Charles Darwin Research Station Tours and Activities

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


Tours & day trips

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Wildlife & nature

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Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Popular places to visit


Top Charles Darwin Research Station Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Hotel Fiesta

Hotel Fiesta

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

Maidith Galapagos Inn

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

El Barranco Galapagos

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

Ikala Galapagos Hotel

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

Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Barrio Punta Estrada Puerto Ayora Galapagos
Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
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
Fernandina Hotel & Spa Galápagos

Fernandina Hotel & Spa Galápagos

3 out of 5
18 de Febrero y Seymour Puerto Ayora Islas Galápagos
Fernandina Hotel & Spa Galápagos
Capitan Max B&B

Capitan Max B&B

3 out of 5
Charles Binford St Puerto Ayora Galapagos
Capitan Max B&B
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.

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