The Galapagos Islands

Information on each important Island

Bartolome Island is located in Sullivan Bay off James Island. Bartolome has two visitor sites on the island. The island also includes a spectacular climb to the summit of the island, which reveals first a variety of colorful volcanic formations of Bartholomew and second the immense black lava flows on nearby James Island. VIEW ON MAP - GO BACK

Daphne Island is a large tuft cone that has been eroded by the constant crashing of the waves around its base. The vegetation is sparse, and ground cover is minimal consisting of only a few shrubs. Thousands of blue-footed boobies nest within the islands two small craters. VIEW ON MAP - GO BACK

Española Island is located at the extreme southeast of the archipelago and it has two important points of interest. The first is Punta Suárez. Punta Suárez is a rocky point that sustains one of the most impressive and varied colonies of sea birds in Galapagos. High cliffs rise up from the sea, for spectacular views of soaring birds and a famous blowhole where water spouts from 50 to 75 feet into the air. The second is Gardner Bay, which is located at the eastern coast of Hood Island and provides an excellent beach for swimming and the opportunity to observe the Galapagos sea lions. VIEW ON MAP - GO BACK

Fernandina Island is an active shield volcano and is the youngest of the Galapagos Islands. The immense shield of Fernandina volcano provides an impressive backdrop for Punta Espinosa, a narrow stretch of sand and lava rock extending from the base of the volcano into the sea. Renowned for its large colonies of marine iguanas, it is also home to a number of unique Galapagos species including the flightless cormorant, penguin, sea lion and marine turtle. Fernandina's recently formed harsh slopes can be appreciated by taking a trail inland to the edge of a large AA lava flow (type of lava flow). VIEW ON MAP - GO BACK

Floreana has four important points of interest. The first is Punta Cormorant. Punta Cormorant has one of the best flamingo's lagoons in the Galapagos. A variety of shore birds and numerous and unique species of plant life are also available to view in the area. The second point of interest is Devil's Crown. Devil's Crown consists of the picket fence-like remains of small volcanic cone, which has been eroded away by the sea, creating an interior habitat ideal for several different types of coral and marine life. It is a perfect spot for snorkeling. The third and fourth points of interest are the Post Office Barrel (wooden barrel placed on Floreana in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship in order to communicate by mail) and the spectacular Lava Cave. VIEW ON MAP - GO BACK

Genovesa Island is located at the inner part of Darwin Bay. This area contains an abundance of frigate birds and other interesting seabirds. Behind the small beach filled with nesting areas for frigates, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls are a number of tide pools. At high tide it is likely that the trail will be covered with water. Continuing on the trail past the tide pools, excellent views of the cliff formations along the coast, as well as an idea of the dry interior of the island can be had. VIEW ON MAP - GO BACK

Isabela Urvina Bay, located on the western coast of Albemarle Island at the foot of Alcedo Volcano, was uplifted from the sea in 1954. The site is relatively flat, distinguished by corals and other marine formations, which were lifted out of the sea by the uplift. Flightless cormorants and pelicans nest along the coast during their nesting seasons. A tour along the cliffs of the Caleta Tagus (Tagus Cove) provides sensational views of the exclusive Galapagos penguin, the flightless cormorant, and other sea birds. Elizabeth Bay is an extremely interesting area for observing many different forms of marine life. The Experimental Station is located very near the Villamil port in the south of Albemarle. The Galapagos National Park conducts experiments to learn more about the reproduction process of the subspecies of tortoise (Geochelone elephantopus gunteri). White-tipped sharks can be observed a five minute dinghy ride from Villamil Port in Las Tintoreras.

