Located between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour, this reef of rocks and coral (the result of an uprising) is only 160 meters across at its narrowest width. This island has one of the largest populations of sea lions and is home to many shorebirds. There have been occasional reports at this site of Orcas feeding on sea lions.
The most populated area of Isabela Island, Puerto Villamil is located on the southern coast of the island. The 2,200 locals depend on tourism and fishing and welcome visitors. Visitors and locals alike enjoy the relaxing beach paradise: extensive white-sand beaches, the turquoise-blue water, the sandy streets lined with palm trees provide a serene atmosphere.
Located (15.2 miles / 24.5 km) away from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and a few miles from the Breeding Center Cerro Colorado, this walk takes approximately 30 to the beach.
This relaxed town overlooking a harbour is the capital of the Galápagos Islands. You can visit the Natural History Museum as well as the Cathedral with its painted murals depicting Galapagos themes. The Natural History Museum is full of birds, iguanas, sea lions and dolphins as well as whalebones, tortoise shells, corals and crabs. The only living species in the museum is a tortoise called Pepe, who lives in an enclosure behind the main building.
Puerto Ayora is the economic centre of Galapagos with many restaurants, souvenir shops, discotheques, bars, internet coffee shops and other stores. The bay is a good location to spot brown pelicans, golden rays, marine iguanas, herons, lava gulls, frigate birds, Galapagos sea lions, and large numbers of blue-footed boobies.
In the 18th century, whalers passing through the islands placed a wooden barrel on Floreana Island for use as an unofficial mail box. The tradition continues today as visitors leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver at home.
Pitt Point (Punta Pitt) is situated on the north-eastern tip of the island of San Cristobal. Arrival to this site is typically by a wet landing. A steep trail takes up a cliff and through a ravine leads visitors to an area with an abundance of birds. Here, frigatebirds, storm petrels, and the Nazca, Blue-footed and Red-footed Boobies can be spotted. This site is also great for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Osborn Islet is near Española and is a great place to observe sea lions, parrot fish, butterfly fish, coral and possilbe red-lipped bat fish.
Ochoa Beach is located north of San Cristobal Island, approximately 30 minutes by boat from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The visiting area is restricted to the beach; it has an area of 160 meters. In the area there is a considerable colony of Galapagos Sea Lions. One of the outstanding floras in this site is Piscidia or matazarno (Piscidia carthagenensis), this species is highly valued for its toughness and long life. Ghosts and hermit crabs are common species in this site visit.
Galapagos Sea Lions, Blue-footed Boobies and Magnificent Frigatebirds are abundant on North Seymour Island. The island was formed by a series of submarine lavas containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. The island is characterized by its arid vegetation zone.