Located on the northern coast of San Cristobal Island, this eroded hill and its surroundings present one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos. The white powdery sand and the abundance of animals in this area make it especially idyllic. Animals around Witch Hill and its beach include sea turtles, rays, and various types of Booby birds. The clear water provides an excellent opportunity for enjoying swimming and snorkeling.
Whale Bay is the site of one of the oldest whaling camps on Santa Cruz Island. It was to here and the other similar camps that the giant tortoises were brought before being loaded onboard the whalers and pirate ships. The semicircle beach is green in color, due to a high volume of olivine crystals. The curious Galapagos hawk can also found here.
The Wetlands of Isabela Island, located just outside Puerto Villamil, form a tranquil landscape of lagoons, swamps, and mangroves. This peaceful ecosystem is home to various unique bird species, including common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintails, and gallinules. The area can be explored on foot along a winding trail that passes through these lush wetlands, offering quiet moments of observation and connection with nature.
Located on the northwestern coast of the island and comprised of two separate coves, this site is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating mola-mola (sunfish) may be spotted here. This bay is great for diving and snorkeling.
Urbina Bay is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast of Isabela Island, between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. This area experienced a major uplift in 1954, causing the land to rise over 16 feet. The coast expanded half a mile out, leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. This area is also a great place for snorkeling.
Los Gemelos, or the Twin Craters, are located opposite each other on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. The name is only figurative; not real craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. The view is breathtaking.
The white-sand beach of Tortuga Bay gets its name from the black sea turtles that lay their eggs here. Other species to be seen include white-tip sharks and marine iguanas and the salt lagoon behind the mangroves is often frequented by flamingos. The site is excellent for bird watching and for enjoying a relaxing swim.
This hill provides visitors with an impressive view of the bay from one side and the town from the other. The area is also great for observing both the magnificent and great frigatebirds and a diverse array of flora. The site also offers safe snorkeling and swimming.
Off the northwest coast of Santiago Island, fur seals and sea lions join you in the dive.
Tagus Cove is located on Isabela Island across from Fernandina Island, next to the Bolivar Channel that divides the two islands. This spot has been frequented by ships since the 1800s that used the area as anchorage. Trails lead from the cove past Lake Darwin up to a ridge displaying wonderful views. Another area of interest is Punta Tortuga. Located north of Tagus Cove, also across from Fernandina Island, this beach is surrounded by mangroves.