The Galápagos Islands Guide

Welcome to your guide to the Galápagos Islands.

Perhaps you've never heard of them before, or maybe you've just booked one of our trips! No matter who you are, this guide is for you. Including the history, geography, practical info and even our top reads, we've got you covered.

The Galápagos Islands are found in the Pacific Ocean, sitting directly on the equatorial line to the west of Ecuador. Due to the isolated location, this South American archipelago has a completely unique ecosystem and is home to many endemic species, meaning they are not found anywhere else in the world.

Read more about how to get there

Early explorers named the islands after the Spanish word 'galapago' which means 'tortoise', reflecting the islands' most famous inhabitants; the giant tortoises. 

The archipelago is made up of 18 islands but only four of them are inhabited and each offers their own atmosphere, nature and wildlife:

• Santa Cruz is the main tourism hub as it is easily accessible from the airport on Baltra island. With a mix of cities, beaches and even a tortoise reserve up in the mountains, this is a great starting point for a Galápagos Islands trip.
• San Cristobal is made up of four fused volcanoes and boasts white sand beaches where playful sea lions hang out. It is also a great island for watching birds such as the woodpecker and the mockingbird. The island also protects the last of a critically endangered plant called the Calandrinia Galapagosa.
• Isabela, the seahorse-shaped island, is home to more wild tortoises than all the other islands combined, with a separate species on each volcano. The nutrient-rich waters also make it the best place to see whales in the Galápagos with 16 species being spotted.
• Floreana is flamingo paradise, where the slender birds wade through the lagoon and catch shrimp to eat. Green sea turtles nest on the beaches and several species of rays can be spotted in shallow waters. 

The Galápagos Islands has 14 other islands many of which can be visited with a tour by boat. However, some of the islands are strictly off limits for conservation purposes.

The Origin of Species  – Charles Darwin

One of the most influential books of its time, The Origin of Species explores Charles Darwin’s concept of evolution by natural selection and how the Galápagos Islands inspired his remarkable theory.

My Family and the Galápagos – Monty Halls

My family and the Galápagos follows Monty Halls, explorer and marine biologist, and his family when they decide to move to Santa Cruz island in 2017. From the instant enchantment of the islands to adapting to the way of life on the Galapagos, this book is a fun, warm and an inspiring read.

The Galapagos: A Natural History – Henry Nicholls

This vivid book by Conservation Ambassador Henry Nicholls tells the story of the Galápagos Islands' natural history evolution. From its volcanic origins through to the first human contact, this is a great read for any Galápagos traveler.

Galapagos: Ocean, Earth, Wind and Fire – Jonathan Green

If you prefer photography, this coffee table book offers an expansive collection taken by Jonathan Green over a 14 year period. With introductory chapters on the archipelago, this book is both educational and stunning.