Galápagos Islands — Travelrags

National GeographicOct 7, 2026

11 Places to See the World's Most Magnificent Wildlife Migrations

Seeing an immense number of creatures assembled in one place is a phenomenon worth travelling for. Here’s when, where and how to experience some of nature’s wildest gatherings.

15 things in this story

Danube deltaGardenTulcea, RomaniaEurope's largest natural wetland, a paradise for pelicans
Tortuguero National ParkSightTortuguero, Costa Ricahotspot for sea turtles, largest green turtle rookery
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere ReserveSightMichoacán, Mexicohome to more than half of overwintering colonies
El RosarioSightMichoacán, Mexicoeasiest sanctuary to reach for monarch butterflies
Sierra ChincuaSightMichoacán, Mexicolesser-visited sanctuary, can be explored on horseback
Mineral de AngangueoNeighborhoodMichoacán, Mexicocolourful, cobblestoned town makes a good base
FinnmarksviddaSightFinnmark, NorwaySámi stronghold in northernmost Norway
Sardine RunSightEastern Cape, South Africamillions of sardines swarm north off South African coast
Bute InletSightBritish Columbia, CanadaHomalco First Nation run bear-watching trips here
Kasanka National ParkSightKasanka, Zambiaoverwhelmed by 10 million straw-coloured fruit bats in October
South Luangwa National ParkSightSouth Luangwa, Zambianearby park, home to prolific wildlife and walking safaris
SkomerSightPembrokeshire, United Kingdomvolcanic outcrop bucking puffin population decline trend
Martins HavenSightPembrokeshire, United Kingdombeach where boat trips run to Skomer Island
Crane Observation CentreSightIzumi, Japanlocated in front of Izumi's crane migration grounds
Yakushima IslandSightKagoshima, Japanwonderland of moss-cloaked trees, endemic deer and macaques

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Lonely PlanetSep 22

A Guide to the Galápagos Islands

Plan your visit to Ecuador

24 things in this story

IsabelaPlacenear Alcedo Volcano and Wall of Tears
BartoloméSightsnorkel with penguins
Santa CruzSightmeet giant tortoises
Galápagos National ParkSightrequires a certified guide to visit sites
Itabaca ChannelSightwater taxis carry you over to Santa Cruz
North Seymour IslandSightgreat places to walk among cactus and trees
Bartolomé IslandSightgreat place to see resident penguins
Galápagos Marine ReserveSightteems with underwater wonders
Wolf IslandSightIt has an area of 1.3 km2 (0.5 sq mi) and a maximum altitude of 253 m (830 ft) above sea level.
Darwin IslandsSight
Elsewhere
Seymour AirportPlaceBaltra, Ecuadorprimary airport for the Galápagos Islands
San Cristóbal Island AirportPlaceSan Cristóbal, Ecuadorserves the east of the archipelago
Puerto AyoraNeighborhoodSanta Cruz, Ecuadorarchipelago's biggest town and ferry hub
Finch Bay HotelHotelSanta Cruz, Ecuadorpremium resort on Santa Cruz
Tortuga BaySightSanta Cruz, Ecuadortrail from Puerto Ayora, good for marine iguanas
Rancho El Chato ReserveSightSanta Cruz, Ecuadorhighlands of Santa Cruz, easily spot giant tortoises
Wall of TearsSightIsabela, Ecuadorbuilt by penal colony prisoners near Puerto Villamil
Gardner BaySightEspañola, Ecuadorgood for sea lions
Cerro BrujoSightSan Cristóbal, Ecuadorwhite sand beach on San Cristóbal
Charles Darwin Research StationNature reservePuerto Ayora, EcuadorThe station is operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation which was founded in 1959 under the auspices of UNESCO and the…
Ruta de la TortugaTrailPuerto Ayora, Ecuadorwalk to spot Galápagos giant tortoises
Sierra Negra volcano hikeTrailIsabela, Ecuadorcrosses lava cinders to Volcán Chico viewpoint
Volcán ChicoSightIsabela, Ecuadorviewpoint atop Sierra Negra volcano hike
Charles Darwin Exhibition HallMuseumPuerto Ayora, Ecuador

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Lonely PlanetSep 21

What’s the Best Way to Visit the Galápagos Islands?

Should you book a cruise, or craft your own land-based itinerary?

