San Cristóbal to San Cristóbal

Like so many of the islands in the Galapagos, San Cristobal is formed by dormant volcanoes. It lies to the east of the archipelago and is one of the oldest islands in the group. Approximately 8,000 people live on the island, making their living from tourism, fishing, in government offices, or off the rich volcanic soils with some limited farming existing in the highlands. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on the southwestern tip of the island is the capital city of the Galapagos Islands. A statue of Charles Darwin graces the harbor, marking one of the first places he likely stepped ashore in the 1830s.

Kicker Rock, also known as León Dormido, is a striking volcanic formation rising dramatically from the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Cristobal Island in the Galápagos. This monolithic rock, resembling a sleeping lion, splits into two parts, creating a channel that is one of the archipelago's most famous snorkelling and diving sites. The waters around Kicker Rock teem with a rich array of marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and colourful fish, while the rock itself is a haven for nesting seabirds such as blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds.

Divers and snorkellers often encounter hammerhead and Galápagos sharks, making it a thrilling experience for enthusiasts of marine wildlife. The sheer walls of Kicker Rock provide a breathtaking backdrop, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring the natural wonders of the Galápagos Islands.

Isla Bartolomé, located in the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador, is renowned for its striking landscapes and unique wildlife. The island is famous for its Pinnacle Rock, a towering volcanic formation that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding bays and islands. This iconic landmark is one of the most photographed spots in the Galápagos.

Visitors to Isla Bartolomé can enjoy snorkeling in the clear waters, where they might encounter Galápagos penguins, sea lions, and colourful fish. The island’s terrain, marked by lava fields and cinder cones, provides a fascinating backdrop for guided hikes. With its dramatic scenery and diverse marine life, Isla Bartolomé is a must-visit destination in the Galápagos.

Buccaneer Cove is situated on the northern coast of Santiago Island in the Galápagos and boasts a history as colourful as its landscape. Originally a safe haven for 18th-century pirates and whalers, the cove is surrounded by high cliffs and tuff formations, creating a stunning backdrop for visitors.

The area is renowned for its dramatic rock formations, including one famously shaped like a monkey’s head, which invite exploration and photography.Today, Buccaneer Cove is a paradise for snorkellers and nature lovers. The clear waters are teeming with marine life, from sea turtles to a variety of sharks, making it an ideal spot for underwater adventures.

On land, the cove offers opportunities to observe seabirds and the unique flora of the Galápagos, blending natural history with breathtaking scenery.

Punta Vicente Roca is one of the marine sites Isabela Island has to offer. The geological formations, the underwater caves and lava tubes offer fascinating views of the coastline. The South Equatorial Countercurrent hits this part of the archipelago from the west and the water offers abundant food sources for different marine life and seabirds.

It is normal to see Pacific green turtles, but sharks, rays, whales and dolphins can also be expected, apart from a small colony of fur seals. Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies, Brown Noddies and other seabirds nest in the cliffs and both the endemic Galapagos Penguins and Flightless Cormorants have established small colonies nearby. Marine iguanas also like this area because of the rich variety of seaweeds growing underwater along the western coast of Isabela. As a marine site, deepwater snorkelling is also possible at Punta Vicente Roca.

The Bolivar Canal, also known as Canal Bolívar, serves as a crucial waterway situated between the islands of Isabela and Fernandina in the Galápagos Archipelago. This channel is not only vital for navigation but also stands as a testament to the islands’ volcanic origins, providing dramatic vistas of rugged landscapes that plunge into the sea.

Renowned for its exceptional marine biodiversity, the Bolivar Canal is a prime location for wildlife viewing. Visitors are frequently treated to sightings of playful dolphins and majestic whales, which navigate these nutrient-rich waters. The area is also a haven for a diverse array of seabirds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The combination of flourishing wildlife and the stark beauty of the volcanic backdrop makes the Bolivar Canal an unforgettable part of any Galápagos adventure.

With the gentle slopes of La Cumbre volcano in the distance, the low, lava-forged coast of Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island is a spectacular sight. Hundreds of marine iguanas rest on the black rock of recent lava flows absorbing heat from the stone and defending their territories against one another.

Galapagos sea lions and their pups also take shelter here, resting on the beach and playing in the shallow tide pools sprinkled along the coast. Walk past high sandy areas where marine iguanas lay their eggs and along low, shallow mangrove ponds ringed with bright red Sally Lightfoot crabs and Flightless Cormorants drying their stubby wings in the sunshine.

Tagus Cove, located on the western side of Isabela Island in the Galápagos, is a historic anchorage known for its captivating natural beauty and unique wildlife. Originally used by pirates and whalers, the cove features graffiti dating back to the 1800s on its rocky cliffs. Today, it's a prime spot for kayaking and snorkeling, where visitors might encounter penguins, sea lions, and marine iguanas up close in the clear waters.

Surrounded by the volcanic landscapes of Isabela, the largest of the Galápagos Islands, Tagus Cove offers hiking trails that lead to breathtaking views of the Darwin Lake, an uplifted ultra-saline body of water. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy spotting various species, including Darwin’s finches and Galápagos hawks, making it a haven for nature lovers.

