Galapagos islands are one of the finest travel destinations for all nature lover, and attract tourist from all across the world to explore this wonderland full of bucket-list destination for good reason. Lack of natural predators, friendly animal species such as playful sea lions and gigantic sea tortoises let you get up close and become personal. In the year 1835 Galapagos islands provided Charles Darwin the proofs, he needed for his ground breaking Theory of Natural Selection. Now this could be your turn to discover something more interesting in your by booking Galapagos family vacation with your friend and families.
The Galápagos Islands is an archipelago of about 19 volcanic islands with many smaller islets sprinkled 620 miles off Ecuador's coast. The islands are known for their beauty and a large number of endemic species. This archipelago is a double World Heritage site (both land and sea are protected). Each island has its unique landscape. You will witness islands ranging from barren black volcanic rocks to strips of white sand beaches melting into clear blue waters. Some of the species of animals are found only at this place, and you have no choice but to reach here to meet them.
Galapagos family vacation: Reaching Galapagos
To reach Galapagos Islands, you will need to catch a flight to Quito or Guayaquil in mainland Ecuador. Travelers mostly prefer Guayaquil airport due to its closeness to the city (quick 20-25 minutes transfer to hotels). From Ecuador, flights are available to Galapagos. It is always advisable to reach Ecuador 2 nights before your scheduled flight to Galapagos, as flights to Galapagos mostly take off in the morning hours. Landing Ecuador early will help you avoid any trouble in case of cancellation or delay of your flight. Besides, you will also have time to enjoy Quito or Guayaquil.
You also need to check the itinerary provided by your tour operator, which may dictate which airports you will need to fly in and out of. Moreover, some cruises and tours may arrive at one Galapagos airport and depart from another, so checking your itinerary carefully will avoid any last-minute surprises.
Galapagos family vacation: Places to visit in Galapagos
Galapagos has much more to offer than you can imagine during your visit to this magical land. Ensure that you don't miss following locations during your Galapagos Islands vacation.
1. Tortuga Bay (Santa Cruz Island)
Enjoy some quality face time with marine turtles in this isolated strip of Santa Cruz. Between January and February, you may have the opportunity to catch sight of the black turtles laying their eggs. You can also get up close with marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot crabs during your visit to this magical place.
2. Rancho Primicias (Santa Cruz Island)
Rancho Primicias is the best place to meet Galápagos Islands' most well-known creature, the giant tortoise. This privately-owned animal sanctuary located roughly 13 miles away from Puerto Ayora is filled with giant tortoises. The site also features empty tortoise shells to climb into and tunnels made of cooled, hardened lava to walk through, plus facilities like a restaurant and restrooms.
3. La Lobería (San Cristóbal Island)
Located near Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristóbal Island, this full of sea lions beach offers you opportunities for meeting the island's lively local residents. If you are fond of water sports then you have ample places here to surf, swim and snorkel. All you need while indulging in water sports is to stay a safe distance away from the sea lions; alpha males are known for being territorial and can be aggressive toward humans if they feel threatened.
Sea Lions
4. Galápagos Islands Snorkeling & Diving:
The Galápagos Islands has many good sites for lovers of diving. Dive sites for experienced divers include Wolf Island's Shark Point and Santa Cruz Island's Gordon Rocks. Novice snorkelers and divers may consider visiting Las Grietas, Los Tuneles, or Frigatebird Hill. The waters at these locales are generally calmer, and you will be able to spot animals like sea lions, penguins, and sea turtles.
5. El Chato Tortoise Reserve (Santa Cruz Island)
El Chato Tortoise Reserve is a great place to meet giant tortoises. This reserve is one of the few places where you can spot tortoises in their natural habitat. You may even hear the chirp of a Darwin finch or the hoot of a short-ear owl overhead at this location.
6. Bird-watching:
The Galápagos Islands are considered one of the world's best spots for bird-watching. This region is home to some 45 types of birds that you will not find anywhere else. Needless to mention about other unique species you can find here like waved albatrosses and blue- and red-footed boobies.
7. Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island)
Puerto Ayora is the best option to stay near sights like Tortuga Bay and El Chato Tortoise Reserve. Santa Cruz Fish Market and the Charles Darwin Research Station, are within this town's limit, and you should explore both of them. Consider going to Las Grietas, a geological formation with several natural pools if you are looking for a great place to swim or snorkel.
8. Puerto Villamil (Isabela Island)
The quiet town of Puerto Villamil is located on Isabela Island, the largest island of Galápagos. This port town is famous for its white-sand beaches, lagoons with pink flamingos, and many good restaurants and hotels. It is also a preferred place to stay if you want to hike Sierra Negra Volcano, bike to the Wall of Tears, or snorkel in Las Tintoreras', Los Tuneles', or Concha de Perla's waters.
9. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal Island):
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the capital of this province and offers easy access to sites like Frigatebird Hill (where you enjoy hikes and bird-watch) and Kicker Rock (460 feet tall rock formation). Here you will find a plethora of eateries, shops, and hotels within city limits. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno's Kicker Rock is a "must-see" for everyone to snap photos of and snorkel around.
10. Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
The center is involved in continual conservation research and practices to preserve the diversity of the Galápagos Islands. It is a must-see location for all budding scientists. You can catch sight of giant tortoises during your visit to this place, and can learn about the mission and conservation efforts of this research station by watching videos available in this center.
Team AryanPages wishes all our readers an early visit to Galapagos! Don't forget to share with us your experience.
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