Best things to do in Puerto Ayora

Charles Darwin Research Station allows visitors to learn about natural history and wildlife conservation in the Galapagos. Conducting scientific research and providing environmental education since 1959, the center remains best known for its breeding program for giant tortoises. Visitors can view baby tortoises in incubators, which are raised here until age four and then released into the wild. Explanations in both English and Spanish shed a light on the center's projects and the global goals of conservation efforts.

Highly esteemed as one of the islands' most pristine sandy stretches, Galapagos Beach at Tortuga Bay features blue waters, rich wildlife, and plenty of opportunities for relaxation. Hike your way to the beach and then relax on the soft white sands, surrounded by marine vegetation and the famed local marine iguanas. Throw on your swimsuit, don your snorkeling gear, and explore the colorful underwater world of the bay's ecosystem, alive with fish and other aquatic species. You can even try your hand at surfing on the rougher waves, though keep in mind that currents and tides can be strong and potentially dangerous here.

Swim in crystal clear waters surrounded by craggy rock walls at Las Grietas. You'll find plenty of incredible nature on the path to the relatively hidden swimming spot, which you can reach by crossing a rocky lava field and walking by a cactus forest, before finally descending to the cool waters. Jump off the rock platform to make a splash, or grab your snorkel to check out the mysteries that lie beneath the surface. Don't forget to wear a pair of water-appropriate shoes, as the path can be extremely painful in bare feet.

Get up close to the Galapagos wildlife as you hike through El Chato - Giant Tortoise Reserve. For bio-protection and your own comfort, the reserve will issue you boots before you head out onto the trails, so you don't track in foreign substances. The reserve has two areas, Caseta and Chato; while trail difficulty ranges from easy to medium, expect a more challenging route through Caseta. During dry season, you can see the fascinating Galapagos turtles in the wild. Other animals such as the short-eared owl, Darwin's finches, and yellow warblers also reside here. Don't miss the opportunity to walk through the island's lava tube. If not up to hiking the whole island, you can arrange to ride horses on the reserve as well.

Discover the underwater world of Puerto Ayora snorkeling and scuba diving along the seabed. In an area known for its rich marine life, you'll meet manta rays and schools of fish--you'll also stay perfectly safe under the watchful eye of an expert diving crew. Beginner classes for novices and open water certificates for the more seasoned divers are available, catering to every experience level and ensuring a fun and safe environment. You can book full- or half-day trips, with most options usually including the equipment and transportation to the dive site into the price of the package.

Treat your feet to soft golden sand and dip into the waters of the Pacific Ocean at Playa de los Alemanes. The ocean is calm here, and with some luck you'll find some interesting marine life such as sea horses, manta rays, and turtles. Take food, water, and sunscreen as there are no restaurants nearby and shade is minimal.

Journey through a protected environment and observe the animals in their natural habitat at El Garrapatero. As you walk through the trail to the beaches, keep an eye out, as you can often spot finches and lava lizards along the way. Once on the beach, walk along the shore until you reach the lagoon, where pink flamingoes often nest and eat. Since the area is protected, do not expect restaurants nearby; be sure to bring your own water and food.

Explore Metropolitan Touring and its abundance of wildlife, a great opportunity to intimately observe a vast range of animals in their natural habitat. Leisurely wander along the trail which homes large colonies of nesting frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. Keep an eye out for the remarkable mating rituals these birds are known for. At the isolated Bachas beach, snorkel along a protected cove where you can find large schools of fishes, sharks, sea lions, rays, and turtles. Stop at a small nearby lagoon to see feeding flamingos.

Admire the gentle giants of the Galapagos at Rancho Primicias. Explore the ranch lush with fruit trees and populated by cattle, goats, and giant tortoises. The tortoises are calm and relaxed and will not be frightened if you walk up near them, so the site provides the chance for some great photo ops. Observe the creatures as they roam around the ranch munching on greens and playing in the water. There is also a souvenir shop and a cafe restaurant (known for fresh passion fruit juice).