The Galapagos Islands aren’t just a haven for wildlife they also boast some of the most spectacular beaches in the world.
Beyond the famous white coral sands, visitors are often surprised by beaches with red, green, and even black sand a true rainbow of natural beauty.
Galapagos beaches have earned global praise too:
Most Galapagos beaches are blissfully deserted, meaning you’ll often have entire stretches of sand to yourself. Well… except for some local wildlife—sleepy sea lions, marine iguanas, and even the occasional blue-footed booby might just be your sunbathing buddies.
It’s safe to say: this is not your typical resort beach vacation.
Keep reading to discover the very best Galapagos beaches for sunseekers and adventurers alike!
Choosing the best beaches in the Galapagos wasn’t easy there are so many beautiful options! After much debate, here are our top 7 must-visit Galapagos beaches for sun-seekers, nature lovers, and adventurers alike. Grab your towel and sunglasses let’s dive in!
Tortuga Bay is a Galapagos classic an endless stretch of powder-white sand framed by clear turquoise waters.
It’s often ranked among the world’s most beautiful beaches, and best of all, you don’t need a guide to visit it’s just a short 30–45 minute walk from Puerto Ayora through a scenic cactus forest.
At the end of the trail, you’ll find Playa Brava (strong currents better for walking) and a little further, Playa Mansa, a calm, protected bay ideal for swimming and kayaking.
Bring snorkel gear if you can you might spot whitetip reef sharks, sea turtles, marine iguanas, and colorful fish right off the beach!
Tip: Pack food and drinks there are no facilities at Tortuga Bay.
Rabida Island offers one of the most visually striking beaches in the archipelago, thanks to its deep red sand created by iron-rich volcanic rock.
As you land, sea lions often greet visitors along the shore, and just behind the beach, a saltwater lagoon is home to elegant flamingos.
Rabida is especially magical during the green season (January–April), when the bright red sand contrasts beautifully with lush green mangroves.
Getting there: Rabida is uninhabited and accessible only by Galapagos cruise.
Gardner Bay is arguably the finest beach in Galapagos—a stunning white-sand bay with turquoise waters that earned a spot on CNN’s “Top 20 Beaches in the World.”
Sea lions sprawl across the beach, unfazed by human visitors, and the shallow waters are perfect for snorkeling and kayaking.
Located on Española Island, Gardner Bay is usually visited as part of a cruise itinerary, but some day tours from San Cristóbal also make it here.
If you visit only one beach in Galapagos, make it this one.
At Cormorant Point on Floreana Island, you’ll find another unusual Galapagos wonder: green sand.
The striking color comes from olivine crystals eroded from volcanic rock.
Nearby, you can spot flamingos wading in a shallow lagoon, and during nesting season, sea turtles digging their nests in the sand.
Keep an eye offshore you might glimpse Galapagos rays, dolphins, or even sharks passing by.
Green Beach is typically included on Galapagos cruise itineraries.
For a laid-back beach vibe, head to Puerto Villamil Beach on Isabela Island the longest stretch of sand in the Galapagos.
The first section, near town, offers small hotels, bars, and hammocks, perfect for relaxing with a cocktail in hand.
Keep walking past Iguana Crossing Hotel and you’ll find empty beaches where you can enjoy peace, quiet, and natural beauty.
Wildlife bonus: Expect to meet marine iguanas sunning themselves right on the sand.
Puerto Villamil is also a great base for combining beach time with adventure tours around Isabela’s volcanoes and lagoons.
James Bay (Santiago Island) offers something totally different: a black sand beach, created by centuries of volcanic activity.
Walk along the beach to discover both types of Galapagos lava sharp ’A’a lava and smooth Pahoehoe flows plus grottos where Galapagos fur seals rest in the shade.
Charles Darwin himself landed at James Bay during his famous voyage.
Getting there: James Bay is a stop on many cruise itineraries and is a must-visit for geology lovers and history buffs.
Just a short walk north from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno lies Punta Carola, a quiet beach often nicknamed Lovers’ Beach for its romantic sunsets.
Sea lions, marine iguanas, and pelicans are frequent companions here, and the offshore surf break is popular among local surfers.
Sunsets at Punta Carola are legendary, making it a perfect spot to end a day of hiking or snorkeling.
Are There Beach Resorts in the Galapagos?
Since Galapagos is a protected national park, large-scale beach resorts don’t exist. This protects the islands’ pristine beauty and allows wildlife to thrive along the shores. However, our hotel, Tortuga Bay, offers a more exclusive nature experience, combining comfortable accommodations, seclusion from urban areas, and all-inclusive packages for a relaxing yet responsible stay.
Thomas de Berlanga sector s/n in front of Santa Cruz Garden, Puerto Ayora
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