Galápagos: Islands, Volcanoes and Marine Conservation

The Galápagos Archipelago comprises 19 islands and is surrounded by a marine reserve described as a unique “living museum and showcase of evolution.” Land and marine environments shape different experiences, from volcanic landscapes to diving in protected waters.

In 1959, 97 percent of the total land area of the Galápagos Islands was declared a national park. The marine reserve covers 133,000 km² and is considered one of the largest marine reserves in the world. There are currently 176 visitor sites authorized for tourism activities in Galápagos: 91 at sea and 85 on land. As these sites may change, check specific destinations again before your trip.

Volcanoes and landscapes on Isabela

The island of Isabela was formed by the joining of the six shield volcanoes Ecuador, Wolf, Darwin, Alcedo, Sierra Negra, and Cerro Azul. At Sierra Negra Volcano, the caldera measures 10 kilometers from north to south and 9 kilometers from east to west. The two measurements describe its size in different directions.

At Volcán Chico, visitors can walk over relatively young lava flows and see the volcanoes of Isabela and Fernandina. As access conditions may change, check them before planning a specific visit.

Ocean, wildlife, and conservation

The Galápagos Marine Reserve offers diving experiences among corals, sharks, penguins, and marine mammals. Visits to the uninhabited islands also follow a special framework: carefully planned tourist routes limit visitor access.

On Santa Cruz Island, the Charles Darwin Research Station welcomes visitors who can learn about scientific research and conservation work there. You can stroll through the native garden and look for endemic plants such as cacti and Scalesia affinis. A visit to the station thus offers both an insight into conservation work and the chance to discover examples of plants in the garden.

The Ruta de la Tortuga includes the Sala Símbolo de Esperanza. It houses the preserved body of Lonesome George, the last giant tortoise from Pinta. The giant tortoises of Pinta are considered extinct.

Travel styles and island-hopping

In 2024, 78 percent of visitors to Galápagos chose land-based or local tourism, while 22 percent opted for ship tours or onboard tours. In Puerto Ayora, you can arrange day trips, kayaking, excursions to the highlands, hikes, diving trips, mountain biking tours, and horseback rides. The activities listed therefore range from experiences on the water to tours on land.

Passenger boats depart daily from the main dock of each inhabited port, connecting the four main inhabited islands of Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Floreana, and Isabela. Depending on sea conditions, the journeys take about two to three hours. Check schedules and prices before your trip, as both may change.

A trail leads from Puerto Villamil through the lagoons and ends at the Tortoise Center. Check local access conditions before setting out, as these may also change.

Discover more destinations: Puerto Villamil, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Seymour, Bellavista, Los Ríos.

For the broader travel overview: Ecuador.