The TOP 8 Must-Visit Galapagos Islands!
Contents
- TOP 8 Must-See Galapagos Islands and how to see them
- Now, read on and take a look at the spectacular highlights offered by each Galapagos Island!
- TOP 8 MUST-VISIT GALAPAGOS ISLANDS LIST: HIGHLIGHTS
- 1. Bartolome Island
- 2. Española Island
- 3. Fernandina Island
- 4. Genovesa Island
- 5. Isabela Island
- 6. North Seymour Island
- 7. Santiago Island
- 8. South Plaza Island
- Read on! These are the other amazing and unique Galapagos Islands that are also included in the aforementioned itineraries!
- Sombrero Chino Island (Chinese Hat)
- Santa Fe Island
- Floreana Island
- San Cristobal Island
- Rabida Island
- Santa Cruz Island
You can only truly say you have been to the Galapagos Islands if you have visited at least two of the TOP 8 Galapagos Islands that Experts agree showcase the archipelago’s best features. This carefully-curated list of islands from one of UNESCO’s Natural World Heritage Sites is your definite guide to selecting the best itinerary aboard the top Galapagos cruise and yachts. As long as you have a minimum of two in your Galapagos itinerary, you will be able to say you visited the islands.
Feeling some doubts about international travel during the Pandemic? Rest assured that Galapagos is totally safe thanks to all the health and safety measures in place! Find out more by watching this amazing video:
Taken from Cruise Critic’s article ‘So Far from Mass Tourism’: How the Galapagos Islands Could Help Restart Cruises:
“One company has already quietly restarted its operations in the Galapagos. Ecuadorian-based Metropolitan Touring resumed its first post-shutdown operations aboard the 48-passenger La Pinta on August 2, 2020, and has committed to operating every sailing — even if only one passenger is onboard.”
Interested? Read more here.
We present to you the list of TOP 8 Galapagos Islands! (In alphabetical order because there really isn’t one island better than the other):
- Bartolome Island
- Española Island
- Fernandina Island
- Genovesa Island
- Isabela Island
- North Seymour Island
- Santiago Island
- South Plaza Island
First things first: the Galapagos archipelago is pretty big, consisting of 7,880 square kilometers (3,093 square miles) of land spread out over 45,000 square kilometers (17,000 square miles) of the Pacific ocean. Its size is comparable to the state of Mississippi or the country of Greece! In total, the archipelago is made up of 21 islands, 14 islands of which are visitable. The Galapagos Islands and, consequently, Galapagos itineraries, are generally divided by region (Northern, Southern, Western, Eastern, and Southeastern Galapagos, depending on your vessel). Each region and itinerary is arranged into a specific number of days/nights (none which falls under the recommended minimum number of 5 days for properly experiencing the Galapagos). The only two recurring islands you’ll find on each itinerary are the islands of Baltra – where Galapagos’ main airport is located – and Santa Cruz – home to the largest population of inhabitants (known as galapagueños) in the archipelago.
This graphic will help you choose the itinerary in which you will see no less than two of the must-visit TOP 8 Galapagos Islands!
TOP 8 Must-See Galapagos Islands and how to see them

Make sure you visit no less than two of the TOP 8 must-see Galapagos Islands in order to be able to say you were in the archipelago.
Now, read on and take a look at the spectacular highlights offered by each Galapagos Island!
Choose your itinerary and vessel according to your specific interests.

Choose your Galapagos cruise Itinerary according to the islands you want to visit!
TOP 8 MUST-VISIT GALAPAGOS ISLANDS LIST: HIGHLIGHTS
(As consistently rated by our Galapagos Experts, Expedition Leaders, Guests, and Guides.)
1. Bartolome Island

