---
title: "Explore the Galápagos"
description: "Discover which islands suit your interests, the wildlife you can see, and the different ways to explore — by cruise or on land."
canonical: "https://galapagostourist.com/"
published: "2026-10-23T21:51:55.230Z"
modified: "2026-10-24T19:35:09.018Z"
language: "en"
author: "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 AI-assisted illustration

## Cruise or land-based?

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

[Read the comparison](https://galapagostourist.com/planning/cruise-vs-land-based/)

Boats at Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz.

David Adam Kess / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0 · cropped and resized · [Photo](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Boats_in_Puerto_Ayora_on_the_Island_of_Santa_Cruz_in_the_Galapagos_photo_by_Alvaro_Sevilla_Design.JPG) · [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/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.

[Santa Cruz](https://galapagostourist.com/islands/santa-cruz/)

A giant tortoise in the grass on Santa Cruz.

David Adam Kess / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0 · cropped · [Photo](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gigantic_Turtle_on_the_Island_of_Santa_Cruz_in_the_Galapagos.JPG) · [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

## San Cristóbal

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

[San Cristóbal](https://galapagostourist.com/islands/san-cristobal/)

A sea lion in the surf at Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal.

Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped · [Photo](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lobo_marino_(Zalophus_californianus_wollebaeki),_Punta_Pitt,_isla_de_San_Crist%C3%B3bal,_islas_Gal%C3%A1pagos,_Ecuador,_2015-07-24,_DD_12.JPG) · [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/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.

[Isabela](https://galapagostourist.com/islands/isabela/)

Marine iguanas on Isabela’s rocky coast.

Tim Krieger / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped · [Photo](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Marine_iguana.jpg) · [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

## First trip

[First trip](https://galapagostourist.com/planning/travel-guide/)

- [Best time to visit](https://galapagostourist.com/when-to-go/best-time/)

## Island bases & stays

[Island bases & stays](https://galapagostourist.com/hotels/where-to-stay/)

## Cruises

[Cruises](https://galapagostourist.com/cruises/)

## Wildlife

[Wildlife](https://galapagostourist.com/wildlife/)

## Day trips & activities

[Day trips & activities](https://galapagostourist.com/things-to-do/day-tours/)

## Island transport

[Island transport](https://galapagostourist.com/transport/ferries/)