This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
Dreaming of a trip to the Galapagos Islands? Let’s make it a reality!
These volcanic islands are a living museum of evolution where sea lions nap on park benches, penguins swim alongside tropical fish, and giant tortoises roam ancient highlands. With so many islands, day trips, and wildlife encounters to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
We’ve explored the Galapagos extensively and put together this guide to help you experience the best of the archipelago. Whether you want to snorkel with sea turtles, hike across volcanic craters, or relax on pristine beaches, there’s something here for every traveler. Let’s discover the top tours that make the Galapagos one of the most extraordinary destinations on the planet.
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this snorkeling tour! We snorkeled with incredible wildlife, including sea turtles, sharks, rays, and more. Then we walked through mangroves, spotting unique flora as well as blue-footed boobies!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in the Galapagos Islands
- 1. See flamingos and snorkel on Isabela Island
- 2. Snorkel and fish on Pinzón Island
- 3. Go cycling and spot giant tortoises
- 4. Visit San Cristobal Island, the first landing place for Charles Darwin
- 5. Explore the remote Floreana Island on a day trip
- 6. Soak up the sun on Santa Cruz Island
- 7. Hike the Sierra Negra Volcano
- Where to Stay in the Galapagos Islands
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
Things to do in the Galapagos Islands
1. See flamingos and snorkel on Isabela Island
- Duration: 10 hours
- Time: 6:15 am
- Highlights: Explore Isabela Island, hike Las Tintoreras islet to see wildlife, snorkel among sea turtles and rays, walk the flamingo-filled wetlands, relax on a coconut palm beach, visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre
- Inclusions: Use of snorkeling equipment, fuel surcharge, lunch, soft drink, pier fee in Puerto Ayora, Las Tintoreras boat tour with naturalist guide, round-trip speedboat to Isabela, private transport on Isabela Island, mesh bag for gear storage, small group tour
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
If you only have one day to experience the magic of Isabela Island, this full-day tour makes every moment count. From snorkeling alongside sea turtles and penguins to spotting wild flamingos in the wetlands, it’s the ultimate mix of adventure and discovery—all in one unforgettable day.
Your journey begins with a boat ride to Las Tintoreras Islet, a volcanic outcrop teeming with wildlife. Here, a naturalist guide leads you along rocky trails lined with marine iguanas before reaching the famous shark channel, where white-tip reef sharks rest in the shallow water below. Sea lions nap on the sand, blue-footed boobies perch on nearby rocks, and, if you’re lucky, Galapagos penguins will dart through the water right in front of you.
Next, grab the included snorkeling gear for an up-close look at the underwater world. You’ll glide beside graceful rays, sea turtles, and colorful fish—and sometimes even those same curious penguins. Afterward, enjoy a freshly prepared Ecuadorian lunch at a beachside restaurant before continuing the adventure inland.
You’ll stroll through the Isabela Island Wetlands, where flamingos wade through reflective lagoons, and visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, home to tortoises of all ages—from tiny hatchlings to 200-year-old elders.
With its balance of wildlife encounters, nature walks, and time to relax, this small-group tour captures the very best of Isabela Island in a single day. You’ll leave with sandy feet, a full heart, and a camera roll packed with memories you’ll never forget.
Reserve this Isabela Island tour here and see why it’s a Galapagos favorite!
2. Snorkel and fish on Pinzón Island
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Snorkel at Pinzón Island with sharks, turtles, rays, and sea lions, explore La Fé or Las Palmitas Bay for blue-footed boobies and finches, try hand-line fishing, and enjoy a fresh onboard lunch
- Inclusions: Use of snorkeling equipment, freshly prepared lunch, beverages, all fees and taxes, towels, water taxis before and after the tour, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 140+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
It can be tough to decide how to spend your limited time in the Galapagos—with so many incredible snorkeling spots, how do you choose just one? This small-group tour to Pinzón Island and La Fé Bay makes the decision easy. It combines two of the region’s best marine sites and even the chance to try your hand at local-style fishing.
From the moment we left Puerto Ayora, it was clear this wasn’t just another snorkeling trip. The boat ride to Pinzón Island was smooth and scenic, and before long, we were diving into crystal-clear water teeming with life. Colorful fish shimmered in every direction, rays glided effortlessly beneath us, and a playful sea lion zipped by like it was putting on a show.
