Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the official capital of the Galapagos, has a relaxed, unpretentious feel, and its beaches and viewpoints are within easy walking distance of town, so it suits travellers who want to explore independently as well as with a guide.
On the island's northeast tip, a wet-landing beach and the only place in the Galapagos where all three booby species, blue-footed, Nazca and red-footed, nest together, alongside frigatebirds and sea lions.
An easy walk from town to see both magnificent and great frigatebirds nesting, and a small monument marking Darwin's visit to the island.
A white sand beach for swimming, snorkelling or kayaking, home to sea lions, boobies and pelicans, with views across to Kicker Rock.
A small offshore island and one of the best places in the archipelago to swim with sea lions, plus blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, pelicans and finches.
A dramatic split volcanic pinnacle seen by small boat rather than landed on, good for spotting boobies, frigatebirds and red-billed tropicbirds.
The only freshwater lake in the whole archipelago, a short trip from the capital, drawing land and shore birds including seven species of Darwin's finches.
We choose the right hotel for you from a small, well-run selection close to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
San Cristobal is good year-round, with the warmer months from December to May offering the calmest water for snorkelling at Kicker Rock.
See our full when to go guide →
Three islands, comfy hotels, and a different adventure every day.
A working Andean hacienda, then five nights afloat aboard Eco Galaxy.
A highland camp then a short cruise, six islands in six days.
One specialist, start to finish, building a trip just for you.
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