Top 10 Beaches in the Galapagos Islands
Did you know that in Galapagos there are 2 of the 10 best beaches in the world? Definitely, one of them sound familiar to you and have seen it as a wallpaper ion Windows. It also has recently been recognized as one of the most beautiful beaches to visit. Here we tell you all what they are, how to get to them and we tell you about others that you may not have known but that you will definitely want to include in your itinerary.
It was a headache to choose just 10 beaches of the archipielago, so we made a selection of our favorite beaches in each of the 3 main islands. If you want to know further, have a look our selection of the top beaches in Santa Cruz , Isabela and San Cristobal.
Although Galapagos is a destination where you are always in constant activity, long walks, snorkel tours, hiking on volcanoes, you also have to take advantage of the time to relax, even more if you are in of the best places in the world to do it.
If you are thinking of visiting the Galapagos soon, we have prepared a list of beaches that you must include in your itinerary. Some are easier to access than others, since in the Galapagos there are many restricted areas that you can only access on tours or accompanied by a guide. However, with time and organization, everything is possible. Remember that if you need help creating your Galapagos Low Cost itinerary we can help you create one that fits your budget and taste. Write us!
1. Tortuga Bay | Santa Cruz
Tortuga Bay is not only one of the best beaches in Santa Cruz, but in the world. In 2018 Tortuga Bay entered the top 10 of the best beaches in the world according to TripAdvisor and it is not surprising. Tortuga Bay is a wide beach with turquoise waters and white sand found on Santa Cruz Island. The entrance to this beach is free (although the price you will have to pay will be in effort) and is open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day.
You can get to Tortuga Bay by walking from Puerto Ayora along a 2.5 km path. At the beginning of the trail an authorized guide will write down your name and information and then allow you to pass.
Remember to bring your bottle of water and snacks because once you go to Tortuga Bay there is no place or store to buy anything. When the trail ends you will see a wide beach, part of Tortuga Bay called “Playa Brava” which, as its name indicates, has very large waves and is more suitable for those who want to surf in the Galapagos accompanied by sharks, sea lions and rays. You will also find a big colony of iguanas that habits this side of Tortuga bay.
If you are not a surfer, do not worry, go further to the right and after crossing a few mangroves you will find “Playa Mansa” the designated place for bathers to cool off. Here the water is very calm, without waves and if you have your own snorkel mask you can see thousands of fish, tortoises, rays and even rent a kayak.
This beach is ideal to disconnect since there are not usually many people, so you will only have the company of marine iguanas that usually sunbathe on the sand and take a refreshing swim from time to time.
If you prefer to save yourself the fatigue of walking and perhaps save a little time, you can also opt for a water taxi that will take you to Tortuga Bay for $ 10 each way, that is, $ 20 if you want a return trip. In the returning boat you can also ask the capitain in Las Grietas, one of the top spots in Santa Cruz, to take the most of your time.
These water taxis usually leave at specific times and you can hire them directly at the port. The journey lasts approximately 20 minutes and depending on the sea conditions it can be a bit of a rough journey, but it is ideal for people who carry a lot of things, or who have difficulty walking long distances or simply if you want to save time and save energy for other activities .
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7. La Lobería | San Cristóbal
La Lobería is located very close to the Port in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristóbal Island. It is a central beach that can be reached on foot from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Although it is a little rocky, if you have your own snorkel mask it is a perfect place to take a bath and snorkel. As its name indicates, there are many sea lions on this beach, which will make your visit an unforgettable experience.
La Lobería is also an ideal place to go in the late afternoon to watch the sunset. The combination of the sea, sea lions and spectacular colors in the sky will make it one of your favorite places in San Cristóbal without a doubt.
10. Playas Rojas | Rábida Island
Rabida Island can only be accessed through a Galapagos cruise, since there are no full days that go here because it is very far away from the islands with airports (Santa Cruz and San Cristobal).
However, we did not want to miss the opportunity to get to know this island and its unique red sand beaches in the Galapagos. The color of the sand is due to the lava and makes the landscape make you feel like you are on another planet.
If you have the opportunity to cruise, make sure you include a stop here as it is a unique place in the world.
What can not leave at home in your travel to the Galapagos Islands?
You already know some of the places that you cannot miss in your visit to the Galapagos Islands. Now comes the most important: what to bring?
As you know, the Galapagos Islands are a unique destination and for being like this it requires special preparation. Many of its beaches are desolate, its rocky, volcanic terrain, there are bugs and the sun is very strong. For this reason, we have prepared a list with recommendations of things to take on your trip to the Galapagos to be 100% prepared for any eventuality.
The first thing we recommend to get before your trip (and now because of Galapagos covid Restrictions is mandatory) is health and travel insurance. We recommend Mondo and you can get 5% discount on your insurance by clicking here. Get 5% discount.
Sports camera: The best way to capture the best moments of your trip to the Galapagos Islands is with a sports camera. The best known is the Gopro but there are cheaper options like Apeman. The difference between one of these cameras and using a cell phone is that they are very resistant, easy to carry, waterproof and shock protected.
In Galapagos, with extreme activities and being always on the move this is ideal. We recommend some:
Your own snorkeling equipment: as you can see, in the Galapagos there are many beaches and places where you can snorkel on your own and see various animals such as sea lions, tortoises, rays and hundreds of fish. If you are prepared with your own snorkel mask you can make the most of your stay in the Galapagos and in case you do any snorkeling tour (which always include masks) you can use yours and thus be more comfortable.
Sunscreen and hat or cap: in Ecuador the sun is very strong so being exposed to the sun for a long time without protection can ruin your trip
Sports or water shoes: In the Galapagos, you walk a lot through unstable and volcanic terrain, so you need to have sports shoes. A pair of water shoes can also be very useful on beaches with many rocks to avoid scratches and cuts.
Cash: There are not many ATMs in the Islands and not all establishments accept cards. Take enough cash and if possible book tours and accommodation in Galapagos Low Cost in advance
Mosquito repellent, especially in the Galapagos rainy season from January to April, thus avoiding bites and possible allergies.
Snacks and water thermo: The beaches in Galapagos are usually isolated and if you do not carry your own bottle of water or snacks it will be difficult for you to get it at the moment. We recommend this stainless steel bottle that will also prevent you from buying disposable plastic bottles and help preserve the environment and ecosystem of the islands.
Galápagos is waiting for you!
If you are thinking of traveling to Galapagos, remember that at Galapagos Low Cost we can help you prepare a personalized itinerary that fits your budget and allows you to make the most of your days on the islands. Write to us!
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