Bartolome Island is one of the youngest islands you can explore in Galapagos.
Size: 1.2 km2 (0.5 mi2)
Altitude: 114 m (374 ft)
Coordinates: -0.284136, -90.549907
Estimated Age: Approximately 2 million years old
British Name: Bartholomew
Visitor Sites: Beach, Hillside Viewpoint
Highlights:
- “Postcard Island” – Incredible views and scenery
- Famous Pinnacle Rock
- 5 out of 15 Galapagos BIG15 wildlife: Galapagos penguin, Galapagos sea lion, Galapagos hawk, marine iguana, frigatebird (great and magnificent)
Heading up the side of the hill that is Bartolome’s large volcanic cone, visitors can take a wooden staircase almost all the way to the top to get sweeping views of the gorgeous, surrounding scenery.
You can visit this island on our: Northern Galapagos itinerary aboard the Santa Cruz II, Northern Galapagos itinerary aboard Yacht La Pinta, Central Galapagos, and South and Central combined itinerary aboard Yacht Isabela II. See it also through Yacht Isabela II’s new Western itinerary available from 2021.
2. Española Island

Española Island
Size: 60 km2 (23 mi2)
Altitude: 206 m (676 ft)
Coordinates: -1.355524, -89.663035
Estimated Age: 4 million years old. Española is the oldest island still in existence.
British Name: Hood
Visitor Sites: Punta Suarez and Gardner Bay
Highlights:
- Overwhelming diversity of wildlife
- Amazing coastline consisting of dramatic cliffs
- Largest nesting colony of blue-footed boobies
- Only island with a colony of Galapagos albatrosses
- Ocean “blowhole” geological formation
- 7 out of 15 Galapagos BIG15 wildlife: Galapagos albatross (Española is the only island where you can see them!), Galapagos sea lion, Nazca booby, blue-footed booby, frigatebird (great and magnificent), Galapagos Hawk, marine iguana
Fun Fact: Española was the first island observed by Charles Darwin during his epic voyage on board the HMS Beagle in 1835, although he never landed on it.
Española Island is exclusive to our Eastern Galapagos itinerary aboard Santa Cruz II Galapagos Cruise, our Eastern Galapagos itinerary aboard Yacht La Pinta, our Central and combined Southern and Central Galapagos itinerary aboard Yacht Isabela II, and our new Western Galapagos itinerary aboard Yacht Isabela II starting 2021.
3. Fernandina Island
Size: 642 km2 (248 mi2)
Altitude: 1,476 metres (4,842 feet)
Coordinates: -0.280570, -91.438135
Estimated Age: Geologists estimate between 80,000 – 800,000 years old. Fernandina is geologically the youngest of all the Galapagos islands.
British Name: Narborough
Visitor Site: Punta Espinosa
Highlights:
- Youngest island (in geological terms)
- Surreal, volcanic landscape
- Occasional volcanic activity
- 7 out of 15 Galapagos BIG15 wildlife: Flightless cormorant, marine iguana, Galapagos penguin, sea lion, blue-footed booby, Galapagos sea lion, Galapagos fur seal, (great and magnificent), and Galapagos land iguanas (seldom seen in lower elevations)
This relatively fresh piece of Earth is a volcanic canvas of recent lava flows that have painted its terrain with abstract strokes and swirls of black, igneous rock. Sprinkled across this surreal landscape are clusters of semi-colorful lava cacti surrounded by what appear to be pieces of rock… with tails and feet.
Step closer, and you’ll find that tens, maybe hundreds, of marine iguanas are present.
Pinning almost the exact center of the island is La Cumbre – a shield volcano made almost entirely out of fluid lava flows. This active behemoth stands at about 1,475 meters (4,842 feet) and dominates all other nearby volcanoes by being the most active volcano in the whole archipelago
Fernandina Island is exclusive to our Western Galapagos itinerary aboard Santa Cruz II Galapagos Cruise, Western Galapagos itinerary aboard Yacht La Pinta, Northern Galapagos itinerary aboard Yacht Isabela II, and our Western and Southeastern itineraries aboard Yacht Isabela II starting 2021.
4. Genovesa Island
Size: 14 km2 (8.5 mi2)
Altitude: 64 m (209 ft)
Coordinates: 0.316142, -89.962869
Estimated Age: 2 million years old
British Name: Tower
Visitor Sites: Darwin Bay, Prince Philip’s Steps
Highlights:
- Relatively young lava flows on the flanks of the volcano
- Reputation as “Bird Island” for the large and varied bird colonies that nest here
- 6 out of 15 Galapagos BIG15 wildlife: Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos fur seals, Nazca boobies, frigatebirds (great), red-footed booby, marine iguana
“A world a million miles away from our own.” Genovesa is one of the few islands in the northern region of the archipelago that can be visited, and not all boats in the Galapagos go here. The boats that do go (such as ours!) offer their guests an outstanding experience when it comes to the vast array of birds present as well as the otherworldly scenery at hand. Genovesa is the only sunken crater in the whole archipelago that ships can sail into and anchor in.
Genovesa Island is exclusive to our Northern Galapagos itinerary for the Santa Cruz II, Northern Galapagos itinerary for the Yacht La Pinta, and the Northern Galapagos itinerary for the Yacht Isabela II.
5. Isabela Island

