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Albatross Airport

More than any other kind of animal, the Galápagos belongs to seabirds. They’re everywhere, and you’ll see them on just about every island. But Espanola is uniquely suited to providing a place to see one of the rarest seabirds on the islands—the waved albatross.

One of the largest birds in the world, the critically endangered waved albatross nests on Espanola Island in the winter months, raising its chicks (there is only one other place in the world where the bird nests, a tiny island off the coast of Peru). Because the albatross’ wings are so large, it cannot take off or land as easily as other sea birds. As such, it can often be found on a makeshift “runway,” gaining ground speed before taking off or even coming in for a crash landing.

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Black Turtle Cove

Hidden in a mangrove forest, Black Turtle Cove is so named because it’s dark water is a breeding ground for turtles. In fact, many aquatic species come to this calm lagoon to have their babies, and a “panga” (RIB) ride through its waters feels a bit like being a giant. Miniature versions of the Galapagos’ animals, from bite-sized hammerhead sharks to minnow-like schools of rays, scoot about below you in the peaceful waters.

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El Chato Tortoise Reserve

The vast majority of the Galápagos Islands are restricted national park lands, so while tortoise populations have begun to recover to pre-discovery levels, you won’t get to see the animals very often. Most likely, your tortoise experience will take place at the El Chato Tortoise Reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz. The reserve is a large jungle compound where tortoises congregate to mate.

It’s difficult to see them at first, but once you’ve spotted one of the boulder-like animals, you’ll come to find them in numbers so massive it’s a wonder they were ever endangered. Tortoises gather in clusters of four to five, with additional groups located every 50 to 100 feet. They’re tame enough, and they still have the reflex to withdraw into their shells at the sight of danger. Sitting on the ground next to one of these animals as it gradually come out of its shell will be a highlight of any trip.

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Lava Hopping at Santiago

Visiting this island is also your best chance to see the Galapagos penguin, the only of its kind that lives north of the equator
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Los Gemelos Sinkholes

Much of the Galápagos islands formed due to volcanic activity, so it’s easy to mistake these giant sinkholes for volcanic caldera. However, they were actually created by the catastrophic collapse of lava tubes deep underneath the surface. The jungle has reclaimed these craters, and the brief walk through a giant sunflower forest in the rainy highlands of Santa Cruz makes for a beautiful afternoon in a location far different from anywhere else on the islands.

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Post Office Bay

The “Island of Mystery,” Floreana contains the best example of human involvement in the Galapagos prior to its official colonization.
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Snorkeling

While the Galapagos shine as an example of isolated life on land, the life aquatic will be the memorable part of most trips to the archipelago.

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