Specific routes and Destinations: highlights of the Galapagos Islands

Bartolome Island

Bartolome Island is a must-see for anyone visiting the Galapagos. It's famous for Pinnacle Rock, an amazing volcanic rock formation. Picture climbing 372 steps to reach the top. That climb treats you to one of the best views in all of the Galapagos.

And let's not forget, this island offers some fantastic snorkeling spots where you might swim alongside Galapagos penguins.

The underwater world here is bursting with life, thanks to its volcanic origins from sudden eruptions long ago. We've snorkeled in many places, but nothing compares to floating above colorful fish and maybe even spotting a sea turtle glide by in these clear waters.

Honestly, Bartolome isn't just another stop in the archipelago—it's where memories are made. From hiking up those stairs feeling each step as you ascend higher into stunning vistas to immersing yourself beneath waves among curious marine creatures.

Each moment feels like living inside a postcard—a truly unforgettable experience on our journey through these enchanted islands.

Española Island

Our journey to Española Island, one of the oldest in the Galápagos chain and measuring roughly 4 million years in age, was a memorable one. The island is truly unique, boasting the largest gathering of blue-footed boobies, in addition to being home to the exclusive colony of Galápagos albatrosses.

Surrounded by soaring cliffs and explosive blowholes that burst water skywards, the vista was truly exceptional.

Our journey involved visiting places like Osborn Islet, Gardner Bay/Islet, and Suarez Point, each providing distinctive sights. Snorkeling at Osborn Islet was a thrilling experience where we had sea lions for company! At Gardner Bay, we spent quality time at a picturesque beach while observing numerous marine iguanas as they basked in the sun.

Suarez Point, in turn, captivated us with its striking terrain teeming with wildlife.

Every step of our walk was taken with consideration so as to respect nature – the close encounter with the albatrosses was truly profound. Their large nests were a common sight! Moreover, observing the blue-footed boobies as they plunged into the ocean for food was akin to watching skilled divers in action.

Fernandina Island

Fernandina Island is a young and wild place in the Galapagos. It covers 248 square miles, reaching up to 4,902 feet high. This island is special because it has no non-native species.

That makes its ecosystem one of a kind. We love visiting places that are as natural as they get, and Fernandina checks all the boxes.

We find two spots here we can't miss: Punta Espinosa and Punta Mangle. They are homes to some of the most amazing creatures like the flightless cormorants and the Galapagos hawks. Out of the BIG15 wildlife species found in Galapagos, Fernandina hosts 7! Imagine standing close to these animals without any fear because they're not used to humans - it's magical.

To stand on Fernandina Island is to experience nature untouched by human hands.

Isabela Island

Isabela Island grabs your attention with its sheer size and unique shape, formed by six merged volcanoes. It's the largest in the Galapagos, covering 1,790 square miles. At an altitude of 5,600 feet, parts of it reach into the clouds.

This island is home to a small population of just over 3,500 people living mostly around Puerto Villamil. Its vast landscapes include everything from volcanic craters to lush forests.

Here's why we can't get enough:

• Volcanic Wonders: Sierra Negra stands out among Isabela’s volcanoes with one of the most massive calderas on Earth.
• Rare Wildlife: From pink iguanas to flightless cormorants and giant tortoises wandering near Puerto Villamil or inside the Galapagos National Park.
• Historical Sites: The Wall of Tears tells a tale from when prisoners were forced to build a wall that serves now as a reminder of their hardship.

And for those who love adventure mixed with nature:

• Visit Punta Moreno where paths wind through lava flows filled with cacti and lead you to pools showcasing marine life.
• Explore underwater worlds while scuba diving around Isabela's shores.

Every corner holds something breathtaking – making it hard not to fall deeply for Isabela Island.

North Seymour Island

North Seymour Island catches the eye for those of us loving the thrill of seeing wildlife in its natural habitat. This island, unpopulated and made of flat eroded rocks, sets a dramatic stage for one of nature's most exciting shows.

Here, we find ourselves surrounded by a diverse marine bird population, making it a hotspot for bird watchers.

• Famous for being a nesting ground for both Magnificent and Common Frigate Birds.
• The island is covered with Palo Santo forests and offers views that look like they're out of this world across scenic channels.
• Without towns or cities, it's just us, the birds, and the breathtaking landscape.

Activities on North Seymour Island range from snorkeling to hiking. It's not every day we get to snorkel in waters teeming with life while glass-bottom boat tours offer a glimpse into the underwater world without getting wet.

Meanwhile, hiking trails lead us through landscapes where every step introduces new wonders.

Exploring North Seymour Island feels like stepping onto the set of an epic nature documentary.

Let's not forget about conservation efforts which are crucial here; these help ensure that future generations can also experience this untouched beauty. Walking through this island provides insights into how delicate our planet is and why places like these are treasures worth protecting.

Santiago Island

We love exploring Santiago Island in the Galapagos. It's a place with an area of 226 mi² and stands tall at 2,975 ft high. This island is pretty young, about a million years old, showing off its youth with recent lava flows.

Visiting spots like Puerto Egas, Sullivan Bay, and Buccaneer Cove on Santiago Island are must-dos. These places let us see amazing wildlife – six out of the fifteen BIG15 species the Galapagos is famous for live here.

Plus, there’s some cool history too! Back in the 1960s, people mined salt here. Imagine that!

So when we head to Santiago Island, it's not just about seeing cute animals or beautiful landscapes. It's also stepping into a piece of human history among nature's wonders.

South Plaza Island

South Plaza Island is one of the smallest spots in the Galapagos Archipelago, but it's mighty in what it offers. This island isn't just about size; it's home to a huge family of around 300 land iguanas.

Imagine walking along and spotting these creatures left and right, under Opuntia cacti or basking in the sun. The sight is something out of a storybook.

The charm doesn't stop there. South Plaza has no volcanic activity, which is rare for the area. Instead, it showcases unique geological formations that catch your eye from every angle.

And if you're into bird watching, this place is like a front-row seat to nature's show - with various bird species flying around or resting at high points on the island. Not to forget, colonies of sea lions add life and movement to its shores, making every visit unforgettable.

In our time there, stepping onto South Plaza felt like entering a live documentary scene—every corner had something new: land iguanas lazing around, birds overhead, and sea lions playing by the water edge—it was nature unscripted and unedited.