Galapagos Islands Guide

The Galapagos Archipelago includes 13 major islands, 6 smaller islands, and more than 100 islets and rocky formations spread across the Pacific Ocean.

The four permanently inhabited islands are Santa Cruz, Isabela, San Cristóbal, and Floreana. These islands provide visitor services, local communities, hotels, and access to guided excursions.

Isabela is the largest island in the Galapagos. It is known for its volcanic landscapes, wetlands, beaches, marine life, and the impressive Sierra Negra Volcano.

Fernandina is considered the youngest island in the archipelago and remains one of the most volcanically active and pristine islands in Galapagos.

No. Many islands are protected and can only be visited through authorized routes, guided excursions, or cruise itineraries. Some remote islands are restricted for conservation reasons.

Wildlife varies by habitat and season. Santa Cruz, Isabela, Española, Genovesa, Fernandina, and North Seymour are especially known for iconic wildlife encounters.

Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, Bartolome, and Marchena are strongly associated with volcanic scenery, lava fields, cones, calderas, and rugged coastal formations.

Most of the land area belongs to Galapagos National Park, and the surrounding waters form part of the Galapagos Marine Reserve, making protection and controlled visitation essential.

Darwin and Wolf are among the most remote islands, located far to the north of the main archipelago and known for extraordinary marine biodiversity.

Their volcanic origin, isolation, endemic wildlife, protected ecosystems, and importance to evolutionary science make the Galapagos one of the world’s most distinctive natural destinations.