East
Older, eroded islands with beaches and soft slopes.
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Every island has its own story.
Old eastern islands with albatross, young western volcanoes with penguins. Know the islands and you will know which cruise to choose.
Galapagos islands guide — Reference image only.
01 / AT A GLANCE
The main visitor islands
| Island | Signature wildlife | Usual route | Inhabited? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Española | Waved albatross, Española mockingbird, Colorful marine iguanas | Eastern | No |
| Fernandina | Marine iguanas, Flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins | Western | No |
| Floreana | Flamingos, Sea turtles, Sea lions | Eastern | Yes, a small community |
| Genovesa | Red-footed boobies, Great frigatebirds, Swallow-tailed gulls | Northern | No |
| Isabela | Galapagos penguins, Flightless cormorants, Giant tortoises | Western | Yes, Puerto Villamil |
| San Cristóbal | Sea lions, Blue-footed boobies, Frigatebirds | Eastern | Yes, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno |
| Santa Cruz | Giant tortoises, Land iguanas, Marine iguanas | Central | Yes, Puerto Ayora |
| Santiago | Galapagos fur seals, Marine iguanas, Sea turtles | Northern and western | No |
02 / ISLAND MATCH
Which islands should you prioritize?
Pick your must-see
Landscape you love
Answer the questions to see a suggestion.
Española and the east.
Isabela and Fernandina in the west.
Genovesa in the north.
Santa Cruz in the center.
03 / GEOLOGY
Old east, young west
Center
Santa Cruz and Santiago: highlands and lava.
West
Young, active volcanoes on Isabela and Fernandina.
North
Genovesa and remote seabird islands.
04 / FAQ
Galapagos Islands Guide for Cruisers: questions
How many islands are in Galapagos?
The archipelago has 13 major islands plus many smaller islands and islets; only some have visitor sites.
Which islands are inhabited?
Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Isabela and Floreana (plus Baltra’s airport and military base).
Can I visit all islands on one cruise?
No. Routes cover one or two regions; an 8-day cruise sees the most variety.
Which island is best?
It depends on your wildlife priorities; see the island match above.
Can you plan a route around specific islands?
Yes. Email hola@galapagosislands.cruises with your must-see islands.
ISLANDS
Tell us which islands you dream of.
We find the routes and boats that include them on your dates.
Galapagos is unlike anywhere else on Earth: wildlife that does not run from you, islands still shaped by volcanoes, and a park that limits every visit. Tell us how you like to travel and we will match you with the right boat.