21 things in this story

Finch Bay Galapagos HotelHotelIf you’ve only ever visited the Galapagos Islands by sea , this beachfront eco-lodge on the south side of Santa Cruz…
Galápagos National ParkSight97% of the islands' landmass is protected
North Seymour IslandSightIt was formed by uplift of a submarine lava formation and is now covered with low, bushy vegetation.
Bartolomé IslandSightjust off the east coast of Santiago Island.
Galápagos Marine ReserveSightsurrounding waters are protected
Charles Darwin Research StationMuseumhome to more tortoises
Charles DarwinSightspent a month here in 1835
EspañolaSightisland to see waved albatrosses
GenovesaSightisland home to red-footed boobies
Big 15SightGalápagos' version of the African safari's 'Big Five'
Puerto AyoraNeighborhoodmost populous city, ideal base on land
Santa Cruz IslandSightlocation of Puerto Ayora
South Plaza IslandSightSouth Plaza is a small island off the east coast of Santa Cruz in the Galápagos Islands.
Santa Fe IslandSightVisitor access is by a wet landing in Barrington Bay on the northeastern side of the island.
Santa Cruz highlandsSightto see giant tortoises
FloreanaSightThe island has an area of 173 km2 (67 sq mi).
Yacht La PintaPlaceexpedition vessel
Finch Bay HotelHotelrelaxed stay after cruise
IsabelaPlace
Pikaia LodgeHotel
San CristóbalSight

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Condé Nast TravelerSep 16

9 Standout Galapagos Cruises for Sailing the Bucket-List Wildlife Destination

From luxury ships to affordable sailings, family-friendly and solo-traveler-favorites, there’s a cruise in the Galapagos for every type of traveler.

16 things in this story

OriginPlaceAboard Silversea’s new purpose-built Galápagos vessel, passengers can expect encounters with giant tortoises,…
Reina Silvia VoyagerPlaceG Adventures' newest catamaran, custom-built for sailing the Galapagos.
Celebrity FloraPlaceOne of the largest ships sailing the Galapagos Islands.
Celebrity XplorationPlaceSails to the Galapagos, smaller than Celebrity Flora.
Treasure of the GalapagosPlaceChartered luxury catamaran accommodating a maximum of 16 guests.
The GrillRestaurantServes premium cuts of meat cooked tableside atop fiery lava stones.
Silver OriginPlaceA 100-passenger ship operated by the luxury cruise line Silversea.
La PintaPlaceComfortable, unpretentious, and recently refurbished 48-passenger yacht.
Charles Darwin Research StationMuseumA visit is included in the La Pinta itinerary.
Dragon HillSightHike on Isla Santa Cruz to look for iguanas and flamingos.
MS Santa Cruz IIPlaceOperated by HX Expeditions for its Citizen Science Program.
National Geographic GeminiPlaceShip for kids' science and exploration program with Lindblad Expeditions.
TheoryPlace
EvolvePlace
New FlamingoPlace
MerakPlace

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Condé Nast TravelerJul 14

The Best Islands to Visit for Turquoise Coves, Cliffside Villages, and World-Class Snorkeling

Welcome to paradise.

20 things in this story

Finch Bay Galapagos HotelHotelFor a breezy eco-lodge.
Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection Hotel by HiltonHotelFor a tucked-away jungle retreat.
IsabelaPlace
Elsewhere
KissamosNeighborhoodChania, GreeceConsider staying here for laidback Cretan lifestyle.
Balos LagoonSightChania, GreeceTake a ferry to wade in its shallow waters.
FalassarnaSightChania, GreeceKnown for its pink-flecked sands.
Tella TheraHotelCrete, GreeceFor a homey, hillside suite.
Minos Beach Art HotelHotelCrete, GreeceFor an artsy bungalow off the beaten path.
Kapsaliana VillageHotelCrete, GreeceFor an inland stay.
Cabot TrailTrailCape Breton, CanadaAn 185-mile loop through Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Cape Breton Highlands National ParkPlaceCape Breton, CanadaA third of the world-famous Cabot Trail winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, renowned for stunning ocean…
Skyline TrailTrailCape Breton, CanadaFour-mile trail ending with cliffside views.
Cabot Cape BretonParkCape Breton, CanadaFor golfing with ocean views.
Sea Pines Nature PreservePlaceHilton Head Island, United States600-acre preserve with wetland boardwalks.
Pinckney Island National Wildlife RefugePlaceHilton Head Island, United StatesFor biking and bird-watching.
Coligny Beach ParkParkHilton Head Island, United StatesBustling beach park on the island's coastline.
Alder Lane BeachTrailHilton Head Island, United StatesQuieter beach, ideal for lounging.
The Inn & Club at Harbour TownHotelHilton Head Island, United StatesFor a country club classic with golfing.
Disney's Hilton Head Island ResortHotelHilton Head Island, United StatesFor an amusement park without the crowds.
Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront ResortHotelHilton Head Island, United StatesFor a sweeping beachside resort.

Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →