Top 10 Things to do in the Galápagos Islands

Visiting the ancient islands of Galápagos will most likely be a once-in-a-lifetime experience - a dream come true. Of course, you will want to make the most of this unforgettable trip, so we compiled a bucket list of our favorite things to do and see in the Galápagos Islands. Here are our Top 10 things you cannot miss when traveling to Galápagos.

1. Visit Darwin's Arch

Marking the southeast of Darwin Island, this incredible natural rock formation rises majestically from the Pacific Ocean. Darwin's Arch not only pays tribute to the studies compiled in and around this location, but it is also one of the most spectacular (if not THE most spectacular) diving spots in the world. The ocean around this impressive landmark is home to a variety of sharks, rays, and turtles and provides the unique opportunity to get up close with the creatures of the sea. 

(Read more about the animals Darwin studied in the Galápagos Islands here.)

2. Explore the ocean diving & snorkeling

Whatever you do, get into the water. The diving spots of Galápagos are considered to be among the most beautiful in the world. Once you have experienced sea life around Darwin's Arch, why not hop into the water a few more times at Isabela's Cape Marshall, Cowley Islet, or Roca Blanca. Choices are plentiful, and you will certainly not be disappointed no matter which location you choose. And why limit yourself to one if you can just explore them all, right? If scuba diving doesn't seem like your cup of tea, you can easily explore the biodiversity of Galápagos with a mask and snorkel and immerse yourself in the calming cool of the ocean in this way.

3. Go bird watching

Once you've gotten personal with the animals of the sea, it's time for your next wildlife encounter - this time around it's the feathered kind. An exceptional plethora of bird species can call the Galápagos Islands their home. Due to its distance to the mainland, Galápagos' flora and fauna had to adapt to their natural surroundings in a way that makes it absolutely unique to the islands. You won't find birds like the Blue-Footed Booby, Galápagos Frigatebirds, or Darwin's Finches anywhere else, plus, due to the fact that they don't have any natural predators, they will let you get extremely close.

4. Meet the only seafaring lizard in the world

If you've been wondering exactly how to tame a dragon, you're about to find out in Galápagos. The answer is, you can't. Galápagos' Marine and Land Iguana seem to have been around since the dawn of time, dragon-like reptiles that blend in with their volcanic surroundings so perfectly, you wouldn't be surprised to see them breathe fire. Together with the Galápagos Giant Tortoise and Green Turtle, they make up a team of otherworldly reptiles that are sure to make you feel like you just stepped into a fantasy novel. Who wouldn't want to walk among these remarkable animals?

5. Look inside a volcano

The trail at the south end of James Bay will lead you inland, straight towards the rim of a salt mine crater, known as the 'Salt Mine Volcano'. It's filled with salty water that dries up depending on the season, leaving rich and fertile soil alternating with a beautiful saltwater lagoon that is the natural habitat of a variety of bird species. The fierce Galápagos Hawk can often be seen circling this untouched spot of nature. On a hike around the crater, you will also be able to observe the elegant pink bird of the island, the Greater Flamingo.

6. Follow the footsteps of pirates

Around 400 years ago, Santiago Island was frequently visited by pirates to stock up on freshwater, firewood and meat. You will be able to visit a real pirate hiding spot called Buccaneer Cove on this Island. This spot in particular presented the ideal opportunity for them to catch Giant Tortoises and maintain their ships. Nowadays, Buccaneer Cove offers itself as a prime promenade for a stroll along the beach that you will most likely share with a bunch of birds nesting above the cove and sea lions resting on the surrounding rocks.

7. Catch the perfect wave

Although the Galápagos Islands are located in an area covered by a marine reserve with very strict regulations regarding visitors, you will also be able to get your surfboard out on Tortuga Bay Beach on the island of Santa Cruz. However, we only advise experienced surfers to try and catch that perfect wave here, as the waters around this area are notorious for strong undercurrents. If you don't fancy testing your luck, there is always the option to watch expert surfers at this spot, or, if you do want to go for a swim, you can head over to the second part of Tortuga Bay Beach, a small bay that is nestled into the island and sheltered from the swell.

8. Walk among the wolves

Obviously, there aren't any actual wolves in the Galápagos Islands. However, an island with the same name can very well be found and visited here. Named after German geologist Theodor Wolf, Wolf Island, also known as Wenman, is one of the two most remote islands of the archipelago. Due to this, humans first set foot on Wolf only in 1964 with the help of a helicopter. Much more frequent visitors include dolphins, whales, sharks, and, the island's most famous resident, the Vampire Finch. Like many of the inhabitants of the islands, the Vampire Finch was able to adapt perfectly to its surroundings. As a result, the blood-sucking bird can be found nowhere else except on Wolf. Vampires and wolves sound crazy to you? Not in Galápagos.

9. Find a horseshoe for good luck

Genovesa Island is the dramatic-looking result of a volcanic eruption that left this particular island shaped like a lucky horseshoe. Genovesa boasts a rich bird and wildlife and has thus rightfully earned its nickname 'The Bird Island'. The spectacular bay that was formed from the eruption is surrounded by harsh cliffs which, although not looking very comfortable, provide the ideal location for a variety of birds to nest. While you won't need much of it to catch a glimpse of these island inhabitants, you are more than welcome to take a large portion of the horseshoe-good-luck home with you as a souvenir.

10. Have the adventure of a lifetime

With all that the Galápagos Islands have to offer, all its wildlife, birds, landscapes, and the ocean around the archipelago to explore, you will have a hard time deciding what to do first. Rest assured that no matter where you end up in Galápagos, there will be jaw-dropping things to see and discover that you won't be able to see anywhere else in the world. This leaves us at the end of our Top 10 favorite things to do in the Galápagos Islands (but nowhere near the end of the endless list of things to discover here). There is only one thing left to do now, and that is to have the adventure of a lifetime.