A short way from Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are known for their breathtaking views, stunning beaches, and wildlife fascinating enough to inspire Charles Darwin. However, as this archipelago boasts 127 islands in total, consisting of 13 major and 6 smaller tourist hotspots, it can be hard to choose which islands to visit. So, here are the 4 best islands to visit in the Galapagos.
1. San Cristobal Island
As the home to the capital of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and the main airport, San Cristobal is perhaps the most visited island in the Galapagos. This island is renowned for its scenic locations for scuba diving and snorkelling. One of these is Isla Lobos, where marine wildlife enthusiasts can try and spot seals and blue-footed boobies. Another is known locally as Leon Dormido, or Kicker Rock, where the water is known for being super clear.
As the main island of the Galapagos, San Cristobal is also a good base for exploring the wider area. From San Cristobal, travellers can embark on a seven day cruise aboard the Silver Origin that traverses many of the main highlights of the Galapagos Islands in varying combinations, including Darwin Bay, Sullivan Bay, Punta Moreno, Santa Fe Island, Punta Suarez, Cerro Brujo, Kicker Rock Buccaneer Cove, Punta Espinoza, Elizabeth Bay, Punta Cormorant, Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre, and more.
2. Isabela Island
Isabela Island is the largest island in the archipelago, accounting for 58% of the Galapagos’ total land area. The island is around 82 miles or 132 km long – and contains 6 active volcanoes, such as Cerro Azul, Sierra Negra, Ecuador, Alcefo, Darwin, and Wolf, the latter of which marks the highest point in the archipelago.
As the island has so many active volcanoes, the landscape is unique compared to the other Galapagos islands. Due to the difference in vegetation and habitats, this of course means it boasts different wildlife. Some of the most exciting things to spot on the island are land-based cormorants, flamingos, Galapagos tortoises, and penguins.
3. Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz is perhaps one of the more commercialised of the Galapagos Islands, particularly when it comes to Puerto Ayora, which means that holiday makers will have no shortage of accommodations and restaurants to choose from on their trip.
Nevertheless, Santa Cruz still boasts the incredible views synonymous with the Galapagos Islands, especially when using Tortuga Bay as your base. The beach itself is a stretch of sparkling white sand and turquoise waters, where keen eyes can spot crabs, pelicans, flamingos, iguanas, and black turtles.
4. Floreana Island
When travelling to the Galapagos to see the amazing sights, it’s also well worth looking into the history of the area so you can appreciate the archipelago fully. Though Floreana Island is perhaps one the least touristy of the islands, making accommodation quite limited, this has left the area untouched, and so has magnificently preserved its history.
According to the Galapagos Conservancy, Floreana Island was home to the first person to reside on the Galapagos Islands, Irish-born Patrick Watkins, in 1807-1809. It was also where the first post office came to fruition, in 1793, which was used for whalers to get their mail.
Honourable mentions
Despite not quite making the top four, there are some other islands that are definitely worth visiting, even if it is for a quick day trip. In particular, Baltra Island, Santiago Island, Espanola, Bartholome, and Genovesa Island are worth exploring.