Isabela Island is the largest island of the archipelago.
Size: 4,588 km2 (2,850 mi2)
Altitude: 1,707 m (5,600 ft)
Percent of island populated: 0.78%
Population: 3,568
Coordinates: -0.944888, -90.966880
Estimated Age: Approximately 1 million years old
British Name: Albemarle
Visitor Sites: Punta Vicente Roca, Urbina Bay, Tagus Cove, Punta Moreno, Elizabeth Bay, Sierra Negra*, Wall of Tears*, Tintoreras*, Puerto Villamil*
*Only available on island-to-island hopping programs
Highlights:
- Largest island in the archipelago
- Occasional volcanic activity
- 11 out of 15 Galapagos BIG15 wildlife: Blue-footed booby, marine iguana, Galapagos fur seal, Galapagos sea lion, Nazca booby, Galapagos penguin, flightless cormorant, land iguana, Galapagos hawk, frigatebirds (great and magnificent), Galapagos giant tortoise
Isabela Island is the biggest island in the whole archipelago and is home to one of the smallest towns in the Galapagos and one of the biggest craters in the whole world. Whether it’s this peculiar pattern of superlatives that adds to its enigmatic charm or the melancholic bit of history that emanates from the Wall of Tears, Isabela Island captivates visitors in ways that go beyond all things tangible. The island itself is the culmination of 6 shield volcanoes that have merged into one another, these are: Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra, and Wolf. Four of these still show signs of sporadic activity (Wolf, Cerro Azul, Alcedo, and Sierra Negra).
You can visit this island on our Western Galapagos itinerary aboard the Santa Cruz II, Western Galapagos itinerary aboard Yacht La Pinta, Northern Galapagos itinerary aboard Yacht Isabela II, and our Western and Southeastern itineraries aboard Yacht Isabela II starting 2021.
Enjoy these Galapagos Itineraries through these wonderful packages!
6. North Seymour Island

Discover more of the Galapagos Islands during land expeditions!
Size: 1.9km2 (0.73 mi2)
Altitude: 28 m (92 ft)
Coordinates: -0.397352, -90.285394
Estimated Age: 1.3 million years old
British Name: North Seymour Island
Visitor Sites: Trail through colonies of frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies
Highlights:
- Large colonies of frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies
- Nesting rituals depending on the time of the year
- 7 out of 15 Galapagos BIG15 wildlife: land iguanas, marine iguanas, frigatebirds (great and magnificent), Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos fur seals, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies
You can visit this island on our Eastern Galapagos itinerary aboard the Santa Cruz II, Western Galapagos itinerary aboard Yacht La Pinta, Central Galapagos, Northern Galapagos itinerary aboard Yacht Isabela II, and Western and Northern Galapagos itineraries aboard Yacht Isabela II starting 2021.
7. Santiago Island

