The Complete Guide to Land-Based Tours, Diving, and Cruises

The Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stand as one of the most extraordinary destinations on the planet. This remote archipelago, scattered across the Pacific Ocean, is renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and rich history of scientific discovery. Whether you’re an avid wildlife enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply looking to immerse yourself in nature, the Galapagos offers an experience unlike any other.

For many travelers, exploring the Galapagos has traditionally been synonymous with taking a cruise. While cruises are a fantastic way to see the islands, they’re not the only option. Land-based tourism has evolved significantly over the years, offering a diverse range of tours that allow visitors to experience the islands’ beauty and wildlife from a different perspective. Whether you prefer hiking through volcanic landscapes, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, or relaxing on pristine beaches, land-based tours provide flexibility and opportunities for deeper cultural immersion.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a journey through all the visitor sites in the Galapagos Islands, covering everything from the bustling hubs of the main inhabited islands to the secluded, wildlife-rich corners of the smaller islands. We’ll explore each site’s unique offerings, whether you’re arriving by cruise ship, planning a day trip, or diving into the rich marine life. This guide aims to be the most extensive resource available, ensuring you have all the information needed to plan your perfect Galapagos adventure.

Whether you’re just beginning to plan your trip or are looking for in-depth details on specific sites, this guide will be your ultimate companion to exploring the Galapagos Islands. So, let’s dive in and discover the natural wonders that await you in this magical corner of the world.

How to use this Guide?

This guide has been crafted to help you navigate the Galapagos Islands with ease and find exactly the experiences you’re looking for, whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a passionate diver, or simply a curious traveler. The Galapagos offers four main ways to explore its wonders: land-based tours (see blue destinations), which are often day trips, traditional cruise ships that take you from island to island (see orange destinations), liveaboard dive cruises for those seeking multi-day diving excursions (see red destinations), and land-based dive tours (see dark blue destinations), where diving trips launch from shore. Some destinations can be visited in multiple ways (check description).

The guide begins with Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, and Isabela—the three largest and most popular islands with a wealth of visitor sites and activities. These islands provide access to a wide range of both land and marine experiences and serve as the primary hubs for land-based visitors. From here, you’ll find information on the smaller islands, each listed in order of relevance (Santiago, Española, Floreana, Fernandina, Santa Fé, Genovesa, North Seymour, South Plaza, Pinzón, Rabida, Mosquera, Daphne, Pinta & Marchena. While each of these islands has something unique to offer, this organization allows you to browse options that fit seamlessly into your itinerary.

At the end of the guide, you’ll find details on Darwin and Wolf, two islands that are exclusively reachable by liveaboard dive boats. These sites, famous for their abundant marine life, are a highlight for advanced divers and a unique opportunity to experience the islands’ underwater ecosystems.

To help you explore efficiently, we’ve included a detailed, interactive map directly below this section. All visitor sites are marked and clickable, so you can quickly navigate to specific locations that spark your interest. Use the map to visualize each site’s location within the archipelago, get an overview of each destination, and make informed choices about which places best match your interests and travel plans. Please note that not all Galapagos visitor sites receive frequent visitors. Some destinations simply did not make it into cruise ship and livaboard itineraries for a multitude of reasons. Additionally, some places are certified by the National Park for multiple activities, but it does not imply that all of them are necessarily available.