Top 10 Things to Do When You Are Visiting the Galapagos

Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands is one of the top travel destinations for tourists. Since the early years of Charles Darwin, Galapagos is known for the incredible flora and Fauna. To date, travelers choose Galapagos as a bucket list destination. Whether for short or longer vacations, Galapagos is a key destination you will want to visit. Here are top 10 things to do when you are visiting the Galapagos.

1.    Seeing the Endemic Species

The officials at the Galapagos National Park will tell you that there are over 2000 endemic species across the Galapagos Islands. Top in the list includes about 80 fish species, over 40 reptiles, 15 mammals and over 1,400 invertebrates. For visitors, traveling to the park, it might feel overwhelming as these species are located in different parts of the national park. It is advisable that you check out the Galapagos map resource first and consider hiring a local tour guide. That way, it is easier to spot eye-catching species.

To see the famous giant and colorful iguanas and the blue-footed booby birds of Galapagos Islands, take a boat trip around the Arquipelago off Isla Isabela. This also results in seeing the nesting frigates, the swooping pelicans as well as the super –cute penguins. Did you know that Galapagos penguins are among the smallest penguin species around the world?  You can also consider taking a trip across the breathtaking beaches of San Cristobal which is full of fun-loving sea lions.

2.    Taste the World-Famous Galapagos Chocolate and Coffee

Though Galapagos Islands sums up for less than 1% of the planet’s surface, it’s a top producer of world’s best coffee.  It is also home to the best tasting homemade chocolate turtles. On Santa Cruz Island you get to taste the world’s best coffee with roasted and sweet cereal with biscuit notes added to it.  Galapagos is known for its privileged and fertile land that is optimal for coffee farming. The world’s best coffee agro artisans might have migrated to the Galapagos Islands where their amazing work methods are ideal for the production of supertasting coffee. 

3.    Witness Galapagos Incredible Biodiversity

The Galapagos is known to be the home to a high level of endemism across the planet. There, you get to see 80% of the land birds, over 90% of land mammals and reptiles, as well as more than 30% of the flora. The authorities remain committed to protecting this great biodiversity and therefore, expect impromptu checks that involve bag searching whenever you are moving from one island to another. The unique ecosystem which includes rocky and volcanic islands is home to breathtaking biodiversity.

4.    Hiking in Sierra Negra Volcano

If hiking is your thing, the 17 kilometers trek up rocky mountain boasting the world’s second largest volcanic caldera is worth trying.  The breathtaking hike gives you a sightseeing opportunity and you will enjoy spectacular views. The hike is more fulfilling when you get to the very edge of the blackened wide crater.

5.    Snorkeling in Galapagos Idyllic Waters

Galapagos Island offers best snorkeling hotspots with most of them explored with an expert guide for safety. The glass-like waters across the islands are filled with manta rays and the white tip reef sharks. To uncover all the beauty of Galapagos seas, hire an experienced guide. You will get to enjoy the playful sea lions, the giant turtles that gracefully glide by you as you enjoy the fancy swim. Ideally, Galapagos offers top snorkel expedition that is action-packed.

6.    Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station

A tour of Galapagos Island would be incomplete if you don’t visit the famous Charles Darwin Research Station. Located Northeast of Puerto Ayora, this is an iconic national-park and home to over 200 scientists carrying-out endless research with volunteers involved in conservation efforts. A well-known project being undertaken there is the one involving captive breeding program for the giant tortoise. This has remained a top tourist attraction for many years. At the research station, you get to see the baby-tortoise house filled with incubators. Other top attractions at the famous research station include the small enclosure containing several land iguanas. To support the research station, send your contributions to the Galapagos Conservancy.

7.    Swimming and Surfing at the Beautiful White Sandy Beaches

Share the white sandy beaches with sea lions and the sea turtles, as well as the local residents. There, you will enjoy surfing activities on selected beaches. The best beach for surfing is Galapagos Beach. However, it is important you check the local regulations before hiring a surfing board. For swimmers, note that the underwater can be little rocky and so it is advisable you carry along your water shoes.

8.    Visit the Puerto Ayora  Fish Market

To see the best Santa Cruz fish, catch the fishermen as they offload their daily catches at the local fish market. Locals are busy picking up their favorite fish for supper as tourist take photos of the incredible creatures brought from the Galapagos seas. At the fish market, you also get to see shorebirds stealing the fishermen’s catch and pick up fish craps. The outdoor restaurants at the fish market serve tastiest fish meals and a set menu. To enjoy the best seafood, visit the Galapagos fish market next time you are touring the Islands.

9.    Tortuga Beach Hike

Take a 45 minutes hike that takes you to the top bay for snorkeling. The white tip reef sharks and the occasional tiger sharks are some of the best sites to expect. This is also an incredible sightseeing tour as you get to see the shorebirds, as well as the marine iguanas in the water and also along the beach.

10. A tour of Maprae

Maprae is a museum in Puerto Ayora and the first of its kind in the world. The museum uses augmented reality showcasing a permanent exhibition of over 50 pre-Columbian artifacts. There, you will get to see the ancient cultures of the coastal region.

Are you planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands, ensure you carry small change in the US Dollars which is the local currency.  In case you are traveling between the islands, convenient transportation would be a flight. Ensure you carry a printed map copy for convenience. – Travel Feeder