Galápagos is an archipelago of 19 islands, surrounded by a marine reserve described as a unique “living museum and showcase of evolution.” On land and at sea, different perspectives on nature and conservation come together here: from volcanic craters and lava flows to coral and marine life.

A Protected Archipelago

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 in the world. There are currently 176 authorized tourist visitor sites: 91 in the sea and 85 on land. As these figures can change, it is worth checking the latest overview before planning individual visits. The uninhabited islands are also visited on carefully planned tourist routes that limit visitor numbers.

Volcanoes and Vast Calderas

Beneath the archipelago, the three major tectonic plates—Nazca, Cocos and Pacific—meet. Isabela was formed by the joining of the six shield volcanoes Ecuador, Wolf, Darwin, Alcedo, Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul. At Sierra Negra, the caldera measures 10 km from north to south and 9 km from east to west. These two measurements show its extent along the respective axes.

At Volcán Chico, visitors can walk across relatively young lava flows and see the volcanoes on Isabela and Fernandina. Those who want to experience this landscape will find a striking contrast with experiences at sea: a view of sculpted lava instead of coral and marine life. Local access conditions can change; check them before your visit.

Research, Conservation and Island Trails

On Santa Cruz, the Charles Darwin Research Station welcomes visitors who can learn more about scientific research and conservation work there. In the native garden, look out for endemic plants such as cacti and Scalesia affinis. The Sala Símbolo de Esperanza, located within the Ruta de la Tortuga, contains the preserved body of Solitario George, the last extinct giant tortoise from Pinta.

Another educational trail starts in Puerto Villamil, passes through the lagoons and ends at the Tortoise Center. In Puerto Ayora, visitors can arrange day trips, kayaking, excursions to the highlands, hikes, diving trips, mountain biking and horseback riding. The activities offered by individual operators may vary.

The marine reserve offers another way to experience nature: diving gives you the chance to see coral, sharks, penguins and marine mammals. Galápagos offers a range of discoveries side by side—a walk through a garden of endemic plants, a trail across volcanic terrain or a diving experience among marine life.

Travel Options and Connections

The figures on travel options provide a comparison for a specific period: in 2024, 78 percent of visitors chose land-based or local tourism, while 22 percent chose boat trips or tours aboard a vessel. Passenger boats depart daily from the main dock at each inhabited port and connect the four main inhabited islands of Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Floreana and Isabela. Depending on sea conditions, journeys take about two to three hours. If you are planning connections between the islands, check the schedule and fares before travelling.

Combining island visits with boat trips makes choosing how to travel a useful part of planning: would you prefer to explore mainly on land or take tours aboard a vessel? The 2024 figures show both options, while the boat connections provide a guide to travelling between the main inhabited islands. This allows you to plan your nature experiences, island destinations and time on the water together.

Discover more destinations: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Santa Cruz, Seymour, San Cristobal, Bellavista.

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