Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is the second largest and most developed of all
the islands in the archipelago. Baltra airport to the north handles
most Galápagos flights, so chances are you will probably pass
through here during your stay. With a population in excess of 10,000,
Puerto Ayora is the island’s main town. There are a small number
of hotels here; if you do not wish to sleep on board a boat they make
an excellent alternative. Habitat and vegetation are ever changing
on Santa Cruz; the lowlands are mainly dry and arid, whereas travel
inland and you will find the highland region is green and fertile.
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to Lonesome George
and other Giant Tortoise species. The waters surrounding Santa Cruz
are full of marine life.
San Cristóbal
San Cristóbal has a good mix of different vegetation
and habitats. Frigatebird Hill near Puerto Baquerizo offers great views of the
town and nearby bay. Junco Lagoon is one of the few freshwater lakes in the archipelago.
The small rocky outcrop of Isla Lobos is a magnet for sea-lions as well as Lava
Lizards and Blue-footed Boobies.
Española
Located to the south, Española is the only island the
mighty Waved Albatross nests in. During season over 10,000 of these enormous
birds can be seen gliding over the rugged cliffs and shoreline.
Santa Fé
Santa Fé, 15 miles south-west of Puerto Ayora is a small
island that has a good mixture of marine and land mammals. Large cacti dot the
landscape and there is a beautiful bay which is ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
Santiago
Santiago is a dry and arid island. The beaches are black and there
are good snorkelling opportunities around the coral. There are many Land Iguanas
as well as sea lions and Sally Lightfoot Crabs. Santiago is also the only island
to have Fur Seals.
North Seymour
North Seymour is not a volcanic island; consequently the landscape
here is different to the rest of the archipelago. It is home to Magnificent Frigatebirds,
sea-lions and Marine Iguanas.
Floreana
Located 30 miles south of Santa Cruz, Floreana is the sixth largest
of the islands. A one-time colony, today only a handful of people live here.
A relaxing and interesting place to visit, wildlife concentration is not as great
as other neighbouring islands.
Plaza Sur
Just off the Eastern coast of Santa Cruz is the small island of Plaza
Sur. Only a mile long and a quarter mile wide, Plaza Sur is home to a large colony
of sea-lions. Land Iguanas are also found here. Steep cliffs rise from the sea;
look out here for a profusion of birdlife.
Isabela
Isabela is the largest island in the archipelago. At over 4500 square
kilometres it accounts for over half the Galápagos total land area. Inland
much of the terrain is rough and impassable. The island has six volcanoes, several
of which are still active. Wolf, the tallest volcano, reaches 1700 metres. Landing
points are usually on the western side of the island. Marine life is particularly
good on Isabela with Common Dolphins, Galápagos Penguins and whales.
Fernandina
The most westerly island, Fernandina is also the youngest in the
archipelago. Inland a variety of different lava formations can be seen. Fernandina
has the greatest concentration of Marine Iguanas found anywhere in the island
group. Galápagos Penguins are also found here, as are Land Iguanas, Sally
Lightfoot Crabs and Flightless Cormorants.
Genovesa
Also known as ‘Bird Island’, remote Genovesa is a real
birdwatchers paradise. Here you will find Red-footed and Masked Boobies, Lava
Gulls, Swallow-tailed Gulls, Storm Petrels, Short-eared Owls, Red-billed Tropicbirds
and Pintail Ducks. Snorkelling is possible in the colourful marine rich waters.
Bartolomé
Bartolomé is situated close to the island of Santiago.
After landing on Bartolomé follow a well made path to the summit of the
island. The views from the top are fantastic. The landscape is arid with few
plants and limited wildlife. The water in the bay below is great for snorkelling
and Galápagos Penguins are often seen here. Walk to the bay on the opposite
side and you may see sharks close to the water’s edge.
Tiny Ecuador is a destination in its own right. Look for wildlife in the Amazon Rainforest, haggle for a bargain in Otavalo or relax at a
traditional hacienda. Then follow the steps of Charles Darwin as
you cruise amongst the wildlife rich Galápagos Islands.
