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Published: 08-09-2021
The Galápagos Islands are world famous for being the home of unique animal species, however these incredible Islands also house some of the most beautiful and even unusual beaches you have ever seen. Hang out with sea lions, iguanas and birds on the whiter than white sandy beaches or visit one of the more unusual black sand or red sand beaches. Time is of the essence in the Galapagos so you will probably want to make the most of yours. Here are some recommendations for the best beaches there!
Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz Island
Tortuga Bay is probably the most popular beach to visit on the Galápagos Islands. In fact, it is often ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. You will be greeted on arrival to this beach, by marine iguanas hanging out on the white sand and in the surrounding jade water. Tortuga Bay, as its name suggests, is an excellent place to observe the sea turtles, especially during nesting season.
Tortuga (and Iguana!) Bay
Bartolome Island Beach
Bartolome is famous for its spectacular geography and in particular the Pinnacle Rock. Forming part of a pink and white crescent-shaped cove, the beach appears to be many people´s idea of paradise, with sea turtles, penguins and sea lions all chilling out here. For a closer look, bring your snorkelling gear, to get up close and personal to these impressive creatures.
Pinnacle Rock
Playa El Garrapatero, Santa Cruz Island
El Garrapatero is a stunning remote beach not far from Puerto Ayora. If you arrive early enough, it is likely that you will have your own private beach, as long as you don´t mind sharing it with a few sea lions, flamingos and blue-footed boobies. Bring snorkelling gear to admire the brightly coloured fish, the occasional sea turtle in the tidal pools, or even a Galápagos penguin, if luck is on your side!
Punta Ayora
Post Office Bay, Floreana Island
Located on Floreana Island in the Galapagos, Post Office Bay has been acting as a passive office since the 1700s, using only a barrel and the generous willingness of local sailors and travellers. The history behind the name goes back to the 18th-century, when homesick whalers would leave letters here for the crew of passing ships heading to the USA, to collect and post for them when they arrived on the mainland. The mail could take months, or even years to deliver, however the initiative is still in use to this today. The beach itself is excellent for spotting Darwin finches, yellow warblers, lava lizards, bathing in the shallow waters, as well as green pacific sea turtles and sea lions.
Post office Bay
Puerto Chino, San Cristobal
Follow a pathway for 20 minutes from the parking lot and you will find the beautiful Puerto Chino beach in San Cristobal. It’s a great place for families and to cool off in the afternoon heat. At this rocky beach, you can spot finches and sea lions as you relax on the sand. The ultimate, remote beach for simply chilling!
Sea iguana on Santa Cruz
Playa Las Bachas, Santa Cruz
Bachas Beach is found just north of Santa Cruz – and is excellent for its gentle, calm waves. Keep your eyes open for light-footed crabs and Galápagos flamingos in the lagoon. Check out the rusty barge abandoned here during WWII to get an idea of where the beach got its name! it’s said that the locals couldn’t pronounce ‘barges’ and settled for ‘Bachas’ instead, but make up your own theory 😊
Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island
Puerto Villamil beach is one of the longest beaches on the Galápagos Islands, stretching as far as the eye can see. It is a paradisical haven for flamingos and you will be more than likely to spot marine iguanas lounging on the sand or gliding through the nearby clear ocean.
Flamingo on Puerto Villamil beach
Red Sand Beach, Rabida Island
It’s not often you get the chance to bathe on a red-sand beach, however on Rabida Island, you can do just that, and not only that! Relax alongside blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, finches and sea lions. Needless to say, if you’re on the hunt for the postcard-perfect photo, this is the place to take it!
