Sight
Academy Bay
Wikimedia CommonsSome booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
Academy Bay is the heart of Puerto Ayora's waterfront, where the town's port buzzes with activity. Visitors can stroll along the malecón, watching sea lions laze on docks and pelicans dive for fish. The bay's calm waters make it a haven for small boats and a perfect place to observe marine life without leaving town. Distinctive for its blend of natural wildlife and everyday Galápagos harbor life, it offers an authentic glimpse into the archipelago's human and animal coexistence.
Don't miss
- Watch sea lions lounging on boat ramps and fishing piers just steps from cafes.
- Spot pelicans plunge-diving for fish in the clear bay waters.
- Observe local fishermen and tour boats coming and go at the busy port.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Academy Bay
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inGiant Tortoises Tour, Lava Tunnels & Stop at Los Gemelos Craters”4.8★ · 57 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$68 per personSee dates →
Best full dayDay Trip to Bartolome Island from Puerto Ayora4.9★ · 37 travelers~8 hoursFrom$384 per personSee dates →More attractions in Puerto Ayora


