Charles Darwin Research Station

Giant tortoises are the longest-lived of all vertebrates, averaging over 100 years. The oldest on record lived to be 152. There are now only 11 types of giant tortoises left in the Galápagos, down from 15 when Darwin arrived. Hunted as food by pirates, whalers, and merchantmen during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, more than 100,000 tortoises are estimated to have been killed off.
Giant tortoises are the longest-lived of all vertebrates, averaging over 100 years. The oldest on record lived to be 152. There are now only 11 types of giant tortoises left in the Galápagos, down from 15 when Darwin arrived. Hunted as food by pirates, whalers, and merchantmen during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, more than 100,000 tortoises are estimated to have been killed off.
Giant Tortoise
Giant tortoises having a bite to eat at the Charles Darwin Research Center in San Pedro, Galapagos. The center has tortoises at all stages of their development and is an absolute must see for any trip to the Galapagos #gianttortoise #conservation #ecuador

Browse tours and tickets to explore Charles Darwin Research Station

Tours & day trips

See all 48 activities
Half Day Bay Tour in Santa Cruz Island

Half Day Bay Tour in Santa Cruz Island

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥11,453 per adult
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Wildlife & nature

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Full Day Tour Pinzon Island + La Fe/Las Palmas - Snorkeling & Fishing

Full Day Tour Pinzon Island + La Fe/Las Palmas - Snorkeling & Fishing

Activity duration is 7 hours
8.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥26,723 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Adventure with Giant Turtles, Lava Tunnels and Craters

Adventure with Giant Turtles, Lava Tunnels and Craters

Activity duration is 5 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥10,687 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Private Gastronomic Walking Tour

Private Gastronomic Walking Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥34,358 per adult
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Reviews of Charles Darwin Research Station

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
77
5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
32
4 - Good 24%
3 - Okay
18
3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

After visiting the tortoise breeding center on Isla Isabela, this was quite disappointing.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Giant Galapagos turtles were the highlight

3/5 - Okay

Ines

No much to look

Popular places to visit

Listen to the silence. #Patterns

Las Ninfas Lagoon

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Las Ninfas Lagoon during your travels in Puerto Ayora. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Las Ninfas Lagoon
#aquatrove

Tortuga Bay Beach

5/5(89 reviews)

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Tortuga Bay Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Bella Vista. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Tortuga Bay Beach
Hermosa playa, ubicada a 45min de Puerto Ayora en la isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos. Aquí se pueden observar flamingos, y disfrutar de zona de camping y alquiler de kayak.

El Garrapatero Beach

4.5/5(28 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at El Garrapatero Beach during your travels in El Cascajo? While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

El Garrapatero Beach

Fishing Piers

You can enjoy retail therapy at Fishing Piers during your trip to Puerto Ayora. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Fishing Piers

Gus Angermeyer Ferry Terminal

Explore the waterfront in Puerto Ayora with a trip to Gus Angermeyer Ferry Terminal. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Gus Angermeyer Ferry Terminal

Malecon

4.5/5(68 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Puerto Ayora with a visit to Malecon. Wander the waterfront and beaches in the area.

Malecon

Best Lodging Options Near Charles Darwin Research Station

Maidith Galapagos Inn

Maidith Galapagos Inn

3 out of 5
Calle Cucuve #341 y Seymour, Santa Cruz Puerto Ayora Galápagos
Maidith Galapagos Inn
Hotel Fiesta

Hotel Fiesta

3.5 out of 5
Calle Moises Brito y Juan Montalvo Puerto Ayora Galapagos
Hotel Fiesta
Ikala Galapagos Hotel

Ikala Galapagos Hotel

4 out of 5
Tomas de Berlanga 110 y Moises Brito Puerto Ayora Ecuador
Ikala Galapagos Hotel
El Barranco Galapagos

El Barranco Galapagos

2.5 out of 5
Los colonos Puerto Ayora Galapagos
El Barranco Galapagos
Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel

Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Barrio Punta Estrada Puerto Ayora Galapagos
Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
Galapagos Dreams

Galapagos Dreams

3 out of 5
Av. Cucuve y Floreana Puerto Ayora Santa Cruz
Galapagos Dreams
Hotel Ninfa

Hotel Ninfa

3.5 out of 5
Settlers and Thomas de Berlanga Puerto Ayora Galapagos
Hotel Ninfa
Blu Galapagos Sustainable Waterfront Lodge

Blu Galapagos Sustainable Waterfront Lodge

4 out of 5
Ave. Charles Darwin S/n Y Piquero Puerto Ayora Galapagos
Blu Galapagos Sustainable Waterfront Lodge
Hotel Cucuve

Hotel Cucuve

4 out of 5
Charles Binford 083 y Ave Charles Darwin Puerto Ayora
Hotel Cucuve
See all 215 properties in Charles Darwin Research Station
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.