The Galapagos Islands are a magical archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean, about 600 miles west of the coast of Ecuador. The islands are known for their unique wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and sea lions. In July 2024, the Galapagos Islands will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Galapagos National Park. To help you plan your trip, here are seven secret places to visit in the Galapagos Islands in July 2024.
The Galapagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. However, there are still many hidden gems to be discovered. Here are seven secret places to visit in the Galapagos Islands in July 2024:
1. The Devil’s Crown
The Devil’s Crown is a small island located just off the coast of Floreana Island. The island is home to a large colony of seabirds, including boobies, frigates, and pelicans. The Devil’s Crown is also a great place to snorkel or dive. You can see a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and sharks.
Getting There:
To get to the Devil’s Crown, you can take a boat from Floreana Island. The boat ride takes about 30 minutes. You can also kayak to the island, but the paddle is about 2 hours long.
2. The Prince Philip’s Steps
The Prince Philip’s Steps are a set of stairs located on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island. The stairs were built in 1964 by Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. The stairs lead to a lookout point that offers stunning views of the island and the surrounding ocean. You can also see a variety of wildlife, including sea lions, marine iguanas, and Sally Lightfoot crabs.
Getting There:
To get to the Prince Philip’s Steps, you can take a boat from Puerto Ayora. The boat ride takes about 1 hour. You can also hike to the stairs, but the hike is about 4 hours long.
3. The Cormorant Point
The Cormorant Point is a small island located just off the coast of San Cristobal Island. The island is home to a large colony of cormorants, as well as a variety of other seabirds. The Cormorant Point is also a great place to snorkel or dive. You can see a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and sharks.
Getting There:
To get to the Cormorant Point, you can take a boat from San Cristobal Island. The boat ride takes about 30 minutes. You can also kayak to the island, but the paddle is about 2 hours long.
4. The Academy Bay
The Academy Bay is a beautiful bay located on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island. The bay is home to a variety of marine life, including sea lions, marine iguanas, and sea turtles. The Academy Bay is also a great place to swim, snorkel, or dive. You can also visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, which is located on the bay.
Getting There:
To get to the Academy Bay, you can take a boat from Puerto Ayora. The boat ride takes about 30 minutes. You can also hike to the bay, but the hike is about 4 hours long.
5. The Tagus Cove
The Tagus Cove is a beautiful cove located on the west coast of Isabela Island. The cove is home to a variety of marine life, including sea lions, marine iguanas, and sea turtles. The Tagus Cove is also a great place to swim, snorkel, or dive. You can also visit the Tagus Cove Trail, which leads to a lookout point that offers stunning views of the cove and the surrounding ocean.
Getting There:
To get to the Tagus Cove, you can take a boat from Puerto Villamil. The boat ride takes about 1 hour. You can also hike to the cove, but the hike is about 6 hours long.
6. The Post Office Bay
The Post Office Bay is a small bay located on the north coast of Floreana Island. The bay is home to a post office that has been used by sailors for centuries. The Post Office Bay is also a great place to swim, snorkel, or dive. You can also visit the Devil’s Crown, which is located just off the coast of the bay.
Getting There:
To get to the Post Office Bay, you can take a boat from Floreana Island. The boat ride takes about 30 minutes. You can also kayak to the bay, but the paddle is about 2 hours long.
7. The Black Beach
The Black Beach is a beautiful beach located on the south coast of Santa Cruz Island. The beach is made up of black sand, which gives it a unique appearance. The Black Beach is also a great place to swim, snorkel, or dive. You can also visit the Tortuga Bay, which is located just off the coast of the beach.
Getting There:
To get to the Black Beach, you can take a boat from Puerto Ayora. The boat ride takes about 30 minutes. You can also hike to the beach, but the hike is about 4 hours long.
Culture:
The people of the Galapagos Islands are a mix of Spanish, Ecuadorian, and other ethnicities. The culture of the islands is unique, and it has been influenced by the many different people who have lived there over the years. The people of the Galapagos Islands are friendly and welcoming, and they are always happy to share their culture with visitors.
Best Months to Visit:
The best months to visit the Galapagos Islands are during the dry season, which runs from June to November. During the dry season, the weather is cool and sunny, and there is less rain. However, it is important to note that the Galapagos Islands are a popular tourist destination, so it is important to book your trip in advance.
Nearby Transportation:
The Galapagos Islands are well-connected by air and sea. There are regular flights from Quito and Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands. There are also regular ferry services between the islands.
Local Food:
The local food of the Galapagos Islands is a mix of Spanish and Ecuadorian cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes include ceviche, empanadas, and locro. The seafood in the Galapagos Islands is particularly delicious, and it is often caught fresh each day. There are also a number of local restaurants that serve international cuisine.
Best Hotels:
There are a number of great hotels in the Galapagos Islands. Some of the most popular hotels include the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel, the Galapagos Safari Camp, and the Hotel Silberstein. These hotels offer a variety of amenities, including swimming pools, restaurants, and bars. They are also located close to the main attractions on the islands.
Conclusion:
The Galapagos Islands are a truly magical place, and they are definitely worth visiting. If you are planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands, be sure to add these seven secret places to your itinerary. You will not be disappointed.
