5 Can’t Miss Sites On Your Luxury Tour To The Galapagos Islands

June 27, 2022 | by: Nadia Vizcarra

Nature enthusiasts and globe trotters continue to fall in love every time they visit the exclusive Pacific paradise on a luxury tour to the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos Islands are one of Ecuador’s most unique destinations, a biological anomaly worth intense exploration. Here, Charles Darwin solidified his theory of evolution after studying unusual animal species that adapted to the island’s ecosystem. Travelers come from near and far to experience the mystical wonders of the Galapagos, from giant tortoises to tropical penguins. Plus, the stunning coastline offers a relaxing spot for travelers interested in a secluded, private destination to unwind in! Often described as a “living museum of evolution” the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Galapagos Islands are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the world’s richest marine ecosystems. Whatever brings you to this small, South Pacific territory, be sure to visit these five can’t miss sites for the ultimate luxury tour to the Galapagos Islands.

1. Discover Bartolomé Island’s Curious Natural Wonders And Inhabitants

A small islet formed by magma from the underwater volcano activity, Bartolomé Island has earned a reputation as the most visited, and most photogenic, island in all of the Galapagos. One of the most famous sites to be seen is Pinnacle Rock. This landmark destination is one that leaves every visitor smiling ear to ear, wondering just how nature can carve something in such detail. Emerging from the water like an ancient arrowhead, this fascinating geological structure has become a beloved postcard spot for visitors. After seeing the structure from a panoramic view, descend to Pinnacle Rock beach and enjoy a first hand experience in the bay!

Beautiful golden sands curve with the coastline and invite you to swim, sunbathe, and the most popular activity – snorkeling! Enter the water and become part of the energetic ocean community with reef sharks, manta rays, tropical fish, and more. Among all the sites to snorkel on the Galapagos, many feel that this is among the best! Take advantage of your day trip to Bartolomé and jump into the waters for an unforgettable adventure with the curious sea creatures of this region.

2. Unwind With A Quiet Beach Day In Puerto Villamil

The largest of all the islands in this archipelago is Isla Isabela, a seahorse shaped land mass that once provided shelter for pirates, buccaneers, whalers, and oceanic adventurers. Once, the historic town of Puerto Villamil offered Spanish settlers a place to dock and set up trade routes. Now, the quiet community offers travelers a stunning backdrop for lounging on white sandy beaches. A day here will be peaceful, slow-paced, and provide a nice break from any intense adventuring during your trip.

Although Puerto Villamil is a smaller beach, its offerings are deluxe. At the harbor, guests can choose to snorkel with Galapagos sea lions. While you swim around, see if you can spot the penguins lingering on the rocky outskirts and diving around in the water! After your swim, grab a bite to eat at Casa de Marita for some of the freshest seafood with Ecuadorian and Peruvian inspiration. This seasonal menu rotates to take advantage of the best local flavors, and is the perfect ending to a sunny day exploring these sandy shores.

3. Become A Biologist On Isla Santa Cruz

Amongst all the isles that make up the Galapagos, Isla Santa Cruz is the most popular for travelers for good reason. During the early 20th century, settlers from Europe and the United States began making their way to this small, tropical destination, fascinated by the wildlife and agriculture made possible by the warm climate. Tiny towns such as Puerto Ayora began expanding to accommodate new community members, and eventually the island became a well populated, highly attractive vacation destination.

Creative architecture and bustling sea ports welcome you in Puerto Ayora, with an abundance of activities to keep you busy during your stay. Most intriguing to world travelers has historically been the Charles Darwin Research Station, an ever-changing observation center that feels like a living museum, updated by the scientists exploring and researching deeper into the theory presented by the 19th century scientist himself. Lifeforms on the Galapagos Islands helped Darwin confirm his theory of evolution after his first visit in 1835. Now, the Research Station functions as an ongoing exploration of how life takes new forms to survive.

For guests who want even more exciting environmental activities, visit the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Center, a joint effort between the Charles Darwin Foundation and Galapagos National Park whose mission is to restore and protect the endangered population of the unique giant tortoise. The conservation program built protected facilities, began breeding the animals safely, and preparing them for a life in the wild. Among other protected wildlife you can spot throughout Santa Cruz and touring the smaller islands are blue-footed booby’s, marine iguanas, and albatrosses! Visiting the facility is another fantastic opportunity to educate yourself on the rich biology of this isolated archipelago, and understand how sustainable travel and ecotourism can benefit and preserve the Galapagos for years to come.

4. Hike Your Way Through The Lagoon Of Isla San Cristobal

On the easternmost edge of the Galapagos are several extinct volcanoes, fused together over time to provide a home to the first and oldest settlement in the entire collection of islands. Isla San Cristobal is the first piece of land Darwin ever stepped on when he visited the Galapagos, opening the door to the world of science and inviting curious travelers to explore the unusual ecosystem.

El Junco Lagoon is a central reason for San Cristobal’s early development, and now is a central location for all travelers who wish to visit the island. Freshwater can be hard to come by on a collection of islands, and this lagoon was one of the only sustainable sources for early settlers. For this reason, communities developed with El Junco in mind, which now gives travelers easier access to adventure to the peaceful lagoon shores. Hiking to this lush oasis is a treat for nature lovers, and on an especially lucky day, you may get a gentle breeze to push all the fog off the hilltop, giving you crystal clear views of the lagoon and its surroundings. Circling around the lake also gives you access to unique island views on all sides! The ocean is visible from almost any vantage point here, and you may even be able to spot Cerro Brujo – the mountain jutting out from the edge of a rich coral beach on the opposite side of the island!

5. Uncover the marine magic of the Galapagos Marine Reserve

If staying on dry land doesn’t interest you, there’s a large region for you to explore as you dive into the island waters on your luxury tour to the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos Marine Reserve is one of the world’s largest and most diverse marine protected areas, with incredibly stunning species, big and small, swimming around these Pacific waters every day. Lining up perfectly with the equator means the waters here are a mix of cold and warm currents, allowing for a biologically diverse ecosystem to flourish and sustain strange, beautiful communities of animals.

Travelers interested in getting a closer look at the sea life of the Galapagos can reserve a boat cruise to sail through the waters. In some protected areas, get even more adventurous by jumping into the ocean for some snorkeling and scuba diving, giving you a chance to swim with the fishes and maybe even spot a few bigger neighbors, like manta rays or hammerhead sharks!

Whale watching is another extremely popular activity here, with two dozen species spotted passing through this region on their migratory journeys across the ocean. Baleen whales such as blue whales, humpbacks, and minke whales, all pass through this area, feeding on the rich nutrients and abundance of plankton in the water that gets filtered through the comblike bones in their mouth. Toothed whales and dolphin species, like sperm whales or orcas, swim through the Galapagos for a fish dinner. All of these are visible species throughout the year, but the most popular guests get excited about are the humpbacks that breach and splash around while you watch from aboard your cruise boat.

Whether you want to stay ashore and see what life on the islands is like, or you are interested in taking a dive to see underwater life in action, the Galapagos is a fascinating and thrilling region for nature lovers to discover. Enjoy your very own private luxury tour to the Galapagos Islands for a luxury vacation to South America that feels unique to any other mainland experience. There is so much more to enjoy throughout this archipelago, so speak with a Kuoda Travel Expert and find out what else awaits you in this south pacific paradise!