Between snorkel sessions, we even had the chance to fish straight from the boat—yellowfin tuna was the prized catch of the day.
Plus, lunch on board was fantastic and included freshly cooked fish, cold drinks, and a view that couldn’t be beat. The adventure continued at La Fé Bay, where we swapped snorkels for a short nature walk through mangroves and past towering cacti, spotting Darwin finches, pelicans, and lava herons along the way.
This tour captured everything we love about the Galapagos: adventure, wildlife, and genuine connection with nature. It was hands-down our favorite experience, and we’re not the only ones who feel that way—check out the glowing five-star reviews here to see why travelers call it the highlight of their trip!
Don’t miss out—reserve this Pinzón Island and La Fé Bay tour here!
3. Go cycling and spot giant tortoises
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Time: 8:30 am and 1 pm
- Highlights: Bike through Santa Cruz with a naturalist guide, see giant tortoises and native birds, explore lava tunnels, learn about Galapagos geology, enjoy the peaceful mangrove-lined Laguna de las Ninfas
- Inclusions: Guide, use of bicycle, coffee/tea, snacks, empanadas, fruit juice, private transportation, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Ever wondered what it’s like to pedal through the wild heart of the Galapagos, where giant tortoises roam freely and lava tunnels whisper the island’s volcanic past? This small-group bike tour takes you beyond the typical viewpoints and into the forests, caves, and quiet corners of Santa Cruz that most travelers never see.
The tour kicks off at San Francisco Park in Puerto Ayora, where you’ll meet your guide and small group before a quick ride to Los Guayabillos to begin your downhill cycling journey through the lush transition zone. As you ride, keep your eyes peeled for the island’s famous residents: giant Galapagos tortoises lumbering through the undergrowth and colorful Darwin’s finches fluttering between trees.
At the Galapagos Frontier Reserve, you’ll be welcomed with fresh coffee and fruit juice before setting out on a nature walk led by a naturalist guide. You’ll explore two striking lava tunnels, complete with stalactites, stalagmites, and (if you’re lucky) a resident barn owl. It’s a fascinating look into how these islands were born from fire and sea.
The adventure winds down with a tranquil visit to Laguna de las Ninfas, a serene seawater lagoon surrounded by mangroves. It’s the perfect spot to rest, reflect, and soak in the wild beauty of the Galapagos—all before heading back to Puerto Ayora with stories (and photos) few travelers can match. By the end, you’ll feel like you’ve truly connected with the Galapagos!
Book this bike tour here and see why Santa Cruz is so unforgettable!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
4. Visit San Cristobal Island, the first landing place for Charles Darwin
- Duration: 10 hours
- Time: 6 am
- Highlights: Explore San Cristóbal by land and sea, snorkel with sea lions and turtles, see blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas, visit Punta Carola, Cerro Tijeretas, and La Lobería, enjoy a fresh local lunch
- Inclusions: Guide, wetsuits, round-trip speedboat to San Cristobal, pier fee in Puerto Ayora, lunch at local restaurant, private transport, fuel surcharge, soda, mesh bag for gear storage, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
If you want a Galapagos experience that captures true island life—where sea lions nap on benches and the ocean glows turquoise—this full-day San Cristóbal tour delivers the best of both land and sea. You’ll hike through native forests, snorkel in pristine coves, and enjoy a laid-back lunch in town, all with a guide leading the way.
Our day began at the pier in Puerto Ayora, where sea lions were already lounging across the docks like locals waiting for the ferry. The speedboat ride to San Cristóbal was smooth and scenic, and before long, we were stepping onto an island that instantly felt different. It was wilder, more relaxed, and absolutely full of life.
The first stop was Punta Carola, where we walked through native vegetation to a coral beach lined with newborn sea lions. Watching them tumble and splash in the surf was one of those pure Galapagos moments!
From there, we continued to Cerro Tijeretas, where frigate birds soared overhead and we snorkeled in a sheltered cove surrounded by sea turtles, rays, and playful sea lions. The water was so clear we could see every detail of the volcanic rock below.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we headed to La Lobería, a stunning bay framed by black lava and white sand. It felt like a sea lion kindergarten—dozens of pups chasing each other through the waves while the adults barked from the rocks. It was the perfect ending to a day that balanced relaxation, wildlife, and adventure effortlessly.
Secure this San Cristóbal Island tour for the perfect blend of adventure!
