Things to do in Galapagos Islands, Galapagos Islands: The Best Bodies of Water

November 22, 2021 Etsuko Causey

Abundant wildlife above and below the waves draws eco-tourists to Ecuador's Galapagos. Get up close on a stroll or in a Zodiac boat. Snorkel and dive with denizens of the deep, from sea lions to sea turtles at Santiago's Cousin's Rock. Hike by finches, flamingos and iguanas along the Darwin Trail. Admire Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela. As visitor numbers are limited within the islands' National Park, book your boat tour through a tour operator. Visit January through April for the best snorkeling.
Restaurants in Galapagos Islands

1. Darwin Bay

Ecuador
Excellent
84%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 62 reviews

Darwin Bay

Teeming with wildlife, this scenic bay is named for Charles Darwin, the famous scientist and naturalist who created the Origin of Species theory.

Reviewed By SFO45

We made a wet landing from our panga off the Santa Cruz II at Darwin Bay, and immediately saw a shark in the shallow water. We took a short hike in the area of the landing (populated by sea lions on the beach), and immediately saw frigate birds with their red chests puffed out, and boobies and chicks. Some people in our group went snorkeling off the beach, but conditions were rough. Earlier, our kids went kayaking around Darwin Bay, and with the rough water everyone got drenched. This trip was in June, which has rough water.

2. Canal del Amor

Ecuador
Excellent
70%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

Canal del Amor

3. Elizabeth Bay

Ecuador
Excellent
67%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 24 reviews

Elizabeth Bay

Reviewed By HarryR140 - Ramat Hasharon, Israel

A lovely zodiac ride through the quiet back channels in this bay. View turtles and rays in the water, and birds on the shore. A lovely, soothing navigation.

4. Gardner Bay

Espanola Island Ecuador
Excellent
69%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 26 reviews

Gardner Bay

The beach at Gardner Bay offers one of the best beaches to experience “relaxing beach time” in Galapagos. Visitors can swim or snorkel along the rocks in the shallow water near the beach. Green Sea Turtles may be found gliding through the water or hauling themselves onto the beach for a rest or for nesting (between January and March).

Reviewed By 1234texas - Dripping Springs, United States

This meets all the qualifications of a great beach: crystal clear water, nice surf, isolated location--no crowds, Sea Lions for show, clean sand--no debris or trash, warm water, great scenery, and quiet. The sand is like powder and it is so white! This is a good stop and it will raise your bar for what a great beach is!

5. Laguna de los Diablos

Puerto Villamil Ecuador
Excellent
50%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 12 reviews

Laguna de los Diablos

6. Laguna las Ninfas

Parque Nacional Galapagos, Puerto Ayora 200350 Ecuador
Excellent
39%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 454 reviews

Laguna las Ninfas

Reviewed By LesGML

We visited Las Ninfas as part of our city tour with our Hotel Torre Mar Galapagos Boutique Suites. We enjoyed it so much we went back by ourselves. It is a nice peaceful walk in town that I really enjoyed.

7. Laguna Salinas

Puerto Villamil Ecuador
Excellent
31%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
28%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 193 reviews

Laguna Salinas

Reviewed By cymopterus - Salt Lake City, United States

The boardwalk starts next to the Iguana Crossing Hotel and continues 1.5 km to the tortoise breeding complex, also well worth a visit. As you enter the boardwalk, you are greeted by many marine iguanas. There are so many at times it is difficult to avoid them. The boardwalk then continues across several lagoons containing flamingos and other interesting water fowl. A wonderful way to spend a morning and its free!

8. Canal de Itabaca

Ecuador
Excellent
16%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
46%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 105 reviews

Canal de Itabaca

Reviewed By Cavydad - Camarillo, United States

Perhaps a bridge is needed! Or perhaps that would change the character of the Galápagos? Just the same, having the luggage chucked atop the ferry is a welcome to the islands. That adds to the mystique, mystery and remoteness of the Galápagos.

9. Poza Redonda

Antonio Gil, Puerto Villamil 200250 Ecuador http://www.carlospi.com/galapagospark/sitiosdevisita/complejo_de_humedales.html
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
100%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.0 based on 4 reviews

Poza Redonda

10. Poza Escondida

Antonio Gil, Puerto Villamil 200250 Ecuador http://www.carlospi.com/galapagospark/sitiosdevisita/complejo_de_humedales.html
Excellent
0%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
67%
Poor
17%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.0 based on 6 reviews

Poza Escondida

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