The Solo Traveller’s Guide to the Galapagos Islands

Landscapes range from jet-black lava fields and cacti-dotted scrubland to shrub-like Scalesia forests and grassy highlands. Mangroves line much of the coast, while underwater is some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving spots in the world, teeming with marine life. You’ll find the people warm and welcoming, the towns laid-back and geared up for visitors.

Aim to spend at least five days here. You’ll fly into San Cristóbal or Seymour Airport and take a ferry across to Santa Cruz. Both have ample accommodation, restaurants and connections to other islands. Fancy staying somewhere more remote? Isabela Island and Floreana Island are fabulous.

Consider day trips to uninhabited islands, such as Bartolomé – for its spectacular rock formations – Española, which is home to the highest concentration of endemic species in the Galápagos and Santa Fé, a cactus forest with a large sea lion population.

There’s a varied choice here – from boutique hotels and luxurious eco-lodges to cosy hostels and B&Bs. On a budget? La Fortaleza de Haro and Hostal North Seymour fit the bill in Santa Cruz, while family-run Hostal Terito and Casa Playa Mann are go-to options in San Cristóbal. At Galápagos Magic Camp, you can sleep in a safari tent or treehouse in a nature reserve populated with giant tortoises. Looking for something more upscale? Try Pikaia Lodge (Santa Cruz), Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel (Santa Cruz) or Scalesia Lodge (Isabela).

A two-night stay in Galápagos Magic Camp is included as part of Culture Trip’s exclusive five-day Galápagos Islands adventure, led by our Local Insider.

Exploring is all about connecting with nature. Each of the islands has its own unique draw – but it would be impossible to cover them all in one trip. Here’s our pick of the top things to do when travelling alone in the Galápagos Islands.

Take to the water

Some 3,000 marine species live around the Galápagos, many endemic. Sub-aquatic creatures include marine iguanas, penguins, sea lions, sea turtles and manta rays. Kicker Rock, Pinnacle Rock, Darwin’s Arch and Shark Point are among the best scuba diving and snorkelling spots in the Galápagos. If you’d rather stay above the waves, however, try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.

You’ll have the chance to go snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking on Culture Trip’s specially curated small-group Galápagos Islands trip.

Explore on foot

Bring walking boots – on foot is the best way to appreciate geological features while spotting wildlife. The trails from Playa Mann to Frigatebird Hill (San Cristóbal) and from Puerto Ayora to Tortuga Bay (Santa Cruz) are two of the most accessible, both with nearby swimming spots. Other highlights include meandering through Santa Fé’s cactus forest, climbing to the summit of Bartolomé Island, and traversing Sullivan Bay’s lava fields on Santiago Island.

Kick back on the beach

Where else on earth might you chill on a beach alongside marine iguanas, sea lions and penguins? In the Galápagos, it’s the norm. Tortuga Bay and El Garrapatero rank among the most beautiful beaches in Santa Cruz, while Playa Mann, Punta Carola and Puerto Chino are prime sunbathing spots in San Cristóbal. Gardner Bay, on Española Island, is a slice of paradise. Stop by the rust-red beach on Rabida Island and you’ll feel as if you’ve arrived on Mars.

There’s a heavy seafood emphasis here in the Galápagos. Ceviche and encebollado (tuna-and-onion soup) are specialities. Also look out for langostino encocado (lobster cooked with coconut milk) and arroz marinero (a seafood and rice dish similar to paella). Vegetarian? You’ll love arroz con menestras – a hearty lentil stew.

In San Cristóbal, El Descanso Marinero and Rosita’s serve hearty local food at reasonable prices, while Almar and Isla Grill offer a similarly authentic but more refined dining experience overlooking the sea in Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz Brewery and 1835 Coffee Lab are go-to places for craft beer and great coffee.

For more suggestions, check out our guide to the best restaurants in the Galápagos. Many solo travellers make the trip to these remote Ecuadorian islands, so no matter where you eat you probably won’t be the only one dining alone.

Crime is practically non-existent here. But remember not to get too close to cliff edges, to apply plenty of sun cream, and to respect the personal space of animals such as marine and land iguanas (which, although scaly- and sometimes scary-looking, are harmless to humans).

Taxis are easy to come by in Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and you’re unlikely to pay more than $5-$10 (£3.68-£7.36) for a ride. Cycling is fun, but reckon on uphill slogs and unpaved road. Some remote areas are inaccessible by land – you’ll need to take a water taxi. Santa Cruz is the main ferry hub with connections to San Cristóbal and Isabela; both depart twice daily and take around two hours. It’s also possible to fly – which cuts the journey down to 30 minutes – but costs considerably more.

Unless you’re on a cruise, you’ll need to take organised day trips from Santa Cruz or San Cristóbal to access uninhabited islands.

If you’re visiting an uninhabited island, pay close attention to your guide and follow the Galápagos National Park rules. These include no flash photography, sticking to designated walking trails and not touching or feeding any animals.

Experience the best of Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal on Culture Trip’s specially curated five-day Galápagos Islands adventure, which features hiking, snorkelling, visiting a giant tortoise reserve and a day excursion to an uninhabited island.