When thinking of the Galapagos free activities are not the first thing that comes to mind. My expectations were those of an expensive island that couldn’t be explored on a budget. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of free activities the National Park has to offer and that snorkel equipment can be borrowed from hostels for free.
Some of these once in a lifetime experiences offered the closest encounters with the wildlife and therefore were my favourites on the Galapagos. Here I swam at arm’s length with sharks, witnessed a sea lion make use of a zebra crossing, and came to the realisation that no seasickness tablets will save you from the rough ocean surrounding the Galapagos. Trying to figure out where to snorkel, hike, and see giant tortoises? Read on to find out and remember to be respectful to the animals and their habitat.
Post Contents
FREE ACTIVITIES ON THE GALAPAGOS ISLAND SANTA CRUZ
Most visitors will start their adventure here after arriving at the main airport from the mainland. Santa Cruz is often mistakenly visited the longest. Although, Isabela and San Cristobal are better for wildlife observation. The island has many white sand beaches and things to do. However, these are the highlights:
01. EXPLORE TORTUGA BAY
Tortuga Bay is named after the black sea turtles that nest on the beach. It is a 10-minute walk from the town centre. Once you reached the hill you will be able to see signs directing you up some stairs followed by a 30-minute walk on a path through a tropical dry forest leading to Galapagos Beach and the bright turquoise ocean.
The endless white sand makes this the most beautiful beach I had come across in South America, and the most special because of the creatures inhabiting it. There was a lack of turtles. Though, many small birds sprinted across the beach, as well as sunbathing and swimming iguanas could be spotted. The ocean can be too rough to swim in but there are surfboards for rent as an alternative.
This paradise beach is not all there is to explore! Walk to the end on the right-hand side of the magical Galapagos Beach. There you will find Tortuga Laguna to your right and the beach most popular with locals, Playa Mansa. If you continue straight instead you will find a path leading you through cacti landscapes.
02. VISIT PUERTO AYORA FISH MARKET
Visiting the fish market by the pier in Puerto Ayora is a popular activity among tourists. Head there in the morning as early as 6 am to get the most out of the experience. Early risers will be rewarded with dozens of pelicans waiting to be fed. My experience at 8.30 am was somewhat different. There was only one cheeky sea lion interrupting the market vendors work and two pelicans showing off their wingspan whilst trying to grab some fish. However, the experience was memorable, nonetheless.
03. SEE GIANT TORTOISES
Would you rather pose with giant tortoises? Then visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre which is a 15-minute walk from the town centre.
FREE ACTIVITIES ON THE GALAPAGOS ISLAND ISABELA
Exploring Isabela island is an unimaginable experience that will stay with you forever! The sheer number of animals that can be found across the island, napping on benches, beaches, and trying to jump into boats is mind-blowing. As always speak to locals to get the most out of your experience. They are extremely friendly and always happy to give advice and might even take you on a trip.
04 & 05. SNORKEL WITH THE WILDLIFE
Are you limited for time? If you do one thing only on Isabela, then it has to be snorkelling at Concha de Perla. All the animals I hoped to see could be found in this small lagoon making me wonder why I spent as much on one dive than my PADI. Here I spotted a blacktip reef shark, turtles, rays, and sea lions within 10-minutes of being in the water. To top it all penguins could be found at the far back near the “rock wall”.
That’s not all! Not only does Concha de Perla offer the most memorable snorkel experience but there is also plankton. If you fancy a night dip and don’t get spooked easily by having to walk through the mangroves at night and sharing the waters with all kinds of creatures including sharks, then this is the one for you.
To get there walk along the main road from Puerto Villamil town centre towards the docks past the Isabela sign for 15-minutes. Turn to your left once you reach the wooden sign for Concha de Perla. From here it is a short walk through the mangroves stepping over sleeping sea lions to the lagoon
06. GET CLOSE TO SEA LIONS
The docks and the surrounding area are a popular spot for sunbathing and napping sea lions. There might even be babies feeding of their mothers. Take the opportunity to jump into the water with the sea lions to the right of the docks when they aren’t sleeping. Here you can sometimes find the playful creatures nibbling on snorkeller’s fins. To avoid confusion these are the docks where tours depart from not the ferry docks.
07. SNORKEL AT NIGHT
Night snorkelling might not be accessible for everyone since I was taken by locals. However, I want to share this magnificent experience to motivate anyone to practice Spanish and communicate with locals!
Snorkelling through tight reef tunnels, being at arm’s reach with fearless sharks and spotted eagle rays was my favourite experience on the Galapagos. Even though I was terrified at times and swimming through a school of fish jumping over the water surface left me feeling like I was under attack. To make the experience even more memorable a sea lion tried to jump into the boat whilst we were marvelling at a star riddled sky.
08. WATCH FLAMINGOS IN LAGOONS
Have you had enough of the beach? There are three lagoons that can be visited on Isabela to see flamingos. Head to the Lagunas Salinas right outside the town centre. Then continue walking for 5-minutes to the Flamingo Estuary and follow the wooden path through the mangroves to spot the pink birds walking in circles digging for food.
If your appetite isn’t satisfied or you would like to visit a giant tortoises breeding centre for only $ 3 then continue following the path through the tropical forest until you reach the Arnaldo Tupiza-Chamaidan Centre. From here you can continue to the Laguna de Flamencos. Exit to the main road, turn to your right, and walk for another 5-minutes.
09. BIKE OR HIKE TO A VIEWPOINT
Cycling or walking to the Cerro Orchilla viewpoint, or for anyone interested the Wall of Tears, makes for a nice outing if you want to enjoy a view over the volcano landscape of the island. Admittedly cycling is not necessarily 100% free but renting a bike is cheap and you might even be able to borrow one from your accommodation for free.
Simply follow Antonio Gil road or walk along the beach. The walk takes approximately 45-minutes. The bike ride is partly on sandy roads, and up and downhills. I may or may have not almost fallen off getting stuck in the sand.
The Cerro Orchilla viewpoint is past its glory days, but the view stretching over the deep blue ocean and the ruggedness of lava piles forming the island and volcanoes is rather magnificent. On the way detours down side paths to La Playita and further down the road to Playa del Amor, and El Estero Mangrove for flamingos. If you are lucky you get to see a giant tortoise nesting else, you won’t miss much if you skip these stops.
FREE ACTIVITIES ON THE GALAPAGOS ISLAND SAN CRISTOBAL
San Cristobal is the island with the highest population of sea lions. Therefore you will be able to interact with the playful creatures at most beaches. Sadly, I never made it to the island as I was unaware that there are no boats from Isabela to San Cristobal. These were fellow travellers’ highlights:
10. MORE BEACH AND SEA LIONS
Head to either Playa Mann, or take a 30-minute walk or a taxi for $ 3 from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to La Loberia to enjoy white sand beaches filled with sea lions. Come prepared with snorkel equipment to make the most out of the experience. Playa Punta Carola is another beach only a 15-minute walk from Puerto Baquerizo. The water is rougher making for good surfing conditions with waves reaching up to 3-metres.
11. WALK TO A VIEWPOINT AND SNORKEL WITH WILDLIFE
Most people would have heard of kicker’s rock due to the opportunity to dive with hammerhead sharks. Take a 20-minute walk from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to Cerro Tijertas to enjoy a beautiful view over the famous rock. Followed by a short walk to Tijeretas Bay and yet another opportunity to snorkel with sea lions.
Did I do a good job of sharing my love for this wildlife paradise? Also, did I mention that swimming with sharks was one of my favourite free activities on the Galapagos? Let me know in the comments if that’s something you have done or would like to do.
Now go ahead and explore! Try not to lose your towel.