Related Read: Need help planning your trip? Check out our 7-day Galapagos Islands itinerary, which includes most of these top activities!
5. Explore the remote Floreana Island on a day trip
- Duration: 7–9 hours
- Time: 7 am
- Highlights: Cruise the remote waters of Floreana Island on a luxury yacht, spot sea lions, flamingos, and blue-footed boobies, snorkel among turtles and rays, try your hand at fishing for yellowfin tuna, explore the pristine beaches of Cormorant Point
- Inclusions: All fees and taxes, freshly prepared lunch or ceviche (vegetarian/vegan options available), coffee, tea, and soda, use of snorkeling equipment, water taxi before and after the tour, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
Some Galapagos adventures take you off the beaten path, but few go as far as Floreana Island, one of the most secluded places in the archipelago. This small-group luxury yacht tour blends exploration and comfort perfectly, with plenty of room to relax between snorkeling, wildlife watching, and even a bit of fishing along the way.
As the yacht cruises across the open ocean toward Floreana, the horizon stretches endlessly, and the air feels charged with adventure. Near Enderby Islet, you’ll drift past sea lions basking on black rock and spot blue-footed and Nazca boobies, pelicans, and frigate birds circling overhead.
Then it’s time to dive in—snorkeling in clear water filled with sea turtles, rays, tropical fish, and sometimes even sharks. Guests can also try their luck fishing for yellowfin tuna, which is often grilled fresh for lunch right on board.
The adventure continues with a wet landing at Cormorant Point, where you’ll walk along Floreana’s unique Green Beach before reaching a lookout over a flamingo lagoon framed by volcanic cones.
This luxury yacht tour offers a rare chance to see one of the Galapagos’ most remote islands in comfort and style. With a naturalist guide on board and freshly prepared meals served in the galley, it’s the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation. Check out the stellar five-star reviews here to see why travelers call it one of the top-rated tours in the Galapagos!
Book this Floreana Island tour here and see the Galapagos in luxury!
6. Soak up the sun on Santa Cruz Island
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9 am and 2 pm
- Highlights: Snorkel with sea lions at La Lobería, spot blue-footed boobies at Punta Estrada, and see marine iguanas on the volcanic shores of Playa de Los Perros, with stops at the Channel of Love and Shark Channel
- Inclusions: Professional guide, snacks, snorkeling equipment (mask and fins), walking hotel pickup within Puerto Ayora, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.4 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Short on time but still want a taste of Galapagos adventure? This 3-hour tour of Santa Cruz Island packs the best of the area’s wildlife and landscapes into just a few hours—perfect for travelers who want big experiences without a full-day commitment.
The journey begins with a short sail from Puerto Ayora to La Lobería, a small islet known for its lively colony of sea lions. Here, you’ll slip on your snorkel gear and dive into crystal-clear water where curious sea lions might swim right beside you. It’s one of the most playful and memorable wildlife encounters in the Galapagos.
Next, the boat continues to Punta Estrada, a haven for seabirds. Keep your camera ready—it’s common to spot blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and seagulls perched along the rocky coastline. Then it’s off to Playa de los Perros (Beach of the Dogs), where hundreds of marine iguanas sprawl across black volcanic rock, blending almost perfectly into the landscape.
The tour also includes quick stops at the Channel of Love and the Shark Channel, where you might spot blue sharks gliding through the water below.
With snorkeling equipment, snacks, and an experienced guide included, this small-group tour is a fun, easy way to see some of Santa Cruz’s most iconic wildlife in a short amount of time. You’ll step off the boat with salt on your skin, a camera full of photos, and a deeper appreciation for the wild charm that makes the Galapagos so incredible.
Grab your spot on this Santa Cruz Island tour here before it sells out!
7. Hike the Sierra Negra Volcano
Duration: 5–6 hours
- Time: 7:30 am
- Highlights: Hike across Isabela Island’s Sierra Negra Volcano, enjoy panoramic views of the volcanic landscape, explore a smaller secondary crater, and recharge with a packed lunch
- Inclusions: Private transportation, box lunch, Galapagos National Park guide
- Rating: 4.4 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Some hikes are beautiful. Others are unreal! This trail hike to Sierra Negra Volcano easily falls into that second category. It’s not every day you get to walk along the rim of one of the largest volcanic craters on Earth—a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) wide expanse that looks more like a moonscape than a tropical island.
