Wet landing
Step from the panga into shallow water on a beach. Water shoes help.
GALAPAGOS GUIDES · VISITOR SITES
Where you may land, and how.
The park designates every place visitors may land or snorkel. Knowing the rules helps you pick a route.
Galapagos visitor sites — Reference image only.
01 / LANDINGS
Wet and dry landings
Dry landing
Step onto rocks or a dock. Can be slippery.
Panga ride
No landing: explore the coast from the dinghy.
Snorkel site
Deep-water or beach entry with your guide.
02 / FAMOUS SITES
Well-known visitor sites by island
| Site | Island | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Punta Suárez | Española | Waved albatross, boobies |
| Darwin Bay | Genovesa | Red-footed boobies |
| Punta Espinoza | Fernandina | Marine iguanas, cormorants |
| Tagus Cove | Isabela | Darwin Lake, penguins |
| Bartolomé summit | Santiago area | Pinnacle Rock view |
| Kicker Rock | San Cristóbal | Snorkeling |
| Highlands | Santa Cruz | Giant tortoises |
| Post Office Bay | Floreana | Barrel mail |
03 / RULES
Visitor-site rules in short
- Stay on marked trails and with your guide.
- Keep a respectful distance from wildlife; never touch or feed animals.
- No food on shore; take everything back.
- No drones without a permit.
- Group sizes and schedules are set by the park.
Details: Galapagos National Park rules 2026 · How close you can get
04 / FAQ
Galapagos Visitor Sites: questions
Can I visit visitor sites without a guide?
Mostly no: except some town-adjacent sites, a guide is required.
How many visitor sites are there?
Dozens of land and marine sites; each cruise visits two or so a day.
What is a wet landing?
Stepping from the panga into shallow water on a beach.
Why are schedules fixed?
To spread visitors out and protect wildlife.
Which sites suit our interests?
Email hola@galapagosislands.cruises and we match routes to your list.
VISITOR SITES
Have a must-see site?
We find routes and boats that include it 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.