Elizabeth Bay, located on the eastern side of Isabela Island in the Galápagos, is an exquisite destination for those looking to immerse themselves in a vibrant aquatic ecosystem. This bay is only accessible by panga, or small boat, which allows visitors to navigate through mangrove forests teeming with marine life. The area is renowned for its saltwater lagoons, where green sea turtles are often seen swimming, and the calm, sheltered waters are also a popular gathering place for rays and schools of fish.

Birdwatchers will find Elizabeth Bay particularly appealing, as it is a habitat for penguins, blue-footed boobies, and pelicans. The mangroves themselves are vital for the local ecology, serving as a nursery for young marine species. The peacefulness of gliding through these tranquil waters, combined with the abundance of wildlife, makes Elizabeth Bay a memorable and picturesque spot in the Galápagos.

Post Office Bay, located on Floreana Island in the Galápagos, holds a unique place in maritime history. This bay is home to one of the archipelago's oldest traditions, a makeshift post office established by whalers in the 18th century.

Visitors continue the practice started by these sailors by leaving behind postcards in the iconic barrel, without postage, and picking up others to hand-deliver to addresses close to their homes.

Post Office Bay offers not only a chance to participate in this historic mail exchange but also to enjoy the beautiful beach and excellent snorkelling opportunities in the clear waters nearby. Exploring the caves along the shore further enhance the experience of the bay.

Champion Islet, located off the coast of Floreana Island in the Galápagos, is a small yet significant destination renowned for its extraordinary marine life and birdwatching opportunities. This uninhabited natural sanctuary is a popular spot for snorkelling and diving, with crystal-clear waters that are home to a diverse range of marine species including sea turtles, reef fish, and the playful sea lions that frolic around the rocky shores.

For bird enthusiasts, Champion Islet is one of the few places in the world where you can observe the rare Floreana mockingbird, which has played a crucial role in the development of Darwin's theory of natural selection. Accessible only by boat, this tiny islet offers visitors a unique chance to immerse themselves in the untouched beauty and ecological diversity of the Galápagos, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and conservationists alike.

Santa Cruz Island reaches a maximum altitude of 864 metres (2,835 ft) above sea level; at high altitudes, weather changes creating microclimates. The species of flora and fauna found near the shoreline are extremely different from those on the highlands.

Life in the highlands is much easier due to the presence of fresh water, from the constant drizzle that happens during the dry season to heavy rains that occur during the wet season. Local people take advantage of this climate to cultivate a large number of crops and giant tortoises love this ideal weather to mate, feed and rest before their next long migration to the shorelines.

The Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, located on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos, is a vital conservation facility dedicated to the preservation of giant tortoises. Visitors can observe various tortoise species at different stages of development, learning about the center's efforts to protect these iconic creatures from extinction.

The facility also features exhibits detailing the natural history and ecological importance of the Galápagos tortoises. A guided tour offers insights into the breeding programs and the challenges faced in conservation. The center is surrounded by lush vegetation, providing a scenic backdrop for exploring the unique biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands.

Cerro Dragon, also known as Dragon Hill, is located on the northwestern side of Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos. This site is named for its population of land iguanas, which roam freely in their natural habitat. The hill offers a moderate hike that provides visitors with the opportunity to see these fascinating creatures up close, along with a chance to observe a variety of bird species, including flamingos in the seasonal lagoons at the base of the hill.

The path leads to a viewpoint atop the hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the coastline and the interior of Santa Cruz Island. Cerro Dragon's unique wildlife and scenic beauty make it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and those interested in the conservation efforts being made to protect the endangered land iguanas.

Guy Fawkes is a group of four islets situated on the northwestern side of Santa Cruz Island. They are satellite cones, surrounded by deep waters. As they rise from the deep, they intercept with the strong sea currents making the area a place full of life. These small islets have beautiful underwater cliffs covered with all sorts of marine invertebrates such as sponges, corals, sea stars, urchins — making it a very colourful place for deep water snorkelling.

Due to the conditions mentioned above, it results in some immense aggregations of fish, and, due to the depth of the water, it is not unusual to find Sharks or Manta Rays. Guy Fawkes is one of the most exciting places to deep water snorkel. You never know what you will find.

Bahia Bowditch, located on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos, is a pristine bay known for its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. This secluded spot features crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and lush mangroves, providing a perfect habitat for a variety of wildlife.

Visitors to Bahia Bowditch can enjoy snorkelling in the calm waters, where they may encounter sea turtles, rays, and a myriad of colourful fish. The surrounding area is ideal for birdwatching, with species such as blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and frigatebirds commonly seen. Access to Bahia Bowditch is typically via boat, making it a tranquil and less crowded destination in the Galápagos, perfect for those seeking a serene natural escape.

Like so many of the islands in the Galapagos, San Cristobal is formed by dormant volcanoes. It lies to the east of the archipelago and is one of the oldest islands in the group. Approximately 8,000 people live on the island, making their living from tourism, fishing, in government offices, or off the rich volcanic soils with some limited farming existing in the highlands. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on the southwestern tip of the island is the capital city of the Galapagos Islands. A statue of Charles Darwin graces the harbor, marking one of the first places he likely stepped ashore in the 1830s.