Galápagos (Puerto Ayora)

24 hand-picked places in 9 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

7 places on the map

Top 10

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Use water taxis: Small water taxis cross Academy Bay to Las Grietas and Angermeyer Point for a small fare; they run all day.
Book inter-island ferries ahead: Speedboats connect Santa Cruz to Isabela and San Cristobal; trips can be rough, so book early and sit near the back.
Take a taxi to the highlands: White pickup taxis are the easiest way to reach the highlands, lava tunnels and tortoise reserves.

Respect wildlife distance: Keep at least two meters from animals; never touch sea lions or tortoises, and follow guide instructions.
Choose licensed operators: Book tours and dives with certified agencies to ensure safety, insurance and protected-area compliance.
Mind strong sun and currents: The equatorial sun burns fast and some snorkel spots have currents; use reef-safe sunscreen and snorkel with a buddy.

Book day tours locally: Last-minute day trips and even cruises can be cheaper when booked in Puerto Ayora rather than online.
Enjoy free sites: Tortuga Bay, the Charles Darwin Research Station and Las Grietas offer amazing experiences at little or no cost.
Eat on Charles Binford street: The street fills with kiosks at night serving fresh seafood at prices far below the waterfront restaurants.

Know the two seasons: December to May is warm with sunny skies and calmer seas; June to November is cooler, misty and the water is colder.
Pack sun protection: Bring a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen and a long-sleeve rash guard for snorkeling.
Bring a wetsuit in the dry season: Water temperatures drop in the garua season, so a shorty wetsuit makes snorkeling much more comfortable.

Follow park rules: The Galapagos is a national park; stay on trails, do not take shells or sand, and avoid bringing food to protected sites.
Learn conservation history: The Charles Darwin Research Station explains tortoise breeding programs and why strict rules protect the islands.
Try encebollado: This Ecuadorian fish and onion soup is a local favorite, often eaten for breakfast or lunch.

Go to Tortuga Bay early: Walk the paved trail early morning to see marine iguanas and enjoy the beach before day-trippers arrive.
Visit the fish market at dusk: Sea lions and pelicans crowd the fish market as fishermen clean their catch, a free wildlife show.
Bring cash: ATMs can run out and some small businesses prefer cash; Ecuador uses the US dollar.

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

Day 1 of 1

🕘 9:30–17:15📍 8 stops