Best Things to Do in the Galápagos Islands and Wildlife Encounters

Originally published on June 24, 2026 | Last updated on June 24, 2026

Explore the Best Things to Do in the Galápagos Islands and First-Hand Life-Changing Wildlife Encounters from a trip that has been on the bucket list since childhood, an idea born from stories from Charles Darwin.

This article will take you through the best things to do in the Galápagos Islands and their unique wildlife experiences, ranging from snorkeling moments with energetic sea lions, circling-swimming turtles, memorable hiking on volcanic trails, and giant tortoise watching experiences.

Besides first-hand wildlife encounters, you will discover practical travel inspiration and unforgettable island adventures worthwhile across Santa Cruz, Isabela, San Cristóbal, and more beautiful destinations, the Galápagos Islands meaningfully boast about.

Let’s now find out why the Galápagos Islands remain one of the world’s most remarkable destinations for nature lovers, photographers, and curious travelers seeking meaningful encounters with wildlife.

Wildlife Encounters and Best Things to Do in the Galápagos Islands

Moments that feel impossible in other places are what define life-changing wildlife experiences in the Galápagos Islands. Wildlife in the Galápagos Islands is part of the landscape you will behold, yet it is not found behind fences.

Do not be surprised if a sea lion takes a nap near your towel, or you cross paths with a marine iguana; it is just another wildlife destination of its kind. Nothing surprises when a blue-footed.booby stands a few meters away, unbothered, as if you are just the other neighbor next door.

Snorkeling with the sea lions is one of the main things to do in the Galápagos Islands. Sea lions are just amazing circle swimmers that spin and twist, with curious energy.

Snorkelling at Kicker Rock

Snorkelling at Kicker Rock brings you face to face with sea turtles, rays, colourful fish, and sometimes hammerhead sharks that will make your unforgettable moments on the Island.

Isabela Island allows visitors to see Tintoreras Islets, where white-tipped reef sharks rest in shallow channels, along with penguins and marine iguanas.

Santa Cruz is also one of those unique places on the Galápagos Islands that makes walking through the highlands possible, where you watch giant tortoises that flow slowly through the grass.

Visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station is a must-do activity if you are drawn towards learning about conservation and tortoise breeding work.

Birdwatching Experience on the Galápagos Islands

For birdwatchers, seeing waved albatrosses, especially during their breeding season, is a great experience you will expect on Española Island. Watching frigatebirds inflate their bright red throat pouches and blue-footed boobies perform their famous courtship dance is not only a memorable moment, but it will also be your connecting experience to North Seymour.

If you are an adrenaline traveler, hiking volcanic trails and paddling along quiet bays should also be on your bucket list in the Galápagos Islands, plus a guided wildlife cruise, and swimming with turtles.

Remember not to forget to photograph lava lizards, and of course, watching dolphins from a boat ride will change your idea of what nature-focused travel truly means on the Galápagos Islands.

Galápagos Islands Wildlife Trip Personal Experience

by Casey Keller

A few years ago, my mom asked me if I wanted to go with her to the Galápagos Islands. She had been once before, but wanted to go again while she was still able to fully enjoy hiking and snorkeling (she’s in her 70s). Being that a trip to the Galápagos Islands had been on my bucket list since I was a kid and learned about Charles Darwin, I was immediately in.

Whale Watching in Maui, Snorkeling with Rays and Sharks in Bora Bora

I have been very fortunate in my life to have been able to go on many adventures and to have experienced several very phenomenal wildlife encounters. But with most of them, I had some idea of what I was signing up for (whale watching in Maui, snorkeling with Rays and Sharks in Bora Bora). However, my adventure in the Galápagos was different. I knew that we would see a great deal of wildlife in the Galápagos since it’s known for its unique and extraordinary wildlife.

But ahead of the trip, I wasn’t expecting it to be a life-changing wildlife trip. However, that is exactly what my trip to the Galapagos Islands turned out to be. I can’t even count the times that I was filled with so much excitement that I felt like a little kid, and I  unexpectedly exclaimed, “wow,” or “did you see that,” or, something you probably don’t want to publish, “look at that!!”

Unique wildlife of the Galápagos

Almost immediately after setting out from Baltra on our 5-day tour in May, we started to experience the unique wildlife of the Galápagos. On land and by boat, wildlife was remarkable. We saw the famous blue-footed boobies, as well as red-footed boobies, up close. We spotted albatross, frigate birds, and cormorants. We sailed past huge schools of golden rays moving through the marshes, and watched baby sharks feeding in the shallows. We saw giant and ancient Galápagos Tortoises (I still can’t believe that they have one on record that lived for over 175 years)!

Snorkeling in the cool water of the Galápagos Islands

What really made this trip for me was what I saw underwater. Snorkeling in the cool water, close to shore, Galápagos sharks and scalloped hammerheads leisurely swam past me. One of my favorite encounters was watching marine iguanas swimming and feeding off the rocks, something I never imagined I’d see with my own eyes. During the same snorkel, I saw several green turtles and very playful Galápagos sea lions.

I spent nearly an hour watching a sea lion tease a sea turtle by blowing bubbles near the turtle. It also swam right up to me to see what I was doing. It was curious and unbothered by my presence. Another one of my favorites was the Galápagos penguins. They would zoom past me underwater like little torpedoes and then pop up to the surface.

My experience in the Galapagos gave me a sense of connection and humility and made me realize that I am a guest in the natural world. It reminded me of how extraordinary and how really worth protecting these wild places truly are.

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