We were picked up right from our hotel in Puerto Villamil and drove about 45 minutes to El Cura, where the hike begins. The path starts gently, winding through lush highlands before opening up to sweeping views of Isabela’s volcanic landscape. As the terrain shifted from green vegetation to black lava fields, it felt like stepping through time—each layer revealing the island’s fiery past.
Our guide, Alfredo, was deeply knowledgeable and super kind, sharing stories about the Galapagos’ geology, wildlife, and conservation efforts in a way that made every step meaningful. His passion for the islands was contagious, and his gentle pace gave everyone time to soak in the views (and snap a few incredible photos).
Midway through, we stopped for a well-earned break and a packed lunch overlooking the crater—a moment that perfectly balanced adventure and peace. The return hike brought new angles and colors as clouds rolled across the volcanic rim, giving the landscape an almost otherworldly beauty.
If you’re ready to experience the raw, untamed side of Isabela Island, this small-group Sierra Negra Volcano hike is an unforgettable way to do it.
Book this hike here and walk the edge of one of the greatest natural wonders!
Where to Stay in the Galapagos Islands
Now that you’ve planned your Galapagos adventures, it’s time to pick a place to stay, and Santa Cruz Island makes the perfect base. From here, you’ll have easy access to tours, day trips, and plenty of great restaurants in Puerto Ayora. To help you decide, we’ve included some of our favorite options in Santa Cruz, from luxury oceanfront stays to mid-range hotels and budget-friendly B&Bs.
Blu Galapagos Sustainable Waterfront Lodge – $$$
Set on the oceanfront in Puerto Ayora, Blu Galapagos is a stylish, comfortable base with bright, modern rooms featuring air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and plasma TVs. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast, dine at the restaurant, or sip cocktails at sunset. All-inclusive packages with guided tours make exploring easy, plus free bikes are available. Plus, the Charles Darwin Research Station is just a short walk away!
It’s one of the top-rated properties in town and a great choice if you want convenience with a touch of luxury. Rooms average around $300 USD per night. Check availability and book your stay here!
Hotel Ninfa – $$
Hotel Ninfa is a welcoming stay in Puerto Ayora with great extras. Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms, minibars, and TVs, with spacious layouts for families and cozy spaces for couples. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, hot tub, and garden, borrow free bikes, or relax in the games room. A hearty buffet breakfast with pancakes, fruit, and local flavors starts each day.
With friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere, this mid-range option is excellent value. Rooms average around $200 USD per night—book your stay today on Booking.com!
La Peregrina Galapagos B&B – $
La Peregrina Galapagos B&B is a charming, budget-friendly stay with simple, comfortable rooms featuring air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and garden views. Free Wi-Fi is available in common areas, and the lush garden adds to the relaxed vibe. Located across from Pelican Bay, you can often spot wildlife nearby, while the friendly staff happily assists with tips and tour arrangements.
With the Charles Darwin Research Station only a short walk away, this B&B makes a fantastic base without stretching the budget. Rooms average around $140 USD per night. Check availability and book here!
Related Read: If you’re looking for more options, see our Where to Stay in the Galapagos blog for our top area and hotel recommendations!
AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code “DTRAVEL15”
What’s an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card. Instead of buying a little plastic chip and swapping it into your phone, you just download it. It connects your phone to a local network in whatever country you’re visiting — no stores, no waiting, and no fiddling with tiny cards.
In simple terms, it’s the easiest way to get data and stay connected while traveling.
We’ve tested a bunch of eSIMs over the years, and after a few frustrating experiences, we’ve found our favorite — Airalo. It’s fast, reliable, and incredibly easy to use. You can set it up in minutes (even my mom managed it solo on her first try!), and the prices are some of the best out there.
💡 Bonus: We’ve got an exclusive 15% discount for our readers. Use the codes:
Thanks for reading!
Visiting the Galapagos is truly a dream destination! We know how overwhelming it can be to plan a bucket-list trip like this, so don’t stress—just follow our recommendations. This list of top things to do will surely show you the best of the Galapagos, from its wildlife to its incredible scenery.
If you need help planning the rest of your trip, see all of our Ecuador blogs here. We’ve traveled all over South America and have plenty of resources to help you plan a memorable trip, no matter where your travels take you! Here are a few related blogs to get you started:
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Quito, Ecuador: The Best 3-Day Itinerary