, special destinations on remote islands that will amaze you, the Charles Darwin Research Station, and even some nightlife!
Most visitors come here to experience our amazing and unique wildlife in some form or fashion. After all, ninety seven percent of the Galapagos Islands
lie within the borders of the Galapagos Islands National Park, so they are protected from development and abuse. That means anybody who visits can't help
learning about nature! Here's a list of what we consider the top things to do in the Galapagos Islands. Some of these activities are popular and
well-known, while others are more off the beaten track things to do.
Go Surfing
San Cristobal is excellent for surfing. Near Puerto Baquerizo Moreno you can surf the waves while rare birds and giant iguanas cheer you on.
Experience the Nightlife in Puerto Ayora
Puerto Ayora is a port town of around sic thousand residents, making it one of the larger towns on the Galapagos Islands. They actually have a nightlife
scene and just a touch of hustle bustle, but nowhere near the glam and glitz of a big city scene. It's even more expensive than other places in the
Galapagos and the standards of living are higher, but it's still very casual, dancing tropical style. A good plan is to snorkel by day and then hit the
island-ey nightclubs at night.
See the Albine Tortoise at the Charles Darwin Research Center
On Puerto Ayora the Charles Darwin Research Center's Tortoise Rearing Center is, we think, the best part of the whole center. Tortoises, which were
nearly extinct a short time ago, are nurtured and reared here. There's an albino tortoise who lives in a special room protected from sun, since he's
sensitive to it. If you ask staff, you can take a peek at him. Giant tortoises used to roam the islands, foraging for food. There used to be almost
250,000 of them across the islands. Read more on our tortoise section on the reptiles page.
See Giant Tortoises in the Wild
The Charles Darwin Research Center isn't the only place that cares about giant tortoises. Visit the El Chato Tortoise Reserve and see them in the wild.
It's a short trip from Puerto Ayora and features a jungle of vegetation for tortoises to roam free and munch their way around the island free and happy.
They slowly make their way, crushing the vegetation with his body. Hire a guide (it's required, actually) to help you locate the shy creatures in the
wild. Bring sturdy shoes and be prepared to hike around.
Travel the Tunnel of Endless Love
Santa Cruz is where you'll find amazing lava tubes, formed millions of years ago when flowing magma cooled and hardened. They exist all across the Galapagos Islands, but Bellavista has the best lava tunnel, called the Tunnel of Endless Love. The name comes from the heart-shaped opening in the roof of the tunnel.
Watch Galapagos' Ultimate Surfers at Playa Cabo del Horno
Go to Isla San Cristobal and at the Cerro de las Tijeretas take a short trail to Playa Cago del Horno. The current is so strong only expert swimmers can go in, and this is where the surf is outstanding. You can watch the best surfers on the islands here, from atop a set of lava formations.