Baltra (Galápagos Islands) / Ecuador (embarkation) / In the middle of the Galapagos Islands lies the small flat island of Baltra. During World War II, it served as an American airbase, and today the island with the largest airport in the Galapagos is the gateway to the beautiful archipelago. Keep your eyes open, and you might see Galapagos iguanas crossing the road. Head to the neighboring island of Mosquera and admire one of the largest colonies of sea lions. Take a walk on the 2-kilometer trek on North Seymour Island and observe marine iguanas and countless bird species. Visit Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz Island, a place where giant tortoises breed, and don't miss snorkeling or diving at Gordon Rocks.

Černá želví zátoka (Galápagos Islands) / Ecuador / On the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island lies a magical place with unique nature, strictly protected within the Galapagos National Park. The Black Turtle mangrove bay is home to sharks, rays, pelicans, herons, but most importantly, green sea turtles that regularly lay their eggs here. Embark on an exploration aboard a local "panga" boat with engines turned off, navigate through seemingly impenetrable mangroves of three different species, and most importantly, stay quiet – nature will reward you with unforgettable encounters.

Sullivan Bay (Galápagos Islands) / Ecuador

Bartolomé Island (Galápagos Islands) / Ecuador / In Sullivan Bay, which separates it from neighboring Santiago, lies the islet of Bartolomé, the most visited and photographed of the Galapagos Islands. Despite its small size, it boasts unique nature, attracting thousands of tourists. Climb the wooden steps to the top of the extinct volcano and enjoy the stunning views from 114 meters above sea level. Admire Pinnacle Rock, a distinctive rock shaped like a shark's tooth, and swim here with penguins or rare green sea turtles. If you're interested in life beneath the sea surface, don't miss diving with rays and whitetip sharks.

Urbina Bay (Galápagos Islands) / Ecuador / On the western coast of Isabela, the largest island of the Galapagos archipelago, lies an area at the foot of the Alcedo volcano, which was uplifted from the sea floor only in the mid-20th century. The extraordinary origin of Urbina Bay today promises visitors a unique landscape that can be explored through two treks. Observe some of the largest marine iguanas on the island, who have chosen this new piece of land as their home. Continue inland and take note of the interesting lava and coral formations that were recently part of the sea floor. Admire the flightless cormorants, boobies, penguins, and sea turtles that inhabit the local crystal-clear sea.

Tagus Cove (Galápagos Islands) / Ecuador / On the western coast of Isabela, the largest of the Galápagos Islands, lies a place whose advantageous location was utilized by pirate and whaling ships three hundred years ago. The sheltered bay of Tagus Cove, named after a British warship, offers stunning landscapes both above and below the sea surface. Take a walk to the nearby ridge and enjoy the magnificent views of Darwin Lake, the volcano, and sandalwood trees as far as the eye can see. Admire rare bird species, including the rarest thrush in the world, and then put on a snorkel and go swimming with the Galápagos penguins, the only ones north of the equator.

Espinoza Point (Galápagos Islands) / Ecuador / On the very northern coast of the third largest and youngest island of the Galapagos archipelago lies the home of one of the largest colonies of marine iguanas in the world. Take a walk through the beautiful landscape in the shadow of the active volcano La Cumbre. Admire the interesting volcanic formations and the plant and animal species that have found refuge among them. Observe the rare flightless cormorants and unique lava lizards. Explore the tidal pools where stingrays and sea turtles hide, and keep your eyes open: you might even spot Galapagos penguins that occasionally wander here.

Vicente Roca Point (Galápagos Islands) / Ecuador / The northwest coast of the largest of the Galapagos Islands boasts remnants of an ancient volcano, forming a tranquil bay that is home to many species of unique animals. Admire the jagged cliffs that are home to boobies and flightless cormorants. Observe marine iguanas, penguins, and sea lions basking in the sun. Then put on your snorkel and set out to discover the fascinating life beneath the sea surface: you can look forward to two shallow underwater caves where rays, sea turtles, sharks, and – if you're a bit lucky – seahorses hide.

Egas Port (Galápagos Islands) / Ecuador / Egas Port on the western coast of Santiago Island in the middle of the Galápagos Archipelago is one of the most visited places on the entire island. The black sandy beach was named after Hector Egas, the owner of a defunct salt mine, whose lagoon is now home to flamingos. Take a walk from the coast inland, observe sea lions, marine iguanas, and a variety of bird species including Darwin's finches. Explore interesting volcanic formations such as tidal pools, favored by rays and sea turtles. Finally, set out with a snorkel to explore the vibrant life beneath the sea surface.

Espumilla Beach (Galápagos Islands) / Ecuador / On the northwestern coast of Santiago Island in the Galapagos lies the island's largest beach, the coffee-colored Espumilla Beach with its characteristically breaking waves. The beach is home to many unique species of animals, and its waters are an ideal destination for diving enthusiasts. Observe sea lions lazily lounging on the warm sand and sea turtles that often lay their eggs here. Swim with marine iguanas and admire countless tropical fish species with a snorkel or scuba gear. Head to the lagoon, home to pink flamingos and some of the tallest sandalwood trees in the entire Galapagos, and climb up to the salt mine crater for beautiful views.

Puerto Ayora (Galápagos Islands) / Ecuador

El Barranco (Galápagos Islands) / Ecuador

Darwin Bay (Galápagos Islands) / Ecuador

North Seymour Island (Galápagos Islands) / Ecuador

Baltra (Galápagos Islands) / Ecuador (disembarkation) / In the middle of the Galapagos Islands lies the small flat island of Baltra. During World War II, it served as an American airbase, and today the island with the largest airport in the Galapagos is the gateway to the beautiful archipelago. Keep your eyes open, and you might see Galapagos iguanas crossing the road. Head to the neighboring island of Mosquera and admire one of the largest colonies of sea lions. Take a walk on the 2-kilometer trek on North Seymour Island and observe marine iguanas and countless bird species. Visit Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz Island, a place where giant tortoises breed, and don't miss snorkeling or diving at Gordon Rocks.