Volcano Alcedo is one of five shield volcanoes that form Albemarle Island. There is a famous "Geyser" or a hot steam fumarole, on the west side of the caldera that is often surrounded by the giant Galapagos tortoises specific to Alcedo. At least one night should be spent on the rim to fully appreciate the beauty of the area. Volcano Sierra Negra, located at the southern end of Isabela Island, is one of the best and most impressive examples of a volcano in the archipelago. Following the edge of the caldera to the north Volcan Chico is reached. Volcan Chico comprises of a group of small active fumaroles craters. The Sulfur Volcano, an active fumarole, located in the surrounding area, expels large amounts of sulfur that over time has been deposited in the area creating a unique landscape. Volcano Sierra Negra caldera is the second largest in the world after Ngorongoro in Africa. VIEW ON MAP - GO BACK

South Plaza is one of a pair of small uplifted islands that are a short distance from the east coast of Sta. Cruz. South Plaza has a unique Sesuvium and Opuntia landscape, which provides some of the most interesting wildlife observation available in Galapagos. Land iguanas, frequently in the shade of a cactus, are easily seen from the trail. Swallow-tailed gulls, along with various other sea birds are seen soaring between the land and the sky and the protected rocky seashore is prime habitat for a large colony of noisy sea lions. VIEW ON MAP - GO BACK

Rabida, located behind the picturesque dark red beach, harbors a salt-water lagoon where beautiful flamingos are often seen. VIEW ON MAP - GO BACK

San Cristobal is home to the Junco Lagoon. It is located high on San Cristobal, at an altitude of 700 meters. El Junco has a round shape and is 6 meters deep. It has been the object of a study in which the sediments on the bottom of the lake were analyzed to uncover information about the vegetation and climate of the Archipelago thousandsyears ago. Kicker Rock, a giant uplifted rock, shaped liked a sleeping lion is split in two and provides a passage for small vessels to pass through. Isla Lobos is a small island separated from the main island by a narrow stretch of calm waters. The rocky shores provide a nesting ground for the blue-footed boobies (in season) and an area for the sea lions to rest and play. VIEW ON MAP - GO BACK

On the Santa Cruz Island, there is a spectacular trail to the highlands. The trail begins at Bellavista and passes through the agricultural zone. After the agricultural zone, the trail continues on the mountain that is covered with Miconia trees and lowland vegetation, such as shrubs and ferns, near the National Park boundary. Although the weather is unpredictable, during clear weather this area offers beautiful scenes of rolling hills and extinct volcanic cones covered with grass and lush greenery year-round.

The Charles Darwin Research Station and National park provides information about the scientists, professional administrators and Park Wardens that exert an enormous amount of energy and money to maintain the park ecosystems and protect and monitor the endangered species. As a result of their efforts, people will be able to enjoy the Galapagos Islands for many years to come.

Turtle Cove, an impressive Galapagos marine site, consists of a deep maze of a tranquil seawater inlet. Its waters are still, often murky, and are the resting (and sometimes mating) place for marine turtles, rays, and small sharks. Cerro Dragon, a newly opened visitor site, is located in the north of Santa Cruz Island, and provides access to a hypersalinic lagoon, which is saltier than the ocean. VIEW ON MAP - GO BACK

Santa Fe Island is home to the small picturesque bay and anchorage on Barrington's northeast coast. The bay has two trails for visitors to explore the area. One of these trails leads to a scenic viewpoint on top of a cliff, followed by an area where a species of land iguana can often be seen. The second trail is a short walk from the beach to an unusually tall prickly pear cactus forest. VIEW ON MAP - GO BACK

Santiago Island has a narrow, steep-sided point of land, which provides an extraordinarily beautiful landscape complete with cliffs and pinnacles where hundreds of marine birds rest. During, the 17th and 18th centuries, pirates used this site for maintaining their ships, and supplying themselves with fresh water, meat, and firewood. VIEW ON MAP - GO BACK

North Seymour Island is located slightly north of Baltra. North Seymour is a low, flat island, formed as a result of the uplift of a submarine lava structure. It is covered with low, bushy vegetation, which houses the largest colony of the magnificent frigate birds (Fregata magnificens) in the Galapagos. When nesting conditions are right, there is also a large population of blue-footed boobies. VIEW ON MAP - GO BACK

Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat) is a small Islet located on the southeast of Santiago Island. The name Sombrero Chino describes the hat-like shape of the island. VIEW ON MAP - GO BACK