50 Photos To Inspire You To Visit the Galapagos Islands

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A visit to the Galapagos Islands is like nowhere else on earth. Not only are they naturally stunning, what makes them so unique is that they have received very little human interference throughout history making these islands some of the least trodden in the world. The Galapagos National Park, which encompasses Santa Cruz Island, has worked really hard over the years when it comes to conserving the wildlife of these incredible islands and you can see it flourish. Only a few of these islands are inhabited meaning that on the others, flora and fauna live without the disturbances of people and our pollution- they really belong to the last ‘untouched’ islands left in the world. To visit the Galapagos Islands is well worth the extra trip from mainland Ecuador.

I was lucky enough to spend five days cruising around the Galapagos on the Nemo III visiting the islands of Seymour, Santa Cruz, Floreana, Española and San Cristobal, observing their natural beauty and their incredible flora and fauna. Only on the Galapagos do the animals not feel threatened by humans allowing you to get so close to them you can see every feather, fin and scale. A trip to the Galapagos is a must, once-in-a-lifetime experience that everyone should do, especially animal lovers. Here are 50+ photos to keep these pristine islands high up on your bucket list and to even make you start planning that dream trip today.

SEYMOUR ISLAND

Just north of Balta Island, where you’ll find the main Galapagos airport is Seymour island, a small, ochre earthy island with a large bird and land iguana population. Here we so many many different species of birds endemic to the Galapagos Islands as well as many land iguanas- some of which were up to a metre long and many sea lions bathing in the afternoon sun.

SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND

While we never explored San Cristobal Island itself, our boat stopped around three different points on this island where we had the opportunity to snorkel and spot many different species such as reef sharks, sea lions in the water, turtles and many different types of fish. Being in the water with these amazing creatures was a highlight of our Galapagos Islands vacation.

ISLA ESPAÑOLA

We stopped at two different points around this island both stunning white sand beaches untouched by human interference. The beaches were litters with nothing more than sunbathing sea lions and turtle tracks. The beaches on Española were pure paradise.

ISLA FLOREANA

This rugged dry island is home to so many species of birds such as albatrosses, blue-footed boobies and many cormorants as well as black, dinosaur-like sea iguanas, more sea lions and flamingoes. This island looks so prehistoric it looks like something straight out of Jurassic Park- pure untouched beauty.

SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

This was the last stop on the itinerary as we left the boat in Puerto Ayora and visited the Charles Darwin Centre to observe the huge Galapagos Giant Tortoise as they ate and crawled around.

Do you have any comments or questions about your visit to the Galapagos Islands? Leave them below, I’d love to hear from you!

Alex Wieteska

Alex Wieteska is a full-time travel writer and photographer. She has visited 50+ countries and lived in 4 long term. She's renowned for her ability to discover the world's most coveted destinations, chicest eateries, and unique accommodations. Her curated travel guides are read by thousands of people daily, whom she inspires to travel the world slowly and live more consciously. She visits every destination she writes about and handpicks all recommendations. Find out more about me