One of the larger islands in the archipelago, it is named after the patron saint of seafarers, St Christopher. San Cristobal is inhabited and has its own airport and hotels. There is an abundance of local wildlife including famous giant Galapagos tortoises. Experiencing the wildlife is the main reason for visiting the Galapagos and no one will be disappointed here. Other activities on the island include hiking, diving, 4WD tours, eco and air tours. The island has the largest fresh water lake in the archipelago, Laguna El Junca which is a short uphill walk from the coast and is home to a large population of birdlife. On the island a large variety of food types is available including seafood, Ecuadorian, other South American, French, Italian, Middle eastern and many others.
Española Island, one of the oldest in the Galápagos, is a haven for wildlife and stunning landscapes. Famous for its vibrant marine iguanas, waved albatross colony, and playful sea lions, the island offers incredible opportunities for up-close encounters with unique species. Visitors can explore Punta Suárez, home to dramatic cliffs and diverse birdlife, or relax at Gardner Bay, known for its pristine white-sand beach and crystal-clear waters. A visit to Española promises an unforgettable experience in one of the most ecologically rich areas of the Galápagos.
Floreana Island, one of the most historically rich islands in the Galápagos, offers a unique blend of wildlife, stunning landscapes, and fascinating human history. Known for its mysterious past and the famous Post Office Bay, where sailors once left letters for passing ships, Floreana is also home to diverse marine life, including sea turtles, reef sharks, and playful sea lions. Visitors can explore Punta Cormorant’s green sand beach, Devil’s Crown for world-class snorkeling, and the highlands for a glimpse of the island’s unique flora and fauna. Floreana promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Galápagos.
From blue-footed boobies to barking seals, North Seymour invites charter guests to see the full flush of wildlife finery that the Galapagos has to offer. Smaller in size than the grandiose Isabela, North Seymour enchants in a different way. Completely unpopulated and home only to scores of Frigate birds, sea lion colonies, land iguanas and seas stuffed full of turtles, reef sharks, and fluorescent fish, North Seymour isn’t short on life or action. The island itself is flat and arid - created by a tectonic uplift that pushed a part of the seabed above the surface. Snorkel in the nutrient rich waters, birdwatch to your heart's content, hike around the circular trail, and fall hard for this unforgettable island.
As the island with the largest population in the group, Santa Cruz is an excellent base from which to explore the other Galapagos islands. This island will probably need more time than some of the others as it is a destination in its own right, particularly if you are a nature lover. There are beaches where you can dive with rays, sharks, colourful fish and sea turtles; see tortoises in the highlands; visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre to see and learn about tortoises; visit the lava Tunnels and marvel at nature; walk around Nymph Lagoon; and take a trip to the iguana colonies on the island. As well as these there is hiking, snorkelling, kayaking and swimming to keep you occupied. It is well worth going to the Fisherman’s Wharf market if only to see the pelicans, frigates and sea lions queuing up for bits of fish and leftovers. As you would expect, the seafood and South American food are the main cuisines on the island but European and some Asian are also available.