If you’re planning a trip and searching for things to do on the Galápagos Islands, let me just say—you’re in for a wild, unforgettable ride. I mean that literally: sea lions snooze on benches, iguanas cross your path like they own the place, and you might snorkel with a penguin before lunch. I wandered these islands thinking I was just here to check off a bucket-list destination. What I didn’t expect was to fall head over reef-shoes in love. So if you’re wondering what to pack into your days, here are the best things to do on the Galápagos Islands that blend wildlife, weird landscapes, and “wait, what?!” moments.
Day Trip to Seymour Island
Let’s kick it off with the wildest bird party you’ve ever been to. Seymour Island is practically an open-air theater for blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds doing their chest-puffing mating dances. If you’re into sea lions (and who isn’t?), you’ll see them doing their best “lazy Sunday” impressions on the rocks. The trail here is easy, which is perfect because you’ll be stopping every five seconds to gawk. One word of advice: bring a hat. That equator sun is no joke—I learned this the burnt-nose way.
Snorkel at Carrion Point
I floated in the clear waters of Carrion Point (or Punta Carrión) while a spotted eagle ray glided past like it owned the cove. And yeah, I gasped through my snorkel. This protected spot on Santa Cruz Island is the definition of chill—calm turquoise water, reef sharks cruising below, and not too many people elbowing for space. One local tip? Bring crackers in a ziplock. Not for the fish, for the sea birds. They’ll follow you like flying paparazzi.
Dive at Gordon Rocks
Okay, this one’s for my fellow adrenaline junkies. Gordon Rocks is a wild ride underwater—think strong currents, dramatic rock formations, and schools of hammerhead sharks swimming by like something out of a nature doc. My dive guide casually said, “Oh look, five hammerheads,” while I was still trying to remember how to breathe through my regulator. This is definitely a dive for experienced folks (you need about 30+ dives under your belt), but the payoff? Insane. Things to do on the Galápagos Islands don’t get much more thrilling than this.
Hike to Cerro Mesa
Ever wanted a view that makes you feel like you’re standing on a Jurassic postcard? That’s Cerro Mesa. It’s the highest point on Santa Cruz and gives you this wide-open 360° view of craters, coastline, and that otherworldly Galápagos vibe. I tried biking there (don’t ask), but next time I’m getting a taxi. Take water, take a hat, and for the love of your calves—don’t underestimate the uphill!
Beach Day at Garrapatero Beach
This beach feels like the kind of place you’d discover in a dream. Quiet, white-sand shore, sea turtles poking around, and not a single beach vendor in sight. Garrapatero Beach is about a 40-minute drive from Puerto Ayora, and it’s worth every bump in the road. There’s even a freshwater lagoon out back where flamingos strut around like pink royalty. Pro tip: pack a picnic—you won’t want to leave.
Explore the Lava Tunnels
No joke, I felt like Indiana Jones walking through the lava tunnels near Santa Rosa. These natural tubes were formed by—you guessed it—lava cooling on the outside and staying hot inside. Now they’re these giant hollow caves you can walk through (some even need a headlamp!). I banged my head on a low part because I was too busy being amazed, so yeah—watch your noggin.
Stroll Around Puerto Ayora
Need a breather from all the nature? Puerto Ayora has your back. This is the biggest town on the islands, and it’s got everything: budget hostels, cozy cafés, ceviche spots, dive shops, and friendly street dogs. One night I had grilled fish for $4 while watching the sunset next to sea lions chilling by the pier. It’s also the best spot for people-watching. You’ll find backpackers, biologists, and retirees in matching sun hats all swapping stories over beer.
Swim Through Las Grietas
Now this is a secret you’ll want to wake up early for. Las Grietas—literally “the cracks”—is a narrow canyon filled with crystal-clear brackish water. You can snorkel or float in this dreamy corridor of volcanic rock, and the visibility is unreal. I got there at 7 AM and had it all to myself (well, me and two big gray fish). Water taxi from the pier, short hike, and boom—you’re in paradise.
Walk to Tortuga Bay
Tortuga Bay is the kind of beach that makes you stop and go, “Okay, wow.” Powdery white sand, gentle surf, and giant marine iguanas sunbathing like it’s their full-time job. It’s about a 30-minute walk from town down a paved trail, and honestly, that walk is part of the magic. I even saw a sea turtle laying eggs once—goosebumps. If you’re listing things to do on the Galápagos Islands, this one’s a non-negotiable.
Hang With Tortoises at El Chato
You haven’t done the Galápagos until you’ve had a face-to-face with a 100-year-old tortoise. At El Chato in the highlands, these gentle giants roam freely in the mud and grass, doing their thing. I sat down to tie my shoe and one just lumbered past like I was invisible. It’s peaceful, it’s humbling, and it’s a memory that sticks. Bonus: you can combine this stop with the lava tunnels for an epic day trip.
See the Craters of Los Gemelos
Los Gemelos, or “The Twins,” are two massive sinkholes in the highlands. (Nope, not craters from a volcano—sinkholes from collapsed lava chambers. Science!) There’s a quiet trail around them where I saw a bright red vermilion flycatcher that looked like it flew out of a cartoon. Definitely worth a pitstop on your way to or from El Chato.
Kayak Around Eden Islet
Off the northwest coast of Santa Cruz, Eden Islet looks like a puff of volcanic ash that turned into a sculpture. It’s full of seabirds, including—you guessed it—the famous blue-footed booby. I rented a kayak and paddled around the shallows watching rays dart under me. Just… don’t drop your GoPro like I did.
See Iguanas at Cerro Dragón
Cerro Dragón (aka Dragon Hill) is like a reptile runway. Land iguanas bask on the rocky paths, unbothered by gawking humans. There’s a trail that takes you through cactus forest and ends at a viewpoint over a flamingo-speckled lagoon. This place gave me total “Mars, but with animals” vibes. Bring good walking shoes and sunscreen—the terrain is no joke.
Sunbathe on Bachas Beach
Ever been to a beach named after army barges? Bachas Beach got its name from the wreckage left by American soldiers during WWII. Today, it’s all sea turtles, coral, and baby sharks in the shallows. I saw a Sally Lightfoot crab do a little sideways dance here and instantly forgave the sunburn I got from napping too long.
Cruise Through Black Turtle Cove
Last but not least, Black Turtle Cove is the calmest, most serene spot I visited. You glide through the mangroves on a panga with the engine off, letting the silence do the talking. We spotted turtles, rays, and even mating sharks (yep, it’s a thing). It felt like floating through a secret nature church. No better way to wrap up your Galápagos trip.
So, Final Thoughts?
If you’re still asking yourself what things to do on the Galápagos Islands, don’t overthink it. Just go. Swim, hike, snorkel, get a little sunburned, and let yourself be awed. The Galápagos aren’t about rushing from one landmark to the next—they’re about slowing down, watching the wildlife, and realizing this planet still has a few wild corners left.
Pack your snorkel, ditch the shoes, and go lose yourself in this island dream. Trust me, you’ll come back a different kind of tired—in the best way.
