Galapagos Tourist

Explore the Galápagos

Discover which islands suit your interests, the wildlife you can see, and the different ways to explore — by cruise or on land.

Original geometric illustration of a blue-footed booby, with two turquoise webbed feet.
Original AI-assisted illustration
Sailboat and motor boats moored on turquoise water at Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Galápagos.
Boats at Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz.David Adam Kess / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0 · cropped and resized · Photo · CC BY-SA 3.0

Compare the two main ways to explore the Galápagos, with a straightforward look at what each offers.

Read the comparison
Giant land tortoise resting in grass on Santa Cruz Island.
A giant tortoise in the grass on Santa Cruz.David Adam Kess / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0 · cropped · Photo · CC BY-SA 3.0

Santa Cruz

Puerto Ayora, highland tortoise visits and Tortuga Bay. Read the guide to choosing Santa Cruz as your island base.

Galápagos sea lion sitting in shallow surf at Punta Pitt on San Cristóbal Island.
A sea lion in the surf at Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal.Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped · Photo · CC BY-SA 4.0

San Cristóbal

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, coastal walks and marine outings. Compare the island’s town base and visitor sites.

Dark marine iguanas resting on volcanic rocks beside blue water on Isabela Island.
Marine iguanas on Isabela’s rocky coast.Tim Krieger / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped · Photo · CC BY-SA 4.0

Isabela

Stay in Puerto Villamil for Isabela’s coast and local excursions. Plan the island’s visits and connections before you book.

Explore guides

First trip

Island bases & stays

Cruises

Wildlife

Day trips & activities

Island transport