Galapagos Islands Beaches
If you crave a beach vacation with a twist, a trip to Galapagos Islands beaches in Ecuador is the ideal choice. Galapagos Islands beaches are truly unique. You can relax on white sand beaches surrounded by mangroves, or enjoy the hidden cloves and black lava shores. In fact, Galapagos even has beaches with green sand, where friendly animals like pelicans, iguanas, and sea lions roam freely. If you plan to visit, here’s a short list of the best beaches in Galapagos that you can’t afford to miss.
Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz
With a stretch of one kilometer of blue water and white sand, this is one of the most spectacular beaches in the Galapagos. Located 2.5 km from Puerto Ayora, the beach is perfect for surfing. You can also enjoy snorkeling, other water sports, and explore the amazing marine wildlife of Galapagos. If you prefer a relaxing swim, walk to the end of the beach to reach the tranquil lagoon at Playa Mansa.
Gardner Bay Beach, Espanola Island
This beach offers spectacular views, where tourists can closely interact with friendly sea lions. It’s also an excellent spot for snorkeling, with views of white-tipped reef sharks and countless tropical fish. Bird watchers, especially those who love pelicans, will find it a great destination as well.
Puerto Villamil, Isabela
This is one of the most secluded beaches of Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, away from all the hustle-bustle of the city. This wide white-sand beach is home to a lot of marine iguanas, boobies, sea lions and a number of birds. The beach is shaded by dry tropical forest and coconut palms and is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a peaceful vacation.
The Red Sand Beaches at Rabida Island.
Located south of Santiago, the rare geology of Isla Rábida makes it stand out from the other Galápagos Islands. Rábida is made up primarily of spatter-cone volcanic lava and eroded hills in spectacular shades of red and brown. Visitors to Isla Rábida will land on the island’s dream-like northern beach with an unusual maroon-colored sand. Upon arrival, you are likely to see sea lions and marine iguanas lazing in and around the nearby caves. Brown pelicans can be spotted nesting in the vegetation just inland from the beach, while masked and blue-footed boobies nest on the cliffs above. Rábida can only be reached with a cruise.
Bartolomé Island Beach
The Bartolome Island, located about a few miles east to the Santiago Islands is a place that is known for the natural beauty formed by the volcanic eruptions that took place. It has a fascinating view of formations caused by lava flows and the spatter cones. The beaches on this island are picturesque and beautiful as one can take a look at the beautiful Pinnacle Rocks that the Island is famous for and also the breaking waves on the red sand beach. This kind of a beach is rarely found anywhere else in the world. The red sand beach on this island compliments that beautiful red sand that is found on the Rabida Island as well.
The sight of the Galapagos and Penguins and the sea lions makes these beaches look even more beautiful. Batolomé is often part of the itinerary in most cruises and land tours. Diving and standard day-trips to Batolomé are also porpular.
El Garrapatero, Santa Cruz Island
Located 20 km northeast of Puerto Ayora, this 3 km long white sand beach is lined by Manzanillo trees and mangroves. Additionally, marine iguanas, pelicans, penguins, shrimps, and ghost crabs regularly visit this beach. Furthermore, it’s a great spot for picnics, sunbathing, sea kayaking, and snorkeling. As a result, this beach, as part of the National Park, remains undeveloped and free of any construction. Specifically, there is only an ecological toilet and a small park ranger hut that serves as a changing place for tourists. Moreover, you can explore other hidden beaches from here. In addition, behind the beach, you’ll find a large lagoon where many sea birds, including pink flamingos, nest.
Puerto Chino, San Cristobal
Puerto Chino is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches of San Cristobal. The island is a nice place for surfing and is backed by mangroves. So, the next time you set foot in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, make sure to visit these beaches.
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