How to Choose the Right Islands for Your Galapagos Adventure
Not all islands are created equal — here's how to pick the ones that match your goals
One of the first things people discover when planning a trip to the Galapagos is that… there are a lot of islands. Over a dozen visitor-ready ones, each with its own unique landscapes, wildlife, and regulations.
But don’t worry — you don’t need to visit them all. You just need to pick the right ones for you.
Whether you’re coming for sea lions, volcano hikes, rare birds, or remote beaches, here’s how to choose the best Galapagos islands for your trip.
🧠 First: Know What’s Actually Possible
You can’t explore all the islands — most are uninhabited and only accessible with licensed guides
Travel between islands is done by ferry, speedboat, or cruise vessel
Some islands are better for day trips from towns (Santa Cruz, Isabela, San Cristóbal)
Others require longer cruises or liveaboards to access
🗺️ The Galapagos isn’t one-size-fits-all — and that’s where smart planning matters.
🌋 The Big 3 Inhabited Islands
🏝️ Santa Cruz
Central hub for most travelers
Access to Charles Darwin Research Station, tortoise reserves, lava tunnels
Launch point for day trips to North Seymour, Bartolomé, and more
Great for: First-time visitors, flexibility, families
🌊 Isabela
Largest island, but low key and wild
Home to Sierra Negra volcano, flamingo lagoons, Tintoreras snorkeling
Fewer tourists, laid-back vibe, excellent land/marine balance
Great for: Adventurers, photographers, couples, longer stays
🐬 San Cristóbal
Closest island to mainland Ecuador
Great beaches, sea lion colonies, Interpretation Center, Kicker Rock snorkeling
Quieter than Santa Cruz, but more developed than Isabela
Great for: Diving, birdwatching, sea lion encounters
🏝️ Top Uninhabited Islands (Day Trips or Cruises Only)
📍 Bartolomé
Dramatic volcanic scenery, penguins, Pinnacle Rock
Great for hiking + snorkeling combo
One of the most photographed islands
📍 North Seymour
Famous for blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and marine iguanas
Short boat ride from Santa Cruz — great day trip
📍 Española
Home of the waved albatross (April–Dec)
Stunning cliffs, blowholes, and one of the best wildlife hikes
Often included in longer cruises
📍 South Plaza
Bright red succulents, land iguanas, sea lion colonies
Short hike, high biodiversity in a small area
Perfect for nature photography
📍 Genovesa (aka Bird Island)
Remote, only reachable by cruise
Unrivaled birdwatching: red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, owls
Great for: Avid birders, specialty cruises
🧭 How to Choose Your Islands
Ask yourself:
🐢 What animals do I really want to see?
🚤 Am I okay with longer boat rides — or do I prefer home base comfort?
🧘 Do I want flexibility — or to see as much as possible, even if it’s structured?
📸 Am I here to relax, take photos, hike, snorkel, or check off wildlife goals?
Then match your islands to those priorities — or talk to someone who’s done it a hundred times (👋 hey, that’s us).
🌟 You Don’t Have to Figure It All Out Yourself
At Blue Galapagos, we help you choose the right islands based on your priorities — not just what’s popular. Whether you want to dive with hammerheads, hike lava fields, or see waved albatrosses with your kids, we’ll build a route that makes it happen.