Charles Darwin Research Station

It’s worth noting that while the Charles Darwin Research Center is free to enter, if you’d like to see the giant tortoises up close, there is a $10 fee per person and you must go with a guide. Fortunately, guides are easy to find as you begin the walk up, with several local operators offering their services. The guided visit is well worth it—we learned a great deal about the different tortoise species found on the various islands, how their unique shells and sizes have adapted to their environments, and the ongoing conservation projects to restore their populations. The Center also provides insight into the challenges of invasive species, habitat loss, and the careful breeding programs that help ensure these peaceful, long-living creatures will thrive for generations to come. One of the most memorable parts of the visit is seeing Lonesome George, the most famous tortoise in the Galápagos. For decades, George was the last known individual of his subspecies from Pinta Island and became a worldwide symbol of conservation. Although he passed away in 2012, his remains are preserved and displayed at the Center, offering a powerful reminder of the fragility of island ecosystems and the importance of protecting them. Beyond the tortoise enclosures, the Center’s surrounding beaches are fascinating in their own right. These coastal areas serve as important breeding grounds for marine iguanas, and depending on the season, you can spot them basking on the rocks or nesting in the sand. The beaches also attract a variety of seabirds, crabs, and lizards, making the walk itself a chance to encounter Galápagos wildlife up close. It’s both an educational and memorable stop, blending conservation with natural beauty.

The guides are really passionate about what they know and they are so generous in sharing! I got to differentiate between species of land tortoises today. It's cool how there are dome shaped and saddleback ones! And they are all evolutionary different! Also got to know a haunting piece of history. Seamen kept hundreds on tortoises upside down on boats for up to a year for fresh meat. 🥲🥲🥲🥲

Our guide took us on a private tour of the research center, and my husband and I learned so much about the history and animals of these beautiful islands. Our guide taught us about the various research projects at the center, how the tortoises are cared for and taught to hunt, and the 100% success rate once they are released back into the wild! She taught us about Lonesome George and we even got to see him in his glory! It was such a special place to learn more about the conservation on the islands.

The Charles Darwin Research Station was founded in 1959 in partnership with UNESCO, and is open to the public. It’s dedicated to protecting and breeding Galapagos giant tortoises. The Station also conducts biological research to understand and protect the flora and fauna of Galapagos. We spotted groups of lizards sunning themselves on the grounds and rocks around the grounds. The Galapagos research center is free to visit. There is a $10 per person fee to accompany a nature guide and explore the grounds where the giant tortoises are hatched and live. One of the center’s goals is to breed and release tortoises back to the wild when they’re about 5 years old. Since the 1960’s, they’ve released more than 2,000 healthy tortoises on the Galapagos Island. The tortoise shells are painted with numbers. Hatchlings and young tortoises of different ages live in separate areas at the center. Their Natural History Interpretive Center features skeletons of a whale and dwarf sperm whale. Exhibits highlight achievements and challenges of their marine animal and tortoise research. There’s a sculpture and moving tribute to Lonesome George. He was the world’s last Pinta Giant tortoise when he died in 2012. We found a nice selection of Darwin Center t-shirts, books and souvenirs in their gift shop. All purchases support their foundation. There’s an outdoor cafe nearby to purchase cold drinks and light snacks. Look for sculptures of Darwin around the center for popular photo spots.

Having been to almost 100 countries + Antarctica, I am very selective when visiting a place with limited time. As other travels have said, the ground and the museum are free, but if you come all the way to the Galapagos, you have to see the giant tortoises and the preserved remains of Longsome George (Pinta Island giant tortoise). To gain access to see these tortoises (babies and adults), you will find a guide gathering people inside the museum for a guided tour ($10 cash only). I was hesitant about paying at first, but it was totally worth it after having come all the way to Puerto Ayora.

Found the tour of the facilities to be brilliant. Our guide was very informative. We did a tour in English and Spanish and it was helpful to hear the spanish too as we are learning. We were able to see the tortoises at all stages, from babies up till fully grown adults. You have to pay for a guided tour to see the facilities in full. There is a part of the facilities with free exhibition that you can do on your own. But I would recommend paying for the tour. It only cost us 10 USD per person and was an hour and 15mins long. We learnt about other animals and habitats on the island too.

So so museum, got famous because carry on Darwin’s name. Going to the area is free & if you want a guide and short special way not thru the brick roads to see the breeding turtle and Galapagos- saddleback turtle THEN you need to pay $10…. Tips: if u don’t want to pay, go to the main building pass the cafe and if no one guarding it.. turn left then u will see the turtles..

Worth a visit if you are already in Puerto Ayora, but I wouldn’t make a special visit for this center. If you do come here, getting a guide is worthwhile, IMO. You will get more out of the visit. Plan to spend 1-2 hours here, no more. I’m a bit surprised by the whining in other reviews about the $10 admission fee and the cost of a guide, considering the money supports the giant tortoise breeding and conservation program. Really folks?