Impressive view of Santiago Island.
Size: 226 km2 (558 mi2)
Altitude: 906 m (2975 ft)
Coordinates: -0.259206, -90.840487
Estimated Age: Approximately 1 million years old, with lava flows that are around 100 years old and still forming on the southern part of the island
British Name: James
Visitor Sites: Puerto Egas, Sullivan Bay, Buccaneer Cove
Highlights:
- Contrasting, volcanic layers of age. Special point of interest for people interested in geology, volcanology or succession. Part of the island is very young (Sullivan Bay), part of it is very old.
- Diverse display of shorebirds
- High chance of seeing the rare Galapagos fur seal
- 6 out of 15 Galapagos BIG15 wildlife: Galapagos sea lion, Galapagos fur seal, marine iguana, blue-footed booby, Nazca booby, frigatebirds (great and magnificent)
Charles Darwin spent most of his (brief) time in the archipelago at Buccaneer Cove.
You can visit this island on our Northern Galapagos itinerary aboard the Santa Cruz II, Northern Galapagos itinerary aboard Yacht La Pinta, Northern and Central Galapagos itinerary aboard Yacht Isabela II. See it also through our Western and Northern itinerary aboard Yacht Isabela II starting 2021.
8. South Plaza Island

Explore around South Plaza Island!
Size: 130 m2 (.08 mi2)
Altitude: 23 m (75 ft)
Coordinates: -0.584264, -90.160794
Estimated Age: 1-2 million years
British Name: N/A
Highlights:
- Much of the island is the result of pillow lava (lava flowing and cooling under the surface of the sea)
- Despite its size, it is home to many species and an extraordinary array of fauna
- Home to one of the largest colonies of Galapagos sea lions in the entire archipelago
- Large colony of land iguanas
- 6 out of 15 Galapagos BIG15 wildlife: Galapagos sea lion, land iguana, marine iguana, frigatebird (great and magnificent), blue-footed booby, Nazca booby
The trail on South Plaza will take you through a majestic array of fauna (that includes a decent number of opuntia cacti) up towards the biggest highlight – the bachelor sea lion colony. South Plaza was formed by an uplift of the seafloor.
You can visit this island on our: Eastern Galapagos itinerary aboard the Santa Cruz II, Eastern Galapagos itinerary aboard Yacht La Pinta, and Central Galapagos itinerary aboard Yacht Isabela II.
Read on! These are the other amazing and unique Galapagos Islands that are also included in the aforementioned itineraries!
The Galapagos Archipelago is composed of 21 islands, of which 14 are visitable. These are the remaining 6 islands you can visit through the itineraries of Galapagos’ top cruise and vessels. Each of these is home to magnificent landscapes, Galapagos wildlife, beaches and bays that will take your breath away!
Sombrero Chino Island (Chinese Hat)

Enjoy the moon-shaped white sand beach in this islet.
Size: 0,208 km² (0,0803 mi2 )
Altitude: 50 m (5.3 ft)
Coordinates: -0.370495, -90.583278
Estimated Age: Approximately 1 million years old
Highlights:
- 400m trail along amazing landscapes
- Beautiful white sandy beach
- Opportunities to snorkel with white-tip reef sharks and tropical fishes, sea lions and penguins
- 4 out of 15 Galapagos BIG15 wildlife: Marine iguana, Galapagos sea lion, Galapagos penguin, Galapagos hawk
You can visit this island on our: Northern Galapagos itinerary aboard Yacht La Pinta.
Santa Fe Island

Spot The Galapagos Islands iconic species!
Size: 24 km2 (9.3 mi2)
Altitude: 260 m (850 ft)
Coordinates: -0.806916, -90.062273
Estimated Age: Approximately 4 million years
British Name: Barrington Island
Highlights:
- Endemic species of land iguana known as the Santa Fe iguana
- Large forest of giant prickly pear cactus in the whole archipelago
- Beautiful bay with turquoise waters
- 7 out of 15 Galapagos BIG15 wildlife: Santa Fe iguana, Galapagos hawk, blue-footed booby, Galapagos sea lion, frigatebird (great and magnificent), marine iguana, Nazca booby
You can visit this island on our: Eastern Galapagos itinerary aboard the Santa Cruz II, Eastern Galapagos itinerary aboard Yacht La Pinta, and Central Galapagos itinerary aboard Yacht Isabela II.
Floreana Island

Enjoy the beautiful view of Floreana Island at sunset.
Size: 174 km2 (67 mi2)
Altitude: 2099 m (640 ft)
Percent of island populated: 1.79%
Population: 310
Coordinates: -1.279436, -90.486362
Estimated Age: Approximately 3.5 million years old
British Name: Charles
Visitor Sites: Punta Cormorant, Post Office Bay, Champion Islet, Baroness Cove, Asilo de la Paz, Pat´s Landing
Highlights:
- Human history of the island
- Endemic flora and fauna (Floreana lava lizard, medium tree finch, Floreana Mockingbird)
- 6 out of 15 Galapagos BIG15 wildlife: American flamingo, Galapagos sea lion, frigatebird (great and magnificent), marine iguana, blue-footed booby, Galapagos penguin
You can visit this island on our: Western Galapagos itinerary aboard the Santa Cruz II, Western Galapagos itinerary aboard Yacht La Pinta, and Southern Galapagos itinerary aboard Yacht Isabela II.
San Cristobal Island

Discover the amazing landscapes of the Galapagos Islands!
Size: 557 km2 (215 sq mi2)
Altitude: 730 metres (2,395 ft)
Percent of island populated: 15.04%
Population: approximately 8,393
Coordinates: 0.83°S 89.43°W
Estimated Age: 2.35 million years
British Name: Chatham Island
Visitor Sites: La Galapaguera, Cerro Brujo, Punta Pitt
Highlights:
- Easternmost island in the archipelago
- Capital of the Galapagos province
- One of the two airports that connect to the mainland
- 7 out of 15 Galapagos BIG15 wildlife: Galapagos sea lion, frigatebird (great and magnificent), marine iguana, red-footed booby, blue-footed booby, Nazca booby, Galapagos giant tortoise
You can visit this island on our: Eastern Galapagos itinerary aboard the Santa Cruz II, Eastern Galapagos itinerary aboard Yacht La Pinta, and Northern Galapagos itinerary aboard Yacht Isabela II.
Rabida Island

Enjoy the unique colors of Rabida Island.
Size: 5 km2 (3 mi2)
Altitude: 364 m (1204 ft)
Coordinates: -0.418461, -90.710215
Estimated Age: Approximately 2.5 million years old
British Name: Jervis
Visitor Sites: Red Beach
Highlights:
- Distinctly colored beach
- Excellent snorkeling site
- 6 out of 15 Galapagos BIG15 wildlife: Marine iguana, Galapagos hawk, blue-footed booby, Galapagos sea lion, Galapagos fur seal, frigatebird (great and magnificent)
You can visit this island on our: Northern Galapagos itinerary aboard the Santa Cruz II, Western Galapagos itinerary aboard Yacht La Pinta, and Northern Galapagos itinerary aboard Yacht Isabela II.
Santa Cruz Island

Spot a giant tortoise while exploring Santa Cruz Island.
Size: 986 km2 (mi2)
Altitude: 864 m (2,835 ft)
Percent of island populated: 11.55%
Population: 11,385
Coordinates: -0.661289, -90.365731
Estimated Age: Approximately 2 million years old
British Name: Indefatigable
Visitor Sites: Charles Darwin Research Station, The Highlands, and the Giant tortoise reserve, Los Gemelos (Pit Craters)*, Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill), Las Bachas, Tortuga Bay*
*Will depend on time/itinerary
Highlights:
- Charles Darwin Research Station
- Giant tortoises in the wild
- Vegetation in the highlands
- 6 out of 15 Galapagos BIG15 wildlife: Galapagos giant tortoise, frigatebird (great and magnificent), land iguana, blue-footed booby, American flamingo, Galapagos sea lion
You can visit this island on our: Eastern Galapagos, Western Galapagos, and Northern Galapagos itineraries aboard Santa Cruz II. Eastern Galapagos, Western Galapagos and Northern Galapagos itineraries aboard Yacht La Pinta. Southern Galapagos, Northern Galapagos and Central Galapagos itineraries aboard Yacht Isabela II.
With parents that worked for the U.S. Foreign Service up until he graduated from high school, Chris was raised to have the heart of a nomad throughout his life. He has resided in Honduras, Guatemala, Colombia, Panama, and Ecuador throughout his years, and just recently spent the past four up in Canada finishing his Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy & English at the University of British Columbia. He is now devoted to writing about all things related to travel in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia.