Tortuga Bay
Budding Robinson Crusoes who recline on the pristine sands of
Tortuga Bay on the island of Santa Cruz are likely to be joined and
inspected by the large and inquisitive iguanas that inhabit the
archipelago. Vibrant red, orange and yellow-coloured Sally
Lightfoot crabs stand out against the grey rocks that line the
shore as they emerge to feed at low tide.
Puerto Villamil
The beach of Las Tintoreras, named for the large numbers of
harmless white-tipped sharks that inhabit Puerto Villamil's waters,
is perhaps the foremost location for snorkelling in the Galapagos
Islands. Here visitors can enjoy undersea encounters with friendly
and curious turtles, mischievous sea lions, rays, reef sharks and
marine iguanas. On land, the island is home to the rare Blue-footed
Booby, a sea bird with feet that are, indeed, undeniably blue. They
are joined by penguins, remarkably tame mocking birds and
seals.
Charles Darwin Research Station
Formerly the home of Lonesome George, the very last giant Pinta
Turtle in existence until his death in 2012, the Charles Darwin
Research Station near the town of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz is
dedicated to the study and preservation of the archipelago's
singular wildlife and ecology. Besides providing a chance for
visitors to meet giant turtles and land iguanas the research
station houses a museum provides information of the natural history
of the islands and of the ongoing conservation work.