24 hours in the Galapagos Islands: A day of adventure, conservation, and connection
By Jeremy Long
Nearly 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador and its stunning array of beach towns is a closely guarded gateway to another world where nature thrives and time almost grinds to a halt. The Galapagos Islands are a remote volcanic archipelago comprised of more than 200 major islands, smaller islets, and rocks that harbor and foster wildlife. For most outside visitors, they remain linked to Charles Darwin, who visited the islands in 1835 and developed his critical theory that explains how life and organisms change over time.
Ecuador enforces strict regulations regarding the UNESCO World Heritage designated haven, including tourism opportunities. In addition to declaring that 97% of the area is a protected national park with a 1959 executive decree, the government regulates the number of visitors allowed to the islands every year, plus there are a number of no-touch zones. Licensed guides are also required for all tours.
Despite the restrictions, there are still plenty of opportunities to spend a fruitful day exploring this natural treasure trove.
Immersing in the beauty Santa Cruz Island
Morning with Galapagos Islands' gentle giants
Travelers can begin their day on Santa Cruz Island, where giant tortoises roam freely among the lush, highland vegetation. Guided tours can bring visitors close to these fantastic creatures, allowing an intimate encounter with the island's iconic, gentle giants.
Adventures can then migrate to the famed Tortuga Bay on the southern coast of the island. Here, guests can drift between the dunes and mangroves while spotting iguanas soaking up the midday sun on black lava rocks. The bay offers kayaking on its pristine turquoise waters, where lucky travelers will spot sea turtles gliding gracefully beneath the surface.
If snorkeling or swimming is on the agenda, exploring Las Grietas, a hidden gem on Santa Cruz Island, is a must. Las Grietas is known for its striking landscape formations and crystal-clear waters, making it a perfect location for water fun. Further out on the island's southeast side, El Garrapatero Beach offers a peaceful setting to relax, swim, or spot flamingos and other wildlife in the nearby lagoon.
Midday lunch and coffee break
By midday, most visitors will have worked up an appetite, and the town of Puerto Ayora is ready to serve up fresh seafood options. At Nahm, an Italian-Thai fusion experience, patrons can look forward to an innovative menu that celebrates both cultures.
Located in the Angermeyer Waterfront Inn near Puerto Ayora. Guests would be wise to try locro de papas, a traditional Ecuadorian potato soup combined with cheese, avocado, and onions. Nahm not only offers a chance to sit and recharge, but it also provides fantastic views of Academy Bay, which is one of the island's primary ferry terminals. Finish off a meal with a cup of locally grown Galapagos coffee at either Islander Coffee Roasters or 1835 Restaurant and Coffee (noting the Darwin connection).
End the day under the stars
After indulging in a delicious seaside meal, head to the Charles Darwin Research Station which is the scientific research campus of the Charles Darwin Foundation. The station, which opened in 1964, is the largest and oldest field station in Galapagos and now welcomes visitors and scientists from around the world to view how their vital work safeguards the islands and its fragile ecosystem. Admission to the research station is free for all visitors.
To end the day, travelers should seek out the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel for an incredible meal near the gentle crashing of waves on Playa de Los Alemanes beach. The hotel is situated in one of the least populated neighborhoods around the bay, making it a near-perfect location to view the night sky and observe constellations in both the Southern and Northern Hemispheres.
Galápagos Islands ferry options make island hopping easy
The easiest and most convenient way to travel between the Galapagos Islands is by ferry or boat, but visitors must still plan ahead to avoid issues. These routes can fill up quickly, so buying tickets is strongly recommended.
A quick search on the internet will reveal intra-island flights as well. These offer faster trips and help those with sea sickness tendencies, but they can cost more and relegate most travelers to needing to stick close to island airports such as San Cristobal Airport on San Cristobal Island.
These options make it incredibly easy and convenient to move between San Cristobal, Isabela Island, and Santa